Latest release
Broad Level

1 Postgraduate Degree Level

Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED)
Reference period
2001
Released
22/08/2001
Next release Unknown
First release

Broad Level 1 Postgraduate Degree Level

Postgraduate Degree Level provides for in-depth study in a particular field, and builds on the knowledge and skills gained from previous study. there is usually emphasis on original research. this level includes doctorates and master degrees, either by research or coursework.

This broad level comprises the following narrow levels:

Narrow Level

11 Doctoral Degree Level

Narrow Level 11 Doctoral Degree Level

Doctoral Degree Level provides a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding within a particular field, and to the application of knowledge within that field.

Theoretical and Vocational Orientation

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a specific area of interest that clearly falls under the broader area of interest previously studied. This level involves an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding in the chosen field.

Entry Requirements

The usual entry requirement is a Master Degree or a Bachelor (Honours) Degree or equivalent, and demonstrated potential to undertake doctoral work through academic and/or professional performance.

This narrow level comprises the following detailed levels:

111  Higher Doctorate
112  Doctorate by Research
113  Doctorate by Coursework
114  Professional Specialist Qualification at Doctoral Degree Level
115  Statement of Attainment at Doctoral Degree Level
116  Bridging and Enabling Course at Doctoral Degree Level

111 Higher Doctorate

Higher Doctorate provides a significant contribution to knowledge in a chosen field which demonstrates an authoritative standing as recognised by other scholars in that field. Higher Doctorates are usually a body of original work, and are awarded on the basis of submission of works published since graduation for assessment by independent experts in that field.

Theoretical and Vocational Orientation

The focus is a significant contribution to knowledge in the chosen field of study which demonstrates an authoritative standing in that field.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirement is a Doctoral Degree and several years experience in the chosen field.

Notional Duration

Candidates do not enrol in a course but submit a dissertation for assessment.

112 Doctorate by Research

Doctorate by Research provides a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding within a particular field, and to the application of knowledge within that field. The majority of the programme, usually about two-thirds, is undertaken as an original research project.

Theoretical and Vocational Orientation

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a specific area of interest that clearly falls under the broader area of interest previously studied.  This level involves an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding in the chosen field.

Entry Requirements

The usual entry requirement is a Master Degree or a Bachelor (Honours) Degree or equivalent, and demonstrated potential to undertake doctoral work through academic and/or professional performance.

Notional Duration

The duration can typically be up to four years of full-time study or equivalent. 

113 Doctorate by Coursework

Doctorate by Coursework provides a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding within a particular field, and to the application of knowledge within that field. The majority of the programme, usually about two-thirds, is undertaken as coursework.

Theoretical and Vocational Orientation

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a specific area of interest that clearly falls under the broader area of interest previously studied.  This level involves an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding in the chosen field.

Entry Requirements

The usual entry requirement is a Master Degree or a Bachelor (Honours) Degree or equivalent, and demonstrated potential to undertake doctoral work through academic and/or professional performance.

Notional Duration

The duration can typically be up to four years of full-time study or equivalent.

114 Professional Specialist Qualification at Doctoral Degree Level

Professional Specialist Qualification at Doctoral Degree Level recognises a significant contribution to knowledge in a particular field which demonstrates an authoritative standing as recognised by other professionals in that field.

Theoretical and Vocational Orientation

The focus is a significant contribution to knowledge in the chosen field which demonstrates an authoritative standing in that field.

Entry Requirements

The usual entry requirement is a four or five year Bachelor Degree and several years practice in the chosen field.

Notional Duration

The duration is typically the equivalent of several years practice in the chosen field since graduation.

115 Statement of Attainment at Doctoral Degree Level

Statement of Attainment at Doctoral Degree Level provides recognition of completion of any coursework components which may contribute towards a qualification at Doctoral Degree Level, and is usually in the form of an academic transcript.

Theoretical and Vocational Orientation

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a specific area of interest that clearly falls under the broader area of interest previously studied.  This level involves an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding in the chosen field.

Entry Requirements

The usual entry requirement is a Master Degree or a Bachelor (Honours) Degree or equivalent, and demonstrated potential to undertake doctoral work through academic and/or professional performance.

Notional Duration

Duration of education at this level may vary.

116 Bridging and Enabling Course at Doctoral Degree Level

Bridging and Enabling Course at Doctoral Degree Level provides specific background knowledge to allow further detailed study for students who do not have the pre-requisite subject matter knowledge or who have not studied for some time.

Theoretical and Vocational Orientation

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a specific area of interest that clearly falls under the broader area of interest previously studied. This level involves an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding in the chosen field.

Entry Requirements

The usual entry requirement is a Master Degree or a Bachelor (Honours) Degree or equivalent, and demonstrated potential to undertake doctoral work through academic and/or professional performance.

Notional Duration

Duration of education at this level may vary.

Narrow Level

12 Master Degree Level

Narrow Level 12 Master Degree Level

Master Degree Level provides in-depth study leading to greater understanding in a particular field, or to professional and vocational development in that field.

Theoretical and Vocational Orientation

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a chosen field, or the enhancement of specific professional and vocational skills usually undertaken by coursework and research.

Entry Requirements

The usual entry requirement is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree, a Bachelor (Pass) Degree and a qualifying year or equivalent, or a research-based Graduate Diploma. In some circumstances relevant prior work can be recognised, particularly where high level performance in graduate studies or relevant professional practice has been undertaken.

This narrow level comprises the following detailed levels:

121  Master Degree by Research
122  Master Degree by Coursework
123  Professional Specialist Qualification at Master Degree Level
124  Statement of Attainment at Master Degree Level
125  Bridging and Enabling Course at Master Degree Level

121 Master Degree by Research

Master Degree by Research provides in-depth study leading to greater understanding in a particular field. The majority of the programme, usually about two-thirds, is undertaken as an original research project. Awards at this level are often converted to, or are preparatory for, a doctoral programme.

Theoretical and Vocational Orientation

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a chosen field.

Entry Requirements

The usual entry requirement is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree, a Bachelor (Pass) Degree and a qualifying year or equivalent, or a research-based Graduate Diploma. In some circumstances relevant prior work can be recognised, particularly where high level performance in graduate studies or relevant professional practice has been undertaken.

Notional Duration

The duration is typically the equivalent of one to two years of full-time study.

122 Master Degree by Coursework

Master Degree by Coursework provides in-depth study leading to greater understanding in a particular field, or to professional and vocational development in that field. The majority of the programme, usually about two-thirds, is undertaken as coursework.

Theoretical and Vocational Orientation

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a chosen field.

Entry Requirements

The usual entry requirement is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree, a Bachelor (Pass) Degree and a qualifying year or equivalent, or a research-based Graduate Diploma. In some circumstances relevant prior work can be recognised, particularly where high level performance in graduate studies or relevant professional practice has been undertaken.

Notional Duration

The duration is typically the equivalent of one to two years of full-time study.

123 Professional Specialist Qualification at Master Degree Level

Professional Specialist Qualification at Master Degree Level recognises detailed knowledge and practical experience in the chosen field which demonstrates an authoritative standing as recognised by other professionals in that field.

Theoretical and Vocational Orientation

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a chosen field.

Entry Requirements

The usual entry requirement is a Bachelor Degree and several years practice in the chosen field.

Notional Duration

The duration is typically the equivalent of several years practice in the chosen field since graduation.

124 Statement of Attainment at Master Degree Level

Statement of Attainment at Master Degree Level provides recognition of completion of any coursework components which may contribute towards a qualification at Master Degree Level, and is usually in the form of an academic transcript.

Theoretical and Vocational Orientation

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a chosen field.

Entry Requirements

The usual entry requirement is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree, a Bachelor (Pass) Degree and a qualifying year or equivalent, or a research-based Graduate Diploma. In some circumstances relevant prior work can be recognised, particularly where high level performance in graduate studies or relevant professional practice has been undertaken.

Notional Duration

Duration of education at this level may vary.

125 Bridging and Enabling Course at Master Degree Level

Bridging and Enabling Course at Master Degree Level provides specific background knowledge to allow further detailed study at a level higher than Master Degree Level for students who do not have the pre-requisite subject matter knowledge or who have not studied for some time.

Theoretical and Vocational Orientation

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a chosen field.

Entry Requirements

The usual entry requirement is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree, a Bachelor (Pass) Degree and a qualifying year or equivalent, or a research-based Graduate Diploma. In some circumstances relevant prior work can be recognised, particularly where high level performance in graduate studies or relevant professional practice has been undertaken.

Notional Duration

Duration of education at this level may vary.