Graduate Diplomas

Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas (Level 8). Graduate certificates and graduate diplomas in Australia take approximately one year after earning a Bachelor level degree (level 7). Whether you have a certificate or a diploma is dependent only on the school; there is no real difference between each. After you complete a certificate or diploma at level 8, you will have the skills you need for advanced job positions or for further postgraduate education.

 Some people will choose to pursue a graduate certificate to obtain a graduate level education without the time commitment and energy or because they are not pursuing an academic endeavor. They may also pursue a graduate certificate because they are considering a change in career or desire to pursue a Master’s degree in a field that is not related to their Bachelor’s degree. Note: For more information about the Level 8 Undergraduate Honours Degree, please see our page about undergraduate education. You can find more information about Level 8 Honours Degrees there.

Master’s Degrees (Level 9). Master’s degrees are one of the higher levels of postgraduate education. These degrees are usually focused on research and academia instead of advancement in the work force. You will likely see those who are already employed in Master’s degree programs.

If you pursue a Master’s degree, you will have more of a focus on your chosen field of study than you did during your bachelor’s studies. This is the case because there are no general education requirements related to the degree. It takes approximately two years of study (after earning your Bachelor’s degree) for you to obtain a Master’s level degree. Many people take on a Master’s degree in order to pursue employment in a research field or to go on and receive a doctorate level degree.