Practically how hard is it to find work after earning postgrad degree in UK

I will be attending the University of Glasgow for my MSc in Political Comm this autumn.  I am interested in the possibility of staying after graduation if possible.

I have done research on what it takes to switch from a Tier 4 to a Tier 2 Visa.  The good news of course, being I would not be subject to the Resident Labour Market Test (as long as I find a job before the end of my Tier 4) or the limits on the numbers of Tier 2 Visas handed out per year.

As a practical matter how hard is it to find a job? There seem to be plenty of jobs (mostly in London or the south of England although I'd very much like to stay in Scotland if possible) in communication/public affairs. 

Right now I wanted to use my year Master's program networking with organizations and business.  (Unlike some younger students I do have prior professional experience in the field, plus 10 years working in I.T.).

It will be more difficult.

The company would have to be willing to sponsor you, which will cost them time and money.  What this means is they have other applicants who are UK/EU, you will need to ensure you are "worth" the hassle in comparison.

I would try to network, volunteer/intern, or work (part time) with prospective employers during your time on your Tier 4.

It can be done, but you will have to work hard and be very persistent.  Don't leave it to the last minute.  Sponsorship takes time.

In the least that's some of what I figured would be the case.  I've spoken to former students, younger than I...almost all of whom waited until post graduation to look for work (4 months at the end of a Tier 4) and none of them succeeded, however none of them tried to use their time in country to network and intern.

I figure this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and while I could live with returning to the U.S., I do love the UK and I'd like to put my best effort into making a career for myself there.

I graduated with an MLitt in History of Collecting and Collections from Glasgow Uni in 2010, back when the Tier 1 Post-Study Work visa still existed. Even with not needing a sponsor, I had a tough time finding a job.

However, I was limited to staying in Scotland because I was living with my boyfriend at the time, and museums/galleries are just tough to break into anyway. I'd been volunteering with one museum for over a year, in addition to volunteering at a NTS heritage site.

But, I also had trouble just finding any job NOT related to my field. It's really tough, but you might get lucky if you network and intern.

Also: I loved studying at Glasgow Uni and it was one of the best years of my life! Enjoy it!  

Your IT experience is good. There are scads of eager young PR/PA candidates running about who can analyse, write and do office type stuff, but probably a lot fewer who can project manage.