Postgraduate

Experience has no substitute

JCU Daintree Rainforest Observatory

North Queensland, Australia

Making a difference

JCU Orpheus Island Research Station

North Queensland, Australia

A postgraduate degree enables you to deepen your understanding of your chosen field, whether through practical, contemporary-focused coursework, or in-depth research components. JCU offers Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters, Masters (Professional), Professional Doctorate and Doctor of Philosophy qualifications in a range of fields. These are generally divided into two categories – coursework degrees and research degrees.

Coursework qualifications include Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. These aim to build on your undergraduate degree by focusing the learning into specific, advanced subject areas. Equip yourself with the high-level knowledge and skills necessary for career advancement and development. Coursework degrees require the completion of a set number of units and may require a practical or work-experience component.

Research degrees, also known as Higher Degrees by Research (HDR), are comprised of a program of supervised original research in a chosen discipline. Learning is undertaken independently, with no lectures or classes to attend. Research degrees are ideal for students who wish to work in academia or who are looking to introduce high-level research into their existing profession. Qualifications include Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy and Professional Doctorates.

JCU postgraduate students benefit from strong industry partnerships and expert research advisors to assist you on your study journey.

Most coursework degrees require the successful completion of a related Bachelor’s degree.

Entry into research degrees may require more advanced qualifications, such as an Honours degree. Many also have GPA benchmarks. Speaking with a student advisor about your specific degree choice is a great way to understand the options available to you.

For those without strong research experience, JCU offers a one-year Graduate Diploma of Research Methods to assist you in developing the skills required for Higher Degrees by Research. The six-month Graduate Certificate of Research Methods is also an option for those who wish to strengthen their basic research skills before commencing a research degree.

Credit is often available for subjects studied at other institutions and informal learning such as work experience can also help you complete your course sooner.