Choosing your degree

UNSW offers a range of different education programs from preparatory programs which prepare you for entry to university, undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs through to short course options. 

Degree options include undergraduate degrees, and postgraduate degrees by coursework and research. 

Not everyone comes to university to study for a full degree. You might choose to enrol in a pathway that will help you prepare for a degree, or you may simply want to study a single unit or short course.

The information below will summarise what is generally available to you across Australian higher education, however, you will need more detailed information about your areas of interest.

It is a good idea to decide on more than one area or discipline at the start of your exploration of what you might study. This will depend on what job you want to perform once you finish your studies.

An undergraduate degree is the first level of higher education after high school and serves as a foundation for advanced study or entry into a professional field. Most undergraduate degree programs are between three and five years (full-time). The most common types of undergraduate degrees are:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): focuses on humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts.

• Bachelor of Science (BSc or BS): emphasises scientific, technical, or professional fields.

• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng): concentrates on engineering disciplines.

• Bachelor of Business (BBus): focuses on business and management studies.

Completing an undergraduate degree typically involves a mix of general education courses and specialised courses related to a major or concentration.

It will take longer to complete your degree if you choose to study part-time. That said, a more flexible schedule often suits veterans who are combining study with existing work, raising a family or other non-university commitments. 

An undergraduate degree may involve:

• Core - compulsory units for all students in a program

• Majors - a series of eight courses in a specialist area

• Minors - a series of four courses in a specialist area

• Electives – free choice courses outside of the prescribed program that a student can choose for themselves

• Prerequisites - units that need to be successfully completed before a student can enrol in the next course in the sequence.

An undergraduate degree is Level 7 on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

A postgraduate degree is an advanced academic degree that you pursue after completing an undergraduate (bachelor's) degree. Postgraduate degrees are designed to deepen knowledge in a specific field or area of study and can involve both coursework and research. There are several types of postgraduate degrees:

1. Postgraduate diploma/certificate: shorter programs than a master's degree, often focused on practical skills or specific professional development. AQF Level 8. 

2. Master's degree: typically requires one to two years of study after a bachelor's degree. Examples include Master of Science (MSc), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Business Administration (MBA). AQF Level 9. 

3. Doctoral degree (PhD/DPhil): the highest level of academic degree, often involving several years of research and the completion of a dissertation. Examples include Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Medicine (MD).  AQF Level 10. 

4. Professional doctorate: Similar to a PhD but focused more on practical application in a professional context, such as Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). AQF Level 10. 

Postgraduate degrees are typically pursued by individuals seeking to specialise in a field, conduct research, advance their careers or make a career change.

When you’re considering studying at university, you’ll often hear about two types of degrees: generalist and specialist. Understanding the difference between them is crucial in choosing the right path for your future.

Generalist degree

A generalist degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc), provides a broad range of knowledge across various subjects. This type of degree is comparable to the role of a General Service Officer (GSO) in the ADF. Just as a GSO receives training in various aspects of leadership, operations, and management, a generalist degree offers you the flexibility to study a variety of subjects, equipping you with a wide skill set that can be applied in many different careers.

A RAEME Officer within the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers can be seen as a generalist. RAEME Officers oversee and coordinate a wide range of maintenance, repair, and recovery operations across different types of equipment and vehicles. They need to have a broad understanding of various technical areas, from vehicle mechanics to electronics and armament, which is akin to the diverse subjects covered in a generalist degree. Their role involves leadership, operational planning, and decision-making across multiple disciplines, much like how a generalist degree prepares you for various career paths.

Specialist degree

A specialist degree, such as a Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor Medicine, focuses on a specific field of study and provides in-depth knowledge and skills in that area. This is like the role of a Legal Officer in the ADF, or any Specialist Service Officer, who has received specialist, focused, training in their particular field to become an expert.

For instance, if you pursue a Bachelor of Engineering, you’ll dive deep into subjects like mechanical engineering, electrical systems, and materials science. A specialist degree is perfect if you have a clear career path in mind and want to gain expertise in a specific field.

Within the Royal Australian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, a Craftsman represents a specialist. RAEME soldiers are highly trained in specific technical trades, such as vehicle mechanics, electronics, or armament. Their focused expertise allows them to perform specialised tasks with precision, ensuring that the Army’s equipment is operational and ready for deployment. This role is analogous to a specialist degree, where the focus is on developing deep expertise in a particular subject area.

UNSW offers various study modes, allowing students to choose between online, face-to-face, and hybrid options depending on their program and needs.

Here's a breakdown of each mode: