Postgraduate

Frequently asked questions

How does a postgraduate degree differ from an undergraduate?

A postgrad degree is your second degree, following the completion of your undergraduate (or first) degree. When you embark on a postgrad degree, you’re older, wiser and likely a whole lot more focused. Your postgrad study will be an incredibly important time in your life, and one that’ll set you up for a wildly successful career. If you’re considering doing a postgrad degree, here’s what to expect.

Specialise

Postgrad study will see you spend your time focused more on the area of expertise in which you wish to specialise. You would have required a lot of skills and knowledge in your undergraduate degree, however a postgraduate degree takes what you’ve learned and challenges you to go further to become an expert in your chosen field. The best part is that it won’t even feel like study.

Change of direction

If you decided after your bachelor's degree that you want to pursue a completely different career, a postgraduate coursework degree will set you up for success in your chosen career path. What you learn from a UWA undergraduate degree is adaptability and breadth through broadening units, work integrated learning and extracurricular activities – all assisting with soft and technical skills. So, when you decide on a new direction, you’ll be able to apply the critical thinking skills that you’ve learned and transition smoothly into your new field.

Networks

Finally, one of the best things about postgraduate study is the opportunity to expand the network you started building in your undergrad days. The bonds you’ll form with peers and industry links will be longlasting and ones you’ll tap into years down the line. Whether that’s by exchanging information with them about the industry, seeking their help when looking for jobs or using them as references for applications, the network you’ll find during your postgrad experience will be an invaluable one.

What are my options following an undergraduate degree?

You could choose from two options, work or further study (or a combination of both). Enter the workforce after completing your undergraduate degree or advance your career prospects and specialise in a chosen field through further studies at UWA. You could:

1. Undertake a postgraduate by coursework degree (a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's by coursework or postgraduate professional degree).
2. Pursue a research pathway by starting with an honours year.
3. Study an additional undergraduate major through a graduate-entry diploma.

What are the benefits of having a UWA postgraduate qualification?

There are many reasons why studying a postgraduate degree at UWA will benefit your future career:

• Top world rankings: If you plan to take the lead in your career and stand out to employers, a postgraduate qualification from UWA, a world Top 100 university (QS 2019), will set you apart.
• Important connections: Our courses are taught by academic leaders in their respective fields, and with our partnerships with industry, you’ll benefit from expert guest lecturers.
• Industry links and practical experience: As a UWA postgraduate student, you can enjoy our formal agreements with more than 230 institutions around the world as well as our strategic partnerships with industry and government.
• Professional networks: Develop your future professional networks as you engage with high-achieving peers and make industry connections along the way.

What are the different postgraduate options?

Taking on a postgraduate degree means you’ll gain a deeper knowledge of your chosen subject area. UWA offers postgraduate degree courses by coursework and/or research, as well as graduate certificates and diplomas.

• Graduate certificates and diplomas – Graduate certificates provide students with specialised knowledge at an advanced level, either developing an existing skill-set or fostering an entirely new area of knowledge. A graduate certificate can be used as a standalone qualification or potentially articulate into a graduate diploma and eventually a master’s degree. The key difference between a graduate certificate and a graduate diploma is the duration. A graduate certificate often takes six months of full-time study, a graduate diploma often takes one year, and a master's degree can range from one to three years.
• Postgraduate coursework – These degrees provide you with the opportunity to develop a thorough understanding of an area of study, diversify your educational background and/or obtain specific vocational training.
• Postgraduate research – These degrees involve an intensive research component. Through the research process you will not only extend your understanding of the subject area, but develop advanced analytical and project management skills and the ability to work independently. All these skills are highly valued in the workforce and essential to an academic career.

Which course can I study at UWA as a postgraduate international student?

You can study a range of subject areas, providing you have suitable undergraduate qualifications. Our courses and careers page will assist you to explore your interests further, and our range of course guides include helpful information about the UWA experience as well as comprehensive course overviews.

Why should I do a postgraduate coursework degree at UWA?

Postgraduate qualifications have become an expectation in a global workforce and can be the defining factor in your future career pathway. Pursuing a higher degree is therefore one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

• Build transferable skills that are highly valued by employers: analytic thinking, problem-solving and critical thinking
• Our strong industry partnerships provide you with valuable exposure and contacts even before you graduate
• Learn from world-class thought leaders tackling globally relevant issues
• Graduating from WA’s highest-ranked university will help you stand out to employers
• A postgraduate qualification gives you a competitive edge when applying for local and international opportunities

UWA offers a range of postgraduate coursework degrees designed to help you obtain a specific professional qualification, diversify your educational background, or develop an in-depth understanding of an area of study.