Confused about which postgraduate qualification to choose? With so many different options, narrowing down the one that's right for you can feel a little overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of each type of course and the reasons for taking them.
Masters (MA)
A masters degree is an advanced postgraduate course that typically takes 2 years to complete if you’re studying part-time. It is worth 180 academic credits and includes a final dissertation or major project. Internationally recognised by employers all over the world, a masters degree is a great stepping stone toward a PhD if you are interested in pursuing a career in academia. In an increasingly competitive job market, a masters degree can also give you a much-needed edge over other candidates.
You should consider a MA if:
Thinking about your next steps? A master's can help you secure your financial future in today's uncertain job market:
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
A postgraduate diploma is a shorter postgraduate study option that includes challenging masters level content but without the dissertation or major project. A PGDip typically takes approximately 15 months to complete if you’re studying part-time and is worth 120 academic credits. Postgraduate diplomas are a great option for students looking for a flexible course that offers career progression while enabling them to juggle work and family commitments.
You should consider a PGDip if:
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
A postgraduate certificate is the shortest commonly available postgraduate qualification. You can typically earn a PGCert after a term (15 weeks) of full-time study and it is worth 60 academic credits. A PGCert is a good option for individuals who want to boost their career by taking a vocational course that opens new doors within their current field. An exception to this is the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE), which takes 30 weeks of part-time study and provides graduates with an internationally recognised teaching qualification.
You should consider a PGCert if:
Offering the chance to study Falmouth University programmes flexibly from anywhere in the world, Falmouth Flexible degrees are available as both MA and PGDip courses and allow students to study at their own personal speed whilst fitting around work and personal responsibilities.