What is a postgraduate coursework degree?
‘Coursework’ is used to describe structured programs where the majority of work is selected from a list of units of study.
Postgraduate coursework degrees have set classes and an outline for each unit of study. Some courses allow you to enrol in a research project where you can specialise in an area of interest under supervision.
Coursework degrees differ from research degrees, where students undertake 66% or 100% research and produce an original work of scholarship. See Research Degrees.
There are several different types of postgraduate coursework programs that vary in length and depth of study. There are also a number of standalone courses.
Details of each postgraduate coursework type are provided below. For a list of postgraduate coursework degrees, see course information.
Masters by Coursework
A Masters Degree by Coursework is a unit-based program providing graduates with an opportunity to enhance career prospects, update or add to their skills or simply pursue and area of deep interest.
Monash Arts offers a diverse and exciting range of masters by coursework programs in more than thirty disciplines.
72 point Masters
The majority are 72-point programs and are taken over 1.5 years if studying full-time or 3 years if studying part-time. While these programs are unit based they often include the option of doing a 12 or 24 point research project. These programs also include exit points. If you successfully complete 48 points you can exit with a graduate diploma award or a graduate certificate if you complete 24 points.
48 point Masters
One-year (48 point) programs is offered in bioethics. Students take 48 points of coursework units at level 5 and normally complete the course in one year full-time study or two years part-time. In some cases a research project of 12 or more points may be included.
Double Masters
Double masters (96 point) programs are offered in journalism, and there is a double masters in French interpreting and translation.
Postgraduate and Graduate Diplomas
Both programs are completed in one year of full time study or two years part time. The prerequisite for entry to these programs is a bachelors degree.
Postgraduate Diploma
Postgraduate diplomas are designed to give you the opportunity to build on the knowledge gained in your bachelors degree by completing more advanced studies in your major or minor.
Graduate Diploma
Graduate diplomas come in two forms. A number of our graduate programs are shorter versions of the Masters by Coursework degrees. They extend a student's knowledge in a specialist area and also provide a pathway to Masters by Coursework.
In contrast, stand-alone graduate diplomas give you the opportunity to add a new discipline to your undergraduate studies. More information is provided on these courses below, see stand-alone qualifications.
Graduate and Faculty Certificates
Certificate programs are short courses designed for those who have no formal university degree but who have professional experience. They can be completed in 6 months if studying full-time and 12 months part-time. If you are interested in enhancing your vocational skills or preparing for further study, these courses may suit your needs.
If you complete a certificate program with a credit average or above you can apply to transfer to a graduate or postgraduate diploma and receive a maximum of 50 percent credit towards completion of that diploma.
Please note, certificate courses are not available to international students unless enrolling by off-campus learning outside Australia.
Stand Alone Qualifications
These stand-alone courses are not linked to our Masters programs:
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Research)
Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Linguistics
Graduate Diploma in Japanese Language
Graduate Certificate in Research Ethics