At UNSW, you’re spoilt for choice with over 400 programs on offer.
But when it comes to navigating undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs, the terminology can get a little confusing. If you’re interested in taking your studies further and want to know the difference between a postgraduate degree and a master’s degree, we have good news for you.
They’re the same! Let us explain…
What is a postgraduate degree?
A postgraduate degree is (almost) any type of university program you undertake after completing undergraduate study. ‘Postgraduate’ is a handy umbrella term that helps us classify the “level” of study of a particular program. Postgraduate programs include master’s degrees, as well as graduate certificates and graduate diplomas.
What is a master’s degree?
A master’s degree is a type of postgraduate degree. They’re often longer than graduate certificates and graduate diplomas, taking between 1-2 years to complete. They involve advanced study of your chosen field and allow you to further enhance your skills, develop a specialisation and gain more academic and professional experience in the field.
There are two main types of master's degrees:
Course-based: Focuses on coursework and shorter research papers
Research-based: Requires an extensive thesis project
Master’s degrees can help you advance into leadership roles, increase your earning potential, and prepare for doctoral programs.
Choosing between a master’s and other postgraduate programs
If you’re keen to take on postgraduate study but aren’t sure if a master’s degree is right for you, we’ve broken down the key differences and things to be aware of before making a decision.
Duration: Postgraduate degrees can range from 1-6+ years depending on the program level. Graduate diplomas and graduate certificates can take as little as six months while PhD and other doctoral programs can take up to six years. Master’s degrees are the sweet spot, generally taking 1-2 years to complete.
Cost: Postgraduate degrees vary in cost depending on factors like degree type, university, program prestige and whether you study domestically or internationally. Master's degrees are typically cheaper than doctoral degrees. The average cost of a master’s degree for domestic students is between $6,000 –$11,000 annually. For international students, it’s between $20,000 – $37,000 per year. We encourage all students to check their eligibility for scholarships to support their studies.
Flexibility: Many postgraduate degrees offer flexible part-time options, catering to working professionals. Flexibility can depend on university policies and degree requirements. As with most programs, a master’s degree can be taken part-time but will extend the time to completion.
FAQs
Can I change my Master's specialisation after a bachelor's degree?
Yes, many master’s programs are open to students from all academic backgrounds. This means you can change focus areas entirely or specialise further within your field. Depending on your undergraduate program, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to reduce your postgraduate study load.
Why should I do a master’s degree?
Studying a master’s degree offers many potential benefits, including:
- Higher salary prospects and job opportunities
- Preparation for PhD programs through research experience
- Specialised knowledge to stand out in your field
- Personal growth and development opportunities
What are some popular master’s degree options at UNSW?
We are known for producing Australia’s most employable graduates*. Our postgraduate programs are recognised all over the world. Here are some of our most popular master’s programs:
Master of Information Technology
*AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
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