What the different degree types mean
Undergraduate degrees
For students with no prior university qualification.
Bachelor degree
The bachelor degree is the base university qualification. If you haven't previously graduated from university, you will normally study toward a bachelor degree.
Entry requirements
Applicants usually require year 12 English, plus a tertiary entrance rank of at least 70 (80 for engineering and other select courses). The TER required for each course changes from year to year, depending on demand.
Duration
Generally three or four years' full-time study or part-time equivalent.
Postgraduate coursework degrees
Usually for those who already have a university degree, although there are some exceptions.
Graduate certificate
The graduate certificate broadens the skills and knowledge already gained from an undergraduate degree, or develops your vocational skills in a new area.
Entry requirements
Applicants usually require a bachelor degree but, in certain cases, relevant work experience may be recognised.
Duration
Generally six months' full-time study or part-time equivalent.
Graduate diploma
The graduate diploma is a specialised, vocationally-oriented degree designed for students who wish to develop new knowledge and skills in an area not previously studied.
Entry requirements
Entry is normally based on a bachelor degree or diploma. Exceptions may be made in the case of less academically qualified applicants with appropriate work experience.
Duration
Generally 12 months' full-time study or part-time equivalent.
Postgraduate diploma
These courses are for those who have completed a bachelor degree in a particular discipline, and want to further their studies in the same area.
Entry requirements
Entry is normally based on a bachelor degree or diploma. Exceptions may be made in the case of less academically qualified applicants with appropriate work experience.
Duration
Generally 12 months' full-time study or part-time equivalent.
Master
This degree comprises coursework, project work and research in varying combinations. It is designed to enhance your professional skills or help you acquire a deeper understanding of a specific area of knowledge. The advantage of completing a master by coursework is the high level of tutorial advice and study guidance.
Entry requirements
Normally a bachelor degree, honours degree or graduate diploma.
If you lack formal qualifications but possess relevant experience, you may be eligible to enrol in a graduate certificate or graduate diploma. Provided your performance meets the required standard, you can then qualify for admission to a master by coursework.
Duration
Varies due to the range of entry pathways, but most require the equivalent of two years' full-time study.
Professional master
The professional master programs are designed with the busy professional in mind. Fast-track and intensive, these programs offer an executive-style qualification directly relevant to career environments, with the added benefit of networking with like-minded people.
Entry requirements
Usually a bachelor degree, honours degree or graduate diploma plus relevant professional experience.
Duration
Varies between 12 and 18 months full-time study or part-time equivalent.
Graduate entry master
A graduate entry master is a fast and intensive equivalent to a bachelor degree which allows you to change your career direction quickly.
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree in a related field
Duration
2 years
Research degrees
For graduates who want to investigate and contribute knowledge in a particular academic field.
Master of Philosophy
The Master of Philosophy aims to expand knowledge beyond the undergraduate honours or postgraduate diploma level, culminating in a research thesis.
Entry requirements
Generally, a bachelor degree with honours or postgraduate diploma. Read the guidelines for research students: admission for entry requirements.
Duration
One to two years full time study or part time equivalent.
PhD and other doctoral research degrees
Doctoral research degree candidates uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas.
Entry requirements
Generally, a bachelor degree with first or upper second class honours or a master degree. Read the guidelines for research students: admission for entry requirements.
Duration
Two to four years full time study or part time equivalent.
