Looking for your ticket to career advancement, specialisation and personal growth? Hit the trifecta with a master’s degree. If you’ve ever thought about taking your undergraduate degree further, read on for the essentials of studying a postgraduate academic degree.

What is a master’s degree?

A master’s degree is a postgraduate qualification that builds on your bachelor’s degree. You can choose to study a master’s in many disciplines. One of the many benefits of a master’s degree is flexible study options, including part-time or online study.

Postgraduate level: A master’s is undertaken after completing an undergraduate degree, such as a bachelor’s degree. Most master’s aim to upgrade your qualifications, while others can steer you in a whole new career direction. For example, our graduate entry Master of Teaching (Secondary) and Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying).

Specialised study: Master’s study involves in-depth specialised study in a particular field, designed to deepen and build on knowledge from your bachelor’s. So you can explore your passion, expand your skills and open up new opportunities.

Duration: Most master’s degrees take around one to two years of full-time study. Best of all, they’re designed to fit your life. You can choose to study one subject at a time and build your degree around your work and life.

Entry requirements: Typically, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is required. However, check the online course entry requirements for the master’s degree of interest to you.

Why study a master’s degree?

New challenges. Pay rise. Broader opportunities. No matter what your motivation, a master’s degree can provide you with the knowledge, skills and competitive edge to make you stand out in the workforce. A master’s can also increase your earning potential and the likelihood of getting the job you want. Here are some top reasons to study a master’s.

1. Advance your career and earning potential.
2. Specialise in a specific field or pivot to a new one.
3. Gain industry-recognised credentials.
4. Build your leadership and research skills.
5. Study flexibly on your terms with online or part-time study.
6. Connect with industry leaders and networks.
7. Challenge yourself, gain confidence and advance your problem-solving skills.
8. Contribute to research and innovation.

So, as you can see, embarking on a master’s degree comes with both professional and personal benefits.

Common types of master’s degrees

Not all master’s courses are alike! There are different types of master’s degrees to suit your career goals and interests. Some are focused on upskilling, specialising or switching careers. While others are research-focused and lead to a PhD study.

Type of master’s degree	Purpose
Master of coursework	Build professional skills and applied knowledge. Expect structured classes, assessments, exams and projects.
Master of research	Prepare for academic or research roles. Engage in independent research (often a pathway to a PhD).
Master by thesis	Independent research project, often longer. Sometimes called a dissertation. Investigate, analyse and present findings.
Master of professional practice	Designed for working professionals. This helps you apply advanced knowledge directly in your current workplace.

Is a master’s degree right for you?

Master’s study may seem like a big commitment. But it is well worth it! Here are some questions to ask yourself.

Does a master’s align with my career goals?

Begin by considering your long-term goals. Could a master’s help you move into leadership positions, specialise in the area you really want to work in or switch to your dream career?

Do I meet the prerequisites?

While a master’s typically requires you to have a bachelor’s degree, you’ll want to check out the specific entry requirements for individual courses. This could include a specific GPA (grade point average) or professional experience requirements.

Can I manage the time commitment?

Whether you choose to study part-time or full-time, master’s study is designed to fit around your life. Take a look at your daily schedule. Map out when you’ll work, rest and spend time with family. Notice gaps? Those could be the perfect time for studying!

Is it worth the financial investment?

Master’s study can lead to a higher salary. You can view it as an investment in your future. Since most master’s are online, you can continue to live and work where you are. There are also master’s degrees with Commonwealth supported places. Check them out. You could also be eligible for our scholarships and grants.

Hear from one of our students about how master’s study made a real difference to their career. And find out how MBA study is worth it!

The application process

The first step is to identify courses that match your career goals. Then, compare entry requirements, fees and potential scholarships. Once you’ve settled on the right master’s for you, ensure you have everything you need to apply for your course.

This could include:

• a transcript of your undergraduate qualification
• recognised identification/any name change documents
• letters of recommendation
• statement of purpose/personal essay
• standardised tests (if required)
• your resume/CV.

If you need help with your application at any stage or have questions, get in touch.

How long does a master’s degree take?

Most master’s degrees take around 1.5 to two years of full-time study. So if you’re studying part-time, you can expect to finish your masters in three to four years. However, some master’s programs offer the option to fast-track study during the summer session.

It’s worth noting that credit for prior learning can reduce the time required to complete some master’s degrees. In short, a master’s can be:

• full-time or part-time
• online, on campus or via blended learning (a combo of both)
• accelerated in some instances.

Explore master’s degrees at Charles Sturt

At Charles Sturt University, we offer a broad range of master’s degrees. So you can find the perfect course to suit your interests and career goals. Here are just a few of the areas you could explore:

• Education and teaching: Step into leadership, specialise or open up new opportunities in education, such as working in inclusive education or with adult learners.
• Business and leadership: Build your strategic thinking capability or pivot into management.
• Health or social work: Upskill for advanced clinical or community roles.
• IT and computing: Stay ahead of emerging tech and project roles.

No matter what your passion, find a master’s course to get you where you want to go.

Ready to study a master’s degree?

Write your next chapter with an industry-aligned master’s degree from Charles Sturt. Whether you’re looking to upskill, reskill or change direction, take the first step today.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a bachelor’s in the same field to apply?

Most master’s courses require a bachelor’s in the same or a relevant field. However, there are some courses for career changes that require that you’ve completed any bachelor’s degree. Check specific course entry requirements.

How much does a master’s degree cost?

The cost of a master’s degree varies depending on the field. Further, your master’s could have Commonwealth supported places, which can save you thousands. Check out the online course information for indicative course fees. Fees at Charles Sturt can be determined by bands. Learn more about tuition fees.

Can I work full-time and study part-time?

Yes! Studying a master’s degree part-time while continuing to work full-time is possible. It’s how thousands of our postgraduate students choose to study. And support is available.

Are scholarships available for postgraduate study?

Both internal (Charles Sturt) and external scholarships are offered each year for master’s study. Use our scholarships search to see what’s currently available.