Once you finish high school, making the right decision about your future education is crucial. You need to choose the subject you want to pursue further as well as consider whether to go for a full-time degree or diploma.
The choice can be difficult as students get confused about what a diploma entails and how it is different from a degree. Read on to understand what is diploma course, the types of diploma courses and how it is different from a degree.
Table of Contents
- What is a diploma course?
- Types of diploma courses
- Importance of diploma courses in today’s job market
What is a diploma course?
A diploma course is a short-term academic or training program that spans over 1-3 years and provides students with focused, in-depth, and specialised knowledge and skills in a specific field or study area.
Typically, a diploma is shorter in duration as compared to a degree program and is designed to offer students a more professional and practical perspective of the chosen field or subject.
Types of diploma courses
Now that you understand what is a diploma course, let us understand the types of diploma courses. Mainly there are two types of diploma courses available for students, these are:
Graduate diploma
This diploma course is undertaken at an undergraduate level and any student who has passed out 10th or 12th can pursue it. Some popular graduate diploma courses are:
- Diploma in Engineering
- Diploma in Hotel Management
- Diploma in Nursing
- Diploma in Fashion Design
Also read: Top Diploma courses in Canada
Postgraduate diploma
This diploma course can be pursued after a bachelor’s degree. These kinds of 1-year diploma courses are more focused on specific professional skills. Some popular postgraduate diploma courses are:
- PG Diploma in Law
- PG Diploma in Journalism
- PG Diploma in Management
- PG Diploma in Computer Applications
Also read: PG Diploma courses in Canada
Importance of diploma courses in today’s job market
A diploma has a lot of advantages in case you are planning to enter the professional arena in a short amount of time. Pursuing a diploma course is often considered a smart choice to secure early employment as these courses are job-oriented.
Some other reasons to understand the importance of diploma courses are:
- Class schedule, as well as curriculum, is often flexible and suits working professionals
- Diploma courses offer you classes that are focused on the exact skills you require in your chosen field
- Most diploma courses offer internships or externships, allowing students to gain practical experience and network for future job opportunities
Diploma vs degree - Difference Explained
Let us take a look at the key features that differentiate a diploma from a degree.
| Diploma | Degree |
|---|---|
| Takes less time to complete | Takes a longer time to complete |
| Cost-effective fee structure | Usually, the fee structure is on the higher side |
| The minimum qualification is high school | Minimum qualification is higher secondary |
| The admission, prerequisites and eligibility criteria are flexible and non-stringent | The admission criteria as well as admission requirements are pretty strict and non-flexible |
A diploma can be a smart choice for students who want to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade or industry.
If you need expert assistance regarding your academic future, then Edvoy can help you resolve all the confusion through expert guidance provided by professional counsellors.
Confused about choosing a diploma or a degree? Book a free remote counselling session now and get answers to all your queries.
