Wondering how to choose the right postgraduate course for you?
Start by reflecting on your goals, then delve into the postgraduate qualifications offered in your area of interest. If you're still stuck, here are three questions to ask yourself before choosing a postgraduate program.
Three questions to ask yourself before choosing a postgrad degree
1. Are you interested in coursework or research?
There are two paths you can take at the postgraduate level – coursework or research. Postgraduate qualifications by coursework are similar to undergraduate study and include lectures, tutors, assignments and exams, focused on a particular topic. Many postgraduate qualifications also offer professional accreditations. Research, on the other hand, offers the opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge and make original contributions to knowledge in your field.
Sabine King
UNSW
Choosing to study a postgraduate degree is a strategic move to invest in the most valuable asset – yourself. It's not just about acquiring knowledge; it's a transformative journey that cultivates expertise, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth.
2. Why do you want to pursue postgraduate study?
Taking on a postgraduate degree is a big commitment, so it’s important to understand your reasons for embarking upon further study before you apply. Ask yourself – Do I need a postgraduate qualification for my dream job? If you want to be a professor or a psychologist, that might be the case.
In other professions, a postgraduate qualification may not be necessary, but can give you a competitive edge, help you accelerate your career growth and allow you to become a leader in your field. Postgraduate study can also increase your earning potential – UNSW’s postgraduate coursework graduates earn the highest median salary three years after graduating*.
If you’re looking to make a career change, a postgraduate qualification is one way to move into a new field together.
*QILT GOS, 2022
“In a world where innovation is constant, a postgraduate degree helps you stay ahead and can unlock doors to new opportunities.”
Sabine King
Acting Director / Engagement Manager, Career Accelerator UNSW Business School
3. How much time and resources can you invest in postgraduate study?
Another important consideration is how you’ll manage your studies with other commitments. That could be professional commitments, like part-time or full-time work. Or, it could be financial commitments such as rent, a mortgage and other spending that might limit your capacity to take on further education.
That said, there’s plenty of support available for both.
If you think you might need some financial assistance, look into scholarship options and whether the postgraduate qualifications you’re interested in offer Commonwealth Supported Places. If you’re planning to study in addition to part- or full-time work, find out if your employer offers funding – many businesses are willing to invest in the professional development of their employees and may offer flexibility and financial support for your postgraduate studies.
You’ll also need to dedicate a significant amount of time to your studies. This is an important consideration if you plan to work during your studies or have other responsibilities like children or family members to care for. The good news is that many postgraduate courses offer flexible options, including part-time and online study, so you can balance work, study and your personal life.
Which postgraduate course should I choose?
No matter what you’re interested in or where you want to take your career, UNSW has the postgraduate qualification to get you there. Here are a few popular postgraduate programs we offer. Remember that this is just the beginning – explore all of the postgraduate study options at UNSW.
FAQs
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Majored in French in your bachelor’s degree, but want to study management at a postgraduate level? No problem. In many cases, you can specialise in something completely different at the postgraduate level – which is why postgraduate study is a great option if you’re looking to make a career change.
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Yes, UNSW offers flexible study options for many of its postgraduate qualifications, including part-time and online study options, so you can fit your studies around your life.
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The cost of postgraduate study depends on several factors, including the level of the qualification and the subject area- for example, a postgraduate diploma will cost less than a master’s degree, and a postgraduate qualification in arts will cost less than one in engineering. Some postgraduate programs offer Commonwealth Supported Places, in which the government partially subsidises your course fees.
One of the hidden values our alumni often share with me is the power of the network they form. The learning content is fantastic, but equally it’s the people you meet in your degree that become your support network and may even become future colleagues or business partners.
Sabine King, Acting Director / Engagement Manager, Career Accelerator UNSW Business School
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