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Master's & doctoral studies

So are you up for the challenge?

The following check lists will help you gauge whether you are in fact ready for postgraduate studies and the changes you may need to make to accommodate your studies.

There are no right or wrong answers - simply answer "yes" or "no" for each statement.

Postgraduate career choice and motivation

I expect to succeed with my postgraduate studies because:    

  1 There is a match between my personal development needs, knowledge of the field and my career prospects.
  2 I have a personal need to engage with knowledge creation.
  3 I want to attain greater knowledge in my field of study.
  4 I could earn a higher salary (I have checked that this is true).
  5 I expect greater job security (I have checked that this is true).
  6 I could access flexible work options (I have checked that this is true).
  7 I could be involved with social responsibility programmes (I have checked that this is true).
  8 I could access employee benefits (I have checked that this is true).
  9 It could increase my chances of working in Africa (I have checked that this is true).
  10 It could increase my chances of working internationally (I have checked that this is true).
  11 I could influence the ethical behaviour of organisations in greater depth (I have checked that this is true) .

Motivation and goals

I expect to succeed with my postgraduate studies because: 

  12 It fits with my interests, abilities, values and goals.
  13 When I set my sights on an end result, I usually achieve it. I am therefore goal directed.
  14 I expect to succeed with my postgraduate studies as it will further improve my ability to grasp complex information or to see problems from a different perspective.
  15 My goals are clear. I am therefore self-motivated.
  16 I like to get things done today and not to put them off for tomorrow.
  17 I know what I need to do to reach my goals. I am therefore a self-starter.
  18 I expect to succeed with my postgraduate studies as there is a match between my studies and the motivation and goals of the organisation that I work for.

Internal sense of control  

  19 I have made arrangements so that my studies are my priority until I graduate.
  20 I see myself as a hard worker who is willing to make personal sacrifices to complete my studies.
  21 I start and finish tasks on time. I am therefore self-disciplined.
  22 I prefer to sort out difficulties on my own and am able to work independently.
  23 I make a plan to cope with problems and do not give up easily.
  24 I am willing to master new and difficult ideas, and therefore believe that I am capable of doing postgraduate-level work.
  25 I know how to manage my stress levels.

Time management and study responsibility

  26 In order to be successful with my postgraduate studies, I acknowledge the value of working systematically (doing things step-by-step).
  27 I put aside enough study time and I know how to use this time effectively.
  28 I have a strong support person in my immediate circle of family and friends.
  29 I am willing to participate in programmes that prepare me for postgraduate university studies.
  30 I find study help when I need it.
  31 I am aware of the financial costs that accompany postgraduate studies.

Academic preparedness  

  32 I am confident of my ability to meet the thesis/dissertation requirements at postgraduate level.
  33 I am confident of my ability to read effectively at postgraduate level (sorting important from less important sources).
  34 I am confident of my ability to make notes at postgraduate level (experiment with different styles).
  35 I am confident of my ability to write at postgraduate level (write 1-2 pages every day, proofread and then rewrite).
  36 I am confident of my ability to develop deeper insights into my subject matter at postgraduate level (reflect on my learning as I progress).

Topic selection

  37 I have considered the possible impact of race, gender, culture and community-centredness on my topic.
  38 I am able to accommodate feedback from my supervisor(s).
  39 I have read widely in the field and have an idea of a possible topic.
  40 I am sure that it is feasible to sustain my interest in the possible topic .

Computer and information management skills

  41 I am confident that my computer skills are adequate for my studies at postgraduate level.
  42 I know how to use the advanced search functions on the internet to search for specific information.
  43 I know how to use a library to search for specific information.
Statements ticked: 0

If you ticked…

  • 35-43 ticks: Postgraduate study at Unisa will suit you. If you experience problems later on in the journey, there are support services at Unisa to assist you.
  • 24-34 ticks: Become familiar with the support services that Unisa offers as soon as you register.
  • 12-23 ticks: We recommend that you make use of the support services that Unisa offers.
  • 0-11 ticks: You probably aren’t ready for postgraduate studies at Unisa.

Adapted from:
Dominguez, R. (2006). "Completing the dissertation: it’s not only about academics". College Teaching Methods & Styles Journal. 2nd quarter, 2(2).
Eubanks, D. (2009). Noncognitives as indicators of success.

We are here to assist

We want to help you find an appropriate plan of study for your degree. If you would like more help deciding whether postgraduate study is the appropriate career development decision for you at this moment, please make an appointment with a counsellor at the Directorate for Counselling & Career Development.

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