Study levels and options
We offer various study options designed to fit your goals and lifestyle, from bachelor degrees to PhDs and diplomas to short courses.
Discover your options
Whether you’re just starting out or want to advance your career, Swinburne has a variety of courses to suit you.
Browse course types by study level:
Vocational education
Also known as TAFE, vocational education courses equip you with practical skills and hands-on experience to be job-ready in less time than a university degree. Learn about our TAFE courses including certificates, diplomas, traineeships, apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.
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Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship gives you on-the-job training while you learn a trade, earn money, and complete your qualification.
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Certificates
A vocational education certificate from TAFE is great for accessing hands-on, practical work in areas that require more than just basic or entry-level knowledge.
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Diplomas
Diplomas are designed to give you the practical skills and technical expertise to enter the workforce or prepare you for further study.
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Pre-apprenticeships
A pre-apprenticeship equips you with the basic skills employers will be looking for when hiring apprentices.
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Traineeships
A traineeship provides on-the-job training for non-trade professions. You’ll earn money and get your qualification at the same time.
Undergraduate
Your university journey starts with an undergraduate degree. Learn about our undergraduate courses including associate, bachelor, double and honours degrees.
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Associate degrees
Our associate degrees are two-year tertiary qualifications that will prepare you for a career as a paraprofessional or highly-skilled worker, or for further study in your field.
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Bachelor degrees
Often the first experience at university for people leaving school, a bachelor degree provides you with the theory and knowledge to begin a professional career.
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Double degrees
Studying a double degree will allow you to study two areas at once and shows a higher level of expertise to future employers
Postgraduate
Postgraduate study is the next step after you’ve completed a bachelor degree, allowing you to upskill and advance your professional or academic career. Learn about our postgraduate courses including graduate certificates and diplomas, master degrees, and doctoral (PhD) degrees.
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Doctor of Philosophy
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is focused around a significant, original piece of research that demonstrates a critical knowledge and understanding of a particular research area.
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Graduate certificate courses
Find out all you need to know about studying a graduate certificate. Browse and apply for courses spanning health, business, IT, design, creative industries and science. -
Graduate diploma courses
Whether you're looking to bolster your resume, or study a postgraduate course without diving right into a masters, a graduate diploma - usually 1 to 2 years in duration - is a great place to start.
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Master degrees
Master degrees are the next step after a bachelor’s degree, designed to extend your expertise in a particular field and prepare you for the next step in your career.
Transitioning to a degree
Pathways help you meet the entry criteria for a degree. You’ll start with a certificate or diploma, move through qualification levels, then transition to a degree once you’ve successfully completed your pathway course. Learn about our pathway courses including our English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), Swinburne Foundation Program, Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP), and UniLink diplomas.
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ELICOS
Are you an international student wanting to improve your English language skills? Explore our English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS).
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Foundation program
A foundation program is a great pathway for international students to start their studies and eventually transition into a bachelor degree at Swinburne.
Other study options
Whether you’re interested in professional development, learning a new skill, or just studying for fun, we have plenty of options designed to match your study goals. Learn about our single units of study and short courses, including trade short courses.
FAQs
Although a graduate certificate or graduate diploma (Grad Dip) sound similar to a diploma, they are different. As postgraduate courses, you can only study a graduate certificate or graduate diploma if you previously studied a bachelor degree or have relevant work experience.
TAFE certificates and diplomas (including UniLink diplomas) provide practical training with a focus on knowledge that can be applied in the workplace. TAFE diplomas may also offer a pathway into a bachelor degree.
The difference between a diploma and an advanced diploma is the extra study time to undertake more advanced learning through additional units.
While entry into a postgraduate course with industry experience and no formal qualification is possible, entry into most graduate diploma courses requires a minimum of a bachelor degree. You can find specific information about entry requirements on each course page.
From vocational education and undergraduate to postgraduate study, Swinburne has online study options at all levels. You have the option to choose from courses that are entirely online as well as others that mix on-campus learning with online units.
Yes, and you may be eligible to receive credit for units completed in courses at other educational institutions. Check out our credit calculator to see how much credit you may be awarded.
Need help finding the right course?
Get in touch with our team to discuss your options.