If you\u2019ve been thinking that higher education might be on the cards for your future, you might also have a few questions about what that pathway could look like.<\/p>\n
There are many different types of qualifications and ways to get into higher study – and now\u2019s as good a time as any to start demystifying what your own path could look like.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s an overview of a few things worth knowing!<\/p>\n
Higher education qualifications are governed by two bodies within Australia:<\/p>\n
TEQSA is responsible for registering all higher education providers and ensuring courses meet the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards)<\/a>.<\/p>\n The AQF specifies the standards for educational qualifications in Australia across ten levels of study from 1 to 10.<\/p>\n Study within higher education is split into undergraduate and postgraduate. Undergraduate study starts at level 5 with diploma-level courses, going all the way to postgraduate doctoral degrees at level 10.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a little breakdown of how this looks:<\/p>\n Undergraduate degrees will typically sit under one of two categories:<\/p>\n The overall structure of the degrees is pretty similar, but it\u2019s the focus of the content that will differ the most. BA degrees can be more qualitative and creative-led, whereas BSc degrees usually require a more mathematical and analytical approach.<\/p>\n Neither one is \u2018better\u2019 than the other – it all depends on the type of subjects you\u2019re interested in and your ideas for your future career.<\/p>\n After completing your initial degree program, you might decide to undertake an honours program.<\/p>\n Honours is an additional qualification that allows you to build on your undergraduate studies by completing a self-directed research project or research-focused coursework.<\/p>\n Honours programs typically last a year. Some degree programs include a final honours year built into the complete undergraduate degree program. Others include it as an optional program that students can choose to participate in if they want to.<\/p>\n Honours allow you to explore a more niche or specific area related to your main studies that you\u2019re especially interested in and dive deeper into research around this. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, you\u2019ll choose a thesis topic, create a reading list and identify your research method. The thesis you write documents all your research from proposal through to conclusion.<\/p>\n Choosing to pursue higher education, your subjects and where to study are all big decisions – and they don\u2019t need to be rushed. Here are three of our tips to help you on this journey:<\/p>\n 1. Do What\u2019s Right For YOU<\/strong>: There are many ways to continue into further and higher studies, and the most important thing to think about is whether it\u2019s right for you right now.<\/p>\n Top Tip:<\/strong> Not sure what subjects or career paths might be a good match for you? Trying to decide between a few different options? Our savvy Career Quiz and help you to narrow things down! <\/em>Check it out right here<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n 2. Give It Time:<\/strong> There\u2019s nothing wrong with needing to take a bit of time off from studying once you finish high school to give yourself some headspace to think about what the best decision for you might be.<\/p>\n Top Tip:<\/strong> Think you\u2019d rather try out the world of work before deciding on what study might be best for you? Our <\/em>Jobs section<\/em><\/a> has many employer profiles, career opportunities and resources to help you take those first steps!<\/em><\/p>\n 3. Do Your Research<\/strong> It\u2019s also worth researching universities overall and the programs they offer – not all degree programs are created equally! Do your research before making any big decisions to know what to expect.<\/p>\nWhat Are the Higher Education Levels of Study?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\n AQF level<\/strong><\/td>\n Qualification<\/strong><\/td>\n Degree level<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 10<\/td>\n Higher Doctoral Degree<\/td>\n Postgraduate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 10<\/td>\n Doctoral Degree<\/td>\n Postgraduate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 9<\/td>\n Masters Degree (Research)<\/td>\n Postgraduate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 9<\/td>\n Masters Degree (Coursework)<\/td>\n Postgraduate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 9<\/td>\n Masters Degree (Extended)<\/td>\n Postgraduate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 8<\/td>\n Graduate Diploma<\/td>\n Postgraduate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 8<\/td>\n Graduate Certificate<\/td>\n Postgraduate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 8<\/td>\n Bachelor Honours Degree<\/td>\n Undergraduate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 7<\/td>\n Bachelor Degree<\/td>\n Undergraduate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 6<\/td>\n Associate Degree<\/td>\n Undergraduate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 6<\/td>\n Advanced Diploma<\/td>\n Undergraduate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 5<\/td>\n Diploma<\/td>\n Undergraduate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \nWhat\u2019s the Difference Between a BSc and a BA?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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What is an Honours Program?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
What Else You Need to Know<\/strong><\/h4>\n