AV¶ÌÊÓÆµ

So you're almost finished your master's, what's next?

Published on 20 June 2025

Firstly—congratulations! Reaching the final stages of your master’s degree is a significant achievement and a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come. Whether you’ve just submitted your dissertation or are counting down the days to your final assessments, you might now be asking yourself: what’s next?

Firstly—congratulations! Reaching the final stages of your master’s degree is a significant achievement and a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come. Whether you’ve just submitted your dissertation or are counting down the days to your final assessments, you might now be asking yourself: what’s next?

At AV¶ÌÊÓÆµ, we’re here to support you as you consider your next steps—whether that’s progressing to doctoral study, entering the workforce, or exploring other opportunities.

Is a PhD the right next step for you?

If you’ve enjoyed the research element of your master’s and have a real passion for delving deeper into a particular subject, a PhD could be a natural next step. Postgraduate Research offers the chance to become an expert in your field, contribute original knowledge to your discipline, and develop high-level skills that are valuable across sectors—from academia to industry and beyond.

At AV¶ÌÊÓÆµ, we offer a wide range of doctoral opportunities, including fully funded studentships, and flexible study options. If you’re even slightly curious about doing a PhD, now is the time to explore.

Not sure yet? That’s OK.

Not everyone finishes their master’s knowing exactly what they want to do next—and that’s perfectly normal. You might want to take some time to gain work experience, travel, or reflect on your goals. If you’re considering doctoral study in the future, remember that many candidates return after a few years in the workplace with more clarity and focus.

Keep in touch with us. Attend one of our PGR Open Evenings or sign up to our newsletter for more information of live opportunities 

Let’s talk

If you’re considering doctoral study, or even if you’re just wondering what it might involve, get in touch with the Doctoral College or use our handy Find-a-supervisor tool to find the best supervisor for your . We can connect you with potential supervisors, help you navigate funding options, and talk through how a PhD could align with your personal and professional ambitions.

So—what's next? The choice is yours, and the possibilities are wide open. Wherever you’re headed, we’re here to help you take that next step with confidence.

Get notified of new PhD opportunities

Subscribe