Postgraduate programmes are qualifications that students can pursue after completing their bachelor’s or undergraduate programme. They are designed to provide advanced knowledge in specialised areas and often include a research or dissertation.
While both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are higher educational programmes, undergraduate programmes cover a broader area of study. Students can gain admission to undergraduate programmes after completing high school. Postgraduate programmes require students to complete an undergraduate degree and many require work experience.
In this article, we will understand what is postgraduate study, the types of qualifications available, and the postgraduate application process.
Table of Contents
What are the Types of Postgraduate Qualifications?
When people discuss what is postgraduate study, many only to a master’s degree. However, postgraduate qualifications can also refer to doctorate degrees, postgraduate diplomas and postgraduate certificates.
In South Africa each educational qualification that students complete award them a level on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). These help to determine the knowledge and skills a student has gained and if they have the aptitude to continue to the next level.
- Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates: An NQF Level 7 qualification is required for admission into a postgraduate diploma and certificate. These programmes are usually one year in duration.
- Master’s: Prospective students must have an NQF Level 8 qualification to qualify for a postgraduate programme at the Master’s level in South Africa. Many master’s programmes, such as an MBA, require students to have relevant work experience. These are usually two years in duration and can include research.
- Doctorate: An NQF Level 9 qualification is required to qualify for a doctoral degree.
Read more on the SAQA NQF Levels Overview
What are the Reasons to Pursue Postgraduate Studies?
When we take a deeper look into what is postgraduate study, these are programmes that offer deeper technical knowledge and allow students to focus on a particular area in their field. This allows them to build expertise, which can help to improve career prospects after postgraduate studies.
Some individuals opt for postgraduate programmes in management to help them attain managerial positions and lead teams in their particular fields. Overall, one of the biggest benefits is improved career prospects after postgraduate studies.
We have previously covered what is postgraduate study. Let us now examine reasons to pursue postgraduate programmes.
- Higher Earning Potential: Individuals who complete a postgraduate programme gain expert knowledge in niche fields and can command higher salaries.
- Specialisation: It allows people to gain specialisation and more in-depth knowledge in the field. This allows them to progress to positions of greater responsibility.
- Career Advancement: Postgraduate studies help individuals stand out from the competition. Many professions such as medicine, education, and business, prefer candidates with advanced degrees.
- Transition to a New Career: It can also be an excellent option for those thinking of transitioning into a new role. For example, a cybersecurity specialist with a Bsc in Computer Science could complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to switch from a technical to a managerial role.
- Developing Soft Skills: Postgraduate programmes also allow students a chance to develop their soft skills. Most postgraduate programmes require candidates to have relevant work experience. This can help them better understand classes and the pick up on the skills they need to succeed.
What are the Requirements for Postgraduate Study?
Eligibility for the postgraduate application process varies depending on the programme and the field of study. Students are required to complete a bachelor’s programme to gain entry into a master’s programme, and they need to complete a master’s programme to gain entry into a doctoral programme.
In addition, universities and private institutes might require particular subject grades, external exams such as the GMAT or GRE, and work experience. When we discuss what is postgraduate study, it is an advanced educational qualification. Therefore, they follow more stringent eligibility criteria than undergraduate programmes.
Academic Qualifications:
Prospective students must meet the required NQF level to be eligible for admission to a postgraduate programme in South Africa.
- Postgraduate Certificate – NQF Level 7
- Postgraduate Diploma – NQF Level 7
- Master – NQF Level 8
- Doctorate – NQF Level 9
Application Form
Students are required to submit a complete application form that includes personal, educational, and professional details. Most universities accept online applications, which allows students to track the progress of their admission status.
Motivation Letter
Most postgraduate programmes require students to submit a motivation letter expressing their interest in the programme. It is also a chance for prospective students to highlight their achievements and how they align with their goals.
Recommendation Letters
These allow universities to better understand the candidates and how they are perceived by colleagues, peers, and mentors. They offer a better insight into the candidate’s abilities and interests in the field.
English Proficiency
Some programmes might require students to submit an English proficiency test such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Standardised Test Scores
Students might be asked to submit GRE or GMAT scores for admission into specific postgraduate programmes. Some programmes, such as those for law and medicine, require additional tests, which help grade aptitude and skills.
Read more on How to Write a Letter for Postgraduate Studies
What are the Various Postgraduate Study Formats?
After understanding what is postgraduate study and eligibility requirements, prospective students should also examine the various study formats available.
Postgraduate programmes offer several different study formats. Since many students who enrol in postgraduate programmes are employed, these programmes have options that allow them to continue working when gaining an additional qualification.
With technological advancements, enrolling in online programmes that allow flexibility in studying and remove the hurdle of geographical location is also possible.
Full-time: These are full-time programmes with classes during the week. They include assignments and group projects that students can work on after classes or over the weekend.
Part-time: These can be weekend or evening programmes designed for working professionals who wish to continue working while pursuing a postgraduate programme. They are most common with management programmes.
Online and Distance Learning Options: Many universities and private institutes, such as Regenesys, offer online postgraduate programmes. When we examine what is postgraduate study, this option has helped make advanced education accessible to all, irrespective of where they reside.
Research-Based Programmes: These are primarily focused on research and are ideal for those who wish to pursue a doctoral degree and work in academics or research. These include some coursework.
Course-Based programmes: These programmes, such as a Master in Public Management and Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science, both offered by Regenesys, are taught by professors. However, some course-based programmes, such as an MBA, can include a dissertation that needs to be completed.
What are the Options for Postgraduate Study in South Africa?
All public universities in South Africa offer postgraduate programmes in variety of in-demand fields such as law, medicine, computer, and management. Private institutes such as Regenesys also offer local and international students postgraduate programmes.
Regenesys offers offline and online learning options, which industry experts teach. These postgraduate programmes are designed with an industry-focused approach and prepare students for advanced roles in the workplace.
Classes are designed to include theoretical and practical components and offer students networking opportunities. They also include group projects, discussions, and activities to take a more holistic approach to education.
While researching what is postgraduate study and places that offer quality postgraduate education, South Africa comes across as an attractive educational destination. Various universities offer accredited and recognised programmes that employers value. On average, it costs between R20,000 to R75,000 for postgraduate studies in South Africa, which is much cheaper than other educational hubs.
Several scholarships and bursaries are available for South African nationals pursuing postgraduate programmes. This can help with tuition, accommodation, books, living expenses, etc.
Read more on Postgraduate Bursaries South Africa 2025
How to Choose the Right Postgraduate Programme?
While researching what is postgraduate study, it is easy to understand that it is a major decision that requires considerable monetary and time investment. Therefore, individuals need to consider factors such as interest, career opportunities, and whether it helps them achieve their career goals.
This is why students encounter work experience as an eligibility criterion when they research postgraduate study and its requirements. When students gain work experience, they have the opportunity to apply their undergraduate knowledge to practical situations.
As they gain experience, it also allows them to understand their particular area or interest or if they would like to switch careers.
These are some factors students should consider before applying for a postgraduate programme.
- Career goals
- Future career prospects
- Reputation and accreditation
- Programme curriculum
- Duration and flexibility of the programme
- Financial cost
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Networking opportunities and alumni
Conclusion
Postgraduate studies offer individuals a significant opportunity to deepen their knowledge in specialised fields, enhance their career prospects, and transition to new roles. When we discuss what is postgraduate study, we include Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, and Doctorate. With the right commitment, postgraduate qualifications can help advance careers and offer higher earning potential.
If one is considering applying for postgraduate study, it is essential to research programmes thoroughly and ensure that they align with one’s future career aspirations. Postgraduate programmes allow students to grow professionally and personally and can be a transformative learning experience.
If you are considering applying for a postgraduate programme, check out Regenesys. We offer various postgraduate qualifications and flexible study options.
FAQs: What is Postgraduate Study?
What is postgraduate study?
Postgraduate study is a higher education qualification that individuals can pursue after completing their undergraduate degree.
What are the types of postgraduate qualifications?
Masters, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, and Doctorate are the different postgraduate qualifications available.
What is the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate studies?
Undergraduate studies are completed after high school and require students to pass the matric exams. Postgraduate studies can also be pursued after completion of undergraduate degrees. Many postgraduate programmes require work experience.
Is there an option for online postgraduate study?
Several institutes, including Regenesys, offer online postgraduate study programmes. These programmes are the same duration and cover the same curriculum as offline programmes.
What is the importance of postgraduate education?
A postgraduate programme provides a specialised and deeper knowledge of the field, can help advance careers, and can increase earning potential.
Can I pursue a postgraduate programme while working?
Many postgraduate programs offer part-time, online, or flexible study options that allow students to continue working while studying.
What financial assistance options are available for postgraduate students?
Students can apply for scholarships, bursaries, or financial aid packages. Additionally, some governments and private organisations also provide funding opportunities.
