POSTGRADUATE
COURSEWORKSTUDY
POSTGRADUATE
PROGRAMSTRUCTURE
The amount of time required to complete
a postgraduate program generally ranges
from six months to three years; and
entry requirements vary according to the
program.
Professional Doctorate programs are available
in a very limited number of disciplines and
entry requirements vary, although a Masters
degree is usually a prerequisite.
Pathways
You may choose to do – if available – a
Graduate Certificate only and then study
progressively to the higher level programs
of Graduate Diploma and Coursework
Masters; or, if you are eligible, you can just
enrol in a higher level program from the start.
Graduate Certificate
This level generally requires a bachelor
degree to gain admission, and then one
semester of study.
Graduate Diploma
This generally requires either a bachelor
degree or a graduate certificate to gain
admission, and then one year of study.
COURSEWORK MASTERS PROGRAM SAMPLE
Semester One
#2 course #2 course #2 course #2 course
Semester Two
#2 course #2 course #2 course #2 course
Semester Three
#2 course #2 course #2 course #2 course
OR
#2 course #2 course #4 course
OR
#8 course
Note that this is a SAMPLE structure only:
some coursework Masters programs are only
two semesters in length, others are four or five
semesters. Check the individual program for details.
Postgraduate coursework programs are the second level of
tertiary study and, depending on the program you choose,
may be available at Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma,
Masters, or Professional Doctorate level.
Masters degree (Coursework) and
Masters degree (Extended)
These qualifications generally require either
a bachelor degree, graduate certificate or
graduate diploma to gain admission, depending
on the discipline of the entry qualification,
and then one to two years of study.
Programs comprise specialist courses and a
research component of at least four units.
Professional Doctorate
Professional doctorates are coursework
programs that allow experienced
professionals to improve their professional
practice through the application of research
to current problems and issues. Both
coursework and research components are
included. The doctoral research should
make a significant contribution to the
knowledge and practice of the profession.
External mode
Some programs are offered in external
mode (where course materials are provided
online or via mail) so that you can study in
your own country. If you choose an external
program, you will not be eligible for an
Australian student visa.
Transferring to RHD
If you wish to complete a research doctorate
and have not completed undergraduate
honours, you will need to undertake a
research project or thesis to ensure you
have the necessary research skills (see
pages 24-26 for full details).
WHAT IS
POSTGRADUATE
STUDYLIKE?
As with undergraduate study, at the
postgraduate coursework level you will
attend course lectures and tutorials.
You may also participate in seminars,
workshops, laboratory sessions, or
undertake online exercises or practical
work experience. You will probably have to
complete a research project of some kind
as well.
The postgraduate experience is similar
to the undergraduate one, except that the
scholarly content is investigated at a more
advanced level and assessment is more
competitive.
PROFESSORMAXLU
‘Queensland Great’, nanotechnology researcher,
globally respected academic leader, multiple science
and academic award-winner, and UQ’s first Provost
As Provost, Professor Max Lu is standing deputy to
the President and Vice-Chancellor, and responsible
for strategic leadership on academic matters. Having
supervised more than 120 research students in the
past, he brings a strong commitment to research
and teaching, as well as a strategic approach to
international and industry engagement.
International
UQ Guide 2015
21
