A postgraduate course of study is usually undertaken by a student who has already completed an undergraduate, or bachelor, degree. Some students continue on to postgraduate study to enhance their knowledge and skills in a chosen area, and some do it to broaden their education by studying something new.
Some people choose to complete a postgraduate course immediately after their bachelor degree, while others wait until later in their career.
When you have completed a postgraduate course, you will have a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or doctoral degree, also known as a PhD.
Studying at a postgraduate level
A graduate certificate can be completed if you already have a three-year bachelors degree and usually takes one semester of full time study.
A graduate diploma is usually one year full time, and also requires a bachelor degree. It can be studied after a graduate certificate but it is not necessary to have the certificate to get the diploma.
A masters course will generally take one to two years of full-time study. There are three formats to choose from (coursework masters, research masters or professional masters) but all require a relevant undergraduate qualification or some form of relevant work or research experience.
A doctoral degree can take the form of a research doctorate or a professional doctorate, and usually takes three to four years, full time.
Improving career prospects with postgraduate study
Having a postgraduate degree, certificate or diploma can greatly enhance your career prospects.
People undertake postgraduate study for many reasons. Some do it to improve their chances of employment or promotion, to fulfil a desire for a higher salary or to make a career change. Others study for a postgraduate degree to broaden their education or for personal gain and satisfaction.
Cost of postgraduate study
Graduate certificates and diplomas cost less than other postgraduate courses. Courses vary, but the fees are usually somewhere between $9000 and $16,000.
The cost of a masters or doctoral degree can vary greatly depending on the course and institution. Some masters courses incorporate a graduate certificate and diploma, and cost between $12,000 and $35,000. The more expensive doctoral degrees can cost around $55,000.
Commonwealth supported (government subsidised) places are available for domestic students for most courses.