More than 35 per cent of undergraduates go on to study at postgrad level and there is a vast range of programmes to choose from in Ireland, abroad and online.
How to differentiate between what's on offer and more particularly how to ensure your course has credibility in the labour market, is a major challenge.
But before you decide what you want to study, ask yourself what the type of programme you wish to follow: research or taught.
Taught postgraduate courses can be a continuation of your undergraduate studies or in an entirely new area. The length of a course usually determines its qualification: A higher certificate is generally a 30-credit programme over six modules. A graduate diploma is generally 60 credits and the masters degree requires 90 credits. Taught masters often include a research component, possibly during the summer and in some cases in an industry setting.
Postgraduate diplomas, master's degrees and PhD programmes offered by Irish colleges and leading to qualifications on the NFQ are listed on pages 8-11.
The validation of any qualification is central to its value; in Ireland this is usually seen in its relationship to the NFQ. The universities, the Dublin Institute of Technology and the Institutes of Technology make their own awards under legislation, or under "delegated awarding power" from QQI. These awards are on the NFQ for both undergraduate and postgraduate level, and are listed by the higher education institutions on their websites.
QQI also makes awards in higher education mainly for programmes offered by private or independent higher education colleges. The database on www.qqi.ie lists higher education offerings from private institutions leading to awards at levels 6 upwards.
Qualifax lists 2,714 courses at postgrad level in 85 institutions in Ireland, including NI which provides 303 programmes.
So for those considering programmes not validated by QQI, caveat emptor or buyer beware.
For courses in NI and the UK, ucas.com has a comprehensive postgrad section. There's a growing number of postgrad programmes through English in European universities – see eunicas.ie and page x.
This third group generally have a career path mapped out so the choice may be more about where and when. The first two groups start to think of postgraduate options around now in the final year of studies.
The high-quality Stem graduates emerging from universities and ITs have opportunities but the competition has also increased, so many go on to graduate level to enhance their skill set.
"Seven of our science master's degrees offer 12-15 week internships in semester three," Carraway says. "Students are matched with suitable organisations and undertake a specific industry research project, which is carefully supervised and assessed." This type of experience can be invaluable.
Science graduates with a background in life sciences or chemistry, and thinking about setting up on their own, may consider a hybrid conversion degree such as a MSc in biotechnology and business, including completing a business plan with a biotechnology company.
As a hub of biotechnology, Ireland is a good place for science graduates and an increasing number of international students are enrolling here. Biotechnology master's and doctorate programmes with appropriate internships are also offered by DCU, UCC, NUIG and the DIT.
With more than 40 per cent of undergrads going on to postgrad, careers offices in colleges are crucial in advising undergraduates of their options by running events to promote master's and PhD options to their final-year students and preparing applications for graduate studies.
According to the European Commission, 80 million jobs will be created in Europe over the next 10 years and seven million of those will be in new technologies. How our third-level sector responds to the economic and individual needs of undergraduates shows their awareness of the need to be ahead of the curve in developing Ireland's postgraduate sector.