Why postgraduate study?
[Inspiring music playing]
[Shots of waves crashing against rocks in slow motion, Rebecca walking on shore, Rebecca looking out to sea, close-up Rebecca’s face]
It’s important to me to take an active role in helping the environment. Working in the environmental industry is really interesting because I get exposure to a lot of different people and help them to work in a way that is more sustainable or that helps them to reduce their impact on the environment.
[Shot of Rebecca talking to camera in lab, banner reads: Environmental Management Assistant, UBS]
My name is Rebecca Pagnucco and I am a student in the Master of Science at UTS.
[Close up of laboratory work, pouring liquids, Rebecca talking to camera]
Typically to clean up oil spills you would be using synthetic products, things that are made from plastic fibres and recently there’s been a big push towards using natural materials instead.
[Rebecca walking towards sacks, handling hair, putting on gloves and lab glasses]
As part of my Masters degree I’m working with Sustainable Salons Australia, looking at how hair can be used as a crude oil absorbent. It’s exciting because we’re taking something that is normally waste and giving it a beneficial second life.
[Rebecca carrying, connecting and using hose, puts sacks of hair in container of water]
UTS has played a major role in shaping who I am today by giving me the practical experience, the exposure to industry and tools I needed to succeed in my chosen field.
[Rebecca speaking to camera]
My advice to students who are looking to get involved in the environmental industry is to look out for where there’s innovation and investment because those are the projects that are going to shape our future.
Increase your earning potential
While salary levels are dependent on which discipline and industry you work in, the 2017 Graduate Outcome Survey tells us that the median full-time salary for UTS postgraduate coursework graduates is $86,600; and $95,000 for UTS research graduates. That’s above the national average of $80,000 for postgraduate coursework graduates, and $83,000 for PhD graduates (Graduate Careers Australia, Graduate Salaries 2015).
Fast track your career
Having a postgraduate qualification makes you a valuable employee. You’ll have up-to-date formal qualifications in your field, and it also shows that you have excellent time management, critical thinking and communication skills—all highly valued by prospective employers.
Land that dream job or change your career
UTS graduates have high rates of securing full-time employment. According to the 2017 Graduate Outcome Survey, 85.6 per cent of UTS postgraduate coursework graduates found full-time employment, while nearly 94 per cent of UTS research students found full-time employment after graduation. A postgraduate course is also a great way to gain new qualifications that steer your career in a new direction.
Go global
In a highly competitive job market, you’ll need the right mix of skills and knowledge to compete in a global economy. In addition, many international organisations and companies now expect prospective candidates to have a postgraduate qualification in their field.
Personal fulfilment
A postgraduate qualification can give you a great sense of achievement. It also provides you with the opportunity to network with likeminded people, which can often lead to new career prospects. Many of our students also talk about how much they enjoy learning as a postgraduate student.
Return to UTS and save
Are you a UTS alumnus? Take advantage of the UTS Alumni Advantage program and save 10 per cent on postgraduate coursework degrees when you return to study at UTS. Click here for more info, including conditions.
What do our graduates and students say?
I found the skills I learnt at UTS during my Masters very practical and useful.
Yasmin Chu | Master of Science
UTS Science is a place where students can ask questions, flourish, explore and grow.
Natalie Salemink | Graduate Certificate in Mathematics
I like the people and the support from UTS Higher Degree Research staff within the faculty.
Joshua Stainlay | Master of Science (Research)