Most master’s degrees in Australia are not just for experienced professionals in a particular field. They’re also designed for university graduates who want to change careers.
You can normally gain entry into these programs with a somewhat relevant degree. If your background doesn’t prepare you adequately, there is often the option to start with an introductory graduate certificate course.
Masters Degrees for the Future
Let’s explore the best master’s degrees for changing careers. Each program can qualify you for employment in a sector with high demand for graduates.
For a long list of all masters available online, refer to Online Masters Degrees in Australia at Lerna Courses.
1. Cyber Security
Learn how to protect networks and digital assets with a Master of Cyber Security. This degree covers areas like network security, cryptography, and risk management.
Job titles: cybersecurity analyst, information security manager, network security engineer.
Qualities: strong technical skills and an interest in computers.
Employment prospects: Excellent, with high demand for cyber skills.
2. Human Resource Management
By studying for a Master of Human Resource Management, students can enter the HR profession. The course covers strategic people-management, employee relations, and aligning organisational objectives.
Job titles: HR manager, recruitment manager, employee relations specialist.
Qualities: strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and empathy.
Employment prospects: Excellent, as all large employers have HR teams.
3. Marketing
A Master of Marketing develops your ability to leverage technology to grow revenue. The future of the profession revolves around digital platforms and analytics. Generally, a business degree or relevant experience is needed to gain direct entry. Otherwise, you may need to start with a graduate certificate.
Job titles: marketing manager, digital marketing coordinator, brand manager.
Qualities: strong analytical skills, creativity, and effective communication.
Employment prospects: Good, with growing demand for digital marketing skills.
4. Teaching
A Master of Teaching prepares individuals with non-education degrees to become classroom teachers. The program includes coursework and work placements and takes only two years of full-time study.
Job titles: primary school teacher, secondary school teacher, early childhood educator.
Qualities: strong communication skills, patience, adaptability.
Employment prospects: Good in most states.
5. Business Analytics
A Master of Business Analytics combines data and business training. Programs cover topics like data visualisation, customer analytics, and predictive analytics. Students learn to interpret vast data sets, design data-driven strategies, and communicate insights effectively.
Job titles: business analyst, data analyst, marketing analyst.
Qualities: analytical thinking, technical proficiency, strong communication.
Employment prospects: Excellent, with high demand across industries due to growing value of data.
6. Data Science
A Master of Data Science prepares students to excel as data scientists by building skills in artificial intelligence, database management, analytics, data visualisation, and machine learning. The degree can typically be completed online in 24 months of part-time study.
Job titles: data scientist, machine learning engineer, data analyst.
Qualities: strong analytical skills, programming proficiency, problem-solving ability.
Employment prospects: Excellent after you gain initial experience.
7. Public Policy
A Master of Public Policy trains students to analyse, develop, and implement policies that address societal issues. The program covers policy analysis, public administration, economics, and ethical leadership.
Job titles: policy analyst, public affairs consultant, government relations manager.
Qualities: strong analytical skills, effective communication, strategic thinking.
Employment prospects: Good, with opportunities in government, non-profits, and consultancy firms.
8. Health Management
A Master of Health Management is for professionals seeking senior roles in Australia’s healthcare industry. The program prepares you to manage people, patient services, and organisational units. You generally need a healthcare background with relevant experience.
Job titles: health services manager, clinical manager, hospital administrator.
Qualities: strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication.
Employment prospects: Excellent, with a high demand for skilled managers in healthcare.
Related: How Long Is a Masters Degree in Australia?
Can You Change Your Career with a Master’s?
Yes, you can change careers with a master’s degree in a different field. This is a common pathway for many uni graduates in Australia.
Dr Alan Finkel, formerly Australia’s Chief Scientist, notes that the capacity to pivot is a key predictor of success. “It is not a failure to progress to a job that has no obvious link to one’s degree,” he says. This flexibility is crucial as the job market evolves.
Statistics show that many graduates end up in roles unrelated to their initial field of study. For instance, only one in 20 economics graduates becomes a professional economist, and the legal profession has far fewer jobs than the number of law graduates each year.
Universities aim to produce graduates who are “job capable,” not just “job ready.” This means having a solid foundation of skills that can be applied across various fields. As Dr Finkel points out, “Having mastered a discipline once, it is not as difficult to do it a second time, on the job.”
In today’s job market, adaptability and continuous learning are essential. A master’s degree in a new field can significantly enhance your career prospects and open doors to diverse opportunities.