Undergraduate vs. postgraduate diploma: What is the distinction?

Discovering your path in larger training isn’t at all times simple. Whereas many people know from a younger age what we need to research, for others it would take longer to discover a course that matches. 

On this article, we’ll have a look at the distinction between undergraduate and postgraduate levels. From entry necessities to profession prospects, we’ll provide the instruments to make the appropriate choice on your future.

What’s the distinction between an undergraduate and a postgraduate diploma? 

For those who’re excited about learning in larger training, it’s necessary you understand what your choices are. Your age, background and training might all have an effect on the kind of diploma you select. Fortunately, we will categorise most levels as one in every of two sorts: undergraduate or postgraduate.

What’s an undergraduate diploma?

An undergraduate diploma is an entry-level diploma in larger training. They’re normally the primary educational diploma you research for after finishing additional training. After we speak about undergraduate levels within the UK, we typically imply Bachelor’s levels:

Within the US, there are additionally undergraduate programs known as ‘Affiliate Levels’. These are sometimes vocational programs designed to organize you for a selected function in industries like regulation and healthcare.

What’s a postgraduate diploma?

A postgraduate diploma is a extra superior educational diploma. You usually research for a postgraduate diploma after an undergraduate diploma. Many universities do require an undergraduate diploma for postgraduate functions, nevertheless, many college students are accepted with none formal larger training. Postgraduate levels embrace: 

• Grasp’s levels (e.g. MA, MSc, MEd)
• Postgraduate Certificates (PGCert) & Postgraduate diplomas (PGDip)
• Doctorate or Doctoral Diploma (PhD, MPhil)

What are the necessities for an undergraduate diploma?

The entry necessities for undergraduate programs within the UK range relying on the topic and the place you need to research it. For instance, some universities might solely want two passes at A-Degree, while others might require as much as 4 A-Ranges with grades between A and A*. 

With US undergraduate entry necessities, candidates will normally want a highschool diploma and a minimal GPA of two.50 to three.60.

Many universities, nevertheless, additionally encourage functions from college students with out the required grades. Within the UK, that is a part of an strategy to enhance entry to larger training. It’s at all times price asking your chosen college to see how they will help your utility even in case you don’t hit the entry necessities at first.

What are the necessities for a postgraduate diploma?

The entry necessities for postgraduate levels are normally larger than for undergraduate levels. 

Within the UK, many universities require an undergraduate diploma equivalent to a BA, with at the very least a decrease second-class honours diploma (2:2) to get onto a Grasp’s diploma. 

The entry necessities within the US for Grasp’s candidates imply you’ll want a Bachelor’s with a minimal GPA of two.5 to three.0.

To progress to a Doctoral diploma within the UK, you’ll want a Bachelor’s diploma with an higher second-class honours diploma (2:1) in addition to a related Grasp’s. 

For a Doctoral diploma within the US, the anticipated minimal GPA for candidates will increase to three.3.

Extra variations between undergraduate and postgraduate levels

That will help you perceive what’s in retailer for you throughout this thrilling part of your studying journey, we’ve highlighted some key variations when it comes to course construction and course size – and the way they’re going to supercharge your development.

Undergraduate vs. postgraduate diploma: Course construction

The most important distinction between an undergraduate and a postgraduate diploma is the depth at which you research a topic. 

An undergraduate diploma gives you an excellent understanding of a topic however received’t make you an skilled. Your course will typically contain group work, lectures and a few unbiased work in direction of a closing dissertation. 

A postgraduate course, equivalent to a grasp’s, gives you extra in-depth data of a subject. It’s typically extra research-focused, and also you’re anticipated to do much more unbiased research in direction of your closing analysis challenge or thesis.

Undergraduate vs. postgraduate diploma: Course size

Undergraduate levels normally final 3 years though they are often an accelerated diploma of two years with 1 12 months of labor expertise included. 

Postgraduate levels can take anyplace from just a few months to a number of years. We’ve damaged down typical course durations for a number of the commonest postgraduate diploma sorts beneath:

• PGCert & PGDip: from 15-30 weeks
• Grasp’s: from 1-2 years for full-time research or from 2-4 years for part-time research
• Doctoral diploma: from 3-4 years for full-time or from 6-7 years for part-time research

Undergraduate vs. postgraduate diploma: Profession prospects

In addition to providing you with an excellent understanding of a topic, a level will also be a good way to enhance your profession prospects. You probably have an undergraduate diploma, it’s simpler to entry graduate roles in many various industries. 

For instance, an undergraduate diploma in accountancy is nice preparation for a job as an auditor, Chartered Accountant, payroll supervisor and way more. 

Many individuals select a postgraduate diploma as a strategy to progress of their careers and improve their wage. A Grasp’s in prison regulation will help you in specialising in a selected space of regulation.

Is an undergraduate or postgraduate diploma proper for me?

For those who’re nonetheless undecided about which diploma is best for you, ask your self the next questions: 

• Do I have already got present data or skilled expertise within the topic? If the reply is sure, postgraduate research could also be proper. If the reply is not any, then an undergraduate diploma will be the better option.
• Am I beginning a profession in an trade or am I trying to progress? For those who’re simply beginning a profession in an trade, an undergraduate diploma gives you the premise you want. For those who’re trying to progress, a postgraduate diploma will put together you for a step up. 

Discover on-line levels at FutureLearn

All in favour of beginning your research? FutureLearn gives a variety of quick on-line programs alongside our diploma programs. These shorter programs are designed for learners of all experiences and talents. 

You possibly can take your studying journey a step additional with microcredentials from prestigious universities. These accredited mini-courses include formal on-line assessments, and a few even provide educational credit score that may depend in direction of a full diploma. 

For these striving for the lengthy haul, our on-line levels provide flexibility like no different. Be taught at your personal tempo with programs created by high universities, whether or not you’re after an undergraduate or postgraduate diploma. 

The selection is yours, and the chances are infinite! Beneath we’ve listed just some of the choices out there.