PG Dip vs PG Certificate
PG Dip and PG Certificate are both postgraduate courses offered by many universities worldwide to students who want to specialize in a particular subject. The primary prerequisite for both courses is that the student must already possess a bachelor’s degree. The main difference between PG Dip and PG Certificate is their duration, with PG Certificate being a shorter course. Both PG Dip and PG Certificate can add value to your resume, but employers may prefer a PG Dip over a PG Certificate.
Key Takeaways
- PG Dip stands for Postgraduate Diploma, while PG Certificate stands for Postgraduate Certificate.
- PG Dip courses generally last for a minimum of one year, and sometimes up to two years, while PG Certificate courses last for a minimum of six months and a maximum of one year.
- PG Dip courses typically carry 120 credits, indicating a more in-depth study than PG Certificate courses, which usually carry 60 credits.
Understanding PG Dip
Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) courses require a minimum study period of one year, and in some cases, up to two years. For example, a student may need to study for two years to obtain a PG Dip in Library Science. The duration depends on the requirements set by different universities. PG Dip courses generally carry 120 credits, meaning the subject is studied more in-depth than a certificate course. PG Dip courses can be full-time or part-time, with some programs offering lectures once a week, often on weekends, to accommodate working students.
Understanding PG Certificate
Postgraduate Certificate (PG Certificate) courses require a minimum study period of six months to a maximum of one year, depending on the chosen subject. For instance, a PG Course in Basic French may require a six-month duration to qualify for a PG Dip in Advanced French. PG Certificate courses generally carry 60 credits, making them less in-depth than PG Dip courses. These courses can be thought of as crash courses in the subject, as they are not as extensive as a diploma.
Comparing PG Dip and PG Certificate
To be eligible for both PG Dip and PG Certificate courses, a student should have a bachelor’s degree. However, for some PG Diplomas in countries such as Australia and New Zealand, a bachelor’s degree is not always necessary. Both PG Dip and PG Certificate courses are usually offered by universities as part of their postgraduate programs, and sometimes as part of distance education programs.
PG Dip courses are now available in most subject areas, including library science, languages, geology, applied mathematics, applied economics, management studies, business and public administration, education, music, dance, fine art, painting, drawing, and more. PG Certificate courses are also available for the same subjects but are more like crash courses. They are not offered as widely in every country and can be completed in just about six months. However, the availability and duration of these courses depend on the university offering the educational opportunity.
