AQF Level 9

Purpose

The Masters Degree qualifies individuals who apply an advanced body of knowledge in a range of contexts for research, professional practice and further learning.

Summary

Graduates at this level will have specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning.

Knowledge

Criteria: Graduates at this level will have specialised knowledge and critical understanding in a discipline or practice.

Descriptor: Graduates of a Masters Degree will have a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in a discipline and/or area of professional practice.

Skills

Criteria: Graduates at this level will have expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice to independently:

• analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories
• research and apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
• interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences

Descriptor: Graduates of a Masters Degree will have cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and professional practice or scholarship.

Application of Knowledge & Skills

Criteria: Graduates at this level will apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.

Descriptor: Graduates of a Masters Degree will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement and responsibility in adapting knowledge to new situations and contexts.

Volume of Learning

The volume of learning is typically 1–2 years.

Pathways

Each qualification accredited as a Masters Degree will include documented pathways consistent with the AQF Qualifications Pathways Policy. Masters Degrees provide a pathway to Doctoral Degree qualifications.

Key Information