Postgraduate Coursework Guide
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, Gomeroi, and Eora Nations. We pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. We extend our acknowledgement and respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations from which our students, staff and community are drawn.
At the University of Newcastle, we are driven by a clear purpose: to change lives through innovative learning and research with real impact. Our passionate educators and talented researchers are committed to creating a better future for all. When you join us, you become part of a community that's focused on your success. Pursue the career you really want with postgraduate study. Whether you're making a career change or chasing that next promotion, we offer over 90 degrees, FEE-HELP options, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), and the flexibility to shape study around your lifestyle. Do what's important to you. Now is the time.
Why study postgrad with us?
5-star maximum rating for full time employment for postgraduate studies5 95% of our research is 'at' or 'above world standard’4 Top 40 in the world for impact2
93.8% of our postgraduate graduates find employment within four months of graduating3
Do what’s important to you
Whether you are changing careers or chasing that next promotion, furthering your skills and knowledge doesn't have to be daunting. Our postgraduate degrees are designed to help you succeed and our staff are here to support you to achieve your career goals.
newcastle.edu.au/postgrad
Advance your career
Our postgraduate degrees prepare you for new opportunities, enhance job security, and open doors to management roles, specialist positions, and professional accreditation.
Take a new direction
With 90+ postgraduate degree programs to choose from, it might be time to take the leap, change things up and pursue your passion. Learn from global leaders and take advantage of our strong connections to industry.
Earn more
In 2023, the median salary for an undergraduate bachelor degree holder was $71k, compared to $96.6k for postgraduate coursework graduates¹. Our postgraduates earn a median salary of $105k¹ – well above national average.
Expand your global network
When you graduate, you’ll join our 174,000+ strong global alumni community spanning 154 countries². With networking events, meetups and mentoring opportunities, you can connect the dots and grow a global career.
Develop skills for life
A postgraduate degree not only enhances your career but introduces new concepts and ways of thinking that you can apply across all aspects of your life.
Make your experience count
We value your personal, work, and life skills, offering credit for prior learning that can reduce the time to complete your degree, ensuring that all your experience counts towards a highly regarded qualification. Learn more about credit towards study. newcastle.edu.au/study/postgraduate/credit
Continuing Professional Development
Refresh your qualifications with the latest skills and knowledge through postgraduate study, contributing to your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.
Research
If you are interested in postgraduate research degrees such as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil), please refer to our website where you will find specific information about these degrees. newcastle.edu.au/study/research
"I’ve really enjoyed the flexibility offered by the program that has allowed me at the same time to pursue other goals and to continue working."
Luke Master of Data Science
Flexible study means postgrad is possible
At the University of Newcastle, we prioritise flexibility to accommodate the diverse needs and lifestyles of our students. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling responsibilities, or someone seeking a personalised learning experience, we have options to suit you.
Online learning
Our learner-centred online platform empowers you with complete control over when and where you study. Engage in highly interactive and collaborative virtual classrooms, guided by expert educators, all from the comfort of your home or office.
Mixed-mode learning
You can tailor your study experience by mixing and matching between online courses and faceto-face learning. This flexibility ensures that you can shape your education around your work, personal life, and learning preferences.
Welcoming campuses
Our campuses in Newcastle (Callaghan and City), Central Coast (Ourimbah and Gosford), and Sydney CBD are more than just places to study. They are vibrant, collaborative environments where you can connect with like-minded individuals, engage with expert educators, and immerse yourself in a rich academic community.
Info sessions
If you are ready to take the next step in your career but still have some questions about postgrad study, the University hosts a range of free degree webinars and one-on-one online sessions throughout the year. newcastle.edu.au/postgrad-info-session
"The flexibility is the most appealing aspect of online study. It allows me to balance my studies with my responsibilities as a single mother and intern.”
Mansi
Master of Business Administration (Global) / Master of Science (Data Analytics)
"I thought it important to obtain Masters level of study to not only solidify my position but to provide me with future career opportunities and make me competitive against other potential applicants."
Allyson Master
of Health Economics, Management and Policy
Hear more from postgrad students on flexible study options. newcastle.edu.au/study/postgraduate/ why-study-with-us/flexible-study
Student success stories
Md Mostafijur
Mental Health Nurse
NSW Health
Master of Mental Health Nursing
"This degree will give me the opportunity to apply for senior level jobs. My outlook, the way I approach clients and my work has changed and given me a different perspective. How I talk and connect with people, I now use my knowledge, experience and what I’ve learned in my masters."
Thanmai
Graduate Signal Engineer
Australian Rail Track Corporation
Master of Professional Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)
"The subjects I have learnt have directly applied to my role. The detailed knowledge I gained in signal processing, control systems and electronics design has been fundamental to my daily responsibilities. The knowledge I gained from analog and digital communication and signal processing helps me understand how the inputs are fed to the points machines in the railway, how a signal is transmitted and their working principles. My knowledge of circuit design helps me understand the circuit diagrams of the different signalling equipment and their working. Electrical system subject knowledge helps me understand the working of different motors, capacitors and other components used in points machines."
Kinne
Director, Student Services
Country Universities Centre
Elected Councillor for Kempsey Shire
Graduate Certificate in Professional Equity and Inclusion
"Through my degree I learned about advocacy, and I’ve been able to use these strategies at work. Being an elected representative, I learned how to advocate in a more sophisticated way at the local leadership level. This led me to start an initiative at Kempsey Shire Council to get more youth voices at council. In this, every school leader at local high schools came to present at a council meeting. This had never happened before in the history of council."
Izzy
Federal Government Lead within the Energy Sector
Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability
"I am interested in doing industry level research on the challenge of governance and management of methane from resources, industrial and agricultural activities and saw this degree as a way to build up foundational knowledge in this policy space. The way courses are set up gives you confidence you are developing skills and knowledge you can apply in the real world."
Josh Performance Coach Lift3
Master of Exercise Physiology
" By finishing my postgraduate, I can become an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. At the Exercise Physiology Clinic run by the university, I conducted initial consults, exercise assessments, monitored clients in the clinic, prescription and delivery of exercise interventions, implemented case studies, looking at certain clients on their chronic conditions (to implement best practice and improve their health)."
Support services
We believe in providing comprehensive support to ensure your wellbeing and success throughout your academic journey. Our support services include:
Personal support
We have a range of personal support services such as counselling or chaplaincy, financial assistance options, plus health and wellbeing tips.
Disability support
Our AccessAbility service is tailored to support students with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive and accessible learning environment.
Academic support
From writing workshops to study skills seminars, we offer resources to enhance your academic performance.
Career guidance
Our Careers Service is dedicated to supporting your career journey. From job seeking support to one-on-one career coaching, we provide tailored guidance to help you navigate the job market. We also connect our student body with employers through Careers Expos and networking events.
Building your employability skills by connecting through iLEAD and UniCrew Volunteering can help you extend the benefit of University study by extending your network through these extracurricular activities.
Explore our support services. newcastle.edu.au/current-students/support
Enjoy the student experience
You can embrace the full student experience when you study on campus where education, community and lifestyle come together in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Campus life
The University of Newcastle is a vibrant hub of activity, childcare, and more. Throughout the year, our campuses
Overseas opportunities
You may be able complete a short-term global experience as part of your postgraduate study. Explore the world through our partnerships with prestigious universities, providers and industry connections across the globe, immersing yourself in a new culture while continuing your studies.
Transportation
Our campuses are well-connected by train, tram, bus, and bike paths. Enjoy free shuttles between campuses and secure bike storage.
Accommodation
Living on campus is an experience unlike any other. We offer accommodation options at Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses, with diverse living environments to suit all students.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, providing
Learn more about life on campus. newcastle.edu.au/campus-life
Professional development
Our courses and degrees have been created to ensure you receive the necessary skills to succeed in your chosen career path. We have some of the world's best university professionals and external consultants who are specialists in their fields. They are selected for their superior academic qualifications, corporate experience, and excellent presentation skills. Our courses draw on the latest research, are taught using relevant industry examples, and have a strong practical focus. This dynamic combination of theory and problem-based learning achieves maximum learning outcomes.
newcastle.edu.au/study/ professional-development
Short courses
Whether you want to do a three-week online taster course, single subject or a six-month Graduate Certificate, we offer a range of options to help you kick-start your graduate learning.
Non-award and cross institutional study
Hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate courses (subjects) across a range of disciplines and campus locations are offered at the University of Newcastle. Depending on whether you are studying at another university and want to include one of our courses in your degree, or just want to take a single course to increase your knowledge and skills in a particular area, you can apply to study a single course. Nonaward courses are not eligible for FEE-HELP, meaning you must pay all tuition fees by the census date. newcastle.edu.au/non-award-admission
Open online courses
We offer open online courses across a range of subject areas. Courses are free to study, however students have the option of purchasing a certificate to verify their participation.
Open courses are a great way to sample a range of study and research areas from across the University and provide you with an insight into studying if some time has passed since you last picked up a textbook. newcastle.edu.au/online-learning
TIP!
If the course is relevant to your current career, speak with your manager about covering costs as part of professional development.
Which degree is for you?
There are over 90 postgraduate coursework degrees available for you to choose from. Whether you want to dip your toes into further study via a Graduate Certificate or are ready for a longer commitment via a Graduate Diploma or Masters qualification, there is something available to suit your needs.
newcastle.edu.au/degrees
TIP!
Always check the program handbook available via a degree's dedicated web page, where you will find admission requirements and other information to help you decide if the program is right for you.
Graduate Certificate
40 units typically completed in 0.5 years fulltime study or part-time equivalent, designed to achieve the specified learning outcomes. A Graduate Certificate allows you to further advance your current career or embark on a new one and is a pathway for further learning.
Graduate Diploma
80 units typically completed in one (1) year full-time study or part-time equivalent, designed to achieve the specified learning outcomes. Graduate Diplomas can also provide a pathway to further learning.
Masters
A Masters Degree (Coursework) program is typically one (1) to two (2) years full-time or part-time equivalent, designed to achieve the specified learning outcomes. These degrees can vary in length; some are 80 units with the longest being 240 units.
Higher Degrees by Research (HDR)
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), typically completed in 3.5 years full-time or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree, typically completed in two (2) years full-time, will connect you with the top tier of researchers. This opens up incredible opportunities to advance your career, pursue breakthrough discoveries, and solve the world’s most formidable problems. The University offers Higher Degrees by Research programs in our areas of research specialisation.
While some choose to undertake a minor thesis first through a Masters coursework qualification, depending on your background and research experience you may apply directly into an MPhil or PhD degree. newcastle.edu.au/study/research
Fees and costs
We strive to make education accessible and affordable. With a range of financial options, support systems, and scholarships, we're committed to helping you pursue your dreams without financial barriers.
Application fee
It is free to complete an application for programs that offer direct entry through the University of Newcastle. A fee applies for applications that must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Commonwealth Supported Places
A number of our postgraduate programs offer Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), allowing eligible students to be charged at the government subsidised rate. Eligibility will be automatically assessed during the application process and successful students can defer their contributions through HECS-HELP.
Fee-paying programs
These are degrees without Commonwealth Supported Places. Eligible domestic students can apply for an interest-free loan through the FEE-HELP loan scheme, deferring payment until earning above the minimum salary threshold.
Financial assistance
We offer support systems, including scholarships and emergency loans, to help with study costs. You may also be eligible for Australian Government assistance with HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loans, and income support.
Financing your studies
Out-of-pocket course fees may be tax deductible if related to your current work activities. Check with the Australian Taxation Office for eligibility.
Scholarships
Each year, more than $4 million in scholarships is awarded to students. Our scholarship programs align with the University’s values of excellence, equity, sustainability, and engagement. Many scholarships result from generous philanthropic donations, reflecting our belief that talent and dedication deserve support. Don't rule yourself out; apply for all scholarships you meet the criteria for.ria for.
Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
All students must pay an SSAF to fund non-academic services and amenities. Eligible students can defer payment as part of the enrolment process.
Find out more on fees and costs. newcastle.edu.au/postgrad/fees-costs
Application process
For most postgraduate coursework degrees, you can complete an easy, online application form. Applying only takes around 10 minutes and there is no fee for direct applications.
newcastle.edu.au/study/ postgraduate/apply
International applicants
If you are not an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, or the holder of an Australian Permanent Residency visa, you are able to apply directly through our International Office or via an education agent, depending on your home country. newcastle.edu.au/study/international/how-to-apply
Application closing dates
We have multiple intakes available each year for our postgraduate coursework degrees. You can check which intakes are available for your chosen degree in the ‘fast facts’ section on the degree’s dedicated webpage.
If you are applying directly to the University of Newcastle, please adhere to the application closing dates listed on this page. All required supporting documents must be received by these dates. Applications received after these dates will be considered for the next available intake.
For further details: newcastle.edu.au/study/postgraduate/apply
*Some degrees have an earlier closing date. Please refer to the website above for more details.
Credit
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the expert skills and knowledge many of our postgraduate students bring to their program of study. A number of our programs have entry pathways that recognise both academic qualifications and professional experience, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is granted to eligible students upon admission to their program. For programs that do not offer these pathways, credit may be awarded for formal, informal and non-formal learning. If you have studies as part of an incomplete equivalent program, microcredentials or extensive relevant professional experience, you can apply for credit towards a specific course or courses within your program via CATS. If applying on the basis of relevant professional experience, make sure you include the Application for Recognition of Prior Learning form. newcastle.edu.au/study/postgraduate/credit
Direct application closing dates
Semesters 2025
Semester 1 9 February
Semester 2 6 July
Trimesters 2025
Trimester 1 5 January
Trimester 2 20 April
Trimester 3 10 August
Winter 2025 Winter 1 June
Postgraduate degrees
Business and Management
Postgraduate degrees
Postgraduate degrees
Postgraduate degrees
Postgraduate degrees
Engage with expert educators
Senior Lecturer, Dr Myles Young
School of Psychological Sciences
Dr Myles Young is a multiple national-award winning mid-career researcher who has led multiple clinical trials targeting men’s physical and mental health, with a particular interest in physical activity and its role in mental health promotion.
Myles is the program convenor for the Graduate Diploma in Psychological Sciences and supervises student research projects in the Master of Clinical Psychology and Master of Professional Psychology.
Myles has published 57 journal articles in leading international journals, which have been cited over 2,700 times, proving his ability to conceptualise and publish high quality mental health research studies.
During his career, Young has successfully secured over $8M in competitive grant income, awarded by national and international funding bodies. He is
Top 150 in the world for Psychology^1
Professor Zsolt Balogh
School of Medicine and Public Health
Professor Zsolt Balogh is an internationally recognised academic and active practicing trauma and orthopaedic surgeon.
currently leading the first randomised trial internationally comparing the value of outdoor walk-and-talk therapy for men with low mood, compared to usual care.
Myles has received over 20 awards recognising his real-world impact of his work. In 2019 he was named BUPA Emerging Health Researcher of the Year, and in 2020 was named one in 40 AMP Foundation ‘Tomorrow Makers’. In 2022, he received the University of Newcastle’s Teaching Excellence Award, the University’s highest teaching honour, for his undergraduate and postgraduate courses focused on evidence-based practice in psychotherapy.
96% employed within four months of graduating^2
ERA 5 for psychology and cognitive sciences^3
The Australian – Report on Research. He has a research output highlighted by over 400 peer-reviewed publications and has more than 28,000 citations.
Dr Balogh is Professor of Surgery at the University of Newcastle’s School of Medicine and Public Health and convening the postgraduate program of the Master of Traumatology. He is responsible for the Surgical and Trauma curriculum at the University of Newcastle and supervises the Traumatology PhD Program.
Dr Balogh is the recipient of Australia’s most prestigious surgical research award, the John Mitchell Crouch fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Orthopaedic Associations Research Award. He is the top researcher of Australia in the field of Emergency Medicine; 2020 and 2021
Ranked 8 in Australia for Medicine^1
Dr Balogh is a member of numerous professional and academic medical societies and editor of several peer-reviewed scientific journals. He is Chair of the Australasian Trauma Care Verification Program, has been a past President of the Australasian Orthopaedic Trauma Society, Research chair for the ANZ Society for the Surgery of Trauma and for the NSW Institute of Injury and Trauma Management.
100% employed full-time within four months of graduating^4
Top 38 in the world for Nursing^1
Newcastle Campus
Callaghan University Drive, Callaghan NSW 2308
Newcastle City Campuses
NUspace
Corner Hunter and Auckland Streets, Newcastle NSW 2300
Q Building
Corner of Honeysuckle Drive and Worth Place, Newcastle NSW 2300
Central Coast Campuses
Ourimbah
Chittaway Road, Ourimbah NSW 2258
Gosford
Holden Street, Gosford NSW 2250
Sydney Campus
55 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000