Going back to uni as a postgraduate is a very different experience than studying as an undergrad. Now you’ve got a lot more responsibilities to balance alongside your study load.
So, how can you ensure your postgrad study fits your busy schedule?
Sure, there are some things you can do to manage your work, study and life commitments. But your uni has a role to play as well. You need a degree of flexibility. And that’s where initiatives like UQ flexible delivery can make a world of difference.
Here’s an overview of how UQ gives postgrads the freedom to study in their own way, at their own pace.
- Flexible delivery
- Duration options
- Prior study and learning can shorten your program
- Convenient location and facilities
Flexible delivery at UQ
Several UQ postgrad programs are available via a combination of on-campus and online learning. This means you can schedule online classes when it suits you to stay home – without missing the benefits of in-person sessions.
UQ also offers a suite of programs that are delivered 100% online for students who need ultimate flexibility in their learning, such as the Master of Business Analytics and the Master of Sports Coaching. While the classes in programs like these are entirely online, as a UQ student you can still visit campus whenever you like to use the many services available (like the library), meet with your lecturers, and – of course – attend your graduation.
I had never done online studying before, so it was a new experience, but it fitted really well with my lifestyle and I enjoy having the flexibility of doing the modules online at a time that suits me.
Duration options
Full-time study isn’t a viable option for every postgraduate – especially if you can’t afford (or don’t want) to put your current career on pause. But waiting three years to get your degree isn’t ideal for everyone either.
Many of our postgrad programs are available with various duration options, so you can:
- juggle part-time study with your existing job, or
- study full-time to get your degree sooner.
For example, you can complete the UQ Master of Business Administration (MBA) in any timeframe between 18 months and 7 years.
Prior study and learning can shorten your program
Sometimes, units completed during your bachelor’s degree or previous postgrad program (i.e. previous formal studies) can count towards a master’s degree. Similarly, some informal studies may influence the courses you do/don't need to complete as part of your program (i.e. recognised prior learning).
Of course, this is only if the courses and learning you’ve done are relevant to the master’s you’re looking to study.
For example, the Master of Biotechnology is usually a 2-year full-time program. However, it can become:
- a 1.5-years program if you already have a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, science, bioinformatics, pharmacy, agriculture, medicine or engineering; or a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology
- a 1-year program if you already have a bachelor’s degree (honours) in biotechnology, science, bioinformatics, pharmacy or engineering.
This versatile approach to postgrad study lets you dip your toes in a study area with a graduate certificate or diploma. This way, you haven’t over-committed if the subject matter doesn’t connect with you, but you've still gained useful, transferrable skills and knowledge. And if you have found your true passion, you can transition into a full master’s degree without wasting any time or repeating units.
On the fence about doing a full master’s or a shorter course? Get some guidance in our graduate diploma vs master’s degree article.
Convenient location and facilities
Our St Lucia campus is only 7km from Brisbane CBD. We’re serviced by over 10 direct bus routes from the city and outer suburbs. Plus, regular ferries provide a leisurely way to get between UQ and riverside suburbs. This convenient location means you’ll rarely be going out of your way to join us on campus.
The wide range of services and facilities here ensure you won’t need to travel back and forth when you’ve got classes. When studying on campus, you’ll have access to:
- day care, kindergarten and early learning centres
- parenting rooms and baby change facilities
- printing services
- plenty of dining options
- heaps of quiet study spaces
- Commonwealth Bank and ATMs
- a news agency, pharmacy, grocery store, hair salon and post office
- a medical centre, physiotherapist and pathology collection centre
- sporting courts, fields and facilities.
UQ also has campuses in Herston, Gatton and Dutton Park. These locations offer specialised learning facilities and equipment for medicine and public health students (Herston), agriculture, environment and veterinary students (Gatton), and pharmacy and biotechnology students (Dutton Park).
Each campus offers all the amenities and services for a convenient and comfortable experience while you're studying on site. Our Herston campus is easy to get to via public transport, our Gatton campus is serviced by our free intercampus bus service, and our Dutton Park campus is just across the river from St Lucia and easily reached via multiple busway routes.
Students also have access to UQ Brisbane City at 308 Queen Street, where you'll find versatile spaces for all kind of events, from catch-ups over coffee to large conferences. Whether you're collaborating with other students, meeting up with a mentor, or just looking for a peaceful place to do some research (or recharging), this convenient central site has you covered.
Certain postgraduate programs, such as UQ's MBA and the Master of Finance and Investment Management, are taught from this CBD location, making it easy to step out of the office and straight into the classroom.
From UQ flexible delivery to the facilities on campus, you’ll have all the freedom you need to juggle your study with other life priorities. If your situation changes or evolves, our support staff are always available to discuss your options and find a solution.
