Coursework programs

Graduate certificate

Graduate certificates are usually one semester full-time or equivalent part-time in duration, requiring the completion of units of study totalling at least 24 credit points, and usually have entry requirements of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. In some faculties, the graduate certificate course is used as an entry point to graduate studies for persons with no formal tertiary qualifications.

Graduate diploma

Graduate diplomas are offered in a majority of faculties. In some cases the graduate diploma is offered in a specialist area such as the Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling. In other cases the graduate diploma provides a framework within which specific subject areas are further identified such as the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science.

Graduate diplomas are typically two semesters full-time or four semesters part-time, normally requiring the completion of units of study totalling at least 36 credit points, and have entry requirements of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Coursework master's degree

The University of Sydney offers two types of master’s degrees by coursework: the Advanced – Learning Master's degree which builds on prior undergraduate study in the discipline, and the Professional Master's degree, which prepares the student for professional entry or professional accreditation. Master's degrees typically have a minimum period of full-time candidature of one or two years and longer maximum periods as well as longer periods for part-time candidature. Coursework master’s degrees normally require the completion of units of study totalling at least 48 credit points.

Articulation

Often programs are arranged so that there can be articulation between a graduate certificate, a graduate diploma and a master’s degree. Articulation allows smoother transfer from one qualification to another within the same area (from a graduate certificate to a graduate diploma, for example), and can provide a stepping-stone to a master’s degree for students who might not initially be qualified for direct admission.

Articulation also allows students to leave a program of study with differing qualifications depending on how much of the course has been completed at the time they wish to exit. If a student enrolled in a graduate diploma has completed 24 credit points but needs to withdraw from further study, for example, an articulated program may permit them to exit with a graduate certificate in the same subject area.