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What postgraduate study is likePostgraduate study enables you to take your career to the next level, through in-depth study in a particular area of interest. It helps you take your prior experience and knowledge, and use your initiative as you research, and contribute to your field of expertise. It requires planning, dedication and will take time away from your everyday life, but ultimately your hard work could open the door to new opportunities and greater responsibility.
During your undergraduate study, you will have learned many of the skills required to study successfully at postgraduate level. However, it is important to realise that postgraduate study requires greater independence, and you'll need to use your own initiative in completing course work and undertaking research projects.
You’ll generally be expected to have some knowledge and prior experience in your subject area, however postgraduate study can also be used to support a career transition. As an example, a person with a science PhD may contemplate an MBA. You’ll be supported and encouraged by your supervisors in a range of ways, but in many circumstances, you’ll be in the driving seat when it comes to getting work done.
Postgraduate study is more strongly focused on theory and research in the discipline, and many postgraduate qualifications have a research component. You’ll also be expected to possess a higher level of critical thinking and analysis, show that you read extensively, and can develop your own views, and defend them.
Postgraduate study requires time, commitment, and a range of skills beyond those you may have needed as an undergraduate. We have provided a series of online tools and resources to help you think about the different aspects of studying at a distance, and to assess your abilities, time commitments and motivations for study.