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.

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.