Most post-graduate courses or programs are also known as master's courses or programs. A master's degree is typically earned after a bachelor's degree. In order to earn a post-graduate degree, the student must study full-time for one to two years depending on the program. In the U.S., most full-time post graduate or master's programs take two years to complete, sometimes they can be completed in a year.
Taking even a few post graduate courses without earning a degree can be beneficial when included on a student's resume. These courses can be a positive, personal challenge or accomplishment for the student. Post-graduate courses are challenging and therefore not for everyone. They require a great amount of reading, writing and thinking, as well as a basic knowledge and understanding of the subject. Master's degrees in general require critical skills and understanding, and a knowledge of current issues and trends.
Post-graduate courses are usually in the form of a lecture. The course is concluded with an examination or submission of a project or essay. If these courses are part of a post-graduate program, the student will also be required to submit a dissertation, thesis or project which is a final report and is based on the knowledge the student acquired throughout these post-graduate courses in addition to personal research on the topic. There is usually a lot of reading involved in post-graduate courses. Some courses may require that students submit occasional homework assignments or papers throughout the semester. There is always an exam or a final project or paper at the end of the course.
Post-graduate courses are for students who have completed their bachelor's degree with overall good grades and who want to further their education. Post-graduate programs, or master's programs, can be considered professional development programs through which students perfect their skills in a chosen professional field. Most post-graduate programs require some work experience relevant to the chosen career field. For example, journalism programs require some experience writing for media, even if this experience consists of writing for the school paper during your undergraduate years in college. Post-graduate courses can be taken for intellectual or personal challenge, to improve career prospects, to start an academic career such as that of a university professor, or can be a career requirement. They are considered a form of advanced study.