Accelerate Your Career with UK Postgraduate Programs

Are you a graduate in India planning to pursue a Masters course in the UK? Do you have a question as to the differences between the different postgraduate courses like “certificate”, “diploma” and “masters” degree? 

You’re in the right place. 

What are Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates?

Postgraduate diplomas and certificates are short term, vocational courses offered by different universities in the UK which can help boost your career prospects and provide you with the required skills. They offer  information that is more focused, practical, job-oriented and advanced than a bachelor’s degree.

They are beneficial if you want to pursue a postgraduate level course in the UK but do not want to go for any kind of academic research. Also, the post-graduate diplomas and certificates are a better option if you are a working professional and want to change your career. Please note that many of the diplomas and degrees are available as online courses and you can do them from your home country as well.

The advantages of the postgraduate diplomas and certificates

• They add to your CV
• They take less time to complete
• They are available in a wide range of subjects
• They are less expensive compared to a master’s degree
• They are focused on a few subjects in a particular field and are more precise
• They can help improve your career prospects and income
• They may be designed as academic, vocational and professional training programs

What are the main differences between postgraduate diplomas and certificates?

Postgraduate diplomas and certificates in the UK are similar to each other in terms of being short term courses but bear a few differences as well. Let’s have a look at them –

• The full-time diplomas in the UK are usually of two terms (30 weeks) while the certificate courses are of only one term (15 weeks)
• For some professionals, diplomas are an essential credential to work in a particular field
• In the UK, diplomas can be upgraded to masters if combined with research work while certificates do not provide such benefits
• Other major differences in diplomas and certificates are that while you are enrolled in a particular certificate course, you can also pursue a masters degree but this is not possible in case of diplomas

What is a masters degree?

A masters degree, specifically in UK universities, is a full-time course (usually 1 year) in a particular field involving intense study with a series of modules and a dissertation (research work). A masters degree can be done through a taught process as in the case of Master of Art (MA), Master of Science (MSc) etc. or through a research process as in the case of Master of Research (MRes).

What are the major differences between postgraduate certificates, diplomas and masters?

• Certificate and diploma courses can be completed in a short period of time while masters can be of 1 to 2 years duration.
• Masters courses are far more expensive as compared to the certificate and diploma courses.
• Masters courses lack flexibility and may need your full dedication while certificates and diplomas are more flexible, you can do them while continuing your job.
• Masters courses include research work and writing a thesis which is otherwise not required in certificate and diploma courses.
• In order to enroll in a masters course in the UK, you need a statement of purpose (SOP) which may/may not be required in case of postgraduate diplomas and certificate courses.
• Masters provide general education about a particular discipline while certificate and diploma courses focus on specific skills.
• Value of certificate and diploma courses is lesser than masters.
• Many scholarships are available for masters courses but not for diploma and certificate courses.
• You can take an education loan for masters but not for pursuing postgraduate diplomas and certificate courses.
• If you wish to pursue a PhD in your field in the UK, you need a masters degree for sure.

*CATS – Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme

**ECTS – The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System

The above specifications are subject to change and may vary based on the course and university you choose

If you have trouble making a decision and need more clarity, feel free to contact our student support team, who will work with you to bring the clarity you need. 

All the best!