What Are Postgraduate Degrees and How Do You Choose One?

A postgraduate degree is a qualification you take after completing a bachelor's degree (or equivalent). It lets you deepen knowledge in a field, retrain for a new career, or build research skills. The right choice depends on your goal: a graduate certificate or master's for professional advancement, or a research degree if you want to produce original research. Before committing, check entry requirements, study mode, time commitment, fees, and whether the institution recognises your prior study.

Postgraduate degrees vs undergraduate degrees vs higher degrees by research

These three categories are often confused, so it helps to separate them by purpose and entry level.

The key distinction: postgraduate coursework is structured around units and assessments, while higher degrees by research are built around a supervised research project. La Trobe University, for example, lists "postgraduate courses" and "higher degrees by research" as separate categories on its site, which reflects this split.

Common types of postgraduate degrees

Graduate certificate and graduate diploma

Short coursework qualifications, usually one semester to one year full-time. They suit people who want a focused credential, a stepping stone into a master's, or a quick upskill. Entry often requires a bachelor's degree, though some programs accept substantial professional experience.

Master's degree (coursework)

Typically one to two years full-time. This is the most common postgraduate choice for career changers and professionals seeking specialisation. Entry generally requires a bachelor's degree; some programs also expect relevant work experience or a minimum grade average.

Master's degree (research) and doctorate

Research degrees are supervised programs assessed by thesis or equivalent. A master's by research usually takes one to two years; a doctorate typically three to four years full-time. Entry requires demonstrated research capability, often a bachelor's with a research component or a research master's. These sit within the "higher degrees by research" category.

How to choose a postgraduate degree

Work through these dimensions in order — they narrow the field quickly.

1. Start with the outcome. If you need a specific credential for a profession or promotion, a coursework master's or graduate certificate is usually the direct route. If you want to research a question in depth or pursue an academic or research career, look at HDR programs.
2. Check entry requirements against your record. Confirm whether your bachelor's is in a related field, whether work experience counts, and whether a minimum grade average applies. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) can shorten a program if you've completed relevant study — ask the institution directly, since policies vary.
3. Compare study modes and time commitment. Full-time, part-time, online, and blended options exist. Part-time study stretches the timeline but fits around work; check whether the specific program you want is offered in your preferred mode.
4. Look at cost and fees. Postgraduate fees vary by program and by whether you're a domestic or international student. Fee information is program-specific, so check the individual course page rather than assuming a general figure.
5. Assess the institution's strengths in your field. For example, La Trobe University describes itself as known for Social Sciences, Psychology, and Arts and Humanities — relevant if your target field overlaps. Match the department's focus to your goal rather than choosing on reputation alone.
6. Confirm recognition and accreditation. If the degree leads to a licensed profession, verify that the program is accredited by the relevant body before enrolling.

Practical considerations before you apply

• Time commitment: Coursework master's programs usually involve scheduled classes and assessments; research degrees are largely self-directed under supervision. Be realistic about hours per week alongside work or family commitments.
• Fees and funding: Fee structures differ between coursework and research programs and between domestic and international students. Check the specific course page and the university's plans and publications for current details.
• Recognition of prior learning: If you've already completed postgraduate units elsewhere, ask about credit transfer before applying — it can reduce both cost and duration.
• Institution-specific offerings: Universities structure their postgraduate portfolios differently. La Trobe, for instance, separates postgraduate coursework from higher degrees by research, so search within the correct category when browsing.

Where La Trobe fits

La Trobe University (Melbourne, Australia) offers both postgraduate courses and higher degrees by research, and its stated strengths in Social Sciences, Psychology, and Arts and Humanities make it a reasonable starting point if your intended field falls in those areas. Use its course listings to compare specific programs on entry requirements, mode, and duration, and confirm fee and recognition details on the individual course pages before applying.