What is a master degree?

Whether you’re looking to upskill, further your career or change it entirely, our master programs will give you the specialised knowledge and skills to do so.

Some of our master degrees are offered in nested suites with the relevant graduate certificate and graduate diploma. This means that, should you need to, you can exit after four units with a graduate certificate, after eight units with a graduate diploma, or complete all 12 units and graduate with a master. Some master degrees have more units but those same exit points usually apply. 

We offer a diverse range of master degrees across a variety of study areas, including engineering, design, IT, psychology and more. Alternatively, a graduate certificate can give you a taster before committing to a master qualification.

Master by research

A master degree by research is designed to show mastery of inquiry in a field of a discipline or profession. You’ll undertake supervised research and complete a thesis of 50,000 to 60,000 words.

Master by coursework

A master degree by coursework gives a high-level overview and theoretical analysis of a specific field of study or professional practice. It’s the final step for anyone who completed graduate certificates and graduate diplomas.

Professional Master

A professional master degree is a master by coursework that includes the Career Success Program. 

The Career Success Program

Our two-year Career Success program is delivered alongside your professional master course and is designed to get you ready for new career opportunities.

  • You’ll have access to career coaching sessions and workshops, industry events, as well as:
  • Personalised career coaching: one-on-one sessions to design a career plan with a specialist, including job application and interview coaching.
  • Employer networking: attend networking events to build connections with prospective employers.
  • Skill development: learn professional communication and presentation skills. 
  • Industry project: gain professional experience by partnering with Australian and global employers (based in Melbourne) to work on an actual project to add to your CV.

The Career Success Program is a key feature of our professional master degrees and is made up of four units, delivered on weekends and during the mid-semester break.

Please note that the Career Success Program is included in professional master degrees only.

What is a graduate diploma?

A graduate diploma is the second stage of a master degree focused on learning additional professional skills, critical analysis, theory and practice. These courses are designed for people learning new skills, or as recognition for anyone without a formal qualification.

What is a graduate certificate?

This is an entry-level postgraduate qualification, and usually the first step in a master degree. This is best suited to recent graduates of degree courses, or professional workers. The difference between a graduate certificate and a graduate diploma is usually the length of study and the depth of specialist knowledge covered.

Browse our master degree courses

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