Postgraduate diplomas and certificates

What are postgraduate diplomas and certificates?

More advanced than an undergraduate degree, postgraduate diplomas and certificates are taught postgraduate qualifications at Level 7, the same level as Masters degrees, but they take less time to complete.

There are several variations of the abbreviations used by universities for postgraduate diplomas and certificates. For example they are known as:

• PGCert - PgCert, PG Cert, PGC and PgC.
• PGDip - PgDip, PG Dip, PGD and PgD.

While courses can be studied either full or part time there are some key differences between the two:

• A PGCert is the shortest postgraduate course you can do. Worth 60 credits postgraduate certificates take one term (15 weeks) to complete and equate to a third of a Masters degree.
• By comparison a PGDip, worth 120 credits, usually takes two terms (30 weeks), which works out at two-thirds of a Masters degree.

Bear in mind that PGDips and PGCerts are slightly different to conversion courses, which compress a three-year undergraduate course into one year of study for those who want to enter a career unrelated to their first degree.

How do PGDips and PGCerts differ from Masters degrees?

Masters degrees are made up of three terms, take one year to complete when studied full time and in total are worth 180 credits. The majority of Masters courses also require you to complete a thesis.

While the work involved in studying for a PGDip or PGCert is just as challenging, the most obvious difference is that:

• they're shorter
• worth fewer credits
• don't require students to write a dissertation.

As a PGDip or PGCert student you'll be assessed in the same way as Masters students, through a combination of coursework, essays and other assignments such as presentations. Exams are rare and a big selling point is that you won’t have to produce a dissertation.

Courses are also graded the same as Masters - you'll receive a pass, merit or distinction. For more information, see understanding university grades in the UK.

When considering whether to study a PGCert, PGDip or Masters it's important to point out that one qualification isn't 'better' than another. The best option for you will depend on your career needs and personal circumstances, such as your finances and the time you can dedicate to postgraduate study.

Who are they aimed at?

If a postgraduate qualification would boost your career but you aren't really keen on undertaking significant amounts of academic research, then a postgraduate certificate or diploma is for you.

PGDips and PGCerts are popular with:

• recent undergraduates
• working professionals looking to upskill and add value to their CV
• career changers.

Because they take up less time and money they're also a useful option for those who have other commitments, such as a family.

Can international students take PGDip and PGCert courses?

Yes, many institutions accept international students, provided they meet visa requirements, onto their postgraduate courses and PGDips and PGCerts are no exception.

As well as visa requirements international students may also need to meet minimum language requirements if English is not their first language. Be sure to check the entry requirements for the particular programme you're interested in for more details.

However, there are some instances where international students aren't accepted on PGDip and PGCert programmes, such as the Health MSc (PGCert and PGDip) at the University of Brighton.

Something else to bear in mind is that international course fees are usually significantly higher than those for home students so if you're thinking of studying for a PGCert or PGDip in the UK be certain that the benefits outweigh the cost.

Learn more about studying in the UK.

Can I switch between courses?

Yes, universities offer the same subjects at Masters, PGDip and PGCert levels, meaning it's possible to switch between courses. For example, if you enrol on a PGCert you can study additional modules to turn it into a PGDip and those studying a PGDip can go on to complete a dissertation to convert it into a full Masters degree.

This also works the other way round. If you're studying for a full Masters degree but want or need to leave your course early, you may still be awarded a PGDip or PGCert, provided you've gained sufficient credits. Always check with your institution to find out whether this is possible.

What subjects are available and where can I study?

You can study for a PGDip or PGCert in a variety of subjects at a range of universities. In fact, almost all institutions that run Masters courses also provide postgraduate diplomas and certificates in the same subjects.

You can study arts, computing, humanities and the sciences in areas as diverse as:

• aesthetic dentistry
• architectural and urban design
• civil engineering
• computer science
• creative health
• data analytics
• digital marketing
• finance
• general pharmacy
• graphic design
• interior design
• leadership and management
• mental health social work
• project management
• risk disaster and resilience
• security and crime science
• sustainable development
• transport planning.

Search postgraduate diplomas and certificates.

Are there different kinds of PGDip and PGCert?

PGCert and PGDip programmes can be:

• academic - focused on theoretical, subject‑based learning
• professional - designed to prepare students for specific professions. They often include practical components, placements, or competency‑based assessments and may be required for entry into regulated careers. Examples of these types of courses include PGDip in Social Work, Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching (PGCE), Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). If you'd like a career in law the traditional Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is being phased out and replaced by newly designed courses such as the postgraduate diploma in law (PGDL). See law conversion courses for more information.
• vocational - skills‑focused, career‑targeted qualifications aimed at preparing learners for specific industries or practical roles. They emphasise hands‑on, job‑ready training rather than academic theory.

Can I study for a PGDip or PGCert online?

Postgraduate courses are most often taken on a full-time basis, but part-time study, distance learning and online options are commonly available. For example, you can study an online, part-time PGCert in Medical Education at the University of Cardiff, while the University of Essex offers an online PGDip in Business Management. Search for distance learning and online PGDips and PGCerts.

This flexibility means you can combine your studies with work experience, which can improve your employability. Learn more about online learning.

What do PGDips and PGCerts involve?

PGDips and PGCerts are usually made up of the same content as Masters degrees, so you'll study modules alongside students taking the full course in order to gain the required number of credits (120 for a PGDip and 60 for a PGCert). Teaching is typically through lectures, seminars and practical assignments.

Some courses, particularly those in business, education, health or social work may include work placements or practical training. If this is something you’re keen to include in your studies check programme descriptions when conducting your research to make this is a possibility.

Remember that PGDips and PGCerts are postgraduate courses, meaning the content will be more advanced, intense and at a higher level than your undergraduate studies.

Do I need a degree to study for a PGCert or PGDip?

The entry requirements for PGDips and PGCerts are the same as for the equivalent Masters course. In most cases you'll need a 2:1 in a relevant subject, although some programmes may accept a 2:2. Some professional training courses need a certain level of work experience as well as a degree.

For career-changers, universities may accept extensive professional experience in place of a degree, so contact the institution to check your eligibility.

How much does a postgraduate diploma or certificate cost?

As courses are shorter, PGDips cost less than Masters degrees and PGCerts are cheaper still. Tuition fees vary by subject and university. As previously mentioned, international students pay more than those from the UK.

On average PGDip home (UK) students will pay between £5,000 and £8,000 for vocational courses, although programmes covering specialist or professional subjects may cost more. International students can expect to pay £15,000 to £18,000.

For PGCerts average tuition fees are lower at £2,800-£6,000 for UK students, again professional courses will cost more. While international students pay between £7,000-£10,000.

For example in the 2026/27 academic year:

• UK students on the Creative Health PGDip at University College London will pay £11,200, while international students (including those from the European Union (EU)) pay £23,600.
• Those on the Social Work PGDip at Middlesex University London can expect fees of £11,850 (£14,500 international).
• UK students pay £8,640 on the Archives, Record and Information Management PGDip at the University of Glasgow (£18,480 international)
• The part-time Clinical Education PGCert at the University of Leeds costs UK students £4,250 (£5,000 international).
• UK students on the Public Health PGCert at the University of Southampton will pay £6,400 (international students £11,900).
• On the Creative and Critical Writing PGCert at the University of Gloucestershire UK students pay £3,100 (£6,175 international).

Is funding available for these courses?

It's important to bear in mind that while PGDips and PGCerts are cheaper, funding options are more limited. Many scholarships are available only to those enrolled on the full Masters course, and English postgraduate loans are not on offer for students on PGDips and PGCerts.

However, postgraduate diplomas are covered by Scottish postgraduate loans and PGDips and PGCerts studied at a UK university are eligible for Northern Irish loans.

To be clear on your options contact the university where you’d like to study to see if PGDip or PGCert students are eligible for any institution-specific scholarships or bursaries.

Other funding options are still available, such as alumni discounts or employer sponsorship. For more information see funding postgraduate study.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of PGDips and PGCerts?

Postgraduate diplomas and certificates are beneficial because they:

• give you the opportunity to obtain a postgraduate qualification without the financial or time commitments of a full Masters degree
• allow you to kick-start a career in professions such as law or teaching, or change careers altogether
• give you specialist knowledge, for example to progress to a Masters or PhD
• allow you to further your knowledge without having to write a dissertation
• improve your career prospects and increase your earning potential.

You should also consider the following drawbacks:

• they don't hold the same weight as a Masters degree. You'll need to find out what qualifications are required for your chosen career before making a decision on what postgraduate course to choose.
• funding options are more limited with PGDips and PGCerts than they are with Masters study.
• postgraduate diplomas and certificates could be an unnecessary expense if employers in your field prefer extensive work experience to additional academic qualifications. Therefore, you need to be sure that a PGDip or PGCert is right for you before committing, especially given the cost of taking a course.

How do I choose a course?

As you search for postgraduate diplomas and certificates and attend university open days, you should think about the following:

• Course content - how many lectures and tutorials will there be? How many days a week do you need to attend?
• Personal/professional commitments - will you be able to fit the course around previous family or work commitments?
• Department ranking - which universities excel in your subject area in the various rankings that are available?
• Employment prospects - is the qualification necessary for progression in your career? How many graduates have jobs, and what jobs are they?
• Fees - are there cheaper courses available?
• Funding - are there any scholarships, bursaries or grants on offer?
• Institution's reputation - what impact will the university have on your employability, and what support will they give you following graduation?
• Student satisfaction - how does the institution perform on the National Student Survey (NSS)?
• Tutors - is the course taught by industry professionals, and what will your relationship with tutors be like?

It is also worth researching universities and departments to help you make your decision.

How do I apply for a PGDip or PGCert?

Apply directly to your chosen university using its website. Deadlines are often set a few months before the course start date. Applying as early as possible is a smart idea to avoid missing out, as places on popular courses are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Different institutions have different admissions processes. You may be required to attend an interview, provide work examples, or even sit an exam. Some, however, make a decision based solely on your application form. Get advice on applying for Masters degrees (which is a similar process) and writing personal statements for postgraduate applications.

Applications for PGCEs use a different system - see applying for teacher training.

Where can I get more advice on postgraduate diplomas and certificates?

• Careers services - advisers can help you to explore your options and decide which course best suits you. They can also help with applications.
• Current students - those taking PGDip and PGCert courses can tell you about the work that's involved.
• Postgraduate fairs - take the opportunity to meet representatives from universities.
• Tutors - they will be able to tell you about the course content and whether it will help you achieve your career goal.

Find out more

• Explore microcredentials.