Choosing the right postgraduate study path
Curious about postgraduate pathways? Unsure about the difference between a graduate certificate and a graduate diploma? Wondering how a master's degree compares to a research degree? We've got you covered. Here's an overview of the most common postgraduate study options, their benefits and what you can achieve with each.
Explore these eight study options to find the best fit for starting or continuing your postgraduate journey.
1. Taster courses
Curious about postgraduate study but short on time? Taster courses are the perfect solution. These three-to-five-hour online courses are free and will give you a glimpse into a topic of your choice through engaging case studies. Whether you’re aiming to become a data expert or explore the field of law, taster courses provide a sneak peek into new career possibilities.
2. Short courses
If you want to dive deeper into a specific topic relevant to your field, our short courses are perfect for you. Ranging from a few days to several months, these courses are taught by industry leaders who also teach at the master’s level. You will gain the expertise needed to thrive in a dynamic work environment from academics and experts who are at the forefront of their fields.
3. Microcredentials
Want to start small but still enhance your knowledge and expertise with university-level study? Microcredentials are an excellent choice. Drawing content from various postgraduate programs, they offer valuable upskilling opportunities. These stand-alone courses are formally assessed and align with UTS subjects. Upon successful completion, you will also earn a UTS credential that can be put toward a UTS degree.
4. Non-award study
With non-award study, you can enrol in individual course subjects without committing to a full degree. These subjects usually take half a year to complete and can count towards recognition of prior learning for related degrees you may pursue in the future. It’s an excellent choice for building foundational knowledge or enhancing your skills in a specific area.
5. Graduate certificate
Ready to take a bigger leap with your studies? A graduate certificate from UTS is an excellent way to start your postgraduate journey. It gives you a feel for postgraduate study and the subject area without a major commitment.
Students who have completed an undergraduate degree or have relevant work experience often pursue a graduate certificate to deepen their knowledge, advance their careers, or explore a new field and make a career shift. Plus, it demonstrates to employers that you’re actively enhancing your skills.
You will typically learn a core module over six months (or part-time equivalent), which is taken from the master’s degree program aligning with your course. You can build on this with a graduate diploma and then progress to a master’s degree.
Entry requirements generally include a bachelor’s degree or relevant professional experience. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact us to find out your options and the next steps.
6. Graduate diploma
A graduate diploma is a step up from a graduate certificate, offering a deeper dive into your field of study. It usually takes up to a year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) to complete.
While a graduate certificate gives you a taste of a new area of study, a graduate diploma takes that initial learning further, with a more in-depth focus over a longer period.
A graduate diploma also sets you up nicely for a full master’s degree. Even if you don’t go on to complete the master’s, a graduate diploma will give you advanced knowledge and ensure you are well-prepared with the expertise needed in your desired field of work.
7. Master’s by coursework
A master’s degree is an advanced qualification that can open the door to specialised job opportunities or career advancement.
UTS master’s degrees are industry-focused and created by researchers who are at the forefront of their field. If you choose this path, you’ll study through a combination of lectures, classes and seminars that will enable you to attain the mandatory units required to complete your postgraduate studies.
Typically, a master’s degree takes up to two years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent). If you have completed a relevant graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or similar studies, or have relevant work experience, you might be eligible for recognition of prior learning, which can shorten the length of your master’s degree.
We understand that returning to university often means balancing work, study and family commitments. To support you, we offer a range of services and flexible timetables, including both full-time and part-time options as well as day and night classes.
8. Master’s by research
Are you an innovator? A master’s by research is a specialist degree designed for you to produce an original piece of research over two years. Upon graduation, you'll not only have deep expertise in a specific discipline but also invaluable research and critical thinking skills that are highly sought after in your career. Most importantly, your work will have the potential to make a significant impact on society and industry.
Whether you're looking to dip your toes into postgraduate study or ready to dive in headfirst, we have something for you.
Learn more about postgraduate pathways at UTS and explore our course options. Enquire about postgraduate study at UTS here.
