Postgraduate

Frequently asked questions

• How does a postgraduate degree differ from an undergraduate?

  When you decide to 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 spending 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 have now decided after you’ve completed a bachelor degree that you know what 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 breath through broadening units, work integrated learning and from extracurricular activities – all assisting with both 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 postgraduate field.

  Networks

  Finally, the one of the best things about postgraduate study – is the opportunity to expand your network you started building in your undergrad days. The bonds you’ll form with peers and industry links will be long-lasting, and ones you’ll be able to 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 leave your postgrad study experience with will be an invaluable one.

• What are my options following an undergraduate degree?

  You have two basic options, work or further study (or a combination of both). You have the option to enter the workforce after completing your undergraduate degree or you might want advance your career prospects and specialise in a chosen field with through further studies at UWA, you’re able to:

  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 will benefit your future career, including:

  • 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.
  • Unique course design: 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 benefit from UWA's formal agreements with more than 230 institutions around the world and strategic partnerships with industry and government.
  • Professional networks: Develop your future professional networks as you engage with high-achieving peers and industry connections you’ll make along the way while studying your degree
• What are the different postgraduate options?

  Taking on a postgraduate master’s degree means you’ll gain a deeper knowledge of your chosen subject area, in only two years of full-time study to complete.

  UWA offers postgraduate degree courses by coursework and/or research, and 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.
  • Postgraduate coursework – Provides 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 – Involves 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 of 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.