Discover UNSW Online
At UNSW Online, we bring world-class education to you – wherever you are. Our flexible, 100% online programs are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy life, empowering you to achieve your career goals without compromising on quality. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current field, pivot to a new industry or gain specialised expertise, our industry-aligned courses and expert academics will help you get there. Explore our range of postgraduate programs and take the next step toward your future today.
Explore all UNSW Online programs
AI Leadership and Strategy
Analytics
Applied Finance
Business Law
Business Psychology
Counselling
Cyber Security
Data Science
Financial Technology
Human Resource Management
Management
Project Management
Psychology
Interested in on-campus or hybrid programs? Let's explore all your UNSW study options.
UNSW Online
Difference in qualifications type
Master’s
A master’s can transform your career, positioning you for leadership roles, higher salaries and specialised opportunities. It’s the ultimate way to deepen your knowledge and stand out in a competitive job market.
Graduate Diploma
This qualification is perfect for professionals looking to advance their careers or pivot to a new field. It’s a fast, effective way to gain advanced expertise and make an immediate impact in your industry.
Graduate Certificate
A graduate certificate allows you to quickly build expertise and stand out in the job market. It’s an excellent choice for professionals looking to upskill, explore a new field or take the first step toward a master’s degree.
How to choose the right online postgraduate program
The right postgraduate program depends on your career goals, the expertise you want to build, your previous study or experience and the level of commitment that suits you.
UNSW Online offers online postgraduate programs in AI leadership and strategy, analytics, applied finance, business law, business psychology, counselling, cyber security, data science, financial technology, human resource management, management, project management and psychology.
Start with where you want your career to go
Your career goals can help narrow down which postgraduate programs are most relevant to you.
You may be looking to:
- develop deeper expertise in your current field
- prepare for leadership or more senior responsibilities
- specialise in a particular area
- build skills in an emerging discipline
- move into an entirely different industry or profession
Once you have a clearer goal, compare programs by the knowledge and skills they are designed to build.
Decide whether you want broad or specialised expertise
Some programs build broad expertise across a discipline, while others let you focus on a particular area.
Specialisations are available in selected UNSW Online programs. For example, the Master of Analytics offers specialisations in human resource analytics and marketing, and Master of Project Management offers specialisations in healthcare and leadership.
Review the course structure of each program to see whether it matches the expertise you want to build.
Choose a qualification level that suits your goal
A graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master’s offer different depths of postgraduate study. At UNSW Online, each level typically involves:
- graduate certificate: four courses over eight months part-time
- graduate diploma: eight courses over 16 months part-time
- master’s: 12 courses over two years part-time
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is the exception, with 10 courses over 20 months, part-time. Not every study area offers all three levels.
The right level for you depends on your career goals, previous qualifications, available time and how deeply you want to study the field.
Compare the course content, not just the program name
Programs in similar fields can build different skills or focus on different areas. Before choosing, review:
- the courses you will study
- the skills you will graduate with
- available specialisations
- entry requirements
- number of courses and study duration
- fees and financial support options
- whether you can get credit for prior study
- how well the program fits your career goals
Comparing these details can help you find the program that best matches what you want from postgraduate study.
Consider how study will fit around your existing commitments
Designed for working professionals, UNSW Online programs are delivered online and studied part-time, so you can study alongside work and other commitments.
Study runs in hexamesters, which are seven-week study periods. There are six each year, giving you several opportunities to start. UNSW Online recommends around 20 hours of study a week, so consider how that fits with your work and personal commitments before you choose a program.
Frequently asked questions
Start with what you want postgraduate study to help you achieve, such as advancing in your current field, moving into leadership or changing careers. Then compare programs by the courses you will study, qualification level, entry requirements, study duration and fees. If you’re unsure, a Student Advisor can talk you through your options.
The right qualification depends on the depth of study you want, your existing qualifications and experience, your career goals and the amount of time you want to commit.
At UNSW Online, a graduate certificate is usually four courses over eight months part-time. A graduate diploma is usually eight courses over 16 months and a master’s is 12 courses over two years.
In many programs, a graduate certificate can count towards a master’s if you choose to continue. Check the entry requirements on the program page before you decide.
Yes. UNSW Online programs are delivered online and designed for part-time study, so you can fit your studies around work. Study runs in seven-week periods called hexamesters, and UNSW Online recommends around 20 hours of study a week. You will also have a Student Success Advisor to support you from enrolment through to graduation.
Yes. Postgraduate study can help you build the knowledge and skills to move into a new field. You do not always need previous study in the same area, although some programs may ask for study in a related field or relevant work experience.
A graduate certificate can be a good way to explore a new field before you commit to a longer qualification. Check the entry requirements and courses on the program page to see whether it suits your background and career goals.
Entry requirements vary by program and qualification level. Depending on the program, they may include a previous qualification, academic results, study in a related field or relevant work experience. You may also need to show English language proficiency, depending on your educational background and citizenship. Check the program page for specific entry requirements, or speak to a Student Advisor about your eligibility.
Fees vary by program and qualification level. UNSW Online charges fees per course, and your total fee depends on the courses you choose, the year you take them and any recognition of prior learning (RPL) you receive before you start. If you are a domestic student, you may be eligible for FEE-HELP, a government loan that can cover all or part of your tuition. See the UNSW Online Fees page for current fees by program.
At UNSW Online, a graduate certificate usually takes eight months part-time, a graduate diploma 16 months and a master’s two years. UNSW Online’s Graduate Diploma in Psychology is the exception, at 20 months. If you receive credit for prior study, you may be able to finish sooner. Check the program page for its exact duration and number of courses.
Download our program guide
Here's what you'll find inside:
- Entry requirements
- Program highlights
- Course structures
- Fees
- Online learning approach