7 postgraduate courses to study in 2023 to advance your career 

If you have been pondering the next steps for career progression or a change in profession, studying a postgraduate course is a great way to expand your career prospects.

Healthcare professionals have transferable skills they can apply to many jobs within the industry, but postgraduate study unlocks the door to new areas of opportunities and career advancement. By completing a postgraduate course, you will acquire relevant skills and knowledge alongside completing placements and being eligible to apply for accreditation that can land you in a fulfilling role.

Graduate certificates

Graduate Certificate of Mental Health - Victoria University

Entry requirements: Completion of a bachelor's degree in a related discipline such as health science, social work, psychology, medicine, youth work or social work. 

Delivery mode: Online. 

Start dates for 2023: January, March, May, July, September and October.

Length of course: 8 months (part-time).

Course units: 4 units.

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course? A Graduate Certificate in Mental Health is suitable for allied health and social care professionals who want to advance their skills and employment opportunities in the mental health space.  This course has been designed and developed by leading mental health academics and practitioners. Students will establish the foundations in mental health practice, research and evidence-based practice, trauma-informed care and collaboration across mental health services. By studying this course, you can grow your skill set in mental health practice to apply to careers in education or social work. Alternatively, you can complete this course as a stepping stone to completing a Master of Mental Health. 

Graduate diplomas

Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) - James Cook University

Entry requirements: Completion of a bachelor's qualification in any field other than psychology at JCU or another university. 

Delivery mode: Online. 

Start dates for 2023: January, March, May, July, September and October.

Length of course: 20 months (part-time).

Course units: 10 units.

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course? Aspiring psychologists and professionals in human-centred roles who are looking for career growth should consider studying this Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited graduate diploma. Alongside learning the foundational knowledge of the history of psychology, the subjects taught in this course align with the UN Sustainable Development goals as well as current and emerging community and global health challenges. This course is a pathway to further study for people who want to become a general psychologist, clinical psychologist, sport and exercise psychologist, organisational psychologist or forensic psychologist. Teachers, human resources professionals, consultants, social workers and marketers can also expand their skills and career prospects by studying a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging). 

Master’s degrees 

Master of Counselling – Edith Cowan University

Entry requirements: 

• Completion of a bachelor's degree or equivalent prior learning experience including at least five years of relevant professional experience.
• A personal statement detailing motivations to complete the course.
• Submission of an academic transcript, two referee reports and an online interview. 

Delivery mode: Online. Students are required to attend a three-day intensive workshop and may need to travel for their placement. 

Start dates for 2023: January, March, May, July, September and November.

Length of course: 24 months (part-time).

Course units: 12 units.

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course?  This course is ideal for prospective counsellors who need to gain relevant experience and accreditation to become qualified. Professionals working in social work, health policy, psychology, human services and nursing can complete a Master of Counselling to broaden their career prospects and apply skills and knowledge to their current role. The course is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and you will complete a supervised placement either face-to-face or online to put your skills and knowledge into practice.

Master of Healthcare Leadership - Southern Cross University 

Entry requirements: 

• Completion of a bachelor's qualification in a health-related discipline from any Australian university.
• Evidence of one year of full-time and current work experience in a health-related field.

Delivery mode: Online.

Start dates for 2023: January, March, April, July, September and November.

Length of course: 24 months (part-time).

Course units: 12 units.

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course? Healthcare professionals looking to manage or lead people, projects and organisations will benefit from studying a Master of Healthcare Leadership. This course aims to develop interpersonal skills required for positive leadership, ranging from social and emotional competence to leading effective learning and development of strategy. Students will be able to apply their new skills and knowledge to their job instantly, which can be valuable for career progression and new promotion opportunities. If you are thinking about starting your own practice in the allied health space, this course will give you the skills and confidence required to become a leader and manage a team. 

Master of Nursing Specialising in Education - James Cook University

Entry requirements: 

• Completion of a Bachelor of Nursing or an equivalent qualification
• Registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Applicants from outside of Australia need equivalent registration with the relevant registering authority. 
• One year of full-time clinical experience, or the part-time equivalent, as a registered nurse or midwife.

Delivery mode: Online.

Start dates for 2023: January, March, May, July, September and October.

Length of course: 24 months (part-time).

Course units: 12 units.

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course? Nurses looking for a change of pace will learn valuable skills to advance their career by completing this course. As one of three majors available for the Master of Nursing course, the education specialisation will equip you with relevant skills and knowledge to work in clinical and non-clinical roles. By completing this course, you can become a clinical teacher, nurse educator or work in higher education. You can combine this Master of Nursing Specialising in Education degree with a specialisation in leadership and management or advanced practice to graduate with a double major. 

Master of Public Health Specialising in Health Promotion  - Victoria University

Entry requirements: Completion of an Australian bachelor's degree in any discipline or completion of an Australian Graduate Diploma in a similar discipline.

Delivery mode: Online. 

Start dates for 2023: January, March, May, July, September and October.

Length of course: 24 months (part-time). 

Course units: 12 units. 

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course? If you are passionate about protecting and improving the health of communities, consider studying a Master of Public Health. This degree allows students to explore what health promotion entails, understand the factors that contribute to poor health and look at how to create and maintain good health in communities. According to Job Outlook, there has been a 22% growth in public health and disease prevention related job postings in 2022 compared to 2021. As the major focuses on health promotion, this course is suited for people who are interested in pursuing a career that is centred around global health concerns, contemporary health issues and sociological implications that contribute to the health of communities. Possible career options include health promoter, public health researcher and public policy and strategy consultant. 

Master of Mental Health Nursing - Southern Cross University 

Entry requirements:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a health, psychology or social science-related discipline.
• Be a registered nurse and have access to mental health nurse practice or to mental health nurse practitioners during their course of study.

Delivery mode: Online.

Start dates for 2023: January, March, April, July, September and November.

Length of course: 24 months (part-time).

Course units: 12 units.

Is FEE-HELP available? Yes.

Who should study this course? This master’s degree is ideal for registered nurses who are seeking a change in their career and want to work in an area where their transferable skills are highly sought after. Registered nurses looking to gain an understanding of current and emerging trends in mental health care will also find this course valuable for upskilling. Southern Cross University’s Master of Mental Health Nursing is developed against mental health industry standards set by the Australian College of Mental Health Nursing (ACMHN). Graduates can use their qualifications as part of the pathway to becoming a credentialed mental health nurse. 

Explore all of the courses available on GlobalHealth Education for nursing, mental health, psychology, public health, counselling and leadership.