Postgraduate Courses

There are two main categories of postgraduate coursed available:

• Research
• Coursework

Research Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (3 years)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) involves in-depth research that makes an original contribution to the body of knowledge in a specific discipline. Students are required to demonstrate the capability for independent research leading to the production of a written thesis of their research findings.

Professional Doctorates (3 years)

These prepare professional leaders with research experience in their chosen area of study. Students usually undertake a thesis and approved study that may include specified coursework and/or practical work and/or performance. There are a number of professional doctorates in the areas of Creative Arts, Education, and Health and Behavioural Sciences.

Masters by Research (1 – 1.5 years)

The standard duration of the Masters by Research is 1.5 years, comprising two-thirds research (48 credit points) and one-third coursework (24 credit points). Advanced standing for some or all of the coursework component may be granted to those who have completed a substantial piece of written research. If advanced standing is granted for the full coursework component, the duration of the Masters by Research degree is normally one year. This is considered when assessing your application and you will be advised of any advanced standing in your offer letter.

Applicants to a PhD may in some cases be required to commence their enrolment in the relevant Masters by Research course and then apply to transfer to the PhD when they achieve a suitable standard.

Entry Requirements

Admission to a research degree normally requires completion of a recognised four-year honours Bachelor degree awarded at Class II, Division 2 or higher in a discipline relevant to the intended area of research. Completion of a Masters degree containing substantial research or research methodology may also be considered. Entry to a Masters course usually requires a Bachelor degree in the relevant discipline. Some research courses have additional entry requirements and durations. Details of entry requirements are shown in each course entry in CourseFinder.

Selecting an Area of Research

The first step is to determine your preferred field of study and find the Faculty or Academic Unit that conducts research in an area of interest to you. As well as searching on CourseFinder, you should visit the Research & Innovation Division for further information.

Coursework Degrees

Coursework Degrees

Coursework programs have all (or the majority) of their requirements met by the completion of “taught” subjects in a particular discipline or professional area. Assessment may be based on a combination of written assignments, presentations, formal examinations, class participation or practical exercises. There are three main types of coursework degrees:

Masters by Coursework 1 – 2 years

These are normally for those who have a recognised bachelor degree in the same discipline as the Master degree. There are however a number of Masters degrees which are open to students with a bachelor degree in any major, subject to meeting the required entry standard.

Graduate Diploma 1 year

Normally for students seeking to take a different educational direction from their Bachelors degree.

Graduate Certificate 6 months

These courses are designed for students who may not have a Bachelors degree, but have other academic qualifications together with substantial relevant work experience.

Completion of a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma may lead to entry into a Master degree, in some cases, with advanced standing awarded for subjects taken in the Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate.

Entry Requirements

Details of entry requirements for specific postgraduate coursework programs are available through CourseFinder, or contact UniAdvice with enquiries.

Last reviewed: 12 September, 2007