Postgraduate learners

Study a Master's or PhD at UC

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Postgraduate learners

Study built around your life

Postgraduate study is a big decision — especially when you’re balancing work, family, and everything else life throws at you. At UC, we get that. Whether you’re returning to study, shifting careers, or deepening your expertise, we offer flexible, career-focused options that respect the experience you already bring.

If you’ve built skills through work, we’ll help you turn that into academic credit through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). You may be able to enter postgrad study directly based on your work experience. We also offer TAFE and CIT-aligned pathways, so you can upskill without starting from scratch. 

At UC, you’ll find:

  • Flexible formats — online, part-time, hybrid
  • Credit for experience — fast-track with RPL
  • Support for wellbeing, learning, and life balance
  • Practical, personal, career-focused teaching

Master’s graduates earn around 35% more than those with just an undergraduate degree. But more than that, postgrad study can help shape the next chapter of your story. 

Balance study with your lifestyle

Flexible class times

Juggle work, life and study with flexible lecture, workshop and tutorial times.

Part-time study

Study part-time from day one, or switch to part-time at any point during your course.

Study online

With 100% online, blended and in person study modes, choose when, where and how you study.

Flexible class times

Juggle work, life and study with flexible lecture, workshop and tutorial times.

Part-time study

Study part-time from day one, or switch to part-time at any point during your course.

Study online

With 100% online, blended and in person study modes, choose when, where and how you study.

Get a course guide

Learn more about pathways to study at UC, our support services, and scholarships.

Learn about our study areas

Arts
Built Environment
Business
Communication and Media
Design
Education
Health
Law
Government
Science
Sport
Technology

Your entry options

We’ll consider a number of factors when assessing your application to study, including your academic history and relevant work experience. 

Prior study

If you've completed a Bachelor's degree, it can be used to apply for your preferred course. In certain circumstances, we'll also consider non-university qualifications like Advanced Diploma's, Certificate II, III and IV's.

Professional experience

Even if you've never been to university before, you may be eligible to apply for a postgraduate course based on a combination of your previous work experience and qualifications. 

Find out more about your entry options

Complete your degree in stages

If the idea of committing to a full master’s degree is too daunting, then don’t worry – we’ve got you. Many of our postgraduate degrees are structured to include flexible starting and finishing points, meaning you can choose from a:

Graduate certificate

Typical duration: six months full-time

A graduate certificate is the first stage of postgraduate study, and can be a great way to introduce yourself to a new topic. It takes around six months to complete, or the part-time equivalent.

Graduate diploma

Typical duration: one year full-time

A graduate diploma is the second stage of postgraduate study, taking one year full-time to complete (or the part-time equivalent), or six-months if you've already studied a graduate certificate.

Master's degree by coursework

Typical duration: one-and-a-half to two years full-time

A full master's degree takes around one-and-a-half to two years of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent), or possibly less if you've completed a graduate certificate or graduate diploma.

Graduate certificate

Typical duration: six months full-time

A graduate certificate is the first stage of postgraduate study, and can be a great way to introduce yourself to a new topic. It takes around six months to complete, or the part-time equivalent.

Graduate diploma

Typical duration: one year full-time

A graduate diploma is the second stage of postgraduate study, taking one year full-time to complete (or the part-time equivalent), or six-months if you've already studied a graduate certificate.

Master's degree by coursework

Typical duration: one-and-a-half to two years full-time

A full master's degree takes around one-and-a-half to two years of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent), or possibly less if you've completed a graduate certificate or graduate diploma.

Credit transfer

If you have previously completed study at university, TAFE or another registered training provider, you may be eligible for credit towards your courses, allowing you to complete your dream degree sooner. 

Learn more about credit transfer

Consider your study costs

Understanding the costs of studying a degree is an important part of getting prepared for university. There are lots of factors to consider, but it doesn’t mean university is unaffordable.

As a domestic student, you’re eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in all undergraduate and some postgraduate courses. You may also be eligible for a government HELP loan, which allows you to study now and pay later through the governments income tax system.

Learn more about fees and costs

"I decided to study postgrad because I was looking for career progression and personal growth. The flexibility and delivery format were things that sold me on UC."

Nick Anasson

Master of Strategic Communication

Experience UC

Beyond your lectures, tutorials, labs and library time, there’s plenty of hours left in the day to experience a full and fun social life at UC. Join one of our clubs or societies, meet friends on campus for events, gigs or market days, or get involved in sport, art, music, languages and so much more. Join one of our regular campus tours to check out the learning spaces and facilities at our Bruce campus and hear about the services available to students.

Find out more
Take a virtual campus tour

Explore our campus accommodation

Campus accommodation preview

Main

If you’re considering relocating to Canberra for your studies, have you thought about staying on campus? With many affordable student accommodation options available, as an undergrad or postgrad student you’ll be at the heart of everything the UC community has to offer.

From the campus library, supermarkets, UC Hospital and medical facilities to cafés, bars and restaurants, you’ll have everything you need right at your doorstep. Explore our various on-campus residence options tailored to suit your needs.

UC Lodge

Lodge introduction

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Located on campus with modern spaces to lounge and study in, enjoy everything UC has to offer in one of UC Lodge’s 353 apartments or studios.

Weeden Lodge

Lodge introduction

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Based in Belconnen near shopping, restaurants, cafés and Lake Ginninderra, Weeden Lodge offers 309 stylish apartments and studios close to campus.

Cooper Lodge

Lodge introduction

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Close to the UC Library, cafés, a supermarket and a bar, Cooper Lodge has 296 apartments and studios suitable for those who are as social as they are studious.

Campus West

Lodge introduction

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Set out like a village while being staffed and secure, Campus West strikes the perfect balance between student housing and independent living.

How to apply

1

Choose your course

2

Gather supporting documents

3

Submit your application