Why employers value postgraduate research graduates
Source: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/support/careers/ Parent: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/undergraduate/
Postgraduate Research
How to Apply - How to Apply for Studentships - How to Propose your Research - How to Write a Research Proposal - Occasional Students - Supporting You
Supporting You - Careers - Our Doctoral College
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Opening the door to your future
Doing a research degree opens the door to many exciting and rewarding careers.
It’s an essential step to take if you want to work in academia, but a research degree can also take you in lots of other directions.
Employers across a wide range of industries actively seek out postgraduate research graduates. They value the expertise and high-level skills you'll have gained during your time at Newcastle. These include your experience in leadership, project management, and critical thinking.
Where could your degree take you?
Our research graduates have a strong track record of career success. They go on to work in many sectors, including:
- academia - research, teaching and other professional roles in higher education
- commercial research
- creative economy
- finance, business, and technology
- industry and manufacturing
- public sector - including health, government and regulatory/policy-making bodies
- third sector - including charities and non-governmental organisations
Give yourself a headstart with Newcastle
Newcastle University’s graduates are highly employable. Here are some of the reasons why a research degree from Newcastle will boost your career prospects:
Strong employer connections with leading global companies,
including Siemens RIE, PwC, Dyson, Procter & Gamble and Accenture
Recognised for outstanding student employability
awarded 5 QS Stars for Employability (2025)
A global community with opportunities worldwide
with campuses in Malaysia and Singapore and strategic partnerships across five continents
A leading environment for student innovation and enterprise
Ranked 4th in the UK for graduate entrepreneurship (HE-BCI Survey 2022–23)
From researcher to leader
Through our Faculty Research Development Programmes, you’ll also gain access to tailored workshops and activities designed to help you:
- strengthen your research capabilities
- build transferable skills and confidence
- enhance your career prospects across academia and beyond
- communicate your value to potential employers
Whether you're aiming for a future in academia, industry, or the public sector, these programmes are built to support your personal and professional growth - flexible enough to adapt to your evolving goals.
Learn more about our research development programmes
Our Careers Service is here to help you succeed
As a student at Newcastle, you’ll have access to expert careers advice and services, from day one of your study, and for three years after you graduate.
Students undertaking a PhD have a dedicated careers consultant for their faculty who can offer one-to-one support.
You’ll also have access to our ‘Careers for Researchers’ online course, and tailored workshops and events covering everything from transitioning into industry or academia, to launching your own business.