critical thinking in postgraduate study

• Schools & departments

Critical thinking

Advice and resources to help you develop your critical voice.

Developing critical thinking skills is essential to your success at University and beyond.  We all need to be critical thinkers to help us navigate our way through an information-rich world. 

Whatever your discipline, you will engage with a wide variety of sources of information and evidence.  You will develop the skills to make judgements about this evidence to form your own views and to present your views clearly.

One of the most common types of feedback received by students is that their work is ‘too descriptive’.  This usually means that they have just stated what others have said and have not reflected critically on the material.  They have not evaluated the evidence and constructed an argument.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the art of making clear, reasoned judgements based on interpreting, understanding, applying and synthesising evidence gathered from observation, reading and experimentation. Burns, T., & Sinfield, S. (2016)  Essential Study Skills: The Complete Guide to Success at University (4th ed.) London: SAGE, p94.

Being critical does not just mean finding fault.  It means assessing evidence from a variety of sources and making reasoned conclusions.  As a result of your analysis you may decide that a particular piece of evidence is not robust, or that you disagree with the conclusion, but you should be able to state why you have come to this view and incorporate this into a bigger picture of the literature.

Being critical goes beyond describing what you have heard in lectures or what you have read.  It involves synthesising, analysing and evaluating what you have learned to develop your own argument or position.

Critical thinking is important in all subjects and disciplines – in science and engineering, as well as the arts and humanities.  The types of evidence used to develop arguments may be very different but the processes and techniques are similar.  Critical thinking is required for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels of study.

What, where, when, who, why, how?

Purposeful reading can help with critical thinking because it encourages you to read actively rather than passively.  When you read, ask yourself questions about what you are reading and make notes to record your views.  Ask questions like:

• What is the main point of this paper/ article/ paragraph/ report/ blog?
• Who wrote it?
• Why was it written?
• When was it written?
• Has the context changed since it was written?
• Is the evidence presented robust?
• How did the authors come to their conclusions?
• Do you agree with the conclusions?
• What does this add to our knowledge?
• Why is it useful?

Our web page covering Reading at university includes a handout to help you develop your own critical reading form and a suggested reading notes record sheet.  These resources will help you record your thoughts after you read, which will help you to construct your argument. 

Reading at university

Developing an argument

Being a university student is about learning how to think, not what to think.  Critical thinking shapes your own values and attitudes through a process of deliberating, debating and persuasion.   Through developing your critical thinking you can move on from simply disagreeing to constructively assessing alternatives by building on doubts.

There are several key stages involved in developing your ideas and constructing an argument.  You might like to use a form to help you think about the features of critical thinking and to break down the stages of developing your argument.

Features of critical thinking (pdf)

Features of critical thinking (Word rtf)

Our webpage on Academic writing includes a useful handout ‘Building an argument as you go’.

Academic writing

You should also consider the language you will use to introduce a range of viewpoints and to evaluate the various sources of evidence.  This will help your reader to follow your argument.  To get you started, the University of Manchester's Academic Phrasebank has a useful section on Being Critical. 

Academic Phrasebank

Developing your critical thinking

Set yourself some tasks to help develop your critical thinking skills.  Discuss material presented in lectures or from resource lists with your peers.  Set up a critical reading group or use an online discussion forum.  Think about a point you would like to make during discussions in tutorials and be prepared to back up your argument with evidence.

For more suggestions:

Developing your critical thinking - ideas (pdf)

Developing your critical thinking - ideas (Word rtf)

Published guides

For further advice and more detailed resources please see the Critical Thinking section of our list of published Study skills guides.

Study skills guides  

This article was published on 2024-02-26

• Schools & departments

Critical thinking

Advice and resources on critical thinking.

Advice and resources to help you develop your critical voice.

Developing critical thinking skills is essential to your success at University and beyond. We all need to be critical thinkers to help us navigate our way through an information-rich world. 

Why is critical thinking important?

It affects your academic success : if you want to achieve higher grades, being able to take an informed and analytical approach to your studies is very important. Simply memorising and explaining concepts and ideas will not be sufficient for a strong pass at postgraduate level: you will need to be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of your subject to articulate your own views or conclusions, supported by appropriate evidence.

It affects your employability : one of the main reasons students undertake postgraduate study is to improve their employment prospects. Many aspects of work (including strategic planning, trouble shooting, problem solving and critical evaluation of projects and processes) require higher-level thinking and reasoning skills, and prospective employers will want to see evidence of these skills.

Whatever your discipline, you will engage with a wide variety of sources of information and evidence. You will develop the skills to make judgements about this evidence to form your own views and to present your views clearly.

One of the most common types of feedback received by students is that their work is ‘too descriptive’. This usually means that they have just stated what others have said and have not reflected critically on the material. They have not evaluated the evidence and constructed an argument.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the art of making clear, reasoned judgements based on interpreting, understanding, applying and synthesising evidence gathered from observation, reading and experimentation. Burns, T., & Sinfield, S. (2016) Essential Study Skills: The Complete Guide to Success at University (4th ed.) London: SAGE, p94.

Being critical does not just mean finding fault. It means assessing evidence from a variety of sources and making reasoned conclusions.  As a result of your analysis you may decide that a particular piece of evidence is not robust, or that you disagree with the conclusion, but you should be able to state why you have come to this view and incorporate this into a bigger picture of the literature.

Being critical goes beyond describing what you have heard in lectures or what you have read. It involves synthesising, analysing and evaluating what you have learned to develop your own argument or position.

Critical thinking is important in all subjects and disciplines – in science and engineering, as well as the arts and humanities. The types of evidence used to develop arguments may be very different but the processes and techniques are similar. Critical thinking is required for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels of study.

What, where, when, who, why, how?

Purposeful reading can help with critical thinking because it encourages you to read actively rather than passively. When you read, ask yourself questions about what you are reading and make notes to record your views. Ask questions like:

• What is the main point of this paper/ article/ paragraph/ report/ blog?
• Who wrote it?
• Why was it written?
• When was it written?
• Has the context changed since it was written?
• Is the evidence presented robust?
• How did the authors come to their conclusions?
• Do you agree with the conclusions?
• What does this add to our knowledge?
• Why is it useful?

Our web page covering ‘Reading at university’ includes a handout to help you develop your own critical reading form and a suggested reading notes record sheet. These resources will help you record your thoughts after you read, which will help you to construct your argument. 

Reading at university - find out more

Developing an argument

Being a university student is about learning how to think, not what to think.  Critical thinking shapes your own values and attitudes through a process of deliberating, debating and persuasion.  Through developing your critical thinking you can move on from simply disagreeing to constructively assessing alternatives by building on doubts.

There are several key stages involved in developing your ideas and constructing an argument. You might like to use a form to help you think about the features of critical thinking and to break down the stages of developing your argument.

Features of critical thinking   (pdf)

Features of critical thinking (Word rtf)

Our webpage on Academic writing includes a useful handout ‘Building an argument as you go’.

Academic writing

You should also consider the language you will use to introduce a range of viewpoints and to evaluate the various sources of evidence. This will help your reader to follow your argument. To get you started, the University of Manchester's Academic Phrasebank has a useful section on Being Critical. 

Academic Phrasebank

Developing your critical thinking

Set yourself some tasks to help develop your critical thinking skills. Discuss material presented in lectures or from resource lists with your peers. Set up a critical reading group or use an online discussion forum.  Think about a point you would like to make during discussions in tutorials and be prepared to back up your argument with evidence.

For more suggestions:

Developing your critical thinking - ideas   (pdf)

Developing your critical thinking - ideas (Word rtf)

Published guides

For further advice and more detailed resources please see the CriticalThinking section of IAD 's list of published Study skills guides.

Study skills guides   

The power of critical thinking in the modern graduate

“Economists who have studied the relationship between education and economic growth confirm what common sense suggests: the number of college degrees is not nearly as important as how well students develop cognitive skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving ability.” – Derek Bok

In today’s fast-paced business environment, paper qualifications are simply not enough. Employers are looking for something extra because the problems they face demand it. That’s why the need for “critical thinking” skills appear so often, everywhere from job advertisements to business conferences to global forums. But what is critical thinking and why is it so indispensable today?

There are many definitions of “critical thinking”, but simply put, it is a process through which problems are identified and analysed so they may be solved in an effective and efficient manner. It means re-evaluating conventional and existing approaches to problems, seeing if they make sense, and applying changes if necessary. It’s the idea that problems are insurmountable only if we fail to think outside of the box.

Pic: University of Western Australia

Critical thinking can be broken into six stages. The first stage is to observe . This involves determining what information is available, and through what means. Then information is gathered for the next stage – analyse . That’s when you arrange the information into digestible themes and arguments.

Next, you evaluate what you have – you separate fact from opinion, and you decide what’s important and what’s not. After all, information is useless if you don’t establish some priorities – first and foremost, ask yourself if what you’ve gathered answers your core question. For example, how can I reduce costs without harming productivity?

Following this, you question your assumptions – are there better alternatives to your approach or better explanations of the issue? Be sure to contextualize the information you’re dealing with, considering everything from culture to politics and ethics. For example, if you’re launching a marketing campaign, have you considered how locals would react to a translated slogan or catch phrase? Finally, you come to the reflection stage – that’s when you put your plan to the test, making changes and learning as you take stock of the outcome.

But critical thinking is more than just a theoretical concept. It can be the difference between a stagnant career and a fruitful professional life. Because so many people have bachelor’s and master’s degrees these days, displaying a strong streak in critical thinking will allow you to stand out from your peers. Showing that you’ve solved problems for previous employers strengthens your hand when applying for new jobs. Suggesting opportunities and solutions to your boss will help when negotiating for higher pay.

Pic: University of Auckland

These days, giving presentations and selling ideas to clients and bosses are not infrequent duties, but part of the job description. While those may be intimidating activities, those with the ability to think critically should be able to undertake them with ease. That person will be able to field difficult questions from clients and superiors, and converse intelligently with them, lessening any chance of embarrassment and making strong, positive impressions on the people that really matter in your career.

Because the business environment is frequently fluid and decisions must be made quickly, critical thinking is essential in avoiding costly mistakes and groupthink. One must be able to consider every aspect of a business plan, marketing campaign, or research project, and plan for contingencies. As it is often said, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Things don’t always go according to plan, but if you’re able to quickly pivot away from disaster, you’ll always be valued by employers.

Critical thinking is also the key driver behind all innovation, and is extremely useful when confronting the two great monsters that plague every decision-maker in every industry – costs and time. If you can find a way to achieve objectives even while using less resources and/or time, you’ll be the darling of every manager and client you meet. But you won’t get there unless you think differently and think critically – unless you consider all the alternatives no matter improbable.

Pic: Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Because of all the reasons listed above, universities have poured much time and effort into incorporating critical thinking lessons into their curricula. While traditionally associated with the humanities and social sciences, critical thinking is now a cornerstone of most academic programs – whether undergraduate or postgraduate – from business to marketing to engineering.

Read on to find out more about 10 universities that prioritize instilling the power of critical thinking in their graduates:

UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA – AUSTRALIA The University of Western Australia (UWA) is what you get when you merge top-tier academics and a supportive environment which emphasizes critical thinking as well as personal growth. A proud member of the Group of Eight, which consists of Australia’s most respected universities, UWA’s academic prestige has been repeatedly recognized by independent organizations. For example, QS World University Rankings 2015/16 named it among the top 100 universities in the world.

As a research-intensive institution, UWA has shown exceptional affinity with the Arts , and it has been rated with 5 Stars for teaching quality and overall satisfaction by The Good Universities Guide 2016 for Humanities and Social Sciences. They have also ranked between 51 – 100 in the QS Rankings for Anthropology, Archaeology, English Language And Literature And Performing Arts.

The Faculty of Arts has an inspiring history of highly successful graduates and outstanding research results, which have made a valuable contribution to Western Australia, Australia and internationally. They have more than 3000 students studying a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses through the School of Humanities, Music and Social Sciences. The Faculty provides a culture of international excellence in research, teaching and learning.

THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY – HONG KONG The Hong Kong Polytechnic University places a strong emphasis on opening the minds of its students. Its highly regarded Faculty of Humanities specializes in offering a broad array of language and cultural programs including the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Chinese and Bilingual Studies , and the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English Studies for the Professions . Through these programs and more, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in different languages and cultures while utilizing their critical thinking skills in intercultural and corporate contexts.

Advanced students may also pursue their PhD studies (via the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme ) as well as a professional doctoral program, namely the Doctor of Applied Language Sciences . Furthermore, students are able to explore the Chinese culture, history and philosophy through other postgraduate programs in its Department of Chinese Culture, allowing them to enhance their critical thinking with a strong, cultural dimension.

UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND – NEW ZEALAND The University of Auckland holds the distinction of being the highest ranked university in New Zealand – 82nd in the QS World University Rankings 2015/16. With a student population of 42,000 – including 6,000 international students from over 110 countries – it is also the largest. Offering more than 130 postgraduate programmes across eight faculties and two large-scale research institutes, it is easily New Zealand’s most comprehensive institution of higher learning. While students are free to choose from a vast array of course offerings, the university particularly excels at teaching accounting and finance, education, psychology, law, and English language and literature.

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY – UNITED STATES The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is undoubtedly one of the United States’ best universities, consistently appearing near the top of the major rankings – 16th in the QS World University Rankings 2015/16. As America’s first research university , it has a long and rich history in encouraging critical thought and pioneering innovation. It is no surprise that it has attracted the best and the brightest – 36 Hopkins researchers in the past and present have earned Nobel Prizes. The university’s medical and nursing schools are particularly well regarded, as its affiliated teaching hospital, which is one of the best known hospitals in the country.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL – UNITED STATES The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is one of the finest public universities in the United States – the U.S. News & World Report ranked it 5th among public schools in the country. Founded in 1789, the university is famous for being a ‘Public Ivy’ school, offering an Ivy League academic environment for a public schooling price. Spanning 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences, UNC offers outstanding teaching and research based on critical and creative thinking. As one of the country’s premier schools, it is well-respected for its studies in public health , business , and journalism .

UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK – UNITED KINGDOM The University of Warwick is among the most prestigious and highly selective universities in the world. Multiple rankings place it within the top 10 best universities in the U.K. – typically 6th or 7th place. Due to this, Warwick graduates are always in demand with employers, and they do well both in industry and academia. Located in Coventry, England, the university is renowned for its outstanding aptitude for research and innovation – the perfect breeding ground for critical thinking. The university is also famously diverse – about a third of its 23,000-strong student body come from abroad, representing more than 120 countries.

Pic: University of Warwick

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – UNITED KINGDOM Being the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world, the University of Edinburgh has a long and illustrious history which spans centuries. Founded in 1582, it consistently ranks among the world’s and the United Kingdom’s top universities – 21st in the QS World University Rankings 2015/16. It is a member of the Russell Group of universities – a distinction it shares with its cousins Cambridge and Oxford. Edinburgh has received plaudits for the research done by its cutting-edge Computer Science and Informatics department. Also, world-class teaching in the arts and humanities have solidified the university’s a reputation as a center of critical thinking.

NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY – SINGAPORE Students looking for top-notch education in Asia should look no further than the Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Young by global standards, the university consistently punches above its weight – 13th in the QS World University Rankings 2015/16 and 2nd best in Asia by the same ranking. Adhering to rigorous academic standards and drawing expert-level staff from 80 countries, NTU is famous for producing quality, world-class graduates in engineering, business, science, the arts and humanities, and the social sciences. NTU is particularly known for its business school ( The Nanyang Business School ) which has been consistently ranked as the best in Singapore by the Economist.

UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY – AUSTRALIA The University of Sydney is Australia’s first university and unsurprisingly still among its most prestigious. It is ranked 45th in the QS World University Rankings 2015/16, its academic prowess led by its outstanding performance in the arts and humanities . The university also produces top graduates in the fields of Life Sciences and Medicine as well as Social Sciences and Management. Sydney boasts a total of 16 faculties, running the gamut of fields from agriculture to engineering to law to music. The university is also the site of intense and never-ending research, putting critical thinking and innovation at the forefront of their efforts.

Pic: University of Melbourne

UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE – AUSTRALIA The University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s best universities, or simply the best by at least one measure – the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2015-2016 ranked it the top university the country. Located in cosmopolitan Melbourne, it is Australia’s second oldest university, having being founded in 1853. Over the years, it has grown into a bustling institution of learning and research, with over 47,000 students and 22 discipline-specific faculties. Its education , law , and business programs are long recognized as among the finest in the world. The university’s prestige has not gone unnoticed by employers – the university is ranked 18th in the world for graduate employability by the QS World University Rankings 2015/16.

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Critical Thinking

Key information.

Tutor:  Dr Elena Forasacco Course Level:  Level 1 Mode of Delivery:  Remote Delivery Maximum Course Capacity:  40

There are no further sessions taking place this academic year. Course dates for 2024-25 will be available to book from late September.

Critical thinking involves a wide range of competencies and attitudes including being analytical and evaluative. In this blended course you will identify and discuss strategies to enhance your critical thinking, critical reading and critical writing.

Course Information

This blended course has mandatory pre-course activities to complete in your own time and course activities to engage with during the live session.

Pre-course activities  (duration about 1h) will prepare you for the live session: you will have 2 short  videos  to watch, which will provide you with some reflective strategies to enhance your critical thinking, critical reading and critical writing. You will also need to critically analyse  a piece of writing  and write a  short critical summary  (max 300 words).

During the  live session  you will discuss strategies to be critical with other students and you will work in small groups to discuss your short summary.

• This course contains basics concepts about critical thinking, critical reading and critical writing.
• The deadline for registration is two weeks before the live course to allow the completion of pre-course activities.
• You will need to complete and share pre-course activities by 17h the day before the live session (you will receive details from the tutor by   email).

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this blended course you will be better able to:

• Define  the meaning of “critical thinking”
• Identify  techniques to critique when reading
• Employ  strategies to demonstrate critique when writing 
• Evaluate  your work through self-critique

How to Book

Please select a date and  book on via Inkpath  using your Imperial Single-Sign-On.   Bookings will close two weeks before each live session.

Critical Thinking Skills for Postgraduate Study Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Critical thinking has recently gained increased importance as the skill that encourages personal, academic, and professional development. The ability to question the nature of an observed phenomenon, the feasibility of a particular statement, and credibility of a certain piece of information are instrumental to the efficacy of one’s communication. 1 However, to be able to explore a certain area and converse with others effectively, critical thinking is not enough, In addition to the ability to discern between the sensible and the nonsensical, one also needs the skill of providing a unique argument. 2 Put differently, the presence of creative thinking is inseparable from the phenomenon of critical thinking.

It could be argued that the ability to think critically is a separate skill that cannot serve as the starting point for acquiring other abilities, such as creativity. However, the specified assumption seems to be quite far from the truth. 3 While there is no direct link between being critical and creative, the former helps develop a good understanding of how a good discourse is structured and worded. 4 As a result, one can build a bare minimum of skills needed to produce a coherent and creative statement.

Nevertheless, critical thinking should not be regarded as the notion that is entirely inseparable from creativity. Creative thinking also implies that one is capable to transform a particular viewpoint and discover new ways of viewing a situation. 5 Thus, critical thinking skills can be seen as an essential tool for a postgraduate student, yet it is only one constituent of a much larger entity. 6 Creative thinking is also not to be dismissed as one of the essential elements of a postgraduate skill set. When combined, creativity and critical thinking become the pillars for creating a coherent approach toward locating available information and processing it to produce an innovative approach.

Bibliography

Bista, KKK., Exploring the Social and Academic Experiences of International Students in Higher Education Institutions , IGI Global, New York, NY, 2016.

Davies, M., and Barnett, R., The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Thinking in Higher Education , Springer, New York, NY, 2015.

Legg, M., et al., Academic English: Skills for Success , 2nd ed., Hong Kong University Press, Hong Kong, 2014.

National Academies of Sciences, Indicators for Monitoring Undergraduate STEM Education , National Academies Press, 2018.

Scheg, S. A., Implementation and Critical Assessment of the Flipped Classroom Experience , IGI Global, New York, NY, 2015.

Wisdom, S., Handbook of Research on Advancing Critical Thinking in Higher Education , IGI Global, New York, NY, 2015.

• National Academies of Sciences, Indicators for Monitoring Undergraduate STEM Education , National Academies Press, 2018, p. 63.
• S. Wisdom, Handbook of Research on Advancing Critical Thinking in Higher Education , IGI Global, New York, NY, 2015, p. 127.
• S. A. Scheg, Implementation and Critical Assessment of the Flipped Classroom Experience , IGI Global, New York, NY, 2015, p. 26.
• M. Legg et al., Academic English: Skills for Success, 2nd ed., Hong Kong University Press, Hong Kong, 2014, p. 22.
• K. Bista, Exploring the Social and Academic Experiences of International Students in Higher Education Institutions , IGI Global, New York, NY, 2016, p. 293.
• M. Davies and R. Barnett, The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Thinking in Higher Education , Springer, New York, NY, 2015, p. 292.
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IvyPanda. (2021, May 15). Critical Thinking Skills for Postgraduate Study. https://ivypanda.com/essays/critical-thinking-skills-for-postgraduate-study/

"Critical Thinking Skills for Postgraduate Study." IvyPanda , 15 May 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/critical-thinking-skills-for-postgraduate-study/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Critical Thinking Skills for Postgraduate Study'. 15 May.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Critical Thinking Skills for Postgraduate Study." May 15, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/critical-thinking-skills-for-postgraduate-study/.

1. IvyPanda . "Critical Thinking Skills for Postgraduate Study." May 15, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/critical-thinking-skills-for-postgraduate-study/.

IvyPanda . "Critical Thinking Skills for Postgraduate Study." May 15, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/critical-thinking-skills-for-postgraduate-study/.

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Postgraduate Courses in Critical Thinking - 85 Courses

University of aberdeen school of divinity, history, philosophy and art history.

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3 Fundamental aspects of critical thinking

Despite the differences emanating from these schools of thought, there is agreement on some fundamental facets of critical thinking, most of which recognise the various behaviours and/or dispositions that a critical thinker must possess.

• analysing arguments, claims or evidence
• judging or evaluating based on evidence
• making inferences using inductive or deductive reasoning
• making decisions and/or solving problems through reasoning.

Dispositions:

• open-mindedness
• searcher of truth
• inquisition
• fair and balanced view of one’s work and that of others.

Activity _unit4.3.1 Activity 3 Qualities and attributes associated with a ‘critical thinker’

Pause briefly here to reflect further on this.

What qualities or attributes come to mind when you consider someone to be a ‘critical thinker’?

Note down your thoughts; you may find it helpful to list these.

Here are a few thoughts. This is not meant to be the ‘definitive’ answer, but we want you to consider and reflect on some of these points. A critical thinker would typically avoid jumping to conclusions. They would seek to deepen their own understanding, analyse experience gained from different angles, look at the reasons for and consequences of their own actions, seek clarity and evidence to support their assumptions and beliefs, make use of theory, research and professional knowledge and the insights gained to make informed judgements, decisions and plans for the future.

Someone who is engaged in ‘critical thinking’ could be considered to be:

• self-aware (and emotionally aware)
• open to others’ ideas (does not automatically assume that own knowledge and experience is typical of others’)
• imaginative and showing curiosity
• enquiring (asks pertinent questions)
• empathetic (able to understand another’s point of view)
• able to accept praise and constructive criticism
• able to think ‘laterally’
• able to troubleshoot and solve problems (seeks new solutions)
• able to challenge their own assumptions, beliefs and opinions
• able to see things from different perspectives
• able to distinguish between facts and opinions
• able to evaluate statements and arguments.

How many of these matched your own thoughts? Were there other qualities that you noted?

Another aspect of critical thinking we haven’t mentioned yet is, of course, one’s knowledge of the subject matter. A well-informed researcher or practitioner is always in a good position to offer better insights on the subject matter from an informed position. Bailin et al. (1999), for example, posit that domain-specific knowledge is indispensable in academic critique because the kinds of analysis, evaluation and the use of evidence often vary from discipline to discipline. However, it is important to emphasise that critical thinking and analysis is not simply related to subject knowledge. At postgraduate level the expectations are much higher. You will be required to engage in greater depth with a range of literature, as well as methodologies and approaches used in a variety of research. Now, whilst expectation may vary across disciplines, the fundamentals remain the same.

Activity _unit4.3.2 Activity 4 Reflecting on your understanding and perceptions of critical thinking

Return to your notes from Activity 1 (in this session) and consider the following questions:

• To what extent do you think the activities you listed involved critical thinking and/or analysis?
• Has your perception of what constitutes critical thinking shifted in any way?
• If it has, can you explain why?
• If not, which ‘school of thought’ does your understanding align with, and why?

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Choosing the right postgraduate study path

Curious about postgraduate pathways? Unsure about the difference between a graduate certificate and a graduate diploma? Wondering how a master's degree compares to a research degree? We've got you covered. Here's an overview of the most common postgraduate study options, their benefits, and what you can achieve with each.

Explore these eight study options to find the best fit for starting or continuing your postgraduate journey.

1. Taster courses

Curious about postgraduate study but short on time? Taster courses are the perfect solution. These three-to-five-hour online courses are free and will give you a glimpse into a topic of your choice through engaging case studies. Whether you’re aiming to become a data expert or explore the field of law, taster courses provide a sneak peek into new career possibilities.

2. Short courses

If you want to dive deeper into a specific topic relevant to your field, our short courses  are perfect for you. Ranging from a few days to several months, these courses are taught by industry leaders who also teach at the master’s level. You will gain the expertise needed to thrive in a dynamic work environment from academics and experts who are at the forefront of their fields.

3. Microcredentials

Want to start small but still enhance your knowledge and expertise with university-level study? Microcredentials  are an excellent choice. Drawing content from various postgraduate programs, they offer valuable upskilling opportunities. These stand-alone courses are formally assessed and align with UTS subjects. Upon successful completion, you will also earn a UTS credential that can be put toward a UTS degree.

4. Non-award study

With non-award study, you can enrol in individual course subjects without committing to a full degree. These subjects usually take half a year to complete and can count towards recognition of prior learning for related degrees you may pursue in the future. It’s an excellent choice for building foundational knowledge or enhancing your skills in a specific area.

5. Graduate certificate

Ready to take a bigger leap with your studies? A graduate certificate from UTS is an excellent way to start your postgraduate journey. It gives you a feel for postgraduate study and the subject area without a major commitment.

Students who have completed an undergraduate degree or have relevant work experience often pursue a graduate certificate to deepen their knowledge, advance their careers, or explore a new field and make a career shift. Plus, it demonstrates to employers that you’re actively enhancing your skills.

You will typically learn a core module over six months (or part-time equivalent), which is taken from the master’s degree program aligning with your course. You can build on this with a graduate diploma and then progress to a master’s degree.

Entry requirements generally include a bachelor’s degree or relevant professional experience. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact us to find out your options and the next steps.

6. Graduate diploma

A graduate diploma is a step up from a graduate certificate, offering a deeper dive into your field of study. It usually takes up to a year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) to complete.

While a graduate certificate gives you a taste of a new area of study, a graduate diploma takes that initial learning further, with a more in-depth focus over a longer period.

A graduate diploma also sets you up nicely for a full master’s degree. Even if you don’t go on to complete the master’s, a graduate diploma will give you advanced knowledge and ensure you are well-prepared with the expertise needed in your desired field of work.

7. Master’s by coursework

A master’s degree is an advanced qualification that can open the door to specialised job opportunities or career advancement.

UTS master’s degrees are industry-focused and created by researchers who are at the forefront of their field. If you choose this path, you’ll study through a combination of lectures, classes and seminars that will enable you to attain the mandatory units required to complete your postgraduate studies.

Typically, a master’s degree takes up to two years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent). If you have completed a relevant graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or similar studies, or have relevant work experience, you might be eligible for recognition of prior learning, which can shorten the length of your master’s degree.

We understand that returning to university often means balancing work, study and family commitments. To support you, we offer a range of services and flexible timetables, including both full-time and part-time options as well as day and night classes.

8. Master’s by research

Are you an innovator? A master’s by research is a specialist degree designed for you to produce an original piece of research over two years. Upon graduation, you'll not only have deep expertise in a specific discipline but also invaluable research and critical thinking skills that are highly sought after in your career. Most importantly, your work will have the potential to make a significant impact on society and industry.

Whether you're looking to dip your toes into postgraduate study or ready to dive in headfirst, we have something for you. 

Learn more about postgraduate pathways at UTS and explore our course options.  Enquire about postgraduate study at UTS here . 

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.