What is the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate study?

Undergraduate vs Postgraduate. Which one is right for you?

New to university study? Considering studying a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate diploma but not sure what’s best?

We’re here to explain what undergraduate and postgraduate mean and the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate. Learn how a bachelor’s degree opens up a range of opportunities after graduation, but going all-in on a master's degree can accelerate your career progression and give you a competitive edge compared to undergraduate study.

What's the difference: undergraduate vs postgraduate?

Think of university study a bit like Google maps: you type in your destination and you can choose your route based on cost, time and personal preference. Based on these factors the route you take will differ. When it comes to undergraduate vs postgraduate your desired destination or career path will dictate whether you take an undergraduate route or a postgraduate route. In many professions such as doctors, lawyers or engineers a postgraduate qualification in addition to undergraduate study is required to get the relevant accreditation to work in the field.

What is undergraduate study?

Undergraduate study, opens in a new window is tertiary study you complete after you graduate from high school. It’s usually the first degree you complete. The most common undergraduate study is a bachelor’s degree. You can also complete an undergraduate certificate, a double degree or a bachelor’s with honours also known as an honours degree. These degrees give you foundational knowledge that will bridge the gap between high school and the professional landscape. Your learning experience will include working in complex environments, knowledge exchange with people from all walks of life, critical thinking and problem-solving, communication skills and independent research. You will also develop knowledge in your chosen subject area based on the undergraduate program you choose.

What is postgraduate study?

Postgraduate study, opens in a new window is any study you complete after gaining an undergraduate qualification. Depending on your career path you may complete a postgraduate straight after your undergraduate degree or you may spend some time working in your chosen industry and decide you want to progress further or change directions, this is when a postgraduate degree comes in. You’ll dive into your chosen specialisation to develop deeper more advanced knowledge in the subject area. Postgraduate degrees offer this through research projects, independent research, seminars, and industry experts who partner with UNSW. When you complete your postgraduate study you’ll be set to reach new heights in your career backed by a formal qualification, specialised knowledge and hands-on, industry-relevant skills.

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What's the difference: bachelor's vs master's

The main difference between a bachelor’s and a master’s degree is that one tends to come before the other. A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate qualification, it’s typically the first degree you study after high school. A master's degree, on the other hand, is a postgraduate degree, meaning you typically would have studied some level of higher education to be eligible. That said, UNSW offers a handful of postgraduate courses with more flexible study requirements, so a bachelor’s degree may not be your only option.

But there are other differences to consider, especially if you’re unsure whether to take your studies further after graduation.

Let’s break it down using the most common undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. A bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.

From the way classes are structured to the types of projects you complete, bachelor’s and master’s degrees take very distinct approaches.
Master's

Bachelor's

A master's degree tends to be more specialised and often involves a significant research component, like a thesis.

The aim: to develop advanced analytical and research skills to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you understand your subject matter more deeply. You’ll go beyond the key course content with a growth mindset to develop invaluable professional skills in leadership, communication and collaboration.

A bachelor’s degree covers a range of topics across one field of interest while allowing you to explore chosen subjects a little deeper through electives.

The aim: to equip you with a broad range of skills to confidently enter the workforce.
While a bachelor’s degree enables a wide range of career opportunities, taking your studies to the next level can give you the competitive edge to climb the ladder even faster. A master’s degree may be the key to unlocking leadership positions – granting you both the knowledge and expertise to lead in your field.

A master's degree may also enable you to enter your chosen profession at a higher level than those with an undergraduate degree, helping you get a head start on your career path.

With UNSW’s expansive alumni network, you’ll also have a leg up on the competition with plenty of professional opportunities available during and after you complete your studies.
While taking on another study loan might be top of mind, graduating with a master’s has the potential to boost your salary and accelerate your salary growth.

Postgraduate coursework graduates earn more than bachelor’s degree graduates. And you're in good company, UNSW’s graduates earn the highest median salaries among graduates from the Group of Eight universities (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, medium-term - three years after graduating, 2023).
Another key difference is the duration of each course. A bachelor’s degree typically takes 3-4 years of full-time study to complete, while a master's can generally be completed in 2 years or less, depending on the course.

Master’s degrees are also often studied during or post- work experience. Many postgraduate students choose to study part-time while working in their chosen field – you'll have the opportunity to study while gaining industry experience, so you don’t waste any time in securing your career ambitions.

You can also seek Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to reduce the number of courses you need to take to fast-track your studies.
If you have ambitions to work in a high-performing or specialised field, such as medicine, law, architecture or advanced engineering, some roles will require a master’s degree. For others, it may give you an advantage over other candidates. Research your desired role and stay updated on the latest industry trends to determine if a master’s degree aligns with your chosen field's current and future needs.

FAQs

Still unsure about the difference between a bachelor’s and a master’s degree? Here are some common questions we get asked.

Postgraduate study is an investment in your future that can pay you back in spades as your career – and salary! – grow.

At UNSW, there are options available to help you financially. You may be eligible for a government subsidy as part of the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) scheme to lower the cost of your postgraduate course. UNSW also offers several scholarships and awards to postgraduate students.

If you’re working in a relevant profession, your employer may be willing to pay some or all of your study costs. You can also defer payment through a student loan and seek Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to reduce the number of courses you need to take.

Considering whether it's time to invest in postgraduate study?

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If you’re currently completing or have previously completed a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma course at UNSW, you may be able to transition to a master's degree. Each course has certain eligibility criteria you will need to meet. Speak to our Future Student Advisers for personalised advice based on your situation.

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Generally, no. Most postgraduate degrees require a nationally accredited undergraduate degree or international equivalent. You may also need to demonstrate a consistent minimum credit average or WAM to gain entry to your chosen course. Use our degree finder to explore your options and understand the specific entry requirements for your chosen course.

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Each postgraduate degree has its own set of entry requirements. These can include a relevant undergraduate degree, minimum credit average and relevant professional experience. However, you may be able to take additional subjects or bridging courses to become eligible for a degree in a different field.
The advanced skills and specialisation you gain during a master's degree can lead to a higher salary upon graduation but also accelerate salary growth as you progress in your career. In 2023, UNSW postgraduates earn the highest median salaries among graduates from the Group of Eight universities (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, medium-term - three years after graduating, 2023).
It typically takes around 2 years of full-time study to complete a master’s degree, though length varies between courses. With RPL, you may be able to fast-track your studies and graduate sooner.
If a master’s is not quite right for you, there are other postgraduate study options available. You can obtain a Graduate Certificate or a Graduate Diploma by completing one of the many short courses available at UNSW.