Postgraduate Options

In today’s competitive job market, further study has become commonplace. Around 30 per cent of bachelor degree graduates immediately go on to further study (either part- or full-time) and many more do so at some point in their careers.

Of those enrolled in study in 2008 over 27 per cent were in some form of postgraduate study (nearly 5 per cent in a research qualification), up from 16 per cent in 1996 (DEEWR Selected Higher Education Statistics 2008). However, the number of people between 15 and 64 who have postgraduate qualifications nationwide is only 6.2 per cent, as opposed to the 15.8 per cent whose highest qualification is a bachelor degree (‘ABS Education and Work, Australia 6227.0 May 2008’).

Types of postgraduate study
Want to undertake postgraduate study but daunted by the array of courses and confusing terminology? You are not alone. The different qualification levels available can be confusing if you are not familiar with standard postgraduate concepts and structures. The following is a snapshot of the different types of postgraduate study to assist you in navigating your way.

Honours
In some countries and some Australian universities, an honours year is part of the undergraduate qualification. But it is generally considered a postgraduate year because a bachelor degree can be completed without it. To be eligible for honours, students need a high grade point average (GPA) for their core undergraduate years. The honours year will contain a research project as well as a course work component. In some areas, such as Science or Humanities disciplines, honours is considered the stepping stone toward a research career.

Coursework
A Graduate Certificate (Grad Cert) can be completed with a three-year bachelor degree under your belt. It usually takes one semester full-time (or two semesters part-time) to complete. A relevant undergraduate degree is often required, however those with appropriate work experience can sometimes be selected.

A Graduate Diploma (Grad Dip/PG Dip) is a step up from the graduate certificate and generally involves one year of full-time study (or two years part-time). Often it can be continued on from the Grad Cert and would require similar prerequisites.

Masters by Coursework is similar to the Grad Cert and PG Dip, but requires a relevant undergraduate qualification or some form of relevant work experience. A masters usually takes 18 months to complete full time.

The structure of each of the above qualifications varies according to the discipline. They are usually structured like an undergraduate course, with students required to enrol in a series of units and complete a certain amount of ‘credit points’.

The Professional Doctorate is considered a coursework qualification; it endows the title of Doctor and has an equivalent education level to a PhD. Where a PhD is most often an avenue to a career in academia, the professional doctorate caters for those wishing to pursue other professional careers (though not exclusively so).

Research Masters by Research is completed wholly on the basis of a research project. The student is paired with a supervisor whose interests are aligned with the project to be undertaken. The thesis is examined on completion (usually two years full time) and the degree conferred.

Doctorate by research, or PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) as it is more commonly known, is the highest degree that a university confers. It is similar to the masters by research, with a thesis produced and submitted to examiners who determine whether the research work (generally carried out over four years) is worthy of the qualification. PhD candidates must, through their theses, demonstrate that they have made some original contribution to their fields. On successful completion the graduating candidate has the right to use the title of Doctor.

Making the decision
Individuals choose to undertake postgraduate study at all stages of life, not necessarily directly following an undergraduate degree. Many graduates revise or expand their career goals after a few years of work experience, which often leads to further study.

People choose to undertake further study for a range of reasons, including:

  • to boost salary prospects
  • to upgrade or specialise skills/knowledge
  • for career progression or career change
  • for personal development or interest
  • for prestige or reputation
  • as a requirement for a specific occupation
  • to be seen by employers as more qualified than the next candidate.

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Postgrad Voice:
“I chose to undertake a PhD because it offers a tremendous amount of freedom in my work, with substantial resources made available to support me. The independence and initiative this generates is essential for leading an academic research team, and is highly regarded in industry.”
-- David Perry, PhD Candidate, graduating Dec 2010, The Bionic Ear Institute & University of Melbourne (Department of Otolaryngology)

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Whatever your reasons for considering postgraduate study it is important that you consider the following:

  • Lifestyle costs: will it leave you time for other activities (especially in regard to family life, carer responsibilities and other work commitments)?
  • Employers filling vacancies do so based on a range of criteria, one of which may or may not be a postgraduate qualification.
  • Financial costs and rewards.

Costs
Regardless of how you intend to pay for your postgraduate qualification, it is worthwhile looking at the return on your investment. Qualifications don’t come cheap and costs can vary considerably between universities and courses. Remember that the cost advertised by the university is simply the cost of undertaking the subject and does not typically include expenses such as books or other materials you may need. In calculating costs, you should also take into account the loss of income if you have to give up work or move to a part-time position.

At the same time, most postgraduate courses significantly enhance employability. Research indicates that typical salaries for postgraduates are significantly higher than for bachelor graduates. However, postgraduates as a group are older and have more work experience, and the impact of postgraduate study can be difficult to isolate from such factors.

Many universities provide scholarships to candidates who meet certain criteria, such as low income or an Indigenous background. Other financial support mechanisms are listed below.

Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA): Specific scholarships available for postgraduate research students who show potential.

Austudy: Some postgraduate students now have access to income support through Austudy. Access may extend to students enrolled in Grad Cert, Grad Dip/PG Dip and honours programs, and masters by coursework, however eligibility does vary depending on the type of course.

Cooperative Research Centres Program (CRC): The CRC Program brings together researchers and research users, and emphasises the importance of collaborative research. Given the strong education component with a focus on producing graduates with skills relevant to industry needs, there are often industry/discipline-specific scholarships available. It is worth investigating what CRCs exist that relate to your discipline area and whether any are connected to your university of choice.

Employer Assistance: If you are already in some form of employment and your future study needs are directly beneficial to your current employer, it can be worthwhile approaching your organisation to ask for some form of assistance. Data from Graduate Careers Australia indicates that around 37 per cent of postgraduate students (who worked in their final year of study) gained some form of study-related financial assistance from their employer, while around 63 per cent also gained time off to assist their studies (Postgraduate Destinations 2008, GCA).

FEE-HELP: Similar to the HECS scheme for undergraduate study. Under this program the government pays all or part of a student’s tuition fees, which the student repays through tax after graduating.

Joint Academic Scholarship Online Network (JASON): A postgraduate scholarship search engine/database relevant to both Australian students wishing to study at home or abroad, and to international students wishing to study in Australia.

The Complete Guide to Postgraduate Funding Worldwide: An authoritative and comprehensive guide to postgraduate and professional funding.

Making the most of postgraduate study support structures
Most Australian universities have a range of services to support both undergraduate and postgraduate students, such as postgraduate centres, health services and study workshops. Some campuses have dedicated support services for postgraduate students, usually provided by independent postgraduate student associations.

Many career services at Australian universities are becoming aware of the needs of postgraduate students and have dedicated counsellors who specialise in this area.

Utilising your university careers service can ensure you make the most of your study and strategically plan where it is taking you, rather than waiting until completing your course to think about your career options.

Time management
By undertaking further study you will have added another task to what may already be a busy life, so planning how to use your time productively is important.

Plan ahead and make sure you set aside time to:

  • write assignments
  • study for exams
  • spend time with your family
  • enjoy leisure time for yourself
  • meet with your supervisor.

Whatever form of postgraduate study you choose and whatever your goal for your future, further study is a unique opportunity for you to expand your horizons and grow as a person. Enjoy it!

The above article is an edited extract of “Enhancing Careers Through Postgraduate Study”, published by GCA, 2007 (author: Dr Alan McAlpine, Queensland University of Technology).

Salaries
The typical median annual salary for a new postgraduate increased to $65,000 in 2008 (up by $3,000 from 2007).

Across all levels of postgraduate qualification, male graduates are paid between $4,000-15,000 more than female graduates in full-time roles. This ‘wage gap’ is due to a number of factors, including varying male to female ratios in different courses, which results in different employment outcomes for men and women (Postgraduate Destinations 2008, GCA).

Detailed information on postgraduate salaries and destinations is available at GradsOnline, Graduate Careers Australia’s searchable graduate destination database: www.gradsonline.com.au

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TOP TIPS!

  • Be clear about your reasons for undertaking further study and the financial and lifestyle implications.
  • Research how your study is likely to impact on your future employability and career options.
  • Investigate the different modes of study (part-time, distance) and what level of qualification will best suit your needs.
  • Investigate all the available options to fund both your fees and your living expenses while studying.
  • If choosing a research degree, do your homework on the institution and your research supervisor to make sure they meet your needs.
  • Find out about all the university support services available. Which ones will you engage with during your time as a student?
  • Develop a rough plan of the skills you hope to develop over your time in study.
  • When choosing to undertake a particular qualification in a particular discipline, speak with your chosen institution to ensure that it meets your own personal and professional needs.

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There is a huge variety of postgraduate courses available. The type and range of postgraduate options within a given discipline are influenced by the history and nature of the area of study, student demand, workforce trends, skills shortages and the state of the economy. Below are postgraduate study snapshots of the most common disciplines.

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Postgrad Voice:
“A change in course structure triggered my decision to undertake the Master of Architecture (Design). Midway through my Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Construction Management, the option to transfer into a new masters program seemed a logical choice as it could be achieved in the same time as the original bachelor degrees. However, the choice to pursue a masters also enhances the educational achievements of my CV and should prove beneficial in the widespread search for employment.”
-- Claude Di Rosso, Master of Architecture (Design), completed 2009, Deakin University

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Accounting
Postgraduate courses in this field are primarily aimed at increasing business skills. There is virtually no tradition of research, and research students normally comprise only a small proportion of graduate students.

One of the advantages of an Accounting degree is that there are enough people doing it to support a relatively wide range of courses, including some which can be taken by distance education, so you can shop around. If you are interested in courses in this field it is also worth browsing through the courses available in Business and Management, Banking, Finance, Economics, Law or Mathematics.

Course options include:

  • courses designed for those already in the field who want to upgrade their skills or gain specialist qualifications
  • conversion courses for those wanting to join the profession. Be sure to investigate accreditation guidelines with care
  • courses for lay people/non-accounting professionals

Architecture, Building & Urban Planning
Architecture, Building and Urban Planning is a relatively small and specialised disciplinary area. Most coursework programs offer upgrade specialisations for those working in the field. Availability of graduate courses in this area can be influenced by the state of the economy and fluctuations in the building and construction industries. Courses are available for graduates and professionals without relevant backgrounds, but many are designed for working professionals who wish to specialise or move into neighbouring areas such as project management.

Course options include:

  • Master of Property Development
  • Graduate Diploma in Urban Estate Management
  • Master of Urban Design or Urban Planning
  • Graduate Diploma in Property Management
  • Master of Property and Construction
  • Graduate Certificate in Landscape Architecture

Arts & Humanities
Many disciplines fall under the Arts and Humanities umbrella, making it one of the largest, most diverse and accessible fields of study. For many Arts graduates, postgraduate study is a way to gain a competitive edge over peers, secure vocational skills and/or specialise in a specific discipline.

There is a long tradition of research in the field, and research students make up a fair proportion of all enrolled. A PhD is required for students wanting an academic career, so for many it is the next stepping stone after completing an honours year. Unfortunately, the number of students undertaking postgraduate research work in an Arts or Humanities discipline far outstrips the number of early-career academic positions.

Coursework programs in this area have become more popular in recent years but, compared to research programs, are more affected by demand, workforce patterns and economic factors. Many are interdisciplinary or have an ‘applied’ element – catering for generalist graduates wanting to gain practical vocations skills.

Course options include:

  • Master of Museum Studies
  • Master of International Relations
  • Graduate Certificate in Rights
  • Master of Economics
  • Graduate Diploma of Terrorism, Safety and Security
  • Master of Applied Ethics
  • Master of Arts (Globalisation & Governance)
  • Master of Aboriginal Studies
  • Graduate Certificate in World Religion

Banking & Finance
The majority of postgraduate courses in this area focus on providing professional expertise to those already in the banking and finance industry. Prospective students are generally required to have practical experience in the field.

The course may be designed to provide a formal qualification (which can be a requirement to join a particular industry or professional body) or to allow professionals to gain specialist skills and knowledge. There are limited options for postgraduate research in this area, although this is changing, especially as many postgraduate Humanities courses become more interdisciplinary.

Course options include:

  • Master of Banking and Finance Regulations
  • Master of Applied Finance
  • Master of Banking and Finance Law

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STAT...
$85,000: median full-time salary for graduates from masters coursework degrees in economics & business, 2008 (Source: Graduate Salaries 2008, GCA)

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Business & Management
Business and Management has been one of the big growth fields at both undergraduate and graduate levels over the past two decades. Most of the growth has been in masters and graduate certificates/diplomas rather than research degrees.

Postgraduate Management courses are generally taken to upgrade an existing qualification in an area, or to specialise in a certain type of Management. There is a large number of courses available, so it is wise to research all options carefully (including fees and reputation) before committing.

Many courses are available by distance or online education, which can be suitable for graduates who are in full-time work or whose course preference is not available locally.

Above diploma level the MBA predominates. This degree has become one of the most popular degrees worldwide. It can be taken full time, part time as night classes, or as an accelerated full-time course with a higher work load. Entry requirements can be quite demanding, with an emphasis on previous academic scores, work experience, references, and performance on tests and interviews. The global reputation of the university can be important, and considering the cost of the degree (up to and over $100,000) it is a factor worth taking into account.

Course options include:

  • Graduate Certificate in Planning
  • Master of e-Business
  • Master of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations
  • Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business
  • Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Graduate Diploma in Business IT
  • Master of Business Logistics Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

Communications & Media
This is a relatively new but growing and very popular field of postgraduate study. Like other new fields, the research tradition is not strong, but it is developing at some universities.

While some courses offered are general, many are vocation-specific, catering for graduates who want to become journalists, creative writers, editors, filmmakers, etc. Most courses are targeted at graduates rather than professionals wanting to specialise or upgrade skills, but options for the latter are emerging.

Course options include:

  • Master of Global Media Communication
  • Graduate Certificate in Media Practice
  • Master of Publishing
  • Graduate Diploma in Strategic Public Relations
  • Master of Internet Communication
  • Master of Marketing Communication

Design
The field of design is diverse and includes everything from degrees in Industrial Design (closer in kind to Engineering than Graphic Design) to Visual Arts. Postgraduate courses vary, as different design schools will usually have a focus or strength in one or two specific areas.

Entry requirements depend on the course, but may involve a folio component. Graduate certificate and diploma courses can be an option for graduates without an undergraduate degree in the field.

Course options include:

  • Master of Sustainable Design
  • Master of Design Science
  • Master of Design Arts
  • Master of Digital Media
  • Graduate Diploma of Multimedia

Economics
Economics is one of the more traditional academic disciplines but has been shaped by the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of graduate and postgraduate study. Most postgraduate programs are at the established universities, and coursework is generally concentrated at the masters rather than graduate certificate and diploma level. The courses available mainly cater for specialisation rather than career conversion.

Course options include:

  • Graduate Diploma in Regulatory Economics
  • Master of Applied Economics
  • Master of Economic Policy
  • Master of International Trade and Economic Relations
  • Master of Health Economics

Education & Training
Graduate studies in Education fall into four categories:

  • standard diploma courses for generalist and other graduates who want to become teachers or ‘value-add’ to their undergraduate degree
  • specialist studies for practising educational professionals to extend their skills
  • education subjects for those from non-Education backgrounds
  • research degrees.

The above categories can blur in some masters programs and the new professional doctorates, which combine coursework with a research thesis or report. The range of Education courses available is very wide and most programs are available on a part-time basis. Distance or online options are also increasingly common.

High school teaching is not the only destination for graduates of these courses. The growth in adult education, workplace education, and lifelong learning means there will be an increasing breadth in the range of professional options available to Education graduates.

A growing sub-field of this discipline are Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages/Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TESOL/TEFL) courses for graduates wanting to teach English either in Australia or overseas. Australians have become very popular overseas as English teachers. The quality of courses can vary greatly, so investigate carefully and make sure you know the applicability of the qualification.

Course options include:

  • Graduate Diploma of Teaching
  • Graduate Diploma / Master of Education
  • Graduate Diploma in Adult, Vocational and Workplace Learning
  • Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood)
  • Master of Special Education
  • Graduate Diploma of Inclusive Education

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STAT...
85%: Graduate Diploma of Teaching graduates in full-time employment four months after course completion (Source: Postgraduate Destinations 2008, GCA)

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Postgrad Voice:
“I chose to complete a postgraduate degree by coursework in order to gain greater theoretical knowledge and enhance my practical experience within a highly competitive line of work. Not only did I achieve this, but I made invaluable contacts within the field and gained a greater insight into the diverse range of options available to me within my chosen sector.”
-- Gabby Lam, Master of Social Science (International Development), completed 2008, RMIT University

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Engineering
Engineering is a large and well established field. Its familiar sub-disciplines are now supplemented by emerging fields that cater to new technologies, research priorities and industry developments. As with other fields, there is also a growth in interdisciplinary streams, such as research or coursework programs that relate to Engineering within a particular sector, for example local government or paper production. Demand for Engineering graduates is very strong at present, especially due to the recent success of the mining sector, and shortages are apparent in some areas.

Engineers are big consumers of further education and training, and the profession has an unusually strong role in its provision. The majority of those enrolled in this field are doing coursework rather than research and most courses are for professional upgrade or re-specialisation rather than conversion courses for graduates from a non-Engineering background. This trend reflects the increasing mobility of engineers between organisations and areas of responsibility, as well as the increasingly short lifespan of Engineering knowledge.

Engineering also has a strong research tradition, with many universities having dedicated research centres.

Course options include:

  • Master of Biomedical Engineering
  • Graduate Diploma in Geotechnical Engineering
  • Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy)
  • Master of Software Systems Engineering

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Postgrad Voice:
“The Master of Urban Planning helped me enhance my general education and specialise in a professional field. It was great to find a course I could enter without prior learning or work experience. The course content and structure were flexible for individuals upgrading their existing qualifications and for overseas students. Classes were available after work hours and several subjects were offered during semester breaks or as intensives. Throughout my studies I learnt a great deal from other students, and the degree has created terrific work opportunities for me in local government strategic and statutory planning.”
-- Sarah, Master of Urban Planning, completed 2008, The University of Melbourne

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Environment
This new field has grown considerably in recent years, partly in response to the increasing focus on environmental issues such as global warming and climate change. Like many new fields, interdisciplinary research and coursework programs are common at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The main division in the field is between Environmental Science, which focuses on the interactions among the physical, chemical and biological components of the environment, and Environmental Studies, which is concerned more broadly with social, political, economic and ecological factors.

Course prerequisites vary, but many are available to graduates from a range of disciplines, and open up an unusually wide range of occupations, from tourism and hospitality through to public policy or management. Research options in this field are growing but competition is quite strong for scholarship-supported positions.

Course options include:

  • Master of Environmental Management
  • Master of Environment and Planning
  • Graduate Certificate in Children’s Environmental Health
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainability Science
  • Master of Climate Change Adaptation

Health
Most students in this field are doing coursework rather than research. Many programs are designed for qualified practitioners working in one of the many health professions and para-professions. There are some courses for those with qualifications and/or experience in other fields, mainly those combining Health Science with studies in Management, Public Policy and Occupational Health and Safety.

Alternative approaches to health care, such as Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Herbal Medicine and Chinese Medicine, are more popular at the undergraduate level, although this is changing. There is a wide variety of postgraduate courses and programs in Health-related disciplines, all with different prerequisites.

Course options include:

  • Master of Public Health
  • Master of Rural Health
  • Graduate Diploma in Adolescent Health
  • Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology
  • Graduate Diploma in Occupational and Environmental Health
  • Master of Acupuncture
  • Graduate Diploma in Herbal Medicines
  • Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences

Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is undoubtedly one of the biggest growth areas at both undergraduate and graduate study level. While undergraduate numbers have levelled out over the last couple of years, demand for postgraduate study is rising as the industry again becomes more competitive and complex.

Courses at the more established universities usually come under the umbrella of Computing Science or Engineering. At the newer universities the growth in courses has usually fallen under the ICT label.

Some courses are aimed at graduates or professionals without computing expertise, but there is also a relatively high proportion of upgrade courses available.

Course options include:

  • Master of Technology (Internet and Web Computing)
  • Graduate Diploma in Information Systems
  • Master of Applied Information Technology
  • Master of Internet Security and Forensics
  • Graduate Diploma of Network Computing

Law
Legal education has undergone considerable transformation as it has become a more entrenched academic discipline. Full-time university staff have virtually replaced the part-time instructor in Law departments. Research has taken root, although compared to other disciplines it has a harder time attracting postgraduates. Scholarly specialisations and postgraduate programs have proliferated. The growth in the number of students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level has been a further factor in the expansion of the field.

The majority of graduate programs cater for members of the profession or at the very least Law graduates. They allow Law graduates and professionals to specialise in particular areas, such as Environmental Law, Corporate Law or Media Law. Most postgraduates are engaged in coursework programs (diploma and masters levels); some are in research masters or the new professional doctorates which combine coursework with research. A small number undertake pure research degrees.

Some universities offer specialised Law courses intended for professionals without a legal background.

Course options include:

  • Master of International Environmental Law
  • Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law
  • Master of Laws (eLaw)
  • Master of Human Rights Law
  • Graduate Diploma in Regulatory Studies

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STAT...
$80,000: median full-time salary for graduates from masters coursework degrees in law, 2008 (Source: Graduate Salaries 2008, GCA)

STAT...
94%: Law Masters by Coursework graduates in full-time employment four months after course completion (Source: Postgraduate Destinations 2008, GCA)

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Science
Science is one of the few fields where most departments are defined by the traditional disciplines. Nevertheless, an increasing number of departments, schools and centres are moving into a more interdisciplinary structure and offer interdisciplinary and applied courses.

An undergraduate Science degree is usually, but not always, required for postgraduate coursework programs. The strong research focus across all the sciences means that a relatively large number of Science graduates go on to further study.

Course options include:

  • Master of Astronomy
  • Master of Photonics
  • Graduate Diploma Geographical Sciences
  • Master of Applied Science (Bioinformatics)
  • Master of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology

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If you are contemplating postgraduate study, see what programs are available in your area of interest. Most universities have comprehensive information on their websites and/or a postgraduate studies directory that lists the different options. Check out the postgraduate study information and resources available on the Graduate Careers Australia website.