Postgraduate Studies

A Graduate Certificate typically takes six months and can be studied independently or used as a pathway to further studies, usually to a Graduate Diploma. This type of qualification can help you expand your knowledge in specific areas related to your undergraduate studies or help you gain expertise in a new field. 

Graduate Diplomas usually require a Bachelor's degree or higher, much like Graduate Certificates. However, in some instances, work experience can be accepted for admission. These programs are offered by universities and private institutions and typically take a year to finish.

A Master’s degree takes one to two years to complete and is designed to help you specialise in your field, re-skill for a new industry, or take on a specific research project.  

There are two types of Master’s degrees – research and coursework. Research requires you to produce research or add knowledge in your field, submitting a thesis of 20,000 to 40,000 words. If you decide on the coursework route, you will complete a specified set of core units and a selection of eligible elective units, similar to a Bachelor’s degree. 

Some Master’s degrees have ‘exit points’ within them, meaning you can stop your studies at a certain point and be awarded a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma.  

A Master of Business Administration, often referred to by its acronym, MBA, is widely regarded as the preferred qualification for professionals wanting to pursue a career in general management. In this course, you will explore the latest in strategic management and the leadership techniques required to lead and inspire others in a global business environment. An MBA is usually completed by coursework and takes about 2 years. 

A Doctorate (or Doctoral) degree, or PhD, is the highest award at Australian universities. A PhD usually takes three to four years to complete and involves conducting original research that significantly contributes to your study field, often through a major thesis of 40,000 to 60,000 words.  

You can study for a postgraduate qualification in two ways – by coursework or by research. You can undertake a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, or Master’s degree by coursework. You can also undertake a Master’s degree by research, and PhD’s are only done through research.  

Studying a postgraduate program by coursework means you must complete a specified set of core units and a selection of eligible elective units to complete the qualification. Undertaking a coursework program means attending classes, completing assignments, and taking exams where applicable. Some Masters by coursework also require the completion of a minor thesis of around 20,000 to 40,000 words.  

Studying a postgraduate program by research involves the submission of a completed thesis based on an independent research project. You must add knowledge in your field by conducting original research and completing a thesis. 

To undertake postgraduate studies in Perth, you must have completed a Bachelor’s degree. So, a Bachelor’s degree is the pathway to a postgraduate qualification. 

Yes, most institutions that offer postgraduate courses also offer some fully online. Not all postgraduate courses can be done online, so check your desired institution's website. 

Generally, international students must maintain a full-time enrolment as part of the student visa requirements, so there is limited opportunity to study a postgraduate course part-time. 

Both Master’s and Doctorate degrees offer a research option, which involves the submission of a completed thesis based on an independent research project. Through the research process, you will extend your understanding of a subject area and develop advanced analytical and project management skills and the ability to work independently.