First published 19 November 2020
Whether it’s to reskill, upskill or to outskill, postgraduate study is a great investment in your future. In fact, people with postgraduate qualifications can earn significantly more than those with bachelor degrees (according to studies by Graduate Careers Australia).
A postgraduate degree makes you more competitive in your industry, demonstrates your expertise in and commitment to your field, and signals to employers that you have a high level of skill.
Depending on the course, you can also graduate eligible for registration with professional organisations, or meet professional development requirements for your chosen career. You can even study courses to develop your skills as a leader, or help you change careers entirely. And, of course, postgraduate study is an opportunity to continue your lifelong learning journey.
If you’re ready to explore your further study options, get started with just four easy steps!
1. Decide what’s driving you
Are you looking to build on your skills, become a better leader, move into research, or just explore a new field you’re interested in?
QUT offers postgraduate courses that are designed to take you in any direction, whether that’s preparing you for a career in a whole new industry or learning a new specialisation in your current field.
Explore options to:
2. Explore study areas
QUT offers over 100 real-world courses to help you turn your passion into a rewarding career.
Study areas include:
- Building and planning
- Business
- Creative practice, communication and design
- Education
- Health and community
- Languages
- Law and justice
- Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)
Explore study areas
3. Decide which course is right for you
Postgraduate study can be either coursework or research, each with individual benefits. You need to decide which is best for you. Or, if you're looking for a quick upgrade of your skills, you can try a short course.
To make things easier, some of our courses can be broken down into smaller pieces, so you can opt in and out when it suits you. You might have the opportunity to study a graduate certificate now, and progress on to a graduate diploma or a masters when you're ready. Learn more about flexible pathways.
Graduate certificates
Graduate certificates are ideal if you want to quickly build your skills in a specific field. Study four units either full-time or part-time to complete a graduate certificate in your field of study. A graduate certificate can take as little as one semester to complete.
Graduate diplomas
Get more in depth with a graduate diploma. A graduate diploma typically builds on a graduate certificate. Study eight units either full-time or part-time to complete a graduate diploma in your field of study. A graduate diploma can be completed in two semesters.
Masters degrees
Take a deep dive into your field of interest, and develop real expertise. A masters degree is a further continuation of a graduate diploma, and can be completed in two to eight semesters. A masters by coursework lets you study a selection of units in your field.
Research degrees
If you’ve got a topic you’re passionate about, and you’re ready to explore it in depth, apply for a research degree. Find out more about our research programs.
4. Apply
Ready to submit your application? You can apply for most of our postgraduate courses year-round.
Depending on your educational background, and whether you’re an Australian, New Zealand, or International student, your applying process will be slightly different. See how to apply.
You might be eligible for advanced standing (credit) for previous study that you've done, either at QUT or at another institution. Find out more about how advanced standing works including what you can claim advanced standing for and when to apply.
For more information on study options, visit our postgraduate study page. To learn more about the benefits of postgraduate study, flexible pathway options, and short courses, see what to expect.
