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Further study

If you have enjoyed your studies up till now, you may well be considering the option of further study. There is a range of options for further study, from making an in-depth study of an area of your discipline that has interested you, to studying something quite different, often aimed at a particular vocation.
Final year students are often unclear about the nature of postgraduate study and the relevance of the different types of further study. What follows is a short review of the kinds of further study opportunities that exist and the possible employment implications.

Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma

Postgraduate certificates and diplomas usually take respectively, half a year and one year full-time or equivalent. They typically comprise courses similar to an undergraduate degree and sometimes include an independent study or short project that is taken for credit. They can either build on undergraduate studies or establish a different vocational direction from the previous degree. Some postgraduate diplomas and certificates have the completion of a specific degree as a prerequisite for entry, while others simply require the completion of any undergraduate degree. Some postgraduate certificates are structured to lead directly to the diploma, and some postgraduate diplomas are structured to lead directly to coursework masters degrees (with credit).
These qualifications usually increase the marketability of graduates by the addition of knowledge and skills, strengthening the career focus of your studies after a generalist degree, or changing your career focus. The diploma may also serve as a pre-service qualification, for eg, a Dip.Ed. is a one or two-year pre-service qualification for those with a degree who want to become teachers.

Honours

Honours is usually one year (or equivalent) of fairly intense full-time study which builds on a discipline studied at undergraduate level. It usually involves a combination of coursework and research and students need to meet specific academic standards in their initial degree to gain entry to an honours program.
Honours is important for professional roles in research-related areas like science. It is of interest to some employers because it is academically rigorous and highly specialised. It is traditionally the first step towards an academic career or PhD study.

Masters Degree

Masters degrees are offered either by coursework or research or a combination. By coursework, they involve course-based study (often honours level courses) and sometimes include an independent study or thesis. Some coursework masters degrees do not require previous study in the specific discipline and in some cases, applicants require relevant work experience to be admitted. These degrees take a minimum of one year full-time or equivalent, but frequently take longer.
Masters by research degrees usually take a minimum of two years to complete and require previous study in the discipline. Candidates undertake research and present a thesis. Students sometimes have their work converted to studies towards a PhD if the work is considered to be developing to the required standard and scope.
Masters degrees are often well regarded for employment purposes, especially when complemented by some years of work experience. In some fields such as dentistry or teaching the Masters is a pre-service program allowing more specialisation such as for an orthodontist or special skills teacher. Coursework masters are becoming the vehicle for some graduate 'conversion courses' where graduates of any discipline do a masters program instead of another undergraduate degree to achieve professional accreditation (such as in accountancy).

PhD

For the award of PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) candidates undertake a significant piece of research over a number of years and present a thesis on the results of the research. Studies toward a PhD are typically considered to be very demanding. The PhD is the premier research qualification.
A PhD is highly regarded in research roles or where highly specialised knowledge is required. It is a prerequisite for a permanent academic position in most universities.

Non University Awards

Some professions require awards that are offered by professional institutes for full accreditation. These courses are well recognised by people in their particular industries. Courses provide strong work-related knowledge and skills and are often a prerequisite for advancement in their industry.

Advanced Certificate and Diploma

These are available through TAFE and other providers. They are normally two years long and typically have a strong vocational orientation.
Generally, graduates do not see a benefit in taking these courses after a degree, unless for a specific purpose. Degrees would normally be considered to supersede this level of study. In some instances courses do lead to specific areas not usually attainable by degree study (eg, travel industry qualifications).

Visit the University of Adelaide Postgraduate Prospectus.

Scholarships for Postgraduate Study

Approximately 200 scholarships are available each year to support study towards a PhD or Masters degree by research. The scholarships include a living allowance with a minimum equivalent to the Australian Postgraduate Award rate ($18,009 in 2003) and assistance with costs incurred in the production of the thesis. Most students enrolling in a PhD or Masters degree by research will also be eligible for an RTS place excluding them from incurring a further HECS debt.
The University offers a number of postgraduate coursework awards that can be used for study towards a Masters degree by coursework. The awards include a living allowance equivalent to the Australian Postgraduate Award rate ($18,009 in 2003) but do not cover the tuition fees.
Further information on scholarships for postgraduate study can be found at www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre or by contacting the Graduate Centre:
Ph - 8303 5882
Email: scholarships@adelaide.edu.au