Imagine yourself equipped with superior knowledge, new professional networks and specialist skills and where these could take you. A graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master's degree from the Australian National University (ANU) opens doors to exciting career opportunities.
The advantage of graduate certificate and graduate diploma programs is that they are shorter and allow you to explore a discipline without immediately committing to a master's degree. Plus, they can earn you credit points if a master's degree is something you decide to pursue later.
Here's a breakdown of the three ANU postgraduate qualifications that can take your career to the next level. If a job is not your priority, a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master's degree can also pave the way to exploring something you're passionate about.
1. Graduate certificate
Typically requiring 24 units of study, a graduate certificate is a specialised qualification that allows you to explore a new field or enhance your existing knowledge in just six months of full-time (or a year of part-time) study.
Graduate certificates are a great option for developing advanced specialist knowledge and skills within your chosen field and advancing your career. Taking around six months to a year, the coursework and learning outcomes are usually focused and practical.
This postgraduate study pathway also costs less than a graduate diploma or master's degree.
Start your ANU journey towards a master's degree with a graduate certificate or a graduate diploma—or leap straight into a master's degree.
2. Graduate diploma
A graduate diploma at ANU serves as a halfway point between a graduate certificate and a master's program. It typically requires 48 units and one year of full-time (or two years of part-time) study. A graduate diploma allows you to explore a specific subject area more deeply than a graduate certificate.
This is a postgraduate study pathway worth considering if you're seeking new technical skills or knowledge before making a career move. Graduate diplomas are a great way to focus on a niche or practical area of your industry and can help you secure more senior or specialised roles.
In some cases, the difference between a master's and a graduate diploma could be the amount of intensive coursework and research subjects. You'll study less of these in graduate diploma programs.
Taking less time than a master's degree, a graduate diploma also costs less. A big plus is that the subjects within this postgraduate study pathway usually come from a related master's degree, so you'll cover some of the same material.
ANU offers a diverse range of postgraduate programs across various disciplines, and leading experts teach them in state-of-the-art facilities.
3. Master's degree
Are you thinking of pursuing a master's degree straight away? ANU offers a variety of master's programs, typically requiring completion of 48 or 72 units or one to two years of full-time (or two to four years part-time) study.
Unique to ANU are also two-year flexible double master's degrees. These explore art history and curatorial studies, contemporary art, digital humanities and public culture, diplomacy, history, management, Pacific development, and social research methods. Complete studies for one of these programs and you'll graduate with two master's degrees.
Most ANU master's programs require you to complete a bachelor's degree with a grade point average of 5/7. If you don't meet this requirement, start by completing a graduate diploma program in a similar discipline.
Supportive study environment
You'll find a supportive and stimulating environment at ANU for postgraduate students. Our highly qualified academic staff, modern facilities, small class sizes and intense focus on research will help you achieve your educational and professional aspirations. And when you finish studying, you'll join Australia's most employable graduates. *
*Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking 2024
You'll find a supportive and stimulating environment at ANU for postgraduate students.
Which postgraduate degree is right for you?
When selecting your graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master's program, explore the following factors:
- Your academic interests and career goals.
- The program's curriculum and research opportunities.
- The faculty's expertise and reputation.
- The potential for pursuing a master's degree related to your chosen pathway.
ANU offers a diverse range of postgraduate programs across various disciplines, and leading experts teach them in state-of-the-art facilities.
Postgraduate programs at ANU explore various disciplines and are taught in small classes by world-renowned leaders in their fields.
Choose your postgraduate program
ANU offers you graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master's degrees in:
- Arts, Society, and Culture
- Government, Policy, Asia-Pacific and International Relations
- Business and Commerce
- Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics
- Health and Medical Studies
- Law and Legal Studies
- Natural, Physical, and Environmental Sciences
You can apply to study for a postgraduate qualification at ANU throughout the year.
How to apply for a postgraduate study at ANU
You can apply to study for an ANU graduate certificate, diploma or master's program at any time of the year.
ANU postgraduate programs typically require an undergraduate degree or a combination of academic qualifications and relevant work experience.
Start your application by creating an account in our postgraduate application portal.
Three postgraduate students presenting from the bench in the ANU School of Law Moot Court.
Jayne's master's degree experience
“I work for the Australian Government on higher education and research policy. My ANU master's degree provides me with an ideal framework to study the history, culture and political affairs of Asia and the Pacific.
There has never been a better time to build unique regional expertise. Last year, I completed a project translating important political speeches from English to Indonesian. With the support of my supervisor, Dr Eva Nisa, I’m finishing my master’s thesis, which focuses on Muslim feminist activism in Indonesia.
I have learned from many amazing ANU College of Asia and the Pacific scholars. They are incredibly supportive and encourage me to drive my research interests. ANU being a smaller school than my previous university, I’ve also built great friendships with other students in my degree.”
Jayne Fendyk
Westpac Future Leaders Scholar 2022
Master of Asian and Pacific Studies
Master of Asian and Pacific Studies student Jane Fendyk on the ANU campus.
Are you thinking about doing advanced study next year? Find your graduate certificate, diploma or master's program on the ANU programs and courses website.