Frequently Asked Questions
Postgraduate study refers to the level of university education that comes after completing an undergraduate qualification. A postgraduate degree can include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, master degrees and PhDs. These programs build on your existing knowledge and help you develop advanced skills in a specific field. If you have been wondering what the meaning of postgraduate degree is, it simply describes study that happens after your first university qualification.
The difference between postgraduate and undergraduate study comes down to depth and purpose. Undergraduate degrees such as diplomas, associate degrees and bachelor degrees introduce you to a field and provide foundational knowledge. Postgraduate programs are more specialised and are designed to help you deepen your expertise, move into leadership roles or shift your career direction. The difference between graduate and postgraduate is mainly in naming, as both terms refer to study completed after an undergraduate degree. You are considered postgraduate once you begin a qualification that requires prior university study or relevant experience.
A postgraduate degree is a great choice if you want to deepen your knowledge, move into a more specialised role or open new career opportunities. Postgraduate study allows you to build advanced skills, gain professional recognition and, in some cases, shift into a completely new field. Many students begin with a short graduate certificate and then continue into a master’s degree using the same subjects as credit.
Employers often value a postgraduate diploma, certificate, or master’s qualification because it demonstrates commitment, expertise and the ability to work at a higher academic and professional level. Whether a master’s is worth it for your career will depend on your goals, the industry you work in and the kind of progression you are aiming for. In many fields, postgraduate study can help you become more competitive when applying for promotions or new roles.
Most UniSQ postgraduate degrees are available online with 24/7 access to learning materials, which makes it easier to study alongside work or family commitments.
The amount of credit you could receive will depend on what type of prior study you have completed and the degree you have chosen to study.
If your previous work experience is related to your chosen degree, you may be eligible for credit. Though it’s a good idea to check the entry requirements of the degree you are applying for to see if you require specific knowledge before starting the degree.
You apply for credit after you’ve submitted your application to study however you can chat to our Degree Advisors prior to applying to find out if you are likely to receive credit.
A graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master’s degree are all postgraduate qualifications, but they differ in length, and the outcomes they prepare you for. A postgraduate certificate is the shortest option taking around six months of part time study. It introduces you to advanced concepts in a focused area and is a common starting point for people returning to study or building new skills.
A postgraduate diploma, sometimes called a graduate diploma, offers more depth and usually takes around one year of study. When comparing graduate certificate vs diploma Australia wide, the diploma provides broader and more detailed learning. It can also serve as a pathway into a master’s degree, often with credit.
A master’s degree is the most comprehensive of the three. It usually takes one to two years to complete and allows you to develop advanced expertise in your field. If you have wondered what the difference between a degree and postgraduate diploma is, it comes down to level. A diploma is not the same as a degree, and a graduate certificate is not equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, but all are valued qualifications - it just depends on what you want to study!
If you need guidance choosing between a certificate, diploma or master’s, get in touch and we can help you explore which option best suits your goals and prior experience.
Postgraduate degrees vary in length depending on the qualification you choose and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you have been wondering how many years a postgraduate degree takes, most programs range from six months to two years.
A graduate certificate is the shortest option and can usually be completed in around six months of part-time study. A graduate diploma often takes around one year. Master’s degrees are longer and generally take one to two years, depending on your field and whether you study full-time or spread your study over a longer period. The shortest master’s degree options are usually coursework programs that can be completed in around one year of full-time study.
UniSQ offers flexible online postgraduate options, so you can progress at a pace that suits your work and personal commitments.
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is where the Australian Government contributes to the cost of your studies by paying a portion of your fees directly to the University. This means your degree will cost you less.
If you are in a Commonwealth supported place, you are required to pay a student contribution amount to cover the remaining cost of your studies.
Postgraduate Commonwealth supported places are available for a number of UniSQ postgraduate degrees where postgraduate level qualifications are an entry-level requirement for a profession - and you can save up to 83% on your tuition fees.
If your degree is not Commonwealth supported, you won’t receive a Government subsidy and are required to pay the full cost of the degree however eligible students may defer payment of their fees with a Fee-Help loan.
Yes, you can study a postgraduate degree online with UniSQ. We’ve been a leader in flexible postgraduate study for decades, with students from across Australia and around the world choosing to study with UniSQ. This makes us a strong option for anyone wanting to study an online masters in Australia or looking for a postgraduate study option that fits around work, family or travel.
Most UniSQ postgraduate degrees can be completed fully online, with access to lectures, tutorials, support teams and learning materials through your online student portal. You can study part-time or full-time, and engage with your coursework from anywhere, at any time.
If you are considering postgraduate study online or on-campus, UniSQ can help you explore a master’s degrees and other postgraduate options that best supports your lifestyle and goals.
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