Polytechnic vs University
Universities are well-known for their significance and importance in higher education, and they can be found in major cities throughout various countries. However, it is unrealistic to expect universities to cater to every section of the population due to the resources required. Although universities strive to provide education in subjects such as arts, science, law, commerce, business, engineering, and medicine, specialized institutions that are set up to focus on a particular stream tend to be more successful due to centralized processes. This is the main reason for the emergence of polytechnics in different parts of the world, which place greater emphasis on technical education and offer more practical courses compared to the theory-oriented courses found in universities. This article will discuss the key differences between universities and polytechnics.
Key Takeaways
- Polytechnics are often considered as engineering schools, but they also provide education in applied sciences and industrial arts, offering practical knowledge and helping students obtain degrees or diplomas that lead to immediate employment after completion.
- The duration of courses in universities is typically longer, ranging from 2-5 years, while polytechnics are known for diplomas and certificates in industrial arts that can be completed in 6-12 months, allowing students to quickly enter the workforce and addressing unemployment issues.
- Universities have a broader approach, focusing on imparting basic knowledge with a strong theoretical aspect and some project work and lab assignments, whereas polytechnics are more practical and offer industry-specific, shorter courses not usually found in universities.
