Graduate Careers Australia
The Graduate Grapevine - Number 2, December 2005
Postgraduate Study: Researching the Options
The Graduate Careers Australia Postgraduate Destinations 2004 report examines the post-study destinations ofgraduates of postgraduate qualifications in 2004. Theseinclude graduate and postgraduate certificates anddiplomas, masters coursework degrees, masters researchdegrees and PhDs.
The report is based on an annual national Graduate Destination Survey (GDS) of new graduates fromall institutions of higher education, and is based on112,478 responses from 201,328 recent graduates.
The report indicates that, as the number of bachelor degree graduates in Australia grows, some decide to undertake postgraduate study in order to fine-tune their initial qualification or to differentiate themselves in a competitive labour market. Others go into further study to develop their careers with a current employer or as part of a career change process.
There are broad differences in the nature of postgraduate qualifications, with coursework degrees such as graduate and postgraduate certificates and diplomas, and masters coursework degrees often being favoured by those already in employment or those active in the labour market. Research degrees such as PhDs and research masters qualifications are often favoured by those essentially furthering a research interest developed in their undergraduate years.
As such, employment figures for various levels of postgraduate award can differ markedly. The report contains a wealth of data about postgraduate study outcomes, and people can do some research using GradsOnline (GCA’s searchable graduate destination database, can be accessed from our website at www.graduatecareers.com.au), or by purchasing a copy of the report through the shop on the website.
GCA is often asked about the ‘best courses’ for people to undertake. Beyond our statistics, there is no ‘best postgraduate course’ for those interested in further education and training. Those interested in postgraduate study need to choose a course and institution based on many factors, such as the Field of Education or research offered (particularly important for research degrees), the flexibility of delivery (important for part-time students in particular), the level of award offered and the cost of study.
Some institutions offer ‘nested’ coursework qualifications, with students able undertake a coursework masters degree but able to opt to graduate early with a graduate or postgraduate certificate or diploma.
Postgraduate study can represent a notable investment for students, and those considering this direction need to research and understand their options. Figures from GradsOnline can help people to build their awareness of available options, and many institutions have course and careers advisers who can also assist the decisionmaking process.
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