Home > Education and Learning > Education > Qualifications > Levels 7 and 8 > PGCert and PGDip

sign up for free membership
Register
today for full
access to InterSites ...


Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma (PGCert and PGDip)

Postgraduate Certificates (PGCert) and Diplomas (PGDip) consist of work which is postgraduate in character (this is in comparison to a GradCert or GradDip where a graduate learner studies undergraduate work). The objectives of PGDip and PGCert courses include:

  • the upgrading of knowledge within a discipline
  • instruction for students wishing to change disciplines
  • preparation for entry to a Master's course

Although course values may vary, in general a Postgraduate Certificate is worth one-third the credit value of a Master's degree, whilst a Postgraduate Diploma is worth two-thirds. For example, a Master's degree may be made up of 120 credits, a PGDip 80 credits and a PGCert 40 credits. PGCerts and PGDips may also have a lower pass mark than a Master's programme.