Popular PG Diploma Courses to Study in the UK

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Samarpita Goswami
Updated on Feb 24, 2023 03:30 PM IST

PG diploma in the UK is the best way to attain knowledge through a master’s degree without spending time writing a dissertation. Read on to know more about popular PG diploma courses to study in the UK in 2023.

Popular PG Diploma Courses to Study in the UK

PG Diploma courses or Post Graduate diploma courses in the UK are more advanced than bachelors degrees although many fail to believe so. They are shorter alternatives to masters degrees and are quite the popular alternative for you in the UK if you want to get a postgraduate degree in a shorter time and also spend less money.

The courses are focused on one particular subject area and aim to give you more specialised knowledge. Moreover, you can build your own personalised course by choosing modules from various areas of study.

There is a wide range of courses that come under the banner of a UK PG diploma. They can range from vocation courses to academic courses. Additionally, there are several variations of abbreviations used to denote PG diploma courses in UK including PgDip, PG Dip, PgD and PGD. Here, we will discuss in detail, the popular PG diploma courses in UK, entry requirements and top UK universities offering them.

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Difference Between Masters and PG Diploma in UK

The main differences between masters and post-graduate diploma courses in UK are given below:

Parameters

Masters

PG Diploma

Time

1 year

30 weeks

Credit Hours

180 credits

120 credits

Degree Awarded

MA MS, MCom

PgDip, PG Dip, PgD and PGD

Dissertation Submission

Yes

No

Popular Courses

Engineering, Languages, Finance

Criminology, Medical Imaging Science, Asset Management

Is It Possible to Switch Between Masters and PG Diploma in UK?

Yes, students have the flexibility to switch between master's and PG diploma in UK. Universities generally offer master's and PG diploma in the same subjects. Therefore, if you enrol in PG diploma and later wish to upgrade to master's, you can do so by contacting the university authority. In such cases, you will have to study in-depth and complete a dissertation.

Conversely, if you have enrolled in a master's programme in a university and later want to finish the course early and leave, you will still be awarded a PGdip. For that, you will have to complete the credit hours required for a PG diploma degree.

Why Study a PG Diploma in UK?

PG diplomas in UK are short-term courses that provide you with enough knowledge to be industry-ready. Distance and online learning options are also available. Here are some reasons to study them:

  • You can Work and Study: PG diploma in UK can be studied while working. It does not require your full-time commitment. Also, you do not require to put a hold on your career. The flexibility of the study increases your employability.

  • Shorter Duration: While a full-time master's course will require you three terms of study, you can complete a PG diploma in two terms. The courses are generally less time-consuming.

  • No Research Needed: Lack of research paper writing makes the PG diploma a suitable choice for those who want to get only practical knowledge without intensive and in-depth study. Still, you must remember that the course will be more advanced and intense than bachelor's degree.

  • Cost is Lower: A postgraduate diploma is cheaper and can be a good alternative to master's for those who do not have enough finances. You must remember that there are fewer funding options available for PG diploma courses.

  • Improves Future Career Prospects: You can advance your career with this added degree. Your job and salary prospects will increase on completion of the PG diploma programme. Also in some PGDip courses, work placements form an important part.

Entry Requirements for PG Diploma in UK

There are certain eligibility criteria that you need to fulfil to be able to study PG diploma in UK. The entry requirements are mostly similar to masters degree and also vary from one university to another. The most common eligibility requirements for post graduation diploma in UK universities are:

  • A UK bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised university,

  • Good academic record, to be proved with the help of all academic transcripts, certificates, etc.

  • English language proficiency scores of an applicable test such as the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic.

  • GRE/GMAT scores may be needed for science or business-related courses,

  • Work experience required for career changes (in a few courses).

Top PG Diploma Courses in UK

PG diploma subjects are similar to those offered during master's. Only certain modules and dissertation part is unavailable in the PG diploma courses. The courses can be selected on the basis of course content, fees, personal and professional commitments, funding, employment prospects, tutors and student satisfaction.

As you already know that it can be pursued after completing bachelor's, here are some popular ones which you can opt for:

PG Diploma Course

Duration

Public Health and Health Promotion

1 year

Rural Property Management

1 year

International Taxation

1 year

Legal Technology

35 weeks

Social Work

18 months

Nursing

1 year

Business and Public Service Interpreting

9 months

Creative Practice

1 year

Sports Performance Analysis

1 year

Sales

13 months

Data Science

1 year

Fashion Technology

1 year

Tourism and Hospitality

16 months

Computer Science

16 months

Pharmacy

1 year

Note: The duration of a PG diploma course may change depending on the university.

UK Universities Offering PG Diploma Courses

Almost all universities that have masters will also have postgraduate diploma courses, They are available on a part-time as well as full-time basis. The average cost of PG Dip courses in the various UK is given below:

UK Universities

Average Cost (in GBP)

University of Manchester

13,000

Oxford University

7,690

University of London

12,480

Imperial College London

30,240

University of Birmingham

17,160

University of Edinburgh

35,900

University of Bristol

16,880

University of Leeds

14,167

Lancaster University

500 per 10 credits

University of Glasgow

17,320

University of Warwick

10,430

York University

7,748

University of Cambridge

12,537

Coventry University

11,300

University of Liverpool

13,700

Application Process for PG Diploma Courses in UK

The application process for PG diploma courses bears similarities with master's. It is mostly done on a first-come-first-serve basis. You may have to give an exam or attend interviews or show work samples. The rules are different for each university. Here we have given the common steps:

  • Step 1: Research the post-graduate diploma course you want to study.

  • Step 2: Visit the university website to fill up the application form.

  • Step 3: Arrange for the supporting documents.

  • Step 4: Select the degree type asPGDip.

  • Step 5: Select the mode of study- part-time or full-time.

  • Step 6: Pay the application fees.

  • Step 7: Accept the offer letter when the email comes.

Documents for PG Diploma Course in UK

You must submit documents along with your application form for PGDip. They constitute:

Job Opportunities after PG Diploma in UK

PGDip in UK is a route into professions that require specialised knowledge. The job roles that you can expect after completion of courses are given below:

PG Diploma Course

Job Roles

Accounting and Finance

Tax Adviser, Retail Banker, Business Analyst

Animal Science and Management

Science Writer, Veterinary Nurse, Ecologist

Animation

Game Artist, Special Effect Technician, Multimedia Specialist

Biomedical Sciences

Crime Scene Investigator, Toxicologist, Occupational Hygienist

Computer Science

Data Analyst, Cyber Security Analyst, UX Designer

Creative Writing

Advertising Copy Writer, Newspaper Journalist, Lexicographer

Fashion

Textile Designer, Retail Manager, Magazine Journalist

Geology

Environmental consultant, Geochemist, Geophysicist

Hospitality Management

Hotel Manager, Tourism Officer, Public House Manager

Occupation Therapy

Life Coach, Play Therapist, Social Worker

PG diploma course in UK is the best way to boost your career advancements. It helps you acquire knowledge in a small span while saving time and money. So, if you want to gain a postgraduate degree without the intensity and commitment that a postgraduate degree in the UK usually demands, then PGDip might be the best way to do so.

If you have any queries related to PG diploma in UK or any other degree in UK, write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com.

Want to Apply to UK Universities?

FAQs

What are PG diploma courses in the UK?

The Postgraduate Diploma (PG Diploma), often known as the Graduate Diploma (Grad.Dip), is a prominent postgraduate diploma in Anglo-Saxon nations. A Postgraduate Diploma is academically equivalent to a Bachelor's degree but less than a Master's degree. A Postgraduate Diploma is often begun after completing a Bachelor's degree and is finished in one year or less. PG diploma programmes in the UK are provided in the majority of fields.

Which are the top universities that provide top PG diploma courses in UK in Business, Management and Commerce?

The United Kingdom, home to the world's greatest business schools, provides a variety of diploma programmes in Commerce specialisations. Here is a list of the best universities offering PG diploma courses in UK in commerce, business, and finance.

  • Newcastle College

  • Barnet and Southgate College

  • Ealing, Hammersmith and West College London

  • University of Derby

  • University of Westminster 

  • University of Portsmouth

  • Stratford College of Business Management

  • Warnborough College

Is a PG diploma worth studying in the UK?

Postgraduate diplomas and certificates are advantageous because they allow you to achieve a postgraduate certification without the cost or time requirements associated with a full Master's degree. The PG diploma degree also allows you to start a career in fields such as law or education, or to change jobs entirely.

Can I work in the UK after my PG Diploma course?

Only degrees at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels are allowed. If you have a lesser award classification, such as a postgraduate diploma or certificate, you will be ineligible to apply unless your programme falls within one of the applicable acceptable credentials stated below. Also, the new regulations eliminate the requirement for candidates to obtain a degree-level certification to qualify for a skilled worker visa.

Is a postgraduate or PG diploma candidate eligible for Post-Study Work Visa in the UK?

Yes, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK if you are doing an undergraduate degree, Master's degree, Diploma, or a PhD degree starting in the summer. The degree must have been conferred by a qualified institution, which is a UK Home Office-approved higher education provider.

Do I need IELTS scores to study top PG diploma courses in the UK?

Yes! To pursue top PG diploma courses at some of the best universities in the UK, aspirants must have the requisite IELTS scores. However, there are several exceptions. Students can also study in the UK without IELTS if they apply to institutions that offer alternative prerequisites such as greater than 60% evidence of English in classes XI and XII, an undergraduate degree in English, or a pre-sectional language course for foreign students.

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