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Postgraduate Pathways

ECU postgraduate awards are recognised nationally and internationally. Rigorous accreditation procedures used by the University and consultation with professional and vocational groups, ensure appropriate professional recognition of all courses.

Study paths by coursework or research

There are several pathways to postgraduate study at ECU and you’ll be glad to know that you don’t necessarily need a degree to qualify. Real life, industry experience counts.

As a University, ECU has established a strong research culture and has created research centres staffed by internationally-renowned researchers. ECU has developed a lively, applied research culture across a wide range of disciplines and places an emphasis on conducting research with industry partners in areas as diverse as literacy, creative arts, microphotonics, Alzheimer’s disease and marine science.

What is a research degree?

A research degree will normally involve the production of a written body of researched work, known as a thesis. In disciplines with a creative component, the study may produce a creative work, such as a performance or literary item, plus an exegesis to accompany and reflect on the creative element. The research will be developed over a period of time and involve identifying a topic, developing a proposal, conducting the research and producing a thesis.

Research study may lead to employment within academia, research and development or as a specialist in industry.

Types of degrees

A Master by Research typically involves one year of coursework or research skills development units before embarking on a year-long research program which culminates in the submission of a thesis or creative work. Master by research degrees at ECU may be one or two years full-time (or the equivalent part-time study) depending on the discipline. Further information is available from the Graduate Research School.

The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree involving a three year full-time (or the equivalent part-time) research program which culminates in the submission of a thesis or creative work. The Doctor of Philosophy is a supervised research degree.

A Professional Doctorate typically involves both coursework and research over three years full-time (or the equivalent part-time study). These programs are designed for industry professionals to develop an in-depth understanding of the latest thinking and technologies within their fields.

Postgraduate Study Path

There are a number of pathways to postgraduate study and you'll be glad to know that you don't' necessarily need a previous degree to qualify. Real life, industry experience counts. The following diagram outlines your options.

Note: Pathways vary between courses. Check with the faculty representatives regarding options prior to enrolling in any course.

BACHELOR DEGREE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE Entry requirements: An undergraduate degree or equivalent prior learning including at least five years appropriate professional experience. BACHELOR DEGREE GRADUATE DIPLOMA Entry requirements: An undergraduate degree or equivalent prior learning including at least five years appropriate professional experience.
MASTER BY COURSEWORK Entry requirements: An undergraduate degree or equivalent prior learning including at least five years appropriate professional experience.		MASTER BY RESEARCH Entry requirements: Applicants will have shown above average performance and potential to undertake research in their undergraduate degree. Research potential may also be demonstrated in professional activity. Completion of an honours degree in the same discipline will allow a student to be admitted to stage 2 of the master degree.
PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE Entry requirements: Satisfactory completion of a relevant master degree.		DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Entry requirements: Satisfactory completion of a relevant master degree by research (or including a substantial research component) or a relevant bachelor degree with first class honours from an approved university. Candidates with a relevant bachelor degree with second class honours, Division A, may be approved for entry.

Articulation between Postgraduate Awards

University policy on articulation between postgraduate awards allows for students to progress from one postgraduate award to a related postgraduate award with advanced standing.

A student having completed a Graduate Certificate may, for example, proceed to a Graduate Diploma in the same field with credit for the units completed.