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Posted June 18, 2025

What is a PGDip and is it right for your postgraduate goals?

Choosing the right postgraduate course isn’t easy. As our huge selection of postgraduate programs demonstrates, there are tons to choose from, a fact that makes knowing your career goals and how postgraduate study could get you there important. With the degree type, course content, funding and scholarships, location and campus facilities, and employability rates differing from course to course, you should certainly weigh up all your options.

Here we take a closer look at a postgraduate course type that should be considered when pursuing PG study – the PGDip.

Introducing the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)

A Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) is a level 7 qualification available at several UK institutions. Like many postgraduate course options, this program offers the opportunity to expand your knowledge in a specific academic or professional field. PGDip courses are accessible across various subject areas, including humanities and social sciences, management, dentistry, law, nursing and midwifery, and the arts.

While the same academic level as a masters degree, a PGDip course is generally shorter and able to be completed within six to nine months if studied on a full-time basis. Despite its shorter duration, it’s well known for providing the in-depth understanding students need to specialise, minus the hassle of writing a dissertation or completing a full masters degree.

How it compares to other level 7 qualifications

Prospective postgraduate students often compare the PGDip course with similar degree types, including the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) and Master of Science (MSc). While all these courses are level 7 qualifications, there are some key differences.

The credit value of each course type reflects its duration and the depth of material. The PGCert for example is worth 60 credits and is studied for three to four months on a full-time basis, whereas the PGDip is worth 120 credits and studied for six to nine months in total. Masters degree students studying full time on a 12-month MA or MSc course will need to secure 180 credits to complete their program, 60 credits of which can be awarded via a dissertation.

The introductory nature of the PGCert means it provides the foundation many individuals need to progress their career. The intermediate PGDip course goes further with the opportunity to learn more specialist knowledge.

Find more comparisons between PGDip and PGCert qualifications for further details.

Is a PGDip the right next step for you?

A PGDip offers a flexible method of study for prospective postgrads. In many respects, a PGDip is a better choice for individuals from all walks of life, whatever their ambitions, as Roffey Park Institute explains:

“A PGDip will give you the same level of input as a masters but in less time and at less cost. It can help towards a career change, promotion, increased remuneration for your services and more. And it can act as a springboard towards yet higher qualifications, including a full masters degree or even a PhD.”

With career and academic advancement a part of the journey, studying a PGDip has the potential to open many doors in a relatively short space of time. Many PGDip programs also offer the chance to convert credits and complete a dissertation at a later date to achieve a full masters degree on your terms.

A PGDip is a popular choice for professionals looking to upskill, international students broadening their horizons with a taste of PG study, graduates wishing to drill deeper into a subject area they’re passionate about, and academics wanting to get a good grounding before moving onto masters study.

Search for your perfect PGDip program today

If you think a PGDip is the right next step for you, you don’t have to venture too far to start your search for the perfect program. Browse our full range of PGDip courses – including online PGDip programs – to get started.

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