Postgraduate degree could give candidates the edge

Although the Association of Graduate Recruiters predicts the highest increase in graduate vacancies for a decade this year, many university-leavers will be wondering what they can do to set themselves apart in what remains a competitive market.

The answer could lie in a postgraduate degree, Paul Farrar, Chairman of pfj, has suggested.

He noted that a postgraduate degree can demonstrate a job applicant's academic strengths, adding that those studying vocational subjects such as applied science are likely to be most in demand.

Obtaining a postgraduate degree requires 'deeper research and thought', which will be looked upon favourably by employers, Mr Farrar stated.

'Where a postgraduate degree does have a currency is that with some of the misplaced cynicism from employers towards the current degree awards, a postgraduate degree does actually set you apart,' he concluded.