Planning for the future: deadlines

An overview of the timing of events and deadlines throughout an academic year, to help you progress to employment or further study at the end of your course.

Many of the events described are on-campus but some online workshops or events are available for distance learners.

Making career decisions

The Careers Service organises talks and workshops to help you make well-informed decisions about your future. Topics include different occupations, further study, work experience, job and study applications and much more. For more details, go to MyCareerHub.

Events section on MyCareerHub

Meeting employers

Many employers come to the University of Edinburgh to meet with students who may be interested in their graduate opportunities. Employer presentations are concentrated in semester one (September to December) each year so they may be happening just as you are beginning your postgraduate study. Careers fairs (where a large number of employers exhibit) are held twice a year in October and May, with other specialist careers fairs throughout the year. Virtual Fairs for China and South East Asia, and webinars with some North American employers, are also advertised. Go to MyCareerHub for details on all these events.

Events section on MyCareerHub

Doing a work-based project

If you are interested in doing a work-based project in place of a traditional academic dissertation you should ask your course director if this is possible in your programme. Programmes that offer the option of a work-based project start the planning process in October / November, with networking events between employers and students so that students can decide on their projects early on in semester two. Making the Most of Masters supports postgraduate programmes that offer students the option to undertake a work-based project. Look at their website early in the academic year in which you will do your dissertation to start planning. 

Making the Most of Masters

Applying for graduate jobs

A lot of employers start recruiting for graduate employees up to one year before they expect them to start work. Many application deadlines fall between September and December for employment beginning the following September. This means that if you are studying full-time, you may have to start applying for jobs as you embark on your postgraduate studies. Check MyCareerHub regularly for vacancies and application deadlines.

Looking for work

Working in the UK after graduation (for international students)

If you require a visa to work in the UK, you need to apply early to allow enough time for the visa application process once you have received a job offer. See the Careers Service website for further information.

Working in the United Kingdom

Further study applications and funding

If you’d like to go on to further study after your postgraduate degree, early planning is essential to optimise your chances of entry onto your course of choice and obtaining funding. Application deadlines for PhD programmes vary but can be as early as November or December of the year before the programme start date. Find out about programmes that interest you, and application procedures and deadlines. Explore sources of funding early on to ensure you don’t miss deadlines for funding applications. Deadlines for PhD funding are generally from December to January.  You can find further information on the Careers Service website.

Further study