- Graduate Diplomas are advanced-level university qualifications, offering focused coursework without the intensity or research requirements of a Master’s.
- Terminology varies by country: in some systems, Graduate and Postgraduate Diplomas mean the same thing, while in others, Postgraduate Diplomas are more advanced and closer to a Master’s level.
- Graduate Diplomas are common for career change, upskilling, or as a pathway to a Master’s.
Graduate Diplomas (GradD, GDip, GrDip, GradDip) sit between Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, offering focused coursework for students who already hold an undergraduate degree. The study programme is less intense than a Master’s and often doesn’t involve a dissertation.
Graduate Diploma vs Postgraduate Diploma is where it gets tricky. In some countries, they mean the same thing. In others, though, they have different academic levels: Postgraduate Diplomas are considered more advanced than Graduate Diplomas.
In this article, we’ll focus on Graduate Diplomas and clarify what they mean in different countries.
What is a Graduate Diploma?
A Graduate Diploma is a short-form university qualification for students who already have an undergraduate degree. Common in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, it’s a good option for students who want to:
- Change careers
- Gain subject knowledge that they didn’t cover in their Bachelor’s degree
- Have a stepping stone before a Master’s degree
- Break into careers that require a Graduate Diploma
- Upskill without committing to a full Master’s programme
Bachelor’s degree vs Graduate Diploma vs Master’s degree
An undergraduate degree is the first level of degree you can study at university, right after completing secondary school. A Bachelor’s degree is one of the most common undergraduate degrees, and it has many degree types on its own, such as Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc).
A Master’s degree is an advanced postgraduate qualification, aiming to equip students with specific knowledge on a topic. It has different types, such as taught Master’s degrees (involving coursework and lectures) and research Master’s (focusing on research rather than coursework). Most Master’s degrees include a dissertation.
A Graduate Diploma is in between. It often requires a Bachelor’s degree as an entry requirement, but it’s shorter, cheaper, and less intensive than a Master’s degree.
Here is a table comparing these three degrees:
Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor’s) | Graduate Diploma | Master’s degree | |
Level of study | Undergraduate | Postgraduate / Graduate | Postgraduate / Graduate |
Entry requirements | Secondary school | Completed Bachelor’s degree | Completed Bachelor’s degree (and in some cases, work experience) |
Credits | 180-240 ECTS (or equivalent) | 30-60 ECTS (or equivalent) | 90-120 ECTS (or equivalent) |
Duration | 3-4 years full-time | 9 months - 1 year full-time | 1 or 2 years full-time |
Includes research? | Sometimes | Usually no | Usually yes |
Career path | Entry-level professional roles | Specialisation or career change | Specialisation or further study |
Who is it for? | First-time university students | Graduates seeking focused skills or a career change | Bachelor’s degree holders looking for advanced careers in research or industry |
Graduate Diploma vs Postgraduate Diploma
In some countries, Graduate and Postgraduate Diplomas mean the same thing. In others, there are some differences. Here are some examples from the UK, where you’ll find both Graduate and Postgraduate Diplomas:
A Postgraduate Diploma has a higher level than a Graduate Diploma.
According to the UK government, Graduate Diplomas are Level 6, the same level as Bachelor’s degrees. Postgraduate Diplomas are Level 7, together with Master’s degrees.
A Graduate Diploma is associated more with a career change.
Let’s take a look at this Graduate Diploma in Archeology from the University College London. Its main requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in a non-Archaeology subject. When we check career outcomes, we see that most graduates move forward with a Master’s in Archeology, or find jobs in related fields. This suggests that the diploma is aimed at students who didn’t study Archeology but want to cover undergraduate-level Archeology knowledge in one year.
A Postgraduate Diploma is more about upskilling.
Another example from the University College London: Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Quality and Regulation. This time, it requires a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
Career outcomes are still in the Pharmacy field, but with the Postgraduate Diploma, students unlock more opportunities.
Graduate Diploma vs Graduate Certificate
A Graduate Diploma and a Graduate Certificate are both postgraduate qualifications for students who already hold a Bachelor’s degree. The main difference is in their length.
Graduate Diplomas are longer, usually taking around one year of full-time study, while Graduate Certificates take around 6 months.
Note that terminology varies by country. In the UK, you’ll see the term Postgraduate Certificate more often than Graduate Certificate. In Australia, it’s the opposite.
Graduate Diploma in different countries
In universities in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand, you’ll come across Graduate Diplomas.
Graduate Diploma in Australia
In Australia, Graduate Diplomas sit between Graduate Certificates and Master’s degrees. Here is a brief overview of each:
- Graduate Certificate: Typically between 6 months (full-time) and 2 years (part-time)
- Graduate Diploma: Typically between 1 year (full-time) and 4 years (part-time)
- Master’s degree: Typically 1.5 or 2 years full-time, with part-time options available
These three are often connected: students can start with a Graduate Certificate, and then upgrade to a Graduate Diploma if they wish. And once they graduate with a Graduate Diploma, they can use it to apply for relevant Master’s programmes.
1. Graduate Diploma in the United Kingdom
The UK offers Graduate Diplomas and considers them to be the same level as Bachelor’s degrees. Some common uses of Graduate Diplomas in the UK are:
- Changing subject areas without completing a second full Bachelor’s degree
- Gaining core knowledge before starting a new career path
- Bridging gaps in academic background before applying for a Master’s degree
2. Graduate Diploma in New Zealand
Graduate Diplomas in New Zealand are typically for Bachelor’s degree holders who want to specialise in a new topic or switch careers. Similar to the UK, New Zealand considers graduate diplomas as the same level as Bachelor’s degrees.
3. Graduate Diploma in Canada
Some universities in Canada offer Graduate Diplomas focusing on building specific skills in a field. For example, the University of Ottawa offers a Graduate Diploma in Engineering Management, aimed at engineers who want to become managers in their field.
4. Alternatives to Graduate Diplomas
In countries like the United States, Graduate Diplomas are not very common. You may come across other types of degrees that serve the same purpose of changing careers or gaining core knowledge, such as:
- Graduate Certificates
- Postgraduate Diplomas
- Postgraduate Certificates
Is a Graduate Diploma right for you?
Take some time to answer these questions:
- Do you already have a Bachelor’s degree?
- Do you want to switch careers but don’t want to complete a Master’s degree?
- Are you looking for an advanced university course that doesn’t involve a dissertation?
- Do you prefer having an industry job instead of working in academia?
If you’ve answered “Yes” to these questions, a Graduate Diploma (or a Postgraduate Diploma, depending on the country) might be a good fit. Explore Graduate and Postgraduate Diplomas on Mastersportal!
FAQs
How long is a Graduate Diploma?
Most Graduate Diplomas take one year when studied full-time. Part-time and online options are often available, depending on the university and country.
Can a Graduate Diploma lead to a Master’s degree?
Yes, depending on the country and university, a Graduate Diploma may offer direct entry to a relevant Master’s programme. You may also be able to transfer your credits towards a Master’s degree. It’s best to check this with the university you have in mind.
What are the entry requirements for a Graduate Diploma?
To apply for a Graduate Diploma, you usually need a completed Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. In most cases, the degree does not have to be in the same subject, especially for Graduate Diplomas designed for career change. Depending on the university or programme, you may also need:
- A personal statement about your motivation and goals
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency
