The difference between a postgraduate diploma/certificate and a degree

• Postgraduate diplomas and certificates are usually less expensive when compared to a regular Master's degree.
• Master's programmes normally take 2 years (or more) to complete, which is longer when compared to graduate diplomas/certificates, which take less than 1 year.
• While Bachelor's or Master's degrees are usually focused on academic knowledge, graduate diplomas and certificates aim to quickly develop the practical skills of students.
• The number of courses, credits, and student workload is lower for postgraduate certificates and diplomas.
• Enrolling in a graduate diploma/certificate allows you to maintain a flexible schedule and take on other commitments, like a part or full-time job.

What is a graduate diploma?

A graduate (or postgraduate) diploma is a qualification, usually vocational, that focuses on acquiring a specific skillset and practical knowledge in a chosen field. Or so says Google. In simpler terms, students who opt for a graduate diploma are interested in quickly gaining more practical skills for potential employers.

You can apply for a graduate diploma programme in many universities worldwide, if you have completed a Bachelor’s degree, usually in the same field or one that is closely related.

However, there are exceptions to this rule and some institutions will accept a Bachelor’s degree in any field. Based our data, some of the most popular graduate diplomas are found in:

• Graduate Diplomas in Australia 
• Graduate Diplomas in New Zealand 
• Graduate Diplomas in the U.K. 
• Graduate Diplomas in Ireland 

A graduate diploma usually takes one year to complete (or two years if you choose to study part-time) and many programmes offer direct entry to a Master’s degree course at the same university or partner universities.

In the UK, for instance, a graduate diploma has the same recognition and qualification as a Master’s degree; if you complete a dissertation at the end of the programme, you can reach 180 study credits and turn your diploma into a Master’s.

Benefits of a graduate diploma

The main benefits of a graduate diploma are:

• It takes less time to complete (one year) and is less expensive compared to a Master’s degree
• You can change your career (or start your career) as a professional in a certain field
• You can increase your practical knowledge in a field you are interested in
• You can improve your career prospects and potential income