Postgraduate
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A student who has completed a bachelor’s degree and is pursuing advanced study, typically for a master’s or doctoral degree.
- Referring to academic work or studies undertaken after earning a first degree.
- The level of education that follows the completion of a bachelor’s degree, including master’s, doctoral, and professional programs.
History and Origin
The term “postgraduate” comes from the combination of “post-” meaning “after” (derived from Latin post) and “graduate,” which refers to someone who has completed a degree. The use of “postgraduate” to describe advanced education started in the early 20th century, as universities began offering programs beyond the bachelor’s level, allowing students to further specialize and gain advanced qualifications.
Detailed Explanation
“Postgraduate” refers to educational programs or students who engage in studies or research after completing an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree. This stage includes master’s programs, Ph.D. programs, and professional courses in various fields. Postgraduate education typically involves a more specialized and advanced level of study, often with a focus on research, deepening expertise, or gaining professional qualifications. Postgraduate programs may involve coursework, exams, and research components and are designed for those aiming for higher-level careers or academic positions.
Example Sentences
- After completing his undergraduate degree, he decided to pursue a postgraduate qualification in economics.
- She is currently a postgraduate student at the university, working towards her master’s degree in biology.
- Many postgraduate programs require students to submit a thesis or dissertation based on original research.
- The university offers a wide range of postgraduate courses in engineering and technology.
- He enrolled in a postgraduate program to advance his career in education.
- The postgraduate seminar was attended by experts from various countries.
- Postgraduate students often participate in conferences to share their research findings.
- She is considering a postgraduate course in law to further her career as a lawyer.
- The postgraduate degree program includes both practical training and theoretical study.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Graduate – A student who has completed a degree, especially a bachelor’s degree, and may pursue further studies at the postgraduate level.
- Postbaccalaureate – Relating to academic work or studies after earning a bachelor’s degree.
- Master’s – A higher academic degree, typically awarded after completing postgraduate study.
- Doctoral – Referring to studies or qualifications for a Ph.D. or other doctoral degrees.
- Advanced study – Further education beyond the undergraduate level, typically involving specialization in a subject area.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Undergraduate – A student pursuing their first degree (typically a bachelor’s degree) before postgraduate study.
- Thesis – A long written essay or dissertation, often required for completion of a postgraduate degree.
- Dissertation – A formal and lengthy research paper required for a doctoral degree or sometimes for a master’s degree.
- Research – The process of investigating a particular subject in depth, which is a key component of many postgraduate programs.
- Fellowship – A postgraduate award or grant, often given to students pursuing advanced study or research in a particular field.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Doctorate – A high-level postgraduate degree, typically a Ph.D., awarded after completing advanced research in a specialized field.
- Academic – Relating to education or scholarly pursuits, including both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Specialization – Focusing on a particular area of study, often pursued during postgraduate education.
- Graduate school – An institution or division within a university offering postgraduate education and advanced degrees.
- Postdoc – Short for postdoctoral, referring to research or academic work undertaken after completing a doctoral degree.
Antonyms
- Undergraduate
- Novice
- Beginner
- Trainee
- Amateur