A degree is an academic qualification from a university, and there are many types.

The Bachelor's degree (3-5 years) and Master’s degree (1-2 years) are the most well-known and represent the majority of enrolments across Australia. However, they are only a portion of the academic options available.

Beyond these, there's a diverse range of qualifications, including:

• Diplomas
• Advanced diplomas
• Postgraduate diplomas
• Associate degrees
• Doctoral (PhD) studies

Each of these academic qualifications is designed to meet different educational needs and career goals. They offer varied durations, specialisations, and levels of study, providing pathways for those looking to quickly enter the workforce, change careers, or delve into advanced research.

Undergraduate Degrees

A Bachelor degree is a comprehensive undergraduate program offering broad or specialised knowledge in a field, preparing students for professional careers or postgraduate study.

• Duration: 3-4 years (5 years for double degrees)
• Outcome: Comprehensive academic and theoretical knowledge in one or more chosen fields, sometimes with practical elements.
• Flexibility: High, with options for majors, minors, single or double degrees. Students who are unsure of what they might want to do in future can start with a shorter qualification, like a certificate or diploma, and then transfer into a bachelor’s later. 
• Eligibility: Completion of high school or equivalent work experience. Attract a wide range of students, from school leavers to mature students, studying in broad degrees like a Bachelor of Arts or specialised degrees, such as a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering.
• Suitable for: Students who either have a clear career path in mind (e.g. via a specialised degree) or those who wish to explore a broad range of subjects before specialising.
• Typically, universities offer a wide range of undergraduate degrees. The notable exceptions are the University of Melbourne and the University of Western Australia, which offer a small range of broad undergraduate degrees followed by a wide range of postgraduate specialisations. 
• Availability: A bachelor's degree is the most well-known and common type of degree, with 844,239 students enrolled in this type of program (2022 Australian Government data).

An additional year of study beyond a bachelor's degree, focusing on research and advanced subject matter expertise under the guidance of one or more academic supervisors. Honours degrees are often a prerequisite for postgraduate research.

• Duration: 1 year added on to a bachelor’s degree or integrated into a 4-year Bachelors Honours program.
• Outcome: Advanced research skills and deep knowledge in a specific area are often prerequisites for research-based postgraduate studies.
• Flexibility: Limited, highly focused on research within a specialisation.
• Eligibility: Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a high level of academic achievement.
• Suitable for: Graduates looking to deepen their knowledge in a particular field, enhance their employment prospects, or prepare for a research career. It’s for students with a strong academic record and an interest in pursuing further study or research.
• Availability: A common degree, with 133,434 students enrolled in this type of program (2022 Australian Government data)

A shorter program focused on gaining specific skills for immediate entry into the workforce or as a stepping stone to further study, such as a bachelor’s. Universities offer diplomas, but they are also available via TAFE and private higher education providers too.

• Duration: 1-2 years
• Outcome: Provides practical skills and foundational knowledge in a specific field.
• Flexibility: Limited; focused on vocational training or foundational study.
• Eligibility: Completion of secondary education or equivalent. Suitable for those looking to enter the workforce quickly or as a pathway to further study.
• Suitable for: Individuals needing the flexibility to work alongside their studies or those looking to quickly enter a job requiring foundational training and qualifications.
• Availability: Good availability, with 47,658 students enrolled in this type of program at universities (2022 Australian Government data)

An in-depth vocational training program offering specialised knowledge and skills for specific career paths, often bridging to higher education degrees.

• Duration: 2-3 years
• Outcome: Deeper practical skills with some theoretical background in a specific area.
• Flexibility: Most have options to count as credit towards a bachelor's degree.
• Eligibility: Secondary education completion. Aimed at students seeking advanced training and a pathway to employment or further study.
• Suitable for: Students wanting more comprehensive vocational training with some level of specialisation, aiming for intermediate-level positions in industries like technology, design, or healthcare.
• Availability: Advanced Diplomas have been declining in popularity over the years, with only 775 students now enrolled in this type of program (2022 Australian Government data)

A two-year degree providing foundational academic and practical knowledge, serving as a standalone qualification or pathway to a bachelor's degree.

• Duration: 2 years
• Outcome: Broad foundational knowledge with an emphasis on employability skills.
• Flexibility: Moderately flexible, often allowing for transfer into the second year of a bachelor’s degree.
• Eligibility: Completion of high school or equivalent work experience. Ideal for those seeking a balance between a vocational focus and higher education.
• Suitable for: Those seeking a balance between vocational training and academic education, possibly as a stepping stone to a full bachelor’s degree or for direct entry into certain professions.
• Availability: Less common and only available at some institutions, more often available at regional universities. 12,031 students enrolled in this type of program (2022 Australian Government data)

Postgraduate Degrees

A postgraduate program emphasising advanced knowledge and professional skills in a particular discipline taught through coursework.

• Duration: 1-2 years
• Outcome: Advanced knowledge in a specific field, often including practical skills for professional advancement.
• Flexibility: Some programs offer specialisations. 
• Eligibility: Completion of an undergraduate degree. Some master’s are suitable for immediate continuation from undergraduate study, whilst others (like an MBA) might require work experience in addition to an undergraduate degree.
• Availability: Very common degree with 297,038 students enrolled in this type of program (2022 Australian Government data)

A research-intensive postgraduate program leading to the production of significant scholarly work. Research Masters are suitable for those pursuing academic or specialised professional roles.

• Duration: 2+ years
• Outcome: Significant original research contribution in a specific field, leading to potential academic or research careers.
• Flexibility: Highly specialised with a focus on independent research.
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s Honours degree or equivalent research experience.
• Availability: A common degree that is widely available, though with a smaller number of students enrolled because of the specialised nature of the degree. 7,757 students enrolled in this type of program (2022 Australian Government data)

A specialised program for professionals seeking to enhance or update their skills in a specific area, typically completed in less than a year.

• Duration: 6 months
• Outcome: Specialised knowledge intended to enhance skills or for career advancement.
• Flexibility: Specific focus, with some courses designed for changing careers. 
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience.
• Availability: 52,179 students enrolled in this type of program (2022 Australian Government data)

An advanced, specialised program building on undergraduate studies or professional experience, offering a pathway to a master's degree without committing to the entire duration.

• Duration: Generally one year
• Outcome: Provides advanced knowledge and skills in a particular field, building on undergraduate studies or professional experience.
• Flexibility: Offers specialisation in a field with a shorter commitment than a master's degree. Can often lead to or count towards a master’s degree.
• Eligibility: Completion of an undergraduate degree or significant relevant work experience in some cases.
• Suitable for: Professionals looking to deepen their expertise in a specific area without the time and financial commitment of a master’s degree. Ideal for those seeking career advancement or a change in direction with a strong foundation in a related field.
• Availability: 38,494 students enrolled in this type of program (2022 Australian Government data)

A PhD is the highest academic degree focused on conducting original research that contributes new knowledge to a field under the guidance of an expert academic supervisor. It is intended for those seeking careers in research or academia.

• Duration: 3-4 years. Further studies can also be continued via a Post-Doctoral position at a university. 
• Outcome: The highest level of academic achievement, demonstrating the capacity to conduct independent research.
• Flexibility: Focused on a specific research project, with some opportunities for teaching.
• Eligibility: Completion of a postgraduate degree by research or equivalent.
• Availability: A common, albeit prestigious and advanced, degree. 59,441 students enrolled in this program (2022 Australian Government data).