Shorter courses, the great pathway to a master’s degree
The terms “graduate diploma” and “postgraduate diploma” are frequently used interchangeably in the majority of countries. Although these terms are not significantly different, the level, course duration, structure, and specializations that are available may vary from one country to another. In other words, graduate diplomas are the qualification that is obtained upon the completion of the first degree. It provides a route to a master’s degree and also assists students in acquiring specializations to prepare them for employment.
Why pursue a graduate diploma in Ireland
In Ireland, a graduate diploma is equivalent to a bachelor’s honors degree, and a diverse array of courses are available under this designation. The most popular courses among international students are the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, Higher Diploma in Business Management, Higher Diploma in Business, Higher Diploma in Digital Marketing, Higher Diploma in International Business, and Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Theology, to name a few. It is an excellent choice for students who have completed fewer years of education than the minimum required to pursue a master’s degree after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. It is a prevalent route to a master’s degree at the majority of Irish institutions.
Types of graduate diplomas in Ireland
| Re-orientation type qualification | Professional type qualification |
| This is to upskill a graduate by providing additional specialized knowledge. | This is to ensure that a graduate is eligible to pursue a profession. |
| For instance, the Higher Diploma in Statistics (HDipStats) is intended to provide students with supplementary statistics skills. | For instance, a Higher Diploma in Education (HDipEd) qualifies a graduate to enroll in and engage in teaching. |
Eligibility criteria
Students typically enroll in graduate diploma programs after completing their bachelor’s degrees, which typically require one year of full-time study. A postgraduate diploma will cost approximately €12.000.
Although each institution has its own unique set of requirements, the most prevalent ones are as follows:
- A bachelor’s degree with an approved equivalent qualification that is 2:1 or 2:2
- If you do not satisfy the entry requirements for the program but meet certain other equivalent criteria, you may contact the institution’s admissions office to have your application reviewed.
These graduate diplomas maintain the same academic level, despite their shorter duration than a master’s degree. The primary distinction between a postgraduate diploma and a master’s degree is that a postgraduate diploma does not necessitate the submission of a dissertation. You will be evaluated on the basis of your coursework, exams, and assignments.