What is graduate education?

If you've been thinking about studying for a postgraduate qualification, you would have come across references to graduate education. While these terms can be confusing for international students, they both refer to advanced academic study undertaken after completing an undergraduate degree. In the United States and Canada, this level of study is typically called graduate education, while in the UK, Europe, Australia, and much of the rest of the world, it is known as postgraduate education. We explore what it is, clarify the key terminology differences, and outline what your options are.

What does graduate education mean?

The best way to think of graduate education is as postgraduate study. Graduate education refers to the level of study you pursue after you have completed an undergraduate degree. This can be both a master’s degree or further professional degree qualification.

If you undertake graduate education, it’s aimed at developing the knowledge and skills you gained during your undergraduate degree. Some graduate degrees will focus on developing industry and professional career skills. Others may emphasise the need for independent research, critical thinking, and advanced research.

Entry into a graduate course can depend on the subject/s you studied at the undergraduate level. Remember that for some careers and work you must have a graduate qualification. Such qualifications are also important for accreditation with professional associations.

Find out more about some of the top institutions for postgraduate studies in the USA.

Graduate vs Postgraduate: What's the Difference?

The most significant point of confusion for international students is the difference between the terms "graduate" and "postgraduate." The key takeaway is that they mean the same thing; the difference is purely geographical.

The term "graduate school" or "grad school" is typically used in North America, while "postgraduate" is more common in the rest of the English-speaking world. Both refer to academic or professional degrees, certificates, diplomas, or other qualifications pursued by students who have earned an undergraduate (bachelor's) degree.

Here is a simple breakdown:

So, whether you are applying to a "graduate school" in the USA or a "postgraduate course" in the UK, you are pursuing the same level of advanced education.

What is a graduate school?

A graduate school is an institution or department within a university that concentrates solely on the teaching and awarding of postgraduate degrees. In the USA and Canada, you may see these named as a ‘graduate college’ or a ‘graduate school of…’ in other destinations around the world. You may be familiar with some of the famous graduate schools that are part of the Ivy League. The most common qualifications offered by graduate schools are master’s and PhD degrees.

Not all graduate schools are the same and can roughly be divided into two categories, namely professional and academic. Professional graduate schools focus on applied and practical teaching with a definite career in mind. Often work placement or internship will be part of the curriculum. Academic graduate schools have more of a leaning towards research and less on vocational training. The type of graduate school you attend will be closely related to the subject you choose to study.

Explore more about the most popular postgraduate degrees for international students.

Types of Graduate Degrees

Graduate education encompasses a wide range of qualifications, each with a different focus, duration, and career outcome. The three main types of graduate degrees are master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional degrees.

Master's Degrees

A master's degree is typically the first level of graduate study and is designed to provide a higher level of expertise in a specific subject area. These programmes usually take one to two years of full-time study to complete and can be either taught or research-based.

Taught Master's (e.g., M.A., M.Sc., MBA) are similar in structure to undergraduate degrees, with a focus on lectures, seminars, and examinations, culminating in a dissertation or final project. Research Master's (e.g., M.Phil., M.Res.) are more heavily focused on independent research and are often seen as a stepping stone to a PhD.

Doctoral Degrees (PhD)

A doctoral degree, most commonly a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD or D.Phil), is the highest level of academic qualification. A PhD is a research-intensive degree that requires students to produce a significant body of original research that contributes new knowledge to their field. A PhD typically takes three to seven years to complete and is essential for a career in academia or high-level research.

While a master's degree is about becoming an expert in a subject by consuming knowledge, a PhD is about becoming an expert by producing new knowledge.

Professional Degrees

Professional degrees are designed to prepare students for a specific profession and often have a more practical, hands-on focus. These degrees are typically required for licensure in regulated fields. Examples include:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.): For a career in law

• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.): For a career as a medical doctor

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): For leadership roles in business

• Master of Social Work (M.S.W.): For a career in social work

How do you qualify for graduate education?

To be accepted to a graduate school, you will need to fulfil several key criteria. Firstly, you will need an undergraduate or honour’s degree. This should be in the same or related field to the subject you intend to study. You will have to have achieved quite well academically at the undergraduate level. Most graduate schools look for a minimum of a 2:1 degree. This is equivalent to an average above 65 per cent or a GPA of 3.0 or more.

You may need to demonstrate your English language proficiency with an IELTS test score. Most graduate schools want an IELTS score above 6.5, with no band score lower than 6.0. This may vary depending on your potential course, and it’s important to check with the university. You do have the option of taking a pre-sessional English course or a pathway programme. This will develop your academic and English language skills.

In addition to these core requirements, many graduate programmes also require:

• Standardised Test Scores: Such as the GRE for many US programmes or the GMAT for MBA programmes
• Letters of Recommendation: Typically two to three letters from academic or professional referees
• Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose: An essay outlining your academic background, research interests, and career goals
• Work Experience: Required for many professional programmes, especially the MBA, which typically expects three to five years of professional experience

Discover more about how to prepare for the IELTS test.

What types of subjects are offered in graduate education?

As we’ve mentioned, you do have quite a lot of options when pursuing a graduate degree. A lot does depend on whether you are pursuing a professional or academic qualification as to what you might study. Some of the more popular graduate degrees include:

• Medicine
• Law
• Dentistry
• Engineering
• Computer science
• Accounting
• Information technology
• Education

Why Pursue Graduate Education?

Pursuing a graduate degree is a significant investment of time and money, but it can offer substantial personal and professional rewards. The primary benefits of graduate education include:

• Increased Earning Potential: Studies consistently show that individuals with graduate degrees earn significantly more over their lifetimes than those with only a bachelor's degree. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, master's degree holders earn approximately 20% more than bachelor's degree holders on average.

• Career Advancement: A graduate degree can open doors to senior, specialised, and leadership positions that may not be accessible with an undergraduate degree alone.

• Specialised Knowledge: Graduate study allows you to become a true expert in your field, developing deep knowledge and advanced skills that set you apart in the job market.

• Career Change: A graduate degree can provide the qualifications and knowledge needed to pivot to a new industry or career path.

• Professional Accreditation: Many professions require graduate-level qualifications for licensure or certification.

• Personal Fulfilment: For many, the intellectual challenge and personal growth of graduate study are rewards in themselves.

It’s always a good idea to think about what career you’re aiming for when choosing a graduate degree. Spend some time considering your personality as well and what may suit you.  

Now that you are up to speed on graduate education, it could be time for some additional study abroad research. Find out how to compare universities, the difference between a college and university, and how to find a student lifestyle that may suit you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is graduate education the same as postgraduate education?

Yes, they refer to the same level of study. "Graduate education" is the common term in North America (USA, Canada), while "postgraduate education" is used in the UK, Australia, and most of the rest of the world.

2. Do I need a master's degree before I can do a PhD?

It depends on the country and the university. In the UK and Australia, a master's degree is often a prerequisite for PhD entry. In the USA, it is common for students to enter a PhD programme directly after their bachelor's degree, although having a master's can strengthen your application.

3. How long does graduate school take?

This varies by degree type and country. A master's degree typically takes one to two years of full-time study, while a PhD can take anywhere from three to seven years to complete. Professional degrees like the MBA typically take one to two years.

4. Can I work while in graduate school?

Many students work part-time while pursuing a master's degree. However, due to the intensity of the workload, working during a full-time PhD programme can be very challenging, although many PhD students receive stipends, scholarships, or teaching assistantships to cover their living costs.

5. Is graduate school worth it?

For most people, yes. The combination of increased earning potential (approximately 20% higher lifetime earnings), enhanced career opportunities, and deep subject matter expertise makes graduate education a valuable investment for both personal and professional growth. However, it's important to carefully consider your career goals, the cost of the programme, and the time commitment involved.