If you’re considering postgraduate study, you’ll see that there are various qualifications available and, understandably, you want to choose the course that’s right for you.
Below, we explain the differences between a master’s, postgraduate diploma, postgraduate certificate and postgraduate award, taking you through each option in more detail. So…
What are the differences between an MSc, PgDip, PgCert and PGA?
Essentially, the main differences between the postgraduate options available are the duration of the course – in other words, the time it takes to study – and the difficulty or level of understanding required.
As with an undergraduate course, each module you study carries a number of credits, though these are master’s level, and the greater the qualification, the more credits you must achieve to succeed. The higher the qualification, the more you’ll also be expected to direct, debate and discuss your studies.
All postgraduate qualifications allow you to explore your chosen subject in more depth, but the depth of knowledge and specialisation builds incrementally from a postgraduate award (PGA) to a postgraduate certificate (PgCert), then a postgraduate diploma (PgDip) and finally a master’s (MA/MSc).
This is why you can sometimes study one qualification at a time, accruing credit and exiting with interim awards until you achieve your master’s qualification.
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QUICK COMPARE |
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Award |
Postgraduate Award |
Postgraduate Certificate |
Postgraduate Diploma |
Master of Arts or Science |
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Abbreviations |
PGA, PG Award |
PgCert, PG Cert, PGC, PgC |
PgDip, PGDip |
MA or MSc |
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Credits |
30 |
60 |
120 |
180 |
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Duration |
15 weeks (part-time) |
1 year (part-time) |
Up to 2 years (part-time) |
2 years (part-time) |
Do you know the key differences between undergraduate and postgraduate study?
What is a Postgraduate Award? (PGA / PG Award)
A postgraduate award is an academic award granted by a higher education establishment for a short course – typically one module – which is taken as a stand-alone master’s level programme of study.
It not only provides an excellent taster to see if the course is right for you, but is also a sought-after qualification in its own right. You can use the credits you accrue upon successful completion to progress to a longer postgraduate course with the same institution.
Who is a Postgraduate Award for?
A PGA may be a good option if you want to explore a subject before committing to a longer postgraduate qualification. It can also suit professionals who want to build specific skills quickly, earn master’s-level credits, or take a shorter route into further postgraduate study.
What is a Postgraduate Certificate? (PgCert / PG Cert / PGC / PgC)
A postgraduate certificate is the first level of master’s education and the shortest taught postgraduate award available. The length of the course, which takes around one year to study part-time, is half that of the postgraduate diploma and a third of the time it takes to complete a full master’s.
This makes it a convenient option for those who are are constrained, either by time or finances. On these programmes, you will learn more about your specific subject area, completing 60 master’s level credits. However, you are not required to complete a dissertation or final project.
Who is a Postgraduate Certificate for?
A PgCert may be suitable if you want a recognised postgraduate qualification but are not ready to commit to a full master’s degree. It can be a strong choice for professionals looking to develop specialist knowledge, improve career prospects, or study flexibly alongside work or other commitments.
What is a Postgraduate Diploma? (PGDip / PG Dip)
A postgraduate diploma is the second level of master’s education. Another great option for those looking for career advancement, a PgDip allows you to explore your subject in much more depth, typically studying the same taught content as a full master’s degree but without the dissertation or final project.
These courses take up to two years to complete part-time and require completion of 120 master’s level credits, offering a shorter, cheaper alternative to achieve the specialist training of a full master’s degree.
Who is a Postgraduate Diploma for?
A PGDip may be right for you if you want advanced postgraduate study and in-depth subject knowledge without completing a dissertation or final project. It can suit learners who want to strengthen their professional expertise, progress in their current role, or work towards a full master’s degree in stages.
What is a Master’s? (MA or MSc)
As with an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree, depending on the content of your course, your master’s qualification will be classed as being of the ‘Arts’ or ‘Science’. A master’s degree requires the successful completion of 180 academic credits and includes a final dissertation or major research/consultancy project.
You’ll develop advanced knowledge of a specific field of study or area of professional practice, alongside higher-level skills in analysis, critical evaluation, creative thinking and problem-solving.
Statistics show time and time again that people with a postgraduate qualification are more likely to be employed and earn substantially more than both their graduate and non-graduate counterparts.
According to the Department for Education’s 2024 Graduate Labour Market Statistics, 90% of working-age postgraduates were employed, compared with 87.6% of graduates and 68% of non-graduates. The median annual salaries for full-time workers were £47,000 for postgraduates, £42,000 for graduates and £30,500 for non-graduates.
A master’s degree is an internationally-recognised qualification which proves to employers that you are a committed, self-motivated learner who can manage your time effectively, working on multiple projects and solving complex problems.
Who is a master’s degree for?
A master’s degree is ideal for those who want to deepen their expertise, progress professionally or move into a new field. It's an internationally recognised qualification that demonstrates to employers that you are a committed, self-motivated learner who can manage your time effectively, work on multiple projects and solve complex problems.
An online course can also provide greater flexibility for those balancing their studies with work or other commitments.
Let us help you achieve your goals
At the University of Hull Online, we currently offer postgraduate courses in the following subjects:
- Artificial Intelligence: MSc
- Global Business: MBA
- Creative Writing: MA
- Dementia: MSc (with the option of taking a PgCert and PgDip)
- Digital Transformation: MSc
- Engineering Management: MSc
- Healthcare Leadership: MSc (with the option of taking a PgCert and PgDip)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management: MSc
FAQs
PgDip means Postgraduate Diploma. It is a postgraduate qualification usually worth 120 master’s-level credits.
PgCert means Postgraduate Certificate. It is usually worth 60 master’s-level credits and is shorter than a PgDip or full master’s degree.
No. A PgDip is not the same as a full master’s degree. It is usually worth 120 credits, while a master’s degree is usually worth 180 credits.
A PgCert is a postgraduate qualification, so it is studied after an undergraduate degree and is normally at master’s level.
Yes, in some cases. Some universities allow students to progress from a PgDip to a full master’s by completing the remaining credits, such as a dissertation or final project.
A PgDip can be worth it if you want advanced postgraduate study without committing to a full master’s degree or dissertation.