What are Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas?

Written by Taru Medha

Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas (PGCerts and PGDips) are shorter taught Masters-level courses. They include modules you’d study at a Masters level, usually completed in one or two terms of study, and without a final dissertation. They can be offered as options within a full Masters or as specific professional courses (like a PGCE and PGDip Psychology).

Looking to gain advanced knowledge in a subject without the added research element? Or train for a specific career like teaching or law? Maybe you’re just looking to go back to university to develop new professional skills? A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) could be perfect for you!

I’ve put together this detailed guide where I talk about what PGCert and PGDip programmes are, how long they take, what their entry requirements are and who should consider studying one.

Before we jump in, the programmes I’ve described on this page are most common in the UK higher education system. Other countries also offer similar types of shorter postgraduate courses. For e.g., in Europe an equivalent degree might be awarded to students who only complete one-year of a two-year long Masters course.

What is a Postgraduate Certificates (PGCert)? What is a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)? What are the differences between PGCerts, PGDips and Masters degrees? Which subjects award Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas? How much do PGDips and PGCerts cost? Why study a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma?

What is a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)?

A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) is the shortest commonly available postgraduate qualification. You can earn one after a single term (roughly 15 weeks) of full-time study.

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
Type	Taught / Professional
Subjects	All
Qualification Level	7 (NQF) / Second Cycle (Bologna)
Length	1 term
Credit Value	60 CATS / 30 ECTS
Availability	Primarily UK

What is a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)?

A Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) is a slightly longer postgraduate course. You can earn one after completing two terms (roughly 30 weeks) of full-time study.

This usually means completing everything in a Masters degree except the final dissertation. A Postgraduate Diploma can therefore be a great option if you just want to study taught content at the same level of study as a Masters, without having to complete a research project.

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Type	Taught / Professional
Subjects	All
Qualification Level	7 (NQF) / Second Cycle (Bologna)
Length	2 terms
Credit Value	120 CATS / 60 ECTS
Availability	Primarily UK

What are the differences between PGCerts, PGDips and Masters degrees?

Terms and credits

A full Masters degree is made up of three terms, takes one year to complete and is worth a total of 180 credits.

PGCert and PGDip programmes are worth a portion of a Masters degree, exactly one-third and two-third respectively. This means a PGCert is worth 60 credits and a PGDip is worth 120 credits.

Modules

A Masters usually has six to ten modules plus the dissertation. A PGCert usually includes two modules over one semester, whilst a PGDip will probably include four modules over two semesters.

Assessments

Academic PGCert and PGDip programmes will be assessed in much the same way as an equivalent Masters degree. You’ll complete coursework essays or other assignments for each module and these will collectively determine your grade. Exams are unlikely and you won’t have to produce a dissertation.

Professional programmes may include more practical assessments and tests of your competency in key skills or proficiencies.

Grades

A PGCert or PGDip is graded using the same scale as Masters grades. In the UK, qualifications will be awarded with Pass, Merit or Distinction depending on the final mark.

What did you say? “I’m a visual learner and would really love a table here.” Well, I’ve got you covered.

	PGCert	PGDip	Masters Degree
Terms	1	2	3 (2 + Thesis)
Credits (CATS)	60	120	180
Dissertation	No	No	Yes
Modules	2	4	6 to 10 (+ dissertation)
Assessments	Essays and assignments (academic programmes)/practical tests (professional programmes)	Essays and assignments (academic programmes)/practical tests (professional programmes)	Essays, assignments and final dissertation
Grades	Distinction (70+ marks), Merit (60-69 marks) or Pass (50-59 marks)	Distinction (70+ marks), Merit (60-69 marks) or Pass (50-59 marks)	Distinction (70+ marks), Merit (60-69 marks) or Pass (50-59 marks)

Transferring between PGDip, PGCert and Masters programmes

It’s often possible to switch between postgraduate qualifications within the same degree programme. For example, you might enrol for a Postgraduate Diploma and then ‘upgrade’ to a Masters by completing a dissertation. Alternatively, you may be able to exit a Masters programme early, but still earn a PGCert or PGDip for the work you’ve completed.

Which subjects award Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas?

You can earn a PGCert or PGDip in any subject. If a university awards a Masters degree in a particular subject, it will normally offer associated PGCert and PGDip options. There are also some subject-specific Certificates and Diplomas out there.

Academic programmes

These are available alongside full Masters degrees in most subject areas. Completing one or two terms of study will earn you a PGCert or PGDip (respectively). Continuing to complete a dissertation will earn you an MA or MSc (depending on the programme).

Professional training programmes

Some postgraduate courses can allow you to enter regulated professions. These are usually Certificate- or Diploma-level qualifications, rather than full degrees. Common examples include the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and conversion courses such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). Such courses may be longer than academic PGCert and PGDip programmes but they do not include full dissertations or award a Masters.

Vocational programmes

These offer development opportunities for working professionals. The shorter length of a PGCert or PGDip allows time for training and skill acquisition, but won’t require you to complete a research component.

How much does a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma cost?

A PGCert or PGDip will normally cost less than a full Masters.

The average cost of a classroom-based, taught Masters in the UK is £8,740. Using that figure, you can extrapolate the following averages based on the credit value of a PGCert or PGDip compared to a Masters:

PGCert – £2,913
PGDip – £5,768

These are only intended as ballpark figures, however – there is a great deal of variation when it comes to tuition fees for PGCerts and PGDips. You may find that some PGDips cost more than certain Masters, especially if they are intended for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) purposes and likely to be sponsored by employers.

A Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma could therefore offer you a more affordable postgraduate study option, particularly if you are studying with a clear professional or career goal in mind.

Funding a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma

Though they’re often cheaper than a Masters, a PGCert or PGDip may not be eligible for the same funding.

The UK Government loans are one of the most popular funding options available for Masters level degrees in the UK. However, English and Welsh postgraduate loans, aren’t available for Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas, but Northern Irish postgraduate loans are, and Scottish loans can be taken out for PGDips.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom on the funding front. Some specific courses have specific funding options. For example, you can fund a PGCE with government bursaries, scholarships and loans.

Why study a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma?

Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas offer several advantages:

You have the opportunity to build a career in fields such as law or teaching and support a complete career change.
You can gain a Masters-level qualification without the higher financial cost or time commitment of a full degree.
You can deepen your expertise without a research or dissertation element.
You still have the opportunity to study a Masters or PhD post-graduation.
You can enhance your career prospects and potentially increase your earnings.

However, there are some potential downsides:

A PGCert or PGDip may not be enough for all careers. It’s important to check the qualification requirements for your chosen career before deciding.
Funding opportunities are often more limited than for Masters programmes.
In some fields, employers value substantial work experience over additional academic qualifications. In these cases, a PGDip or PGCert could be an unnecessary expense.

Tips from the author

#1 Can they be a better fit than a full Masters?

We’ve already established that PGCerts and PGDips are as intensive and focused as full Masters degrees. So, if you’re not keen on research or you’re just looking to upskill professionally, they might be a more affordable and better fit for you.

#2 Don't fill your plate up too much

If you’re on a shorter course, it can be tempting to think you can hold down two jobs, seven hobbies and a full social calendar with it. Don't let me stop you if that's what you must do (and think you can) but it might not be the best scenario. If you’re jumping into a PGCert or PGDip, think about what you can comfortably handle without hurting your degree and your mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are PGCerts and PGDips suitable for part-time study?

Absolutely! These options are flexible and often well-suited to part-time students, particularly working professionals looking to build skills without committing to a full-year programme.

Can I change subjects from my undergraduate degree?

In many cases, yes, particularly if you have relevant work experience or the new subject area welcomes career changers (such as teaching, law or psychology).

Do they have placement or internship opportunities?

Some programmes, especially in education, health or business, include work placements or practical training. This can be a valuable way to gain experience alongside your studies.

Can international students take these courses?

Yes, many universities accept international students for PGCerts and PGDips. Visa requirements vary, so check the rules for your study destination.

Search for a PGCert or PGDip now

Ready to start looking for a shorter postgraduate course? Search for your ideal PGCert or PGDip now.

Taru Medha

Taru joined FindAMasters as a Content Writer in 2022. She creates well-researched, thorough content for our guides and blogs, as well as short video content for our social profiles. She has a Bachelors degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Bennett University in India and completed a Masters degree in Global Journalism from the University of Sheffield in 2021, giving her personal experience with postgraduate study as an international student.

What are Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas?

Contents

What is a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)?

What is a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)?