The Good
Universities
Guide
  • Courses
  • Institutions
  • Careers
  • Ratings
  • Scholarships
  • Events
  • Study Info
  • Edu Blogs
  • Login
  • Compare
  1. Home
  2. Education Blog
  3. Tertiary study
  4. Pathways — Higher education

Pathways — Higher education

Pathways — Higher education

Undergraduate study

You can study just about anything at undergraduate level, with courses leading to a wide range of interesting careers. Undergraduate courses include associate degrees, bachelor degrees and bachelor (honours) degrees. Some areas lead to specific occupations — such as studying a Bachelor of Laws to become a lawyer — while others provide broader insight into an industry or study field, such as studying a Bachelor of Arts to explore the humanities.

Within your preferred field of study, you have the option of completing a ‘generalist’ course — such as a Bachelor of Business — or a more vocational specialisation, such as marketing, finance or human resource management. Generalist courses allow you to sample numerous fields, typically choosing a specialisation in later years of the degree.

University is the only option for many professional courses, particularly those leading to regulated occupations such as architecture, law and medicine. Other fields — such as business, design and information technology — are offered at non-university providers such as TAFE institutes and private Registered Training Organisations.

Postgraduate study

At postgraduate level, you can study by coursework (attending lectures and completing assessments) or by research (completing a piece of research or large project, such as a thesis). Courses may be generalist or highly specialised, allowing students to enter a new field, expand on skills learnt in undergraduate study or upskill to boost career prospects. You can study most undergraduate courses full-time or part-time.

Some programs are available through online and distance education.

Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters degrees and doctrines. Postgraduate study encompasses increasingly popular qualifications such as the MBA and is becoming a common choice for graduates trying to get an edge in the employment market.

Assistance for students with disability

The Disability Standards for Education make sure that students with disability can access education and training opportunities on the same basis as other students. This includes school and tertiary study, covering enrolment, participation, curriculum development and delivery, as well as support services and avenues to deal with harassment or victimisation.

See www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disabilityrights for more information.

The National Disability Coordination Officer Programme is an initiative of the federal government, supporting people with disability to participate in tertiary education and move into employment.

See www.education.gov.au/national-disabilitycoordination-officer-programme for more information, including contact details for officers in your state or territory.

In the higher education sector, the Higher Education Disability Support Programme assists institutions to remove barriers to education for students with disability. This includes providing alternative materials, such as braille and audio tapes for students with vision impairments, and the purchase of special equipment.

See www.education.gov.au/higher-educationdisability-support-programme for more information. You can find further information about disability services and support by contacting individual institutions.

Graduate programs

Depending on your field of study, there are a wide variety of organisations that offer graduate programs and positions, including global giants Google, PwC, Deloitte and BHP Billiton. Traditionally, graduate programs are associated with large finance companies, and while this may still be true, the range of industries involved has broadened significantly.

In addition to finance, businesses in industries such as engineering, IT and technology communications, media and advertising, logistics, law, and sales offer graduates a career path into their organisation. Entry into some programs can be competitive and employers use a wide range of selection methods. Prior to finishing their degree, students will be required to attend interviews, undertake aptitude tests and complete written assessments to secure a position. Larger companies may use a screening process to filter a large number of applications, while smaller businesses may actively recruit on campus.

Useful Links:

Your guide to apprenticeships and traineeships

Your guide to vocational education and training (VET)

Related blogs

Are you choosing a course for the right reasons?


09 Mar 2017

read more

Be an entrepreneur


09 May 2019

read more

Being bi-lingual: The career advantages of knowing two languages


05 Oct 2017

read more

Categories
  • Guest 21
  • Rankings 37
  • Student stories 41
  • Tertiary study 87
  • After graduation 30
  • Education news 55
  • Career guidance 58

Become a member

Already a member? LoginForgot password?

Join the conversation

Search Universities

  • Universities in ACT
  • Universities in NSW
  • Universities in QLD
  • Universities in SA and NT
  • Universities in TAS
  • Universities in VIC
  • Universities in WA

Search TAFE Institutes

  • TAFEs in ACT
  • TAFEs in NSW
  • TAFEs in QLD
  • TAFEs in SA and NT
  • TAFEs in TAS
  • TAFEs in VIC
  • TAFEs in WA

Search by Field of Work

  • Architecture, Building and Planning
  • Create Arts and Design
  • Business
  • Computing and ICT
  • Education
  • Engineering and Technical
  • Health and Community Services
  • Hospitality and Tourism
© 2022 Good Universities Guide
Glossary | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
Good Education GropuAbout | Media coverage | Contact | Bookshop
Good Universities GuideGood MBA GuideGood Schools GuideStudies in Australiaدراسات في استرالياEducar AustraliaUniversitas Australiđại học úcEducacaona AustraliaCoursen Australie澳大利亚的课程Australian Career ServicesGood Careers GuideACIRGOOD eDIGITALGEM 360 Virtual Tours