Business and management

What’s on offer for postgraduates?

Postgraduate student profile

Business and management has been one of the big growth fields at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels over the past decade or so. At postgraduate level, very little of this growth has been in research degree enrolments, most has been in graduate certificate and diploma enrolments.

The business and management field has been the pacesetter in the development of a marketplace in postgraduate programs. The field developed course pathways early in the piece, with certificates offering credit for diplomas and diplomas for masters. In management, the DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) is emerging as the fourth rung in the qualifications ladder.

For postgraduates, this field is something of a shopper’s paradise. There are many program titles and specialisations. Many are available by distance education and are therefore accessible almost
anywhere. Entry requirements are rarely demanding and the ‘or equivalent’ clause is often invoked.

The experience and rewards

Visit the University Ratings section for business and management course ratings or to see how business and management rates in the Fields of Study Compared table.

According to the national Course Experience Questionnaire survey, graduates of these programs are only reasonably satisfied with their experience. They are happy with the skills they gain, but unsatisfied with the quality of the teaching. Job prospects are also below average but salaries are right up there in the five-star range, at an average of more than $91,132 per year. In such a large field, variation between course outcomes are more pronounced so it is a good idea to check out the details for each campus.

For more information

You should browse through the profiles of accounting and economics , or if your interests are on the technical side of the discipline, see computing and information technology .

Some related specialisations will be found in humanities and social sciences and there are many fields in which you will find occupation-specific versions of management programs.

Julia Warzel — Masters in Business (Human Resource Management)

Why did you decide to pursue postgraduate studies?
I decided to pursue postgraduate studies to provide me with greater career opportunities. I felt it would offer me greater job security and a competitive advantage in the job market.

How did you balance your study with other commitments?
I studied part time and only worked three days a week, so I was able to maintain a good work-life balance. The decision to work part time meant that I could enjoy my studies, whilst also being able to apply what I was learning at work. During my studies I still had time to pursue hobbies and spend time with family and friends. I even took a break a went travelling for four months.

Are postgraduate qualifications a requirement in your chosen field?
No, they are not but I have been considered for more senior roles since I have completed my studies.

Would you recommend postgraduate studies to someone in a similar position to you, i.e. someone working in your field, or wishing to enter your field?
Definitely, it opens up a lot of doors and the teaching style employed in my masters course meant that most of what I learned was directly applicable to my work. Each of my friends at uni, who had not had prior HR experience before commencing postgraduate studies, all had great jobs.

How did you pay for your postgraduate studies?
Through HECS-HELP.

Are you working in your chosen field?
Yes, I'm working as an HR coordinator.

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