Explanation of Degree Levels

Understanding the various levels of postgraduate study offered within the Graduate School of Business can be confusing. This quick list should offer guidance on the entry and exit points available for your study. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the GSB Office.

Executive Certificate in Business

The executive certificate in business is designed as an entry-level postgraduate course for those without formal University qualifications but with substantial work experience in the field. It also offers an alternative pathway for entry into formal award courses offered by the University, and to progress to the complete Masters course an average grade of Credit (60%) is required.

Entry requirements for executive certificates:

a) at least 6 years business experience, and
b) been either an owner manager or in a management/supervisor position or administered expenditure in excess of $500,000pa for at least three years, and
c) are recommended by their employer, or if self-employed, provide suitable references.

Graduate Certificates

Graduate certificates are normally completed in one semester of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

Generally, the graduate certificate is seen as an exit award - for those students who enrol in a Masters or Graduate Diploma and then decide to complete their studies after four units. A small number of graduate certificates are available as entry points.

Students who complete the requirements for a graduate certificate may articulate to the relevant graduate diploma or masters program.

Graduate Diplomas

Graduate diploma courses are for students with undergraduate qualifications outside of the discipline, are undertaken by coursework and are usually studied over one year on a full-time basis (two years part-time). Entry requirements vary from program to program, and applicants should check the entry requirements given under the various programs for more specific details. Students who complete the requirements for a graduate diploma may articulate to the relevant masters program.

Postgraduate Diplomas

Postgraduate diploma courses are for students with prior qualifications in that discipline, and are undertaken by coursework and are usually studied over one year on a full-time basis (two years part-time).

Entry requirements vary from program to program, and applicants should check the entry requirements given under the various programs for more specific details. Students who complete the requirements for a postgraduate diploma may articulate to the relevant masters program.

Masters

Masters degrees generally take one to two years to complete on a full-time basis (two to four years part-time). Entry requirements vary from program to program, and applicants should check the entry requirements detailed under the various programs for more information.

Students are also able to exit the Masters degree at an earlier point - Graduate Certificate in Business after 4 units, or a Graduate Diploma after 8 units.

Doctorate

> Philosophy (PhD)

The Monash PhD indicates that the holder has completed a course of postgraduate training in research under appropriate academic supervision, and has submitted a thesis that the examiners have declared to be a significant contribution to knowledge and that demonstrates the candidate's capacity to carry out independent research.

A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy normally will have qualified for a research masters degree, or a bachelors degree at H1 or H2A level or equivalent.

A PhD program should take no more than four years of full-time study to complete. It is recommended that a student select an area of research that can be undertaken, and the thesis completed, within three years of the commencement of candidature.

Please contact the Faculty Research Office for more information

> Business Administration (DBA)

The DBA research degree is recognised by the Australian Government as equivalent in standard and status to a PhD. It provides a flexible and applied focus alternative to traditional higher degree studies.

The DBA offers a mixture of coursework and research, which addresses strategic issues across broad spectrum of interests and occupations. Please see the DBA website for more information.