Navigating Postgraduate Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

A master's degree is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.

Introduction: Why Pursue a Postgraduate Degree?

Are you finishing your undergraduate studies and are starting to ask yourself “what should I do next?” Many gravitate towards a Master’s graduate program, but if you have only just finished it can be intimidating to go back to school. In today's rapidly evolving world, a master's degree can provide stability and open doors to new opportunities. Industries are quickly changing with the rapid advance of technology and shifting regulations. Many people look to an advanced degree to provide stability. A postgraduate degree builds on an undergraduate foundation and helps elevate your academic and professional standing.

Understanding Master's Degrees

The Essence of a Master's Degree

A Master’s Degree is a certification, awarded by an accredited university, recognizing that a person has mastered a well-established and generally-agreed set of knowledge within a specific area. It is an academic postgraduate credential designed to help you build broad, foundational expertise in a specific field or discipline. A graduate program is an academic degree that pursues an in-depth exploration of a field of study. Successful graduate students have proven expertise in a specific area of professional practice both at the theoretical and practical levels. At Franklin University Switzerland, Master’s degrees also provide the opportunity to develop professional skills as an intern or project participant.

The master's degree dates back to the origin of European universities, with a Papal bull of 1233 decreeing that anyone admitted to the mastership in the University of Toulouse should be allowed to teach freely in any other university. The original meaning of the master's degree was thus that someone who had been admitted to the rank (degree) of master (i.e. teacher) in one university should be admitted to the same rank in other universities. This gradually became formalised as the licentia docendī (licence to teach). From the late Middle Ages until the 19th century, the pattern of degrees was therefore to have a bachelor's and master's degree in the lower faculties and to have bachelor's and doctorates in the higher faculties.

Types of Master's Degrees

Master's degrees are commonly titled using the form 'Master of …', where either a faculty (typically Arts or Science) or a field (Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Business Administration, etc.) is specified. A graduate major is a specialized degree you can pursue after your undergraduate program to gather experience and strengthen your skills. While all graduate degrees will have somewhat different focus and structures, they are all planned to give you a specialized look into your industry or field of choice.

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Master of Arts (MA): A Master of Arts degree focuses on humanities and the theoretical understanding of the subject at hand.
Master of Science (MS or MSc): A Master of Science degree typically focuses on scientific or technical expertise. In an MS program, you’ll likely gain key technical skills that you can apply to your field right away.
Master of Business Administration (MBA): An MBA is one of the most in-demand graduate degree programs out there. MBA programs typically focus on a specific area of concentration and leverage real-world learning. MBA programs also build in-demand soft skills such as leadership, communication and collaboration.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil): The title of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) indicates (in the same manner as Doctor of Philosophy) an extended degree with a large research component.
Other Specialized Master's Degrees: Beyond these common types of graduate degrees, there are additional master’s degree programs that may be available depending on the field you’re studying. Examples include Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Public Health (MPH), and Master of Education (MEd).

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Master’s Degree Composition

Earning a Master’s typically requires about 40 credit hours of coursework with a minimum grade of 3.0 (or a B). However, some programs enable students to earn their degrees in fewer credits without compromising the quality and integrity of the coursework.

Master’s-level coursework is generally structured into 4 groups, typically divided as follows:

The General Courses (~10%): These courses offer the foundational underpinnings of knowledge and information; they may be merely supportive of your major or tangentially connected to your main focus of study.
The Major Core (~50%): Your chosen major will have multiple subjects that work together to build a powerful and relevant education for success in the working world. These are the courses that will help you hit the ground running for jobs in your chosen field.
The Electives (~15%): To meet your total number of hours required for your Master’s degree, you may have some hours left to spend on “elective” coursework. This is classwork that you can choose from a list of electives available in your program. It is part of personalizing your degree and also building yourself into a well-rounded individual.
The Capstone (~25%): In construction, a capstone is the final stone placed at the top of a building. Similarly, in education, a capstone course is the culmination of your all your Master’s work. It is typically a practical, real-world application of your knowledge. Before beginning your capstone work, you may have to create a proposal that is reviewed and approved by your professor.

Structurally speaking, that’s the basics of a Master’s Degree. But, it’s what’s within the components above that makes a Master’s Degree such a distinguished achievement.

Postgraduate vs. Graduate: Clarifying the Terms

Although graduate and postgraduate are often used interchangeably, they represent two distinct stages of academic growth. A postgraduate degree refers to any qualification obtained after completing an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree. It is designed for students who want to specialise in a field or gain advanced knowledge.

Undergraduate (Graduate) Level: A graduate student is someone pursuing or holding a bachelor’s degree. This level provides theoretical foundations and prepares learners for entry-level positions. Examples include a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom).
Postgraduate Level: A postgraduate student has already graduated and is now pursuing advanced study. These programmes focus on research, specialisation, and professional development.

Duration and Structure

Master's programs in the US and Canada are normally two years (full-time) in length. In the UK, postgraduate master's degrees typically take one to two years full-time or two to four years part-time. Master's degrees may be classified as either "research" or "taught", with taught degrees (those where research makes up less than half of the volume of work) being further subdivided into "specialist or advanced study" or "professional or practice". Taught degrees (of both forms) typically take a full calendar year (180 UK credits, compared to 120 for an academic year), while research degrees are not typically credit rated but may take up to two years to complete. An MPhil normally takes two calendar years (360 credits).

In Australia, master's degrees vary from one year for a "research" or "coursework" master's following on from an Australian honours degree in a related field, with an extra six months if following on straight from an ordinary bachelor's degree and another extra six months if following on from a degree in a different field, to four years for an "extended" master's degree. In the Overarching Framework of Qualifications for the European Higher Education Area defined as part of the Bologna process, a "second cycle" (i.e. master's degree) programme is typically 90-120 ECTS credits, with a minimum requirement of at least 60 ECTS credits at second-cycle level.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a master's degree normally requires successful completion of study at bachelor's degree level either (for postgraduate degrees) as a stand-alone degree or (for integrated degrees) as part of an integrated scheme of study. In the UK, students will normally need to have a 2:1. Under the Bologna Process, countries in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) are moving to a three-cycle (bachelor's - master's - doctorate) system.

Admission to graduate studies at Franklin University Switzerland is a holistic procedure involving multiple aspects of the applicant's academic life. We consider several factors during our decision making process including academic records, professional experience, and community engagement. Students from all disciplines are welcome to apply to our programs. Prior to enrolling students must show proof of knowledge, or have equivalent experience in three specific areas: Accounting Fundamentals, Corporate Finance, and Research Methodology. Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis, and the admission decision will be communicated after all admission materials have been received and requirements have been met. Your two recommendations can be from a current or former supervisor, colleague, or professor who is sufficiently familiar with and can evaluate your academic performance. Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your opportunity to explain your reasons for undertaking graduate study. Please describe your professional goals, interests and how you believe the program will help you in your career. Official transcripts: We require official transcripts from an accredited institution for your bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Reasons to Pursue a Master's Degree

Our program directors say the most common reasons current students cite include:

Career Change: Looking to pursue a new career in a new-to-them field
Personal Gain: Want to earn more money in their field
Professional Development: Want to become better at their current job/field
Academic Pursuit: Want to learn more deeply about a subject or a concept
Resume Building: Need to learn new skills to enter into the job market
Promotion Targeting: Need the degree to be eligible for a promotion
Personal Fulfillment: Enjoy the satisfaction of developing your critical thinking skills and completing advanced courses

Career Advancement

A postgraduate qualification can result in additional career options and opportunities for promotion and greater career advancement. Postgraduate degrees build specialised expertise on a topic, leading to employment requiring levels of expertise that exceed those provided by an undergraduate degree.

As industries quickly change with the rapid advance of technology and shifting regulations, many people look to an advanced degree to provide stability. In reality, there are many reasons to consider earning a Master’s degree.

Specialization and Skill Growth

Postgraduate study allows students to focus on niche subjects and gain practical exposure in real-world settings.

Research Opportunities

Many programmes encourage independent research, helping students explore new ideas and problem-solving methods.

Personal Growth

As you progress through your study, you may find that career progression becomes less of the focus, and personal benefits and growth starts to take a front seat; you may note the benefits of increased self-confidence, problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills. Pursuing a postgraduate qualification can build upon your perception of self, especially concerning the future employment pathways you wish to pursue. This is a primary motivator to start a postgraduate journey.

Master's Degree vs. Bachelor's Degree: Key Differences

Where a Bachelor’s regimen is typically structured around demonstrating knowledge, the Master’s program is structured around applying philosophies, principles, and guidance to real-world scenarios.

Different Type of Thinking: In a Master’s program, students are expected to do far more than just read, memorize, and provide proof of their knowledge. They must be ready to theorize, advance, and create. The knowledge, memorization, and understanding gained in a Bachelor’s degree becomes the foundation for the critical thinking required for a Master’s.
More Emphasis on Writing: As you move from a Bachelor’s level of work and into Master’s studies, you’ll need to adjust your writing style. You’re expected to be more thorough than just consulting one textbook for information. Get used to seeking out multiple references in your writing. Consider information sources that come at the same topic from different perspectives. Be thoughtful and creative as you triangulate many pieces of information into a cohesive, thought-provoking insight.
A Capstone Process: As mentioned earlier, to wrap up all of your Master’s work, your program will likely require a capstone project. This is generally not a part of a Bachelor’s program. The capstone can be a challenging process, and cannot be taken lightly.
Collaborative Community: In a Master’s program, one of the first things many students notice is the difference in peer relationships and mentoring. Graduate work typically requires you to work with the people around you. This high level of collaboration gives you an opportunity to seek out a mentor. It might be a peer, a faculty member, or a person who is already in the career you're pursuing. You’ll find that mentoring is common at the Master’s level of coursework.
The Need for a Support System: The truth is, you share a powerful bond with your classmates. You’re all working toward a common goal, but each person has a unique set of strengths that can be shared along the way. You give; you get. And everyone wins.

Factors Determining the Quality of a Master's Degree

In this age of online diploma mills, students should be careful in selecting a reputable program that provides a legitimate degree. As you choose the right school for your Master’s training, ask about the goal of their program and then ask how the school brings that goal to life.

Curriculum Design: Coursework should deeply reflect current events in the industry. It should address what it takes for a 21st-century career. A school should be able to talk with you in depth about trends in employment, because their coursework already addresses those trends. Ask your program how their curriculum is designed, and how frequently its evaluated.
Advisory Boards: A good school will have advisory boards staffed with current professionals and senior managers. Those advisory boards are constantly asking, "What are today’s employers looking for?" Good advisors ensure the school is only offering degrees that are actually in demand. Be sure to ask your program who sits on the advisory board for the degree you’re seeking.
Internal Program Review: In each academic area, the program chair regularly undertakes a comprehensive review of the program. There are many elements to be reviewed and updated, for example: Review student assessments to see if there are gaps in instruction, learning, or contentCheck with employers to see the education is relevant, competitive, and helpful to their organizations. It’s not just about meeting students' information needs; a Master’s degree-granting school must also focus deeply on employers' needs in the workplaceAssess the courses themselves to look at the content and quality of the instruction Be sure to ask your program how thoroughly it reviews its programs, and ask for specific changes that have been made as part of that process.
Accreditation: Department of Education governs whether a school earns accreditation. With regular, rigorous reviews, they make sure an institution has the faculty and resources necessary to offer a high-quality academic program. Ask if your program is accredited.
Program Reputation: Sometimes, you learn a lot about a Master’s degree program merely by listening to what others are saying. What do professional organizations say? (For example, what does the Society for Human Resource Management, or SHRM, say about a school’s MBA program?) Consider what training a professional organization deems to be important, and see if your school is addressing those needs. Check online for reviews of the school and ask your employer if they’ve heard of the program.

Alternative Postgraduate Qualifications

Master’s degrees are not the only options for continuing your studies. A postgraduate certificate (PGCert) or a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) both have the same taught module requirements as an equivalent master’s qualification, but omit the research project or require students to take fewer modules. Graduate certificates are often the first step students can take towards postgraduate study. Typically, these qualifications take between four to five months of full-time study. Graduate diplomas fit the ideal middle-ground between a graduate certificate and a master’s degree program, taking about a year of full-time study. Diplomas cover the same course options as the graduate certificates but extend into further study.

Doctoral Degrees: The Next Step

If, having graduated from a master’s degree, you decide to continue your studies even further, there are several choices. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, DPhil) is traditionally the highest student qualification. However, the specific academic level achieved by a PhD student can vary according to the country, institution and even time period. A Professional Doctorate is considered equivalent to a PhD but geared less towards training in academic research and more towards allowing experienced professionals to carry out research relating to their current professional field. The Professional Doctorate often contains a larger taught element. While postgraduate courses such as the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) are only offered full-time and are aimed at recent graduates, most Professional Doctorates are studied part-time. For both PhDs and Professional Doctorates, research is presented as a thesis and examined by an expert in the chosen field. The taught element in Professional Doctorates is also formally assessed.

Postgraduate Study in Australia

The postgraduate experience focuses on the practical and theoretical application of knowledge either through coursework or research. This often enables students to engage in research projects, collaborate with industry partners, and contribute to meaningful discoveries that have real-world impact. As a postgraduate student, you can expect to benefit from university facilities, well-equipped laboratories, and advanced technology that facilitate a dynamic learning environment. The multicultural nature of Australian society enriches the study experience. You will have the chance to interact with fellow students from around the world, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights into different cultures and perspectives.

Postgraduate Research Degrees

Although a postgraduate research degree may also contain courses, it is based on your success in producing a research outcome such as an independent thesis. Typically, these degrees include research master’s degrees and doctoral degrees. Research degrees are largely undertaken as independent study usually with assistance from at least two academic supervisors/advisors. Because of the independent nature of the research degree, students need high-level organisational and communication skills. Indeed, communication is key for research students, as they are positioned at the intersection of their research teams, the university, and outside stakeholders.

Pathways into Postgraduate Education

There are several pathways into postgraduate education, and it is important to recognise that not everyone’s pathway is the same. Postgraduate study occurs after successful completion of an undergraduate degree, or sometimes after evaluation of experience through work. Some may decide to pursue further study immediately after completion of their undergraduate degree and others might start a postgraduate qualification after time in the workforce.

Applying for entry into a postgraduate degree involves deciding which degree you are aiming for, which discipline to focus on, and focusing on the entry dates and prerequisites. Institutions will have differing entry requirements for each of the postgraduate degrees on offer. For a master’s degree by research and doctorate level courses, prior experience undertaking research may also be a requirement. For example, it is common for doctoral level courses to require successful completion of an honours degree or a research master’s degree.

Integrated Master's Degrees

Integrated master's degrees (MChem, MEng, MMath, MPharm, MPhys, MPsych, MSci, etc.) are UK degrees that combine an undergraduate bachelor's degree course with an extra year at master's level (i.e. a total of four years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and five years in Scotland). A 2011 survey of UK Higher Education Institutes found that 64% offered integrated master's course, mostly in STEM disciplines, with the most common degrees being MEng, MSci and MChem.

Non-Master's Level Master's Degrees

The ancient universities of the UK and Ireland have traditionally awarded MAs in a different manner to that usual today. The Scottish MA is a bachelor's-level qualification offered by the four ancient universities of Scotland.

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