Study levels and options
We offer various study options designed to fit your goals and lifestyle, from bachelor degrees to PhDs and diplomas to short courses.
Discover your options
Whether you’re just starting out or want to advance your career, Swinburne has a variety of courses to suit you.
Browse course types by study level:
Vocational education
Also known as TAFE, vocational education courses equip you with practical skills and hands-on experience to be job-ready in less time than a university degree. Learn about our TAFE courses including certificates, diplomas, traineeships, apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.
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Diplomas
Diplomas provide you with essential skills and technical expertise to enter the workforce or prepare for further study.
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Certificates
Vocational education or TAFE certificates train you to work in areas requiring more than basic, entry-level knowledge and skills.
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Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship gives you on-the-job training while you learn a trade, earn money, and complete your qualification.
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Traineeships
A traineeship provides on-the-job training for non-trade professions. You’ll earn money and get your qualification at the same time.
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Pre-apprenticeships
A pre-apprenticeship equips you with the basic skills employers will be looking for when hiring apprentices.
Undergraduate
Your university journey starts with an undergraduate degree. Learn about our undergraduate courses including associate, bachelor, double and honours degrees.
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Bachelor degrees
Often the first stage of university, our bachelor degrees provide you with the skills and knowledge to begin a professional career.
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Double degrees
A double degree allows you to study two areas at once and shows a higher level of expertise to future employers.
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Associate degrees
Our two-year associate degrees prepare you for a paraprofessional career, highly skilled work, or further study in your field.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate study is the next step after you’ve completed a bachelor degree, allowing you to upskill and advance your professional or academic career. Learn about our postgraduate courses including graduate certificates and diplomas, master degrees, and doctoral (PhD) degrees.
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Master degrees
Master degrees extend your expertise after a bachelor degree and prepare you for the next stage of your career.
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Doctor of Philosophy
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) involves producing significant, original research demonstrating your understanding of a particular area.
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Graduate certificate courses
Graduate certificates require 4 units of study over 6 to 12 months, providing new workplace skills and a path to further study.
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Graduate diploma courses
Graduate diplomas take 8 units of study over 1 to 2 years. You'll gain specialised knowledge or even transition to a master degree.
Transitioning to a degree
Pathways help you meet the entry criteria for a degree. You’ll start with a certificate or diploma, move through qualification levels, then transition to a degree once you’ve successfully completed your pathway course. Learn about our pathway courses including our English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), Swinburne Foundation Program, Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP), and UniLink diplomas.
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ELICOS
Our English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) helps prepare international students for entry to a degree.
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Foundation Program
The Swinburne Foundation Program teaches international students fundamental academic skills before starting a bachelor degree.
Other study options
Whether you’re interested in professional development, learning a new skill, or just studying for fun, we have plenty of options designed to match your study goals. Learn about our single units of study and short courses, including trade short courses.
FAQs
Although a graduate certificate or graduate diploma (Grad Dip) sound similar to a diploma, they are different. As postgraduate courses, you can only study a graduate certificate or graduate diploma if you previously studied a bachelor degree or have relevant work experience.
TAFE certificates and diplomas (including UniLink diplomas) provide practical training with a focus on knowledge that can be applied in the workplace. TAFE diplomas may also offer a pathway into a bachelor degree.
The difference between a diploma and an advanced diploma is the extra study time to undertake more advanced learning through additional units.
While entry into a postgraduate course with industry experience and no formal qualification is possible, entry into most graduate diploma courses requires a minimum of a bachelor degree. You can find specific information about entry requirements on each course page.
From vocational education and undergraduate to postgraduate study, Swinburne has online study options at all levels. You have the option to choose from courses that are entirely online as well as others that mix on-campus learning with online units.
Yes, and you may be eligible to receive credit for units completed in courses at other educational institutions. Check out our credit calculator to see how much credit you may be awarded.
Need help finding the right course?
Get in touch with our team to discuss your options.