4 misconceptions about Postgraduate Diplomas

Misconception 1: Serious Job Candidates Pursue MAs, Not Postgraduate Diplomas
Misconception 2: Online Postgraduate Diplomas Are Not as Good as Campus-Based Programs
Misconception 3: Graduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Diplomas Are the Same Qualification
Misconception 4: Postgraduate Diplomas Will Cost You Time Away From Your Career

Whether you’ve just finished your undergraduate degree or are considering returning to education after a long time in the workforce, researching postgraduate qualifications can be stressful. You will likely be faced with a lot of mixed information with respect to which path is best for your needs, and need to be sure that your choice will have lasting benefits for your life and career.

One type of postgraduate qualification that is often misunderstood is the postgraduate diploma (PGDip). Keep reading to learn more about some of the most common misconceptions about this type of qualification, and to find out if studying it online is the best option to help your reach your goals.

Misconception 1: Serious Job Candidates Pursue MAs, Not Postgraduate Diplomas

For the ambitious professional or recent graduate, pursuing the path that appears to be the most advanced or difficult may seem likely to bring the most rewards. However, while a master’s degree can be very beneficial to job seekers, a postgraduate diploma is also a qualification that demonstrates advanced study and mastery of subject matter.

The main difference between an MA and a PGDip is that a PGDip does not require a dissertation or major project.  Although completing this type of large-scale academic work can sometimes be valuable when pursuing certain roles, a PGDip is often sufficient to convince employers that you have advanced expertise in your field.

Misconception 2: Online Postgraduate Diplomas Are Not as Good as Campus-Based Programs

As with many other online courses, postgraduate diplomas studied online are often subject to scepticism, and concerns that studying online can limit a student’s ability to reap the full benefits of their education. However, online postgraduate diplomas run by respected universities provide candidates with the same quality of education, and more than make up for physical distance with digital communication tools – not to mention access to an international community of classmates located around the world.

Some courses, like those offered by Falmouth Flexible, also include optional face-to-face events held at various locations for online students throughout their studies, adding a human touch to a cutting-edge digital education experience.

 Online learning lets you connect with a global network of classmates

Misconception 3: Graduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Diplomas Are the Same Qualification

Hesitancy toward pursuing a PGDip programme can also stem from confusion between a postgraduate diploma and a graduate diploma. Like PGDips, graduate diplomas can be completed by those who have finished their undergraduate degrees or who want to return to education. However, they are completed at an advanced undergraduate level of study, often as a means to pursue further postgraduate qualifications in a new discipline, and are not considered a postgraduate qualification in themselves. If you are looking for advanced, masters-level instruction, a PGDip programme will have much more to offer you than a graduate diploma.  

Misconception 4: Postgraduate Diplomas Will Cost You Time Away From Your Career

Finally, those who are eager to advance in their career, or just beginning their professional journey, are often concerned that pursuing further education will cost them valuable time and experience in the workplace, thus undermining the career benefits of their qualification.

Online PGDip programmes make it easier to stay committed to your career while you study

However, many reputable programmes allow students to study on a part-time basis in addition to delivering course materials online, making it possible to manage both a demanding work schedule and postgraduate studies.

For example, the PGDip in Advertising Strategy & Planning offered by Falmouth Flexible allows students to work toward their PGDip online at their own pace over the course of 14 months. With a customisable, manageable course schedule, there is no need to choose between a postgraduate diploma and advancing your career.

Do you still have questions about online postgraduate qualifications?

Contact Falmouth to learn more about the benefits of our flexible PGDip programmes.