Types of Postgraduate Degrees

Types of postgraduate degrees at UNSW

Postgraduate study opens doors – to new job opportunities, accelerated career progression, increased earning potential and mastery in your field.

It’s an opportunity to push yourself, your academic abilities and your professional potential to new heights. But which postgraduate program is the right move for you? Let’s run through the various types of postgraduate degrees together.

What is a postgraduate degree?

A postgraduate degree is an advanced academic qualification often pursued after completing an undergraduate program. Postgraduate programs include master's degrees, graduate diplomas, graduate certificates, and doctoral degrees. These programs offer specialised, in-depth study in a specific field. They provide advanced knowledge, research skills and expertise.

Postgraduate degrees are designed to enhance career prospects, deepen understanding within a chosen discipline and often involve research or professional development to prepare individuals for specialised roles or further academic pursuits.

What types of postgraduate degrees are available?

Postgraduate degrees in Australia encompass diverse options such as graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, master's by coursework, master’s by research, and doctoral degrees such as the Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Professional Doctorates across various disciplines and fields of study.

Here's a snapshot of the differences between each type of postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate degrees at UNSW

Short Courses

Short courses are ideal for people already working in their chosen sector who want to accelerate their career growth or break into a new field. You can often choose a blend of in-person and online learning and customise your study load around existing commitments. At UNSW, our short courses are run through the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) and are ranked 29th in the world.*

*Financial Times 2023 Executive Education Combined rankings

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Graduate Certificate

��graduate certificate is a short, focused postgraduate program offering specialised knowledge in your chosen field. Usually completed in 6-12 months, graduate certificates often serve as a pathway to further postgraduate study but they can be standalone programs that provide professional development and unlock faster career progression.

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Graduate Diploma

Similar to a graduate certificate, a graduate diploma is a relatively short postgraduate program that offers specialised knowledge and skills in a specific area. It's shorter than a master's degree, typically taking one year of full-time study to complete. It provides advanced learning and expertise, providing a pathway to further study or professional advancement in a focused field.

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Master’s Degree

A master's degree – sometimes called a master’s by coursework – is a postgraduate qualification that is generally obtained after completing a bachelor's degree. It involves further study and specialised knowledge in a specific field, such as Master of Commerce,��Master of Engineering, or Master of Business Administration (MBA). The program contains predetermined coursework and may include a research or professional placement element. Typically, it requires one to two years of full-time study.

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MBA

��MBA or Master of Business Administration is a highly regarded degree for professionals wanting to excel in business or leadership roles in any industry. UNSW offers a range of online and hybrid MBA programs, run by the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM). Our core MBA program is ranked #1 in Australia** and is designed to help candidates accelerate their career growth, move into a new industry or start their own business.

**Financial Times 2023 Global MBA Rankings

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Master's by Research

��Master by Research focuses on independent study and original research within a specialised area. Unlike a master’s by coursework that has predetermined modules and learning outcomes set out by the faculty, a master’s by research is a self-led, research-focused program. Students undertake in-depth investigations, culminating in a thesis or dissertation that demonstrates their contributions to the field. This program emphasises critical thinking and research methodology and typically takes one to two years of full-time study.

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PhD or Professional Doctorate

��PhD��ǰ��professional doctorate is the highest academic qualification. A PhD emphasises original research, contributing new knowledge to a field. Professional doctorates blend research and practical application, aimed at professionals seeking advanced expertise in their field. Both require a thesis or dissertation, taking three to six years of full-time study.

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FAQs

The average cost of a postgraduate degree in Australia varies based on the program, duration and institution. On average, tuition fees for postgraduate courses range from $6,000 to $11,000 per year.

Please note, these figures are estimates only and will vary based on your personal circumstances. Fees and costs are subject to change without notice.
A postgraduate diploma typically requires more credits or coursework than a postgraduate certificate, usually spanning one to two years of study. While both are advanced qualifications, a postgraduate diploma offers a more extensive curriculum and depth of study, often serving as a pathway to a master's degree.
Choosing the right postgraduate study involves assessing your career goals, interests and desired outcomes. Consider factors like program relevance to your field, faculty expertise, university reputation, available resources and opportunities for research or practical experience. Make sure the program aligns with your aspirations for professional growth and personal development.