Undergraduate courses
If you’re studying for your first degree in a particular subject, you’re known as an undergraduate. The term can also be used to describe the degree you’re taking, e.g. an undergraduate degree.
Explore Deakin's undergraduate degrees
| Course type | Duration | Why study this type of course |
|---|---|---|
Associate degree | 2 years full time or part-time equivalent | Geared towards a specific career or used as preparation for a bachelor degree. Guaranteed entry into a bachelor degree on completion (as approved by Deakin). May give you up to 18 months' credit towards your next degree. Some roles only require an associate degree. |
Bachelor degree | 3 or 4 years full time or 6 years part time | The minimum requirement for many careers and prerequisite for a masters degree. You may choose a 'major' for your bachelor degree – the area of study from which you choose the majority of your units. |
Bachelor degree (honours) | 1 year full time or part-time equivalent | An additional year of specialised study, taken after you complete a bachelor degree – or as part of a bachelor degree. Can help you gain entry into further study and gives you a competitive edge in the job market. |
Postgraduate by coursework degrees
If you continue studying the same subject area beyond your undergraduate degree, you’re known as a postgraduate student – so your course is a postgraduate degree.
Explore Deakin's postgraduate by coursework degrees
| Course type | Duration | Why study this type of course |
|---|---|---|
| Professional practice degrees | Flexible | Innovative approach to study for busy professionals. Formal recognition of extensive experience, skills and knowledge gathered through your career and an opportunity to gain a professionally recognised qualification. |
| Graduate certificate | Usually 6 months full time or part-time equivalent | Adds practical, vocational skills to your undergraduate degree, diploma or previous work experience. |
| Graduate diploma | 1 year full time or part-time equivalent | Builds on the understanding and skills developed during a graduate certificate – or from work experience. Vocationally orientated and career specific. |
| Masters by coursework | 2 years full time or 4 years part time | Explores the subject of your bachelor or diploma in much greater depth. A prerequisite to a doctorate. You may choose a 'major' for your masters degree – the area of study from which you choose the majority of your units. |
Higher degree by research
A higher degree by research (HDR) from Deakin will help you become a specialist in your field. You'll build knowledge in your profession and contribute to strengthening academic ties to industry and communities. Our researchers enjoy access to world-class facilities and exceptional support services.
Explore Deakin's research degrees
| Course type | Duration | Why study this type of course |
|---|---|---|
| Masters degree by research | 2 years full time or 4 years part time | Explores the subject of your bachelor or diploma in much greater depth. A prerequisite to a doctorate. You may choose a 'major' for your masters degree – the area of study from which you choose the majority of your units. Masters by research students are allocated a dedicated research supervisor. |
| Doctorate | 2–4 years full time or part-time equivalent | The highest degree available in academia. PhD students conduct original research in order to progress in their chosen field. People choose to do PhDs if they want a career in academia – or if they want to reach higher levels in their non-academic jobs. |
How to apply
The Deakin Application Portal has made applying for your ultimate course easier than ever. Plus, you can chat with our application experts on 1800 693 888 if you need support at any step.
Vocational course types
If you want to start or progress a career in an area, such as children's services, horticulture or construction, certificates and diplomas teach you everything you need to know. If you're new to a subject, you’ll start at certificate II or III. Once you've got a good grounding, or if you've already got experience working in the industry, you can move on to certificate IV or a diploma.
These courses are great for furthering the skills and understanding you developed in certificates II, III and IV – or from relevant work experience, and to prepare you for more senior positions. Course duration is 1 year full time or 2 years part time.
Single units (non-award)
If you would like to get into a new course, you can undertake single units. Some units have prerequisites or special requirements but most are open to anyone.
At Deakin we offer more than 1500 different units of study across our undergraduate courses, so there’s plenty to choose from. One unit takes around one trimester (12 weeks) to complete.
Short courses
Short courses fill a knowledge gap in your current role, develop a specific set of skills to boost your immediate job prospects, or gradually strengthen your expertise to secure your long-term employability.
We also offer stackable short courses where you can study one individually or in parallel with others. Complete one for a standalone qualification or stack multiple towards a full Deakin degree.
Cross-institutional units
Students from other universities can apply to enrol in units at Deakin, or, Deakin students can apply to another university to enrol in units there and get credit for their Deakin course.
Contact us
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