PG Diploma vs Degree: Benefits Unveiled

5 Major Benefits of a Postgraduate Diploma And When it is Better Than a Degree 1

Introduction

Even though it can seem like an odd statement to make, a postgraduate diploma has its advantages over more advanced academic courses such as masters and PhD. Traditionally perceived as their non-research counterpart, PGDip studies offer just as many benefits to students with various backgrounds.

In what follows, we’ll try to precisely discern learning scenarios in which a postgraduate diploma can be the wisest choice you can make.

Generally speaking, though, it’s always a smart decision to remain a student because postgraduates have higher chances of landing a well-paid job. A recent survey conducted by Higher Education Careers Services Unit (Hecsu), for instance, found that 91% of postgraduates were in professional or managerial jobs, compared with 65% of first-degree graduates.

But postgraduate qualification is not a unanimous notion, and there are more ways to reach the top. So here’s how a postgraduate diploma may fit in the picture.

5 Major Benefits of a Postgraduate Diploma And When it is Better Than a Degree 2

At a Glance: Postgraduate Diploma vs Degree

Postgraduate education is a broad category that includes different credentials: academic and professional degrees, certificates, and diplomas. The term refers to any accredited course undertaken upon completing bachelor’s studies.

The most common way of distinguishing among postgraduate credentials is acknowledging the amount of research needed for graduation. While master and doctoral programmes require a significant amount of research and completing a thesis, PGDip programmes are designed as coursework-centric courses.

In pragmatic terms, this means that PGDip students won’t have to write dissertations and receive a diploma upon passing the exams required by the curriculum. Often, this means that a person holding a diploma has gone through the same coursework as his masters’ peers, but without the additional research.

If we were to translate the comparison between master and PGDip studies into numbers, we would say that a postgraduate diploma is equivalent to two-thirds of a master’s. So, to be precise, PGDip is worth 120 CATS / 60 ECTS credits, whereas a full master will get you 180 CATS / 90-120 ECTS credits.

But there’s one more important distinction to be made between the two educational paths.

Namely, postgraduate diplomas and certificates lack the dissertation project for a reason – they are intended to provide more practical knowledge that has immediate applicability on the job market. While research-centric programmes equip students with the theoretical knowledge needed to make academic contributions in the chosen field, their pragmatic counterparts are oriented towards creating an expert with relevant and up-to-date skill sets.

Last but not least, it’s also important to know that PGDip studies can take several forms. There are academic, vocational, and professional courses within this educational category – and all lead to the same credential: a diploma.

Advantages of Doing a Postgraduate Diploma

While the advantages of doing a postgraduate degree are well-known, the benefits of a postgraduate diploma are not as widely recognised and celebrated as they should be. In reality, this postgraduate programme is very versatile and suitable for many different academic situations.

Here’s how.

#1 Cost-EffectivenessA determining factor for many, the financial aspect can mean a difference between excellent salary potential in the future and massive student debt. The economics behind PGDip studies is simple: they are less expensive because they are shorter in length. Now, if you're confident that pursuing a master's or doctoral degree is the right educational path for you, don't give up on it for purely financial reasons. Other times, though, the cost-effectiveness of a postgraduate diploma is a serious benefit to keep in mind.
#2 Less Time-ConsumingWhat we've just said about PGDip's financial advantages applies to your time economy as well. If you wish to continue your education upon obtaining the first degree, but are unwilling to commit for two or more years, then a shorter postgraduate education can be your right fit. As a rule, students earn a postgraduate diploma after two terms of study, which roughly equates to 30 weeks. If you're already in the working force, this can mean a difference between graduating and dropping out.
#3 Immediate EmployabilityAs we noted before, nearly all PGDip programmes put a sharp focus on building a professional that will be fully employable upon graduation. Moreover, except maybe academic non-research courses, all PGDip studies are practical and oriented towards real-life problem-solving. So, if your true goal is to get a job as soon as possible, or obtain a skill set that's sought after in today's market, then a postgraduate diploma can make a whole lot more sense. Naturally, there are no guarantees that you'll actually land a job, but the chances will certainly increase if you develop top-notch skills.
#4 Portioned Roadway to a DegreeThere's one more scenario where a postgraduate diploma is a more reasonable choice than full-time masters, let alone a PhD. Namely, if you're indecisive about pursuing an academic career but you would still like to try, PGDip studies can offer you a foretaste of research-centric programmes. Often nurtured under full masters, academic PGDip studies allow you to segment your way to a degree. That way, you'll still have a credential in your hands if you decide not to pursue a master's degree. Or, you can just continue where you left off and earn a research degree.
#5 Easy Access to New SkillsFinally, versatile diploma studies should be your choice if you're a working professional looking for a career change or a deeper dive into a particular area of your expertise. And with today's fluctuations in the global economy, this is bound to increase occurrence at a steady pace. From that perspective, completing coursework from a chosen field can be your doorway to a new occupation. Or, if studies are specialised in nature, they can equip you with a more in-depth knowledge of your primary area. Either way, you'll get just the right amount of insights to push your career in the desired direction.

5 Major Benefits of a Postgraduate Diploma And When it is Better Than a Degree 3

In Sum: When Should You Choose PGDip Over a Degree?

In conclusion, both advanced research degrees and a versatile postgraduate diploma have advantages and disadvantages. The wisdom lies in estimating your specific educational situation and determining your goals.

Opt for a postgraduate diploma if:

You have financial restraints
You're short on time
You are not interested in doing academic research
You are looking for immediate employment
You are unsure whether an academic career is a right fit for you
You are looking for easy access to new skills or career change

Otherwise, choose a research degree if:

You wish to pursue a career in academia
You need a research degree on your resume
You aim at a PhD
Time and money are not issues for you
You are passionate about the subject and want to make a meaningful contribution to the knowledge development

CBU's Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership

Wrapping up, we would say that every student should decide for himself whether a postgraduate diploma is worth it. In the end, there are always too many variables in the personal experience, and no one can decide for you.

But if you’re passionate about educational leadership and looking for a way into the field, CBU’s PGDip programme can definitely help. We help students develop laser-sharp skills relevant to today’s job market.

To learn more, download our prospectus or contact us with any questions you may have.

Download our prospectus