- Want to level up your skills and career without the hassle of a full Master’s? A Postgraduate Diploma is a quicker, budget-friendly way to do it!
- Learn what a Postgraduate Diplomas is and what are it’s benefits when compared to a regular Master’s degree.
A postgraduate diploma (or PGDip) is a short-form university qualification you can take after finishing your Bachelor’s degree. Think of it as a supplement to your Bachelor’s or something between the Bachelor’s degree and the Master’s degree. Or, as some say, “a Master’s degree lite”.
During your Postgraduate Diploma studies, you get the advanced knowledge and skills of a Master's degree but in a simpler and shorter process and at a lower price. It’s a great option if you already have a job but want to develop more skills and knowledge without spending years in school(postgrad diplomas usually take a year or less to complete).
Many countries offer academic qualifications similar to the Postgraduate Diploma, but they have different names. This specific type, the Postgraduate Diploma, is common to English-speaking countries (UK, Canada, Australia) or countries with education systems influenced by the British one.
Find Postgraduate Diplomas on Mastersportal
Postgraduate Diploma vs. Master’s Degree: Key Differences
While both are advanced qualifications you can pursue after a Bachelor’s, they serve different purposes. A Postgraduate Diploma is shorter, more career-focused, and doesn’t require a dissertation, making it ideal if you want quick, practical skills.
A Master’s degree, on the other hand, is a longer, more in-depth academic qualification that often involves research and can lead to further study, like a PhD. Let’s have a look at how a Postgraduate Diploma compares to a Bachelor’s and a Master’s:
Here’s a clear side-by-side comparison of a Bachelor’s Degree (BA), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), and Master’s Degree (MA):
| Bachelor’s Degree | Postgraduate Diploma | Master’s Degree | |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate | Postgraduate (advanced, but shorter than a master's) | Postgraduate (full master’s degree) |
| Entry Requirement | High school diploma or equivalent | Bachelor’s degree | Bachelor’s degree |
| Duration | 3-4 years (full-time) | 6 months – 1 year (full-time) | 1-2 years (full-time) |
| Credits | Typically 180-240 ECTS | Typically 60-120 ECTS | Typically 90-120 ECTS |
| Focus | Broad subject knowledge | Specialised, career-focused training | In-depth academic study and research |
| Includes Research? | Some, mainly coursework | No, mostly coursework & practical training | Yes, it often requires a thesis/dissertation |
| Career Path | Entry-level jobs, further study | Industry-specific jobs, skill enhancement | Advanced positions, PhD opportunities |
| Common Fields | Arts, Business, Science, Humanities | Business, IT, Law, Healthcare, Engineering | Advanced specialisation in any field |
Most popular disciplines for Postgraduate Diplomas
Postgraduate Diploma in Education
A Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDipEd) is a short, advanced qualification for graduates looking to become teachers or enhance their teaching skills. It covers teaching methods, curriculum planning, and classroom management and is commonly offered in the UK, Canada, and Australia. Some PGDipEd programmes lead to teacher certification, while others provide professional development for educators. Find your Postgraduate Diploma in Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Law
A Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip in Law) provides a fast-track route into law without completing a full law degree. It’s cheaper and quicker than a master’s (LLM) and focuses on practical skills rather than academic research. A PGDip in Law is most common in the UK, Canada, Australia, and some Commonwealth countries. In the UK, it is widely used by students who have a degree in another subject but want to enter the legal profession. In Canada and Australia, similar diploma courses exist to provide specialist legal training or bridge gaps for internationally trained lawyers.Find your Postgraduate Diploma in Law
Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing
A Postgraduate Diploma is a short, practical alternative to a Master’s in Marketing (MSc or MA). These programmes usually cover key areas such as digital marketing, consumer behaviour, branding, and marketing strategy. Some PGDip courses are accredited by professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) in the UK, adding extra credibility for job seekers. Find your Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing.
Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
A Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management is a focused qualification for graduates and professionals who want to level up their project management skills. It covers key areas like project planning, risk management, budgeting, leadership, and Agile methodologies. This diploma is especially useful for engineers, business professionals, and IT specialists looking for formal training to boost their careers and take on bigger projects. Find your Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management.
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
A Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting is a short, focused course for graduates and professionals who want to boost their accounting skills or work toward a professional certification. It’s a great option for business graduates, finance professionals, or career changers, giving you the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full master’s degree. Find your Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting.
What countries provide Postgraduate Diplomas
In the UK and many Commonwealth countries, a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) is a well-known qualification and is often seen as a shorter, more focused alternative to a master’s degree. Some countries offer similar qualifications in Europe, but they might have different names and structures depending on the education system.
The term "postgraduate diploma" isn’t commonly used in the United States. Instead, you’ll find graduate certificates or professional diplomas, which serve a similar purpose but may have slightly different requirements.
Postgraduate Diplomas in United Kingdom
In the UK, Postgraduate Diplomas are at a similar level to a Master's degree. However, they require fewer study credits (120 credits, compared to the 180 credits needed for a full master's).Many students take a PGDip to specialise in a field, boost their career, or transition into a master’s later. These diplomas typically last 6 months to a year and are also provided by famous universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and UCL in a variety of subjects, from business and healthcare to law and education. Find postgraduate diplomas in the United Kingdom on Mastersportal.
Postgraduate Diplomas in Canada
Canada has its own version of postgraduate diplomas, sometimes called Graduate Diplomas or Post-Baccalaureate Diplomas. They’re super popular among international students because they often include internships or co-op placements, which give you valuable work experience. Most PGDips in Canada take one year to complete and are career-focused, making them a great option if you want to work immediately after studying. Find postgraduate diplomas in Canada on Mastersportal.
Postgraduate Diplomas in Australia and New Zealand
A Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Australia is, in fact, called a Graduate Diploma (GDip or GradDip). It is generally seen as equal to completing the first year of a two-year master's degree. A key advantage? Many PGDip students can later "upgrade" their diploma into a master’s by completing additional coursework. This type of degree is a level 8 qualification in Australia and New Zealand. Find your postgraduate diploma in Australia and New Zealand on Mastersportal.
Postgraduate Diplomas in India
Postgraduate diplomas in India are popular among business, management or technical Bachelor’s graduates. These are highly industry-focused diplomas, designed for students who aim for better employment opportunities. Postgrad diplomas in India are similar to masters-level programmes, but focus only on essential topics, making them a faster and more practical alternative to a full master’s degree. Find postgraduate diplomas in India on Mastersportal.
Postgraduate Diplomas in South Africa
In South Africa, postgraduate diplomas are widely recognised and often required to enter particular master’s programmes. If your bachelor’s degree doesn’t fully align with your desired master’s field, a PGDip can act as a stepping stone. These diplomas are popular in business, law, education, and healthcare. Find postgraduate diplomas in South Africa on Mastersportal.
In conclusion…
A Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) is worth it for any students and professionals looking to access Master’s level knowledge without committing to a full master’s degree. It provides specialised skills, career-focused training, and a shorter, more affordable pathway to further education or employment. Whether you’re considering a PGDip in Law, Marketing, Project Management, or another field, these are built to be practical and relevant for specific real needs in your industry.
If you’re looking to learn new skills, change your career, or gain a competitive edge, a Postgraduate Diploma is a smart, efficient choice.
Find Postgraduate Diplomas on Mastersportal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is a Postgraduate Diploma?
Most Postgraduate Diplomas take 1 year or less to complete if studied full-time. Part-time options extending to 2 years are also available, depending on the university and country.
How to get a Postgraduate Diploma
To get a Postgraduate Diploma you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, though some programmes accept work experience instead. Then, choose a university and country—PGDips are most common in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Apply by submitting your required documents (transcripts, CV, personal statement, and recommendation letters). You might also have to provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
Can I get a a Postgraduate Diploma part-time?
Yes! Many universities offer Postgraduate Diplomas part-time, allowing you to study while working or managing other commitments. Part-time PGDips usually take longer instead of the standard 6 -12 months.
How much does a Postgraduate Diploma cost?
The cost of a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) varies by country, university, and subject. On average:
- UK: £4,000 – £12,000
- Canada: CAD 10,000 – CAD 25,000
- Australia: AUD 10,000 – AUD 30,000
- New Zealand: NZD 10,000 – NZD 20,000
- India: INR 50,000 – INR 5,00,000
- South Africa: ZAR 30,000 – ZAR 80,000
You can find postgraduate diplomas that suit your budget by using the tuition fee filter on our Postgraduate Diploma search page.
Can I study for a Postgraduate Diploma online?
Many universities offer Postgraduate Diplomas online, so you can study from anywhere while juggling work or other commitments. You’ll get the same qualification as an on-campus programme, but with flexible schedules and remote access to all your coursework.
