A postgraduate qualification can help you deepen or broaden your skillset, and advance your career to the next level. Perhaps you have your sights set on a promotion, increasing your knowledge and skills, or standing out from the crowd in a competitive industry.
However, like most things in life, not all postgraduate qualifications are created equal. If you’re currently comparing courses, you’ll realise the importance of choosing one that aligns with both your career goals and your lifestyle preferences.
So what do the best postgraduate degrees have in common? If you’re looking to choose a masters degree, a graduate diploma, a graduate certificate, or a short course, here’s what you should consider first.
Flexible study options
It’s likely that you already have a lot going on in your life, and you need your postgraduate studies to fit around your other commitments.
You’re certainly not alone. With 87% of Deakin graduates continuing to work while studying, it’s important that flexibility is part of the course you choose. The best postgraduate degrees offer a high level of flexibility. That way, you can continue your career, keep up with family commitments and enjoy other interests while completing your postgraduate degree.
Plus, if you’re considering studying online, it’s important to choose a degree that gives you the flexibility you need to fit study into your life, while still providing a world-class, high-quality education.
Online study at Deakin means you can access all this and more. Participate in classes, study around your own schedule and access resources – wherever and whenever it suits you. So, while online study is traditionally an isolated task, Deakin’s premium online learning platform makes it a collaborative experience filled with support and encouragement.
This is on offer for masters programs, as well as graduate certificates and graduate diplomas – whichever level of postgraduate study suits your goals and fits into your life.
But if you’re looking for an opportunity to upskill without the semester-long commitment, a stackable short course is the perfect option.
You can complete a stackable short course as a standalone learning unit, or bank your credit towards a traditional postgraduate degree at Deakin to complete at a later time.
Study is 100% online and co-designed with industry so you'll gain sought-after skills to maximise your career potential.
Links to industry partnerships
Studying a course led by industry practitioners will also give you an added advantage when you’re looking to advance in your career or transition into a new field.
These days, innovative postgraduate study isn’t designed just to teach you the relevant skills or knowledge. It’s also an opportunity to connect with leaders in your industry and understand industry expectations.
When choosing postgraduate study that is right for you, it helps to consider how important it is to enhance yourself professionally through real-world learning and links to industry, so you can be ready to apply your skills as soon as you gain them.
Deakin offers students industry links in a variety of ways:
- working with industries to ensure each course helps students to graduate job-ready, whether it’s for your first professional job or a promotion
- learning from Deakin academics with practical, real-world experience - who are active participants in industry and thought leaders in their fields
- the ability to connect with experts, industry contacts and a network of peers who will become valuable professional connections.
The support to make it work
Postgraduate study might sound like a solo activity, but it’s actually a team effort.
Surrounding yourself with a great support team gives you the chance to succeed at your studies, especially in challenging times. That support team might include mentors, classmates, family and friends, and your employer.
You can ask your employer to support you in a number of ways. They might be able to help you financially, provide access to information to help your studies, or offer flexible working hours. An understanding employer can make a big difference to your success in studying.
You also need a supportive university that understands how tough it can be to reach your goals. That’s why Deakin offers in-person and online support, so you can:
- make an appointment with a learning adviser
- connect with a peer mentor
- access online support through the short course Preparing to Succeed and Study Support resources.
With so much wonderful support on hand, there’s no doubt that your postgraduate studies can be a great experience, helping you dive deep into a specialty field and taking your career to new heights.
Take a look through Deakin’s range of postgraduate degrees and stackable short courses to help you stand out from the crowd in your industry.