What is a masters degree?
By Ralph BrownPublished on
A masters degree is a postgraduate qualification that builds advanced, specialised knowledge in a chosen field. This guide explains how masters degrees work, what the different titles mean and how to compare your options.
What is a masters degree?
A masters degree is a postgraduate qualification at AQF Level 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, above a bachelor degree and below a doctorate. It builds on undergraduate study so you can specialise, develop expertise or pivot into a new field.
Most students study a masters after finishing a bachelor degree, though entry pathways vary. Some courses also accept students based on relevant professional experience.
Depending on the course, your studies might involve structured coursework, a supervised research project, a thesis, a placement or a work-based project. Many masters degrees are now offered online by Australian universities.
People take on a masters for different reasons. Some want to specialise in their current field. Others want to qualify for senior roles, change direction, or move toward research or doctoral study.
Through us, you can compare online masters degrees offered by Australian universities. You enrol with the university through us, and the university delivers and awards the degree.
Masters degree at a glance
Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
What level is it? | AQF Level 9 |
Is it higher than a bachelor degree? | Yes. A bachelor degree is usually AQF Level 7, a masters degree is AQF Level 9 |
How long does it take? | Commonly around two years full-time, though this varies by course and study load |
Can you study part-time? | Yes, many students study part-time, especially while working |
Can you study online? | Yes, many Australian universities offer masters degrees online |
What do you need to get in? | Usually a bachelor degree, though some courses consider relevant work experience or alternative entry pathways |
What can it lead to? | Specialised roles, career progression, career change, research pathways or doctoral study |
Not sure which masters fits your goals? Help Me Choose will guide you through your options based on what you want to do next.
What do the different masters titles mean?
You'll come across a few different masters titles when comparing courses. Naming conventions vary by university and field, but most awards still sit at AQF Level 9. Each abbreviation is spelt out on first use below.
Title | What it means | Common fields |
|---|---|---|
Master of Arts (MA) | A masters degree often used in humanities, social sciences, communication or creative fields | Arts, humanities, social science, media |
Master of Science (MSc or MS) | A masters degree often used in science, technology, health or analytical fields | Science, IT, health, data, engineering |
A business and leadership-focused masters degree, often built for experienced professionals | Business, management, leadership | |
Named masters degree | A masters degree named for a specific profession or field | Teaching, counselling, public health, social work |
The titles overlap more than they suggest. A Master of Education and a Master of Teaching are both masters degrees in education, but they're structured for different starting points.
Always read the specific course description to understand what's covered.
What are the main types of masters degree?
A masters degree can take a few different shapes. The main split is between coursework and research, with several variations within each.
Masters by coursework
A coursework masters is built around structured subjects, assessments and (often) a project, placement or short research component. It suits people who want to:
- deepen professional knowledge in a field
- specialise within their industry
- move into a new career direction
- build advanced practical or professional skills
Coursework masters are the most common form in Australia. Most online masters degrees fall into this category.
Masters by research
A research masters centres on a supervised research project and thesis. You'll work closely with an academic supervisor and develop original research within your field. It suits people who want to:
- contribute new knowledge in their discipline
- prepare for doctoral study
- move toward academic or research-focused roles
Professional, executive and conversion masters
A few specialist variations are worth knowing about:
- A professional masters is shaped around a specific profession or industry. It often carries accreditation tied to that field.
- An executive masters is built for experienced professionals or senior leaders. An MBA is a common example.
- A conversion masters lets you move into a new field even when your bachelor degree is in a different area. It's a useful pathway if you want to change careers. An example would be a Master of Teaching.
Who is a masters degree for?
A masters degree could be a good fit if you want to:
- specialise in your current field
- step up into senior or leadership roles
- change careers
- meet professional accreditation requirements
- prepare for a research or doctorate pathway
- return to study after time away from university
You don't need to fit a single mould. Many postgraduate students are working full-time, raising families or studying around caring responsibilities. Online study makes that more workable.
If you're not sure which path fits your goals, our Help Me Choose tool will guide you through your options based on what you want to do next.
My advice to students:
People often ask me whether a coursework or research masters is the right fit. A quick way to decide: if you want to build practical expertise and apply it in your career, look at coursework. If you want to investigate an original question and possibly continue to a PhD, look at research. If you're not sure, ask us, we'll talk it through.
What can you do with a masters degree?
A masters degree can support specialised roles, leadership pathways, career change or research careers. The outcomes you see will depend on the field you study, your prior experience and the industry you work in.
According to the latest QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, around 88% of domestic postgraduate coursework graduates were in full-time employment four to six months after finishing their course in 2025.
In the same survey, postgraduate coursework graduates reported a median full-time salary of $104,700, compared with $77,000 for undergraduate graduates.
A few things worth keeping in mind. Outcomes vary by age, prior work experience, industry, location and career stage. Postgraduate cohorts tend to be older and more experienced, which lifts both employment and salary figures. A masters degree isn't a guarantee of a particular outcome, but it is a strong signal of specialised expertise.
What are the entry requirements for a masters degree?
Entry requirements vary by university and course.
Most masters degrees ask for:
- a completed bachelor degree or higher qualification, sometimes in a related field
Courses in certain fields also require:
- relevant professional experience, a portfolio, an interview or professional registration
Some courses are open to applicants from unrelated bachelor degrees, especially conversion masters. Others have strict accreditation requirements and won't accept entry without a relevant qualification.
The best way to check is the entry requirements on each course page. If you'd like a hand, our student advisors will talk through what's needed and what alternative pathways might work for your situation.
Can you do a masters without a bachelor degree?
Yes, it may be possible to get into some masters degrees without a bachelor degree if you have significant relevant work experience, though this depends on the university and course.
Some universities will consider around five years of relevant professional experience, and you'll usually need to provide evidence. Other courses still require a bachelor degree, particularly where professional accreditation or assumed knowledge is involved.
If you're not sure whether your experience counts, get in touch with a student advisor. They'll check your background against the course you're interested in.
How long does a masters degree take?
Most masters degrees are made up of 16 subjects and take around two years of full-time study to complete. Some are shorter, around one year, because they are designed for those who already hold a related qualification or industry experience. Others run longer, especially when they lead to professional accreditation and involve extensive placements, or involve a research project.
Part-time study will take longer, but it lets you fit study around work and life. Many online masters degrees let you take as little as a subject at a time and adjust your study load up or down in each new study term.
The length of your degree will depend on the course structure and any credit you receive for previous study or work.
Can you get a masters degree online?
Yes. Many Australian universities now offer masters degrees fully online or in mixed delivery formats. The qualification is the same one you'd earn studying the equivalent course on campus.
Online masters degrees may include recorded lectures, readings, online discussions, written assessments, group work or live sessions. Some courses still include practical components, placements or short intensives. A Master of Teaching will look quite different from a Master of Data Science, so it's worth reading each course page closely.
Through us, you can compare online masters degrees from Australian universities. You enrol with the university through us. The university delivers and awards the degree.
How much does a masters degree cost in Australia?
It depends on the university, course and what kind of place you’re offered. The indicative total cost for masters degrees listed on Open Universities Australia typically ranges between $12,000 and $45,000. That said, it can be higher in some study areas. You will be charged by the subject, so the actual cost is determined by which subjects you complete.
Some Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) are available in masters degrees, though it depends on the study area. A Commonwealth supported place means that the government subsidises your fees, and you only pay a student contribution amount. Eligible students can then defer this amount through a HECS-HELP loan.
Degrees in fields with workforce shortages such as teaching, health, psychology and social work tend to have these places, which means their tuition fees are lower. However, available places can be limited, and you may instead be offered a full-fee place, depending on the university's admission process.
Read more about postgraduate CSPs.
Masters degrees in many other areas, including business and communications, commonly only offer full-fee places, so the total cost can be higher.
The good news is that eligible students can use FEE-HELP, a government loan scheme, to defer some or all of their course fees. You can read more about HELP loans on our student loans page.
Scholarships are available for some students, particularly research students or those from under-represented backgrounds. Each university manages its own scholarships, so check the relevant course page for what's on offer.
How do you choose the right masters degree?
The right course depends on what you want to do next. A few things worth thinking through:
- Your goal: are you specialising, changing career, qualifying for a specific role or preparing for research?
- Coursework or research: do you want structured subjects or a supervised research project?
- Entry requirements: do you have the bachelor degree or work experience the course asks for?
- Time commitment: can you study full-time, or do you need to spread it over more time?
- Cost and loan options: what fees apply, and are you eligible for a HELP-LOAN?
- Study mode: do you need online study, and are you OK with any placement or intensive requirements?
- Accreditation: does your career field require a course accredited by a particular professional body?
How to get started
- Compare online masters degrees offered by Australian universities.
- Check entry requirements, fees, course structure and start dates on each course page.
- Try Help Me Choose if you're not sure what fits your goals.
- Get in touch with a student advisor for free, unbiased guidance.
- Enrol with the university through us when you're ready.
Explore masters options through us
Ready to compare your options?Explore online masters degrees offered by Australian universities, orcontact a student advisor if you'd like help working out what fits your goals.
About the author
Ralph Brown
Student advisor specialising in qualification advice
Ralph Brown is an experienced student advisor at Open Universities Australia. Over nine years, he has helped thousands of students compare courses, understand their options and take their next step with confidence. Ralph believes there is often more than one path forward. He gives clear, practical advice without pressure, helping students make decisions that suit their goals, circumstances and readiness to study.
Frequently asked questions
Is a masters degree higher than a bachelor degree?
Yes. A bachelor degree is usually AQF Level 7, while a masters degree is AQF Level 9. A masters degree builds on the foundation of a bachelor degree and develops more specialised knowledge or research skills.
Is a masters degree higher than a graduate diploma?
Yes. A graduate diploma is usually AQF Level 8, while a masters degree is AQF Level 9. A graduate diploma is shorter and is often used as a step into postgraduate study. You can read more in our guide on what a graduate diploma is.
What is the difference between a masters by coursework and a masters by research?
A coursework masters is built around structured subjects, assessments and sometimes a project. A research masters centres on a supervised research project and thesis. Coursework suits people wanting to specialise or change career, while research suits people moving toward academia or doctoral study.
Can you do a masters without a bachelor degree?
It may be possible. Some universities accept significant relevant work experience as an entry pathway, often around five years or more in a relevant field. Other masters degrees still require a bachelor degree, often because of accreditation requirements or assumed knowledge. Check the specific course page for what applies.
Is a masters degree worth it?
That depends on your goals, field and circumstances. For many people, a masters degree leads to specialised roles, higher earnings and career change opportunities. The investment of time and money is real, so it's worth comparing options carefully and thinking about what you want it to do for you.
