Everything you need to know about undergrad study
1. What does 'undergraduate' mean?
Undergraduate study refers to the first level of university education, typically leading to a bachelor degree, associate degree, or diploma. Unlike postgraduate study (which includes master’s degrees and PhDs), undergraduate courses provide foundational knowledge and skills in a chosen field.
Students can enter undergraduate study directly from high school, through alternative pathways like TAFE or bridging courses, or as mature-age students.
2. Types of undergraduate qualifications
There are several undergraduate qualifications available at Australian universities, each catering to different academic and career pathways:
Bachelor Degree
The most common undergraduate qualification, typically requiring three to four years of full-time study. It provides in-depth knowledge and prepares students for professional careers or further study.
Associate Degree
A two-year qualification that serves as a standalone credential or a stepping stone to a full bachelor degree. It is often used as a pathway into a higher-level qualification.
Diploma and Advanced Diploma
These one- to two-year programs provide practical and vocational skills. Some allow students to transition into a bachelor degree with credit for prior learning.
3. What do you study in an undergraduate course?
Undergraduate courses offer a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Many degrees allow students to specialise in a particular area through majors, minors, or elective subjects.
Common study areas include:
- Arts and Humanities – Literature, history, media, politics.
- Science and Technology – Biology, chemistry, computer science, data analytics.
- Business and Commerce – Accounting, marketing, human resource management.
- Health and Medicine – Nursing, physiotherapy, biomedical sciences.
- Engineering and Architecture – Civil, mechanical, electrical, and design fields.
Some degrees, like law or medicine, have strict entry requirements and structured pathways to professional practice.
4. How does undergraduate study work?
Unlike high school, university study is self-directed, meaning students are responsible for managing their timetables, assignments, and exams. A typical undergraduate course includes:
- Lectures: Large-group sessions where professors introduce key concepts.
- Tutorials: Small-group discussions where students engage with course material.
- Practical components: Some courses involve labs, placements, or internships.
- Self-study: A significant portion of university learning happens outside the classroom.
5. Pathways and flexible learning options
Australian universities offer various pathways to accommodate different student needs:
- Bridging Courses are short programs designed to help students meet prerequisites for specific degrees.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit for work experience or previous study.
- Many universities offer flexible study options, such as online and part time study, to help students balance study, work, and life commitments.
