Further study options

The University of Newcastle offers a broad range of opportunities for students of all ages and stages of education to take the next step in their studies.

You can transition from an enabling program into undergraduate studies, boost your credentials with postgrad opportunities, or satisfy your curiosity about a subject completely unrelated to your current degree.

Why not explore further study options and make learning your lifelong journey?

Study a Diploma in Languages

Few skills are as translatable across industries and nations as speaking a second language.

With a Diploma in Languages, you will learn to read, write and speak one or more languages from a choice of French, German, Japanese, Chinese and Australian Sign Language (Auslan).

More than just gaining proficiency in a Language Other Than English (LOTE), you will also gain a better understanding of another culture.

The Diploma is available for all Commonwealth Supported students and must be studied concurrently with your degree program – and yes, there are opportunities to study overseas and improve your language in the relevant country.

Find out more about the Diploma in Languages

You don’t have to be working towards a degree or diploma to study at UON. If you have professional requirements, are looking to further your understanding of a subject ahead of studying it at a higher level, or are simply just interested in learning more, you can apply to study a single course. We refer to this as non-award study

Undergraduate, postgraduate and international students can apply for non-award study, with a number of factors determining if the application will be successful – primarily whether the course has places available.

It’s worth keeping in mind that FEE-HELP and OS-HELP are not available for non-award study – you will need to pay full fees upfront to the University.

Find more information on how to choose a single course and apply to undertake non-award study.

If you want to give yourself an edge in the workforce, are looking to make a career change, or want to make a lasting difference by way of research, postgraduate study is the way to go.

And with over 450 courses and 80 Graduate Certificate, or Masters degree programs, UON is your post-grad destination.

What’s more, the programs on offer are entirely flexible – you can complete them in your time, and often tailor the learning experience so that your career and real-world experience translate into course credit.

You can also undertake a single postgraduate course to help boost your career prospects, improve knowledge or skills in a particular area, or just because you have an interest in a particular topic.

Information on how to choose a single course and apply to undertake non-award study can be seen here.


Honours

Honours is generally reserved for high-achieving students, which makes it both highly competitive and a strong boost for your professional prospects.

Honours will likely be a different experience to that you had during your time as an undergraduate. With an emphasis on individual learning over formal classes, Honours give you the chance to stretch your academic wings a little further and can be an incredibly rewarding way to consolidate and enhance the knowledge gained in your undergrad years.

Generally completed over one year, Honours can be course-work or research based, or a combination of the two.

Undergraduate Honours degrees


Postgraduate coursework

Postgraduate coursework allows you to further your education and enhance your skillset in a class and study environment similar to that of your undergraduate degree.

Taking in graduate certificates through to Masters degrees, postgraduate coursework can be completed in as little as six months, or over a period of years.

Postgraduate coursework degrees >


Graduate research

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) is divided into Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil), both of which require a supervisor for the length of your studies.

PhD students conduct independent research with the aim of uncovering new knowledge, either by discovering facts, formulating theories or re-interpreting established ideas. A PhD is generally completed in four years as a full-time study load, or eight years as part time.

MPhil students show a strong understanding of their field’s relevant techniques, as demonstrated by application and review of the literature. Attaining your MPhil takes two years full time or four years part time.

All HDR applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

More information

Why research at UON?

As an international student, you have access to UON’s postgraduate programs, including research higher degrees.

Before applying, check the entry requirements for your chosen program, as many need you to have certain levels of academic and work experience.

If English is not your first language, you will also need to meet the University's English proficiency policy.

If you have any questions, contact us via our International Enquiries page.

More information

Your Next Move

Your Next Move

Completing Newstep, Open Foundation or Yapug? Make the move to undergraduate studies with our FREE application.

Find out more