POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

Postgraduate Studies

• Postgraduate studies are qualifications that students can study after completing a previous higher education qualification, such as a Diploma or Bachelor's Degree.

• Postgraduate studies allow students to continue learning, improve their knowledge and skills, specialise in a specific field and create more opportunities for their future careers.

• There are different types of postgraduate qualifications. The qualification you can study depends on your current qualification, your field of study and the admission requirements of the institution.

The Postgraduate Study Pathway

The higher education journey can include different levels of study:

Diploma

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Advanced Diploma

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Bachelor's Degree

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Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree

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Master's Degree

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Doctoral Degree / PhD

However, the pathway is not exactly the same for everyone. Your next qualification depends on your current qualification, your field of study and the requirements of the programme you want to apply for.

Types of Qualifications

Diploma

• A Diploma provides students with practical and theoretical knowledge in a specific field. It can prepare students for employment or further studies.

Advanced Diploma

• An Advanced Diploma allows students to build on their previous knowledge and develop more advanced skills in a specific field.

Postgraduate Diploma

• A Postgraduate Diploma provides advanced knowledge and skills after completing an appropriate undergraduate qualification.

Honours Degree

• An Honours Degree allows students to study a subject at a more advanced level and specialise further in their field.

Master's Degree

• A Master's Degree involves advanced study in a specific field. It may include coursework, research or a combination of both.

Doctoral Degree / PhD

• A Doctoral Degree, commonly known as a PhD, is the highest level of academic qualification. It usually involves advanced research that contributes new knowledge to a specific field.

What Should You Consider Before Applying?

• Before applying for further studies, you should consider:

- What qualification have I already completed?

- What do I want to study next?

- What are the admission requirements?

- Do I meet the required marks?

- Does my current qualification allow me to apply?

- What are the application closing dates?

- Are there funding or bursary opportunities available?

ApplySmart SA Can Help

Not sure what you can study after your current qualification?

ApplySmart SA can help you explore your study options based on your qualification, field of study, academic results and career goals.

Explore the different qualification levels and discover the next step in your education journey

Your next qualification could be the next step towards your future.