UWA Handbook 2024

Congratulations on your decision to continue your education at The University of Western Australia. Postgraduate qualifications have become expected in a global workforce and they can be the defining factor in your future career pathway.

Whether you're planning to do honours, a professional degree, a coursework degree or a research project, our postgraduate courses will provide you with a solid, far-reaching education that sharpens your creative and critical thinking. Your UWA degree will help you to develop the ability to work anywhere in the world while being able to accept and adapt to change.

Completing an honours degree prepares you for higher-degree study at master's and PhD level, and demonstrates to prospective employers a higher capacity for independent learning and research.

If you've chosen to pursue a professional qualification, you will be completing a postgraduate course having finished your undergraduate bachelor's degree course. Having both an undergraduate and a postgraduate qualification will give you a competitive edge in a global workforce when you enter your profession.

Postgraduate coursework provides you with the opportunity to develop a thorough understanding of an area of study, diversify your educational background and/or obtain specific vocational training.

A postgraduate research course involves an intensive research component. Through the research process you will not only extend your understanding of the subject area, but develop advanced analytical and project management skills and the ability to work independently. All of these skills are highly valued in the workforce and essential to an academic career.

Thank you for choosing UWA as the next step towards your future career.

Professor Imelda Whelehan
Dean of Graduate Research School

Professor David Sadler
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)

UWA offers postgraduate degree courses by coursework and/or research.

Coursework

Postgraduate coursework provides you with the opportunity to develop a thorough understanding of an area of study, diversify your educational background and/or obtain specific professional training.

Research

A postgraduate research course involves an intensive research component. Through the research process you will not only extend your understanding of your subject area, but develop advanced analytical and project management skills and the ability to work independently. All of these skills are highly valued in the workplace and are essential to an academic or research career.

Listing by course type

Coursework

Postgraduate certificate
Postgraduate diploma
Master's degree by coursework only
Master's degree by coursework and dissertation
Master's degree by coursework or by coursework and dissertation
Master's by coursework (extended)
Professional practice master's degree

Research

Master's degree by thesis and coursework
Master's degree by research (thesis only)
Master's degree by research (creative work)
Master's degree by research (thesis and creative work)
PhD
Clinical master's degree
Doctorate by Research
Higher doctorate
Professional Doctorate by thesis and coursework

Combined courses

Combined postgraduate (coursework only and thesis only)

Packaged double award courses

Packaged double award