Postgraduate Diploma vs Master's: the differences between Postgraduate Qualifications

Taking the next step in your healthcare career and pursuing a Level 7 Postgraduate Qualification can have a big impact on your future and your career advancement. We understand that when considering postgraduate Level 7 qualifications, you’re likely to have a lot of questions.

In this blog, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we get from our applicants about the different types of qualification available at Learna | Diploma MSc. If you aren’t sure whether to opt for a PGCert, a PGDip or an MSc, we hope this helps you to understand the options available to you and make the right decision for your career and your future. You can also explore our [guide to understanding our qualification types].

What is a Level 7 qualification?

Level 7 qualifications are postgraduate-level qualifications with education equivalent to a master’s degree in terms of academic difficulty, including Postgraduate Certificates (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and Master’s programmes (MSc). Designed for individuals who have already completed degrees at undergraduate level, level 7 qualifications involve advanced knowledge, critical thinking and research skills. At Learna, all of the PGCerts, PGDips and MScs that we offer are delivered at Level 7. The skills and knowledge gained at this level are highly sought after and help you to stand out in competitive medical fields.

What is a postgraduate qualification?

As the second highest level of academic qualification in the UK, postgraduate qualifications encompass the three main qualification types we offer: Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s programmes. Postgraduate qualifications, delivered at Level 7, can enhance career prospects, provide research opportunities, and allow you to gain expertise that is recognised at a higher level.

Is postgraduate the same as master’s?

While postgraduate refers to the level of education, encompassing all types of Level 7 qualifications, a master’s is a type of qualification and is the highest form of level 7 postgraduate education. The main difference between the MScs offered at Learna compared to the Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificates available is the research component involved in a master’s. All of our master’s courses include a professional project, where you will undertake research in a topic of your choice relating to the subject area. This research is supported by one of your expert tutors, and has the potential to be published in a reputable academic journal.

What level is a postgraduate diploma?

By definition, a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) is a postgraduate qualification that is more advanced than a bachelor’s degree, typically consisting of studying several modules over one year. A Postgraduate Diploma is a Level 7 qualification, and while it is the same level as a Master’s degree, it involves fewer credits and does not include the research component or dissertation which is included in an MSc.

How many credits for a master’s degree?

MSc programmes require the completion of 180 credits, with the first 120 credits deriving from the six taught modules on the Postgraduate Diploma. Where there is a Postgraduate Certificate option, the first 60 credits and the three modules taught contribute to the PGDip and MSc, if progressing through the pathway of qualifications. For more information on the differences between our qualification types and their credit structure, read our guide to postgraduate qualifications.

Can I do a master’s after a postgraduate diploma?

You can pursue a Master’s degree after completing a Postgraduate Diploma, and this is a very popular option amongst our community of healthcare professionals. Once you have completed a PGDip with us, you’ve built a solid foundation upon which to continue your postgraduate education and further advance your expertise with an MSc. This means you can complete an MSc with just one additional year of study after a Postgraduate Diploma, as the credits and modules studied transfer directly towards your master’s.

In terms of time commitment, a PGCert is the most flexible option we offer, which takes just 6 months to complete. If you’re interested in pursuing postgraduate studies but not quite ready to commit to a full 1 year or 2 year duration requirement of a PGDip or MSc, a Postgraduate Certificate can be an excellent choice. Some of our programmes allow you to progress from a Postgraduate Certificate, through to a Postgraduate Diploma, to an MSc, all in just 2 years.

All of our Postgraduate Diplomas are also offered at Master’s level - so you can always apply for a PGDip, then make a decision at a later date if you would like to continue the pathway to an MSc. Many of our students also decide to take a break between completing their PGDip and starting their MSc, and you are still able to include your Diploma credits towards your MSc with this option.

Explore our full range of Level 7 postgraduate qualifications and apply to join our next intake to advance your healthcare career! To discuss our qualification options further and determine what is right for you, you can book a call with our Admissions Team, who can provide support and guidance in this area.

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