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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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A UK bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised university,
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Good academic record, to be proved with the help of all academic transcripts, certificates, etc.
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English language proficiency scores of an applicable test such as the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic.
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GRE/GMAT scores may be needed for science or business-related courses,
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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) |
---|---|
13,000 |
|
7,690 |
|
12,480 |
|
30,240 |
|
17,160 |
|
35,900 |
|
16,880 |
|
14,167 |
|
500 per 10 credits |
|
17,320 |
|
10,430 |
|
7,748 |
|
12,537 |
|
11,300 |
|
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:
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Step 1: Research the post-graduate diploma course you want to study.
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Step 2: Visit the university website to fill up the application form.
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Step 3: Arrange for the supporting documents.
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Step 4: Select the degree type asPGDip.
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Step 5: Select the mode of study- part-time or full-time.
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Step 6: Pay the application fees.
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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:
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Copies of relevant qualifications and academic transcripts,
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Evidence of language proficiency,
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Letters of Recommendation (LORs),
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Work experience certificate (desirable but not mandatory),
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Copy of passport, etc.
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.
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