Set yourself apart by combining undergraduate and graduate study
Looking to stand out in the job market as an expert in your field? Combining an undergraduate degree with graduate study can help you do just that, providing a point of difference in a changing and competitive global economy.
At the University of Melbourne your learning experience is aligned with many of the world's leading universities, allowing you to complete a broad-based undergraduate degree before specialising at graduate level.
This study approach enables you to explore your interests and strengths, gain a higher qualification and set yourself up to make an impact on a global scale.
There are more than 200 graduate degrees to choose from at Melbourne, including masters, doctoral and research specialisations. Whether you know already what your dream future looks like, or you’re still finding your path, read on to explore how combining undergraduate and graduate study will help you stand out in the job market.
1. Enhance your job prospects
By continuing on to a graduate program you’ll be positioning yourself as an expert in your field, deepening the knowledge and expertise gained in your undergraduate degree.
Today’s employers are seeking not only this specialised knowledge but also the advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills that you’ll hone throughout your graduate studies.
2. Make your mark on the world stage
As the Melbourne curriculum is structured similarly to many of the leading universities across Europe, North America and Asia, you’ll emerge with globally recognised credentials and a competitive advantage over your peers studying a single or double degree.
Combining an undergraduate degree and graduate program will enhance your career mobility, allowing you to pursue opportunities in other countries and within multinational organisations. As companies become more globalised, a graduate qualification from Melbourne will hold you in good stead for roles overseas.
3. Increase your earning potential
Research consistently shows that individuals with graduate degrees report improved salary and employment outcomes – a recent survey found that masters graduates earn 36% more than undergraduates.1
The same research found that a masters degree offers additional job benefits to those you’d get from an undergraduate qualification alone. Masters graduates reported experiencing less variation and uncertainty in their incomes than those with a single degree, and also claim higher full-time employment rates.
4. Expand your professional network
Throughout your graduate degree at Melbourne, you’ll work alongside leading academics and researchers and forge strong connections to both industry and a global alumni community.
By building these close relationships with experts in your field, you’ll gain crucial insights to help prepare you for your career. You’ll also be collaborating on research projects that are shaping conversations, ideas and technologies globally, finding innovative solutions to many of tomorrow’s challenges.
5. Prepare for an ever-changing future
In a world where careers are changing fast, graduate study will give you the advantage to refine your skills and remain competitive in your chosen field. You’ll learn the latest techniques and most relevant skills you need for a future-focused workplace.
As industries continue to evolve – such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and sustainability – you’ll have the adaptability and creativity to adopt new ways of thinking and pivot towards exciting new career possibilities.
Your Melbourne story starts here
Whether you’ve already got your sights set on a dream career or are still deciding on your path, at Melbourne you’ll be supported to build highly employable skills for a global career.
Explore your undergraduate and graduate study options at Melbourne to find the right study path for you and your career goals.
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1. Source: 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey by Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).