Coursework, research or both?

ANU offers different kinds of postgraduate coursework study options.

Graduate coursework generally results in the awarding of a Masters degree, a Graduate Diploma, or a Graduate Certificate. Each of these awards require different standards and quantities of work.

The major component of coursework programs is attendance at lectures and tutorials, and submitting assessment items, such as essays and assignments.

Some coursework programs may also involve a research component, where students work with the assistance of supervisors on a more substantial project which involves the submission of a thesis as part of the assessment.

In some cases, graduate coursework students may also be studying for a Professional Doctorate. Two thirds of such a degree would be coursework and one third would be research.

Graduate research degrees do not normally have any significant component of coursework, normally one third or less. For further information on Graduate Research Programs, go to the Graduate Research home page.

Utlimately, the coursework and research components of any graduate program are determined at a program level. To be certain about what your program requires, you must refer to the specific requirements of that program.