Every year a considerable number of students graduate with a first degree. Up to a few years ago this was considered a high academic achievement. However, today obtaining a first degree is only the first step of a long journey to being competitive in the world of work.

Reading for a postgraduate degree is undoubtedly rewarding but it is also demanding. The person must be willing to be stretched intellectually, be challenged and be self-critical to see the programme through successfully. It requires commitment in terms of time and money, but it is an investment to the student and a contribution to society.

If a person wishes to advance in a career, it seems that obtaining a postgraduate qualification is fast becoming a key factor. In fact, a larger number of graduates are reading for Master's programmes and possibly proceeding to doctorate-level studies.

Lifelong learning and continuous professional development have become crucial for career progression. Undoubtedly, the more knowledge one gains, the more advantageous job prospects are.

However the trend the world over is changing - rather than moving from an undergraduate degree directly to read for a specialised Master's and consequently on to a doctorate, people are returning to university for their postgraduate degrees after some years of work experience, seeking recognised specialised qualifications for their professional development and to enhance their career.

Thus, they bring a wealth of experience to the programmes, enabling them to evaluate practice against theory and vice-versa.

The University of Leicester is the largest UK provider of taught postgraduate courses and also the largest UK provider of distance learning courses after the Open University.

With its high standards of teaching, its international research records and expertise, and its range of programmes, the University of Leicester is committed to provide lifelong learning not only for the advancement of knowledge but also for the continuous development of professionals.

The Centre for Labour Market Studies, a department within the Faculty of Social Science at the University of Leicester, is actively involved in research and has gained a strong international reputation for its quality. The research feeds directly into its distance learning courses, which provide a career development path for all those interested in the management and development of people. Its programmes range from certificate up to doctorate.

Programmes are consistently more relevant to the real world of industry and business due to the research that permeates the teaching, and the high research standing is of particular importance and relevance in its postgraduate degrees.

In fact, programmes are considered relevant by both the graduates and organisations. They are also designed and delivered to meet the distance learner's requirements. Many opt to follow distance learning programmes due to the advantages it provides in terms of where and when to study.

Through creative ways of teaching, the university helps students develop both subject specific and generic skills.

For Malta to become, and remain, competitive, a well trained workforce is a must.

For further information contact Daniela Gouder on tel: 2137-8895 or dgouder@fhrd.org.