Types of postgraduate study
Our range of postgraduate courses include:
Coursework
Students undertaking postgraduate degrees by coursework enrol in subjects and attend lectures and tutorials. There will often be a minor research component and assessment is progressive throughout the course.
Graduate certificate
The graduate certificate will broaden the skills and knowledge already gained from an undergraduate degree, or develop your vocational skills in a new area.
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Entry requirements: Applicants usually require a bachelor degree or advanced diploma 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 in their undergraduate degree.
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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 undergraduate studies in a particular discipline, and want to further their studies in the same area at postgraduate level.
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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
The typical master degree by coursework comprises coursework, project work and research in varying combinations. The degree is designed to enhance your professional skills or help you acquire a deeper understanding of a specific area of knowledge. The advantage of undertaking a master by coursework is the high level of tutorial advice and study guidance.
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Entrance requirements: Normally a bachelor degree, honours degree or graduate diploma. Applicants without formal qualifications who possess relevant academic or professional experience may be given the opportunity to embark on a preliminary program, such as a graduate certificate or graduate diploma. Provided their performance in the preliminary program meets the required standard, they 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.
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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.
Research
At least two-thirds of the work required for a research degree is research-based. Research degrees are for graduates who want to investigate and contribute knowledge in a particular academic field. Our high-quality research focuses on real-world problems and providing solutions to benefit community, business and industry.
Research degrees fall into two categories:
- Master by Research: The master by research aims to expand knowledge beyond the undergraduate honours or postgraduate diploma level, culminating in a research thesis.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and other doctoral research degrees: Doctoral research degree candidates should uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas.
For more information on research at Curtin, visit the future students section of our Research website.