Can you complete a master's degree without a bachelor's degree?

Getting a master’s degree can give you extra skills and knowledge that can help advance your career path. However, what if you’ve never attended university and don’t have any undergraduate qualifications? Can you do a master’s without a degree?

In most instances, healthcare professionals need to complete a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree to establish their qualifications and work in their chosen field. However, in some health sectors, it’s possible to jump into a master’s degree without needing prior educational qualifications. Many universities recognise the value of work experience, which can serve as credit towards a higher degree and qualification.

A 2022 study involving over 4,000 people conducted by the National Careers Institute found that 43 per cent of mid-career Australians switched to a different industry, 26 per cent pursued a new job in the same industry and 15 per cent were able to secure a promotion. Participants in this study cited the main reasons for making a career change was the desire for a good work-life balance, followed by seeking a new challenge either in their current role or in a new field.

Whether you’re an experienced healthcare professional looking to broaden your skill set or interested in starting a career in the health sector, there are pathways available to pursue postgraduate study. This article covers the typical entry requirements and steps to obtaining a master’s degree that doesn’t involve undergraduate study, which could be the next step in advancing your healthcare career.

What are the typical entry requirements for a master’s degree?

Australian universities each have their own enrolment process for students seeking a master’s qualification without a bachelor’s degree. Each course will also have specific criteria, which you can find by looking at the range of courses available by our university partners or on each university’s website.

The typical entry requirements for a master’s degree include:

Previous bachelor's degree

Many universities require students applying for a master’s degree to have a completed bachelor’s degree. To be eligible for certain master’s degree programs, you may need to achieve a minimum grade point average in your bachelor’s degree. In some instances, a bachelor's degree in a related field is required for admission to your chosen master's. This is to ensure you have a solid grasp of the course material, which is essential for expanding your knowledge and skills attained while upholding a high academic standard.

Relevant work experience

Many universities accept that the skills and knowledge acquired in the workplace can be equivalent to those obtained through undergraduate studies. Previous relevant experience helps to substantiate your eligibility for a master’s degree. This pathway can be ideal for mature-age students returning to study and is ideal for those looking to complete a master’s degree without having a bachelor’s.

The extent to which work experience serves as alternative eligibility criteria varies among courses and institutions, so it’s best to contact the specific course provider for information. Relevant work experience between three and five years is typically required to enter postgraduate study. Your experience is used as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or credits towards your qualification, potentially accelerating your learning and reducing the time needed to complete your master’s.

Other entry criteria

Supporting documents such as essays, reference letters and portfolios can demonstrate your eligibility when academic entry requirements are unavailable. Some master’s-level courses have an interview process, assessing your aptitude, skills and goals, which helps determine your suitability for the course and career ahead. These criteria are prevalent in competitive courses where places for study may be limited. Other relevant criteria may include entry tests, such as the Graduate Medical Schools Admissions Test (GAMSAT) required for the medical field. English language proficiencies, as well as health and security checks are also among some of the added requirements for certain master’s degrees.

Can you do a master’s degree without a bachelor’s degree?

The short answer is yes; you can certainly get a master’s degree without a bachelor’s. As mentioned, the best pathway for this is to illustrate your work experience, which will be granted as RPL credits for entry into your master’s degree. If you've never attended university or undergone tertiary study, this pathway enables you to pursue postgraduate education confidently.

Enrolling in a graduate certificate or a graduate diploma can be a helpful initial step into postgraduate study. Courses at this level may not require previous academic or work experience, which means it’s easy to enrol and get started studying sooner. However, it’s always important to confirm with your provider, as some courses may still have specific prerequisites you need to meet before you enrol.

Graduate certificates and graduate diplomas may provide additional skills and knowledge toward your chosen profession, whether your goal is to accelerate your current career or to pursue further study as a bridge into a new healthcare field. These courses may be useful to confirm your interest in studying, starting with a smaller commitment before considering undertaking a master’s degree.

Does my master’s degree need to be in the same field as my bachelor’s degree?

A common question prospective postgraduate students ask is - do you have to get a master’s in the same field as your bachelor’s degree?

The answer is often no; your master’s degree doesn’t have to be in the same discipline as your undergraduate degree. This means that if you’re entering into the healthcare industry, you may be able to pursue a master’s degree in a health field of interest while having previously completed an unrelated bachelor’s degree.

If you’re an existing healthcare professional interested in diversifying into another healthcare area, branching into another discipline via a master’s degree is entirely possible. For example, you may be a nutritionist interested in adding a counselling qualification to your practice. Or a social worker fascinated in policy development and want to enhance your career with a Master of Health Services Management. Your existing qualifications may be counted as credits toward your master’s degree and your professional experience adds value with transferable skills into your next career path.

Previous work experience in roles with a focus on people, problem-solving, critical thinking and high-demand environments may demonstrate your suitability for a career in healthcare and a related master’s degree. If your experience also showcases skills like adaptability, empathy, compassion and effective communication, these are viewed as highly transferable to the healthcare sector and can help you successfully navigate a career in healthcare.

How to pursue a master’s without a degree

Here are the steps to enrolling in a master’s without a degree:

1. Define your area of interest

   Reflect on your skills and interests to help determine which master’s course aligns best with your career goals and strengths.
   
   If you’re an established healthcare professional, ask yourself what you want for your future career. If you’re a nurse, do you enjoy working in a team environment and have a natural propensity toward leadership or management? If you’re an allied health practitioner, are you interested in developing your counselling skills to provide advanced emotional support to your clients?
   
   If you’re thinking of switching careers from another field into the healthcare sector, consider what area of health you’re interested in. It’s important to reflect on your transferable skills and experiences and identify how they may align with the career you seek and the relevant master’s degrees. You may also be eligible to start your studies with a graduate certificate or graduate diploma and progress into a master’s degree later.
   
   Getting an idea of the type of work environment, ideal work schedule and what motivates you can help refine the healthcare career that best suits you. Valuable tools such as our career quiz can help orient your passions and interests toward a career in healthcare.

2. Research institutions and courses

   Take the time to research institutions and courses that offer master’s degrees to find an option that fits your career goals and learning style. Consider the time commitment required to complete your master’s and check whether the university offers flexible study options to support your academic journey.
   
   In healthcare, there are many sectors that require people to complete accredited courses to work in their respective fields. This ensures practitioners have the essential skills and knowledge to provide quality care and uphold the profession's high standards.
   
   For example, if you're considering a career in social work, you can enter this field with or without an undergraduate degree in a health-related discipline. However, to become a qualified social worker, you must complete a course accredited by the Australian Association of Social Work (AASW). The University of Canberra’s Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is an AASW-accredited course, giving you the necessary skills to support vulnerable individuals and groups in various settings. Selecting a course from a reputable institution is important when choosing a postgraduate degree that provides the qualification you need to work in your desired field.

3. Check admissions requirements

   While researching universities and courses, check what admission criteria, pathway options and entry schemes are available for your chosen master’s degree. As discussed, each institution has its own admission and enrolment processes, which can vary depending on the mode of delivery and field of study.
   
   If you’ve never attended university and have demonstrable work experience of between three and five years, in most cases, you’ll be considered for entry into a master’s program. Find out if there are any other admissions requirements for your course, such as supplemental documentation or interview processes, so that you can prepare accordingly for your master’s journey.

4. Explore financial and study support options

   You may be eligible for academic or financial support, depending on your circumstances and where you choose to study.
   
   If you need financial support to cover the costs of studying while embarking on your master’s degree, government-supported loan schemes such as FEE-HELP are available. These resources can help reduce the financial worry of starting further study to progress your career. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are also eligible for the Healthcare Education Scholarship offered by GlobalHealth Education to assist with tuition and education-related costs.
   
   Some universities have unique entry programs for mature-age students and non-school leavers, such as the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES) as an alternative pathway into tertiary education. Take advantage of the various resources available at your institution and seek the support you need to be successful in your master’s degree.

5. Contact a Student Enrolment Advisor and apply

   Choosing a course is the next step toward upskilling and advancing your career. Courses in leadership, public health, social work, nursing and mental health can help propel your current healthcare profession or qualify you to work in a new healthcare field.
   
   Once you’ve selected a course from our catalogue, you can enquire to speak to a Student Enrolment Advisor. They can help you navigate the enrolment process, ensuring you have what you need to get started. You can confidently feel supported throughout your academic journey as you take on a new challenge to excel in your career.

Can you get a master’s degree online?

Many universities offer online and flexible study options to suit your needs. When considering your study mode, comparing online vs on-campus delivery can be helpful. If you choose to study online, you’ll get the same qualifications as if you were enrolled on campus, with all your course material and support readily available on a virtual platform.

There are plenty of benefits to pursuing a master’s degree online, including:

Flexibility and convenience

One benefit of online master’s programs is the ability to study from home or anywhere with a reliable internet connection. This flexibility is ideal for those who don’t live near a campus or whose schedules don’t align with on-campus courses. You can avoid commuting aside from in-person placements required for specific courses and study at your own pace to accommodate work and personal commitments. Many universities even offer multiple intakes throughout the year, allowing you to start your degree when it works best for you.

Comprehensive study support

You can access your course material, online libraries, lecture recordings and student discussion forums on the university’s learning portal as and when you need. These platforms foster a supportive community, offering networking opportunities and collaborative learning that are helpful for career advancement. You’ll also have access to advisors and support staff who can help with coursework enquiries, assessments and technical issues related to studying online. This support is accessible throughout your entire master’s, giving you confidence in your academic journey.

Faster career progression

Undertaking a master’s degree online means you can study while continuing to work. If you’re upskilling in your career, online learning allows the immediate practical application of newly acquired skills in the workplace. This real-time integration of learning and practice can accelerate career progression, which makes completing a master’s degree online a valuable investment in your professional development.

Enhance your career with a master's qualification

Completing a master’s degree is a commendable achievement that can significantly enhance your career prospects and growth. With a higher qualification, you can expand your knowledge to transform your career or begin an entirely new path in healthcare. Choose the course that’s right for you and leverage the available support with GlobalHealth Education's partner universities and course offerings.

Explore courses in various healthcare fields, including social work, public health, counselling, nursing, psychology, leadership and mental health. Enquire today to get in touch with a Student Enrolment Advisor for guidance on a study path tailored for you.