What Is a Postgraduate Degree? Your 2025 Guide

Postgraduate degrees are a term used to describe master’s, doctoral, and some professional degrees. A postgraduate degree allows you to deepen your knowledge in a particular subject, providing a foundation for research or specialising in a certain field. In 2022 alone, roughly 17,76,000 students were awarded postgraduate degrees in India, demonstrating the popularity and need for study at this level [1].  

The Ministry of Education released its latest All India Survey on Higher Education based on statistics from the 2021 and 2022 academic years in 2024. Data shows that amongst all learners in higher education, 12.1 per cent enrol in postgraduate degree programmes. Some popular options at this education level include a Master of Arts (MA), a Master of Science (MSc), and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) [1]. 

A postgraduate degree may open new career opportunities or increase your earning potential. As you consider your options, discover key information on types of graduate degrees and the benefits of studying for one.

What is a postgraduate degree?

The term “postgraduate degree” covers everything from postgraduate diplomas to master's and doctoral degrees. Essentially, you can think of any degree that requires an undergraduate (bachelor's) degree as an admissions prerequisite as a postgraduate degree. You might pursue one for various reasons, including wanting to change career paths, having the desire to specialise or progress in a field, or wishing to move into a career in research or education. 

3 types of postgraduate degrees

A postgraduate degree can help you gain specialised knowledge, demonstrate your dedication to your field, and boost your job prospects. Postgraduate degrees fall into three main categories: Master’s, postgraduate diploma, and doctoral. Take a closer look at each:

1. Master’s degree

For many students, a master’s degree is typically the next degree pursued after earning a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the university and field of study, you might earn a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS). You might also find more specialised master’s degrees. Popular options include: 

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): An MBA is amongst the common postgraduate fields of study in India in business and management. Earning an MBA could be helpful if you want to work in finance, marketing, business analytics, or human resources, especially in a leadership position. 

• Master of Public Health (MPH): Many MPH programmes focus on approaches to building healthier communities through public policy. Depending on the programme you choose, you can specialise in areas like epidemiology, environmental health, global health, or biostatistics.

• Master of Social Work (MSW): If you’re interested in a career as a social worker, an MSW degree will prepare you both academically and practically. An MSW focuses on key issues such as globalisation, migration, HIV/AIDS, and issues unique to India and internationally.

• Master of Technology (MTech): An MTech is a specific type of master’s degree course focusing on technology. When you study an MTech, you can specialise in a range of subjects such as computer engineering, aerospace engineering, and mechanical engineering

What is a professional degree?

Professional degrees are typically master’s or doctoral programmes designed to prepare you for specific career fields. While there are some undergraduate professional degrees, common examples include master’s degrees (like the Master of Architecture, or MArch), as well as doctorate degrees, like the Doctor of Medicine (MD), or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

2. Doctoral degrees

Doctoral degree programmes represent the highest academic degree you can earn. Examples include PhDs and professional doctorates like a PhD in Education or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

3. Postgraduate diploma or certificate

Universities sometimes award postgraduate diplomas or certificates (sometimes called postgraduate certificates) as a shorter alternative to master’s degrees. Both can demonstrate to potential employers that you’ve gained advanced skills in a specific area of study, which could make you a more competitive job candidate.

Admissions requirements for postgraduate degree programmes

One considerable requirement for admission to a postgraduate degree programme already has a bachelor’s degree. In some cases, the subject of your bachelor’s degree isn’t important if you can prove you have the relevant skills to take on the master’s degree.

The typical prerequisites for advanced degree programme admissions vary depending on the type of degree you’re seeking. Consider the following: 

• Master’s degrees: You'll generally need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised, government-approved university with a 50 to 60 percent pass mark at a minimum, although the benchmark may vary. You may also need to take an entrance exam. The exam itself will vary depending on the course and university you choose. Others grant admission merit.

• Postgraduate diploma: You typically need a relevant specified bachelor’s degree, which varies according to the PG degree programme. You may also need to pass a relevant admission test and provide appropriate documentation. 

• Doctoral degrees: You’ll likely need a bachelor’s degree and a master's degree from an accredited educational institution in a relevant subject with a pass mark of at least 55 percent. You may need to take an entrance exam and attend an interview.

How long does a postgraduate degree take?

The time it might take to earn your postgraduate degree can vary widely depending on various factors. The first consideration is the type of degree you’re pursuing. For example, earning a full-time master’s degree typically takes an average of two years, while completing a full-time doctoral degree can take three to five years. Postgraduate diplomas and certificates can take around a year to complete.  

The type of advanced degree is only one factor that can affect how long it takes to earn a postgraduate degree. Other notable considerations include: 

• Whether you attend full-time or part-time

• Whether you decide to take time off to gain professional experience or to earn additional money to continue your education

• Whether you pursue online courses or additional courses between semesters, which may help you graduate faster

• Whether you’ve got ample support from academic advisors and mentors, which can help you complete your schooling faster, particularly in PhD programmes

Is earning a postgraduate degree worth it?

If getting a postgraduate degree is right for you, it helps to ask yourself a few questions. You can approach your postgraduate education in many ways, depending on many factors, the majority of which relate to your circumstances. 

Pursuing a postgraduate degree requires a significant investment of time and money. To evaluate if it might be worth it for you, consider these four questions:

• Does it fit your career goals? Only some jobs require an advanced degree. More importantly, if you're considering a career that does need one, will you be happy with the day-to-day activities, responsibilities, and hours? Take some time to shadow professionals or conduct an informational interview to get a solid feeling for the role you're considering and to make sure you're choosing a career that will be fulfilling.

• What's the earning potential? Postgraduate study may require you to take out significant loans. To decide if it's worth it, consider whether you'll ultimately earn enough once you're working to make that debt worth it. Research average starting salaries and job opportunities to inform your choice.

• Will it increase your networking opportunities? By enrolling in a postgraduate programme, you can sharpen the necessary skills in your field of study with hands-on experience. Additionally, the relationships you create with key industry professionals could help you throughout the rest of your career.

• Are there alternatives that might be a better fit? Although a postgraduate degree might be the right choice for one person, a professional certification or online course might be a better option for someone else. Look at job descriptions on sites like LinkedIn and Naukri to see common requirements for the jobs you’re interested in, and let that guide your decision on where to invest your time and effort.

How a postgraduate degree may impact earning potential

Many advanced degrees can open the door to higher salaries, but just as the job outlook varies from job to job, so does your earning potential. In general, if you have a postgraduate degree, you will likely earn a higher salary than someone with a bachelor’s degree. 

Fields such as business, healthcare, and engineering, which require higher-level specialist skills, often offer the highest salaries to those with the most qualifications. You’ll also find this true of senior roles and leadership positions. 

Next steps towards a postgraduate degree

Postgraduate degrees are advanced degree programmes available in all areas of study. They can open doors to higher-level roles and higher salaries. As you consider the types of postgraduate degrees you might pursue, browse degrees from top universities available on Coursera, including bachelor's and master's degrees, graduate certificates, and diplomas in fields like computer science, machine learning, data analytics, and strategic leadership and management. Consider checking out an online MBA in Data Analytics from O.P Jindal Global University.