As of late Canada has been a very popular destination for students looking to study abroad with people from all over the globe considering it. Therefore, with the rise in student population, universities also started to offer several programmes and degrees to accommodate students’ interests. Amongst all the types of degrees, two of the most popular ones are the PG Diploma and the Master’s degree. They are both types of graduate degrees and may support the same type of course specialisation too. However close they will be in regard to each other, they still have a wide array of uniqueness. The blog below shows off the key points between a PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada.
What Is PG Diploma?
A PG Diploma is a skilled degree that provides in-demand skills and has a career-oriented focus. The degree focuses on specific as well as broader fields of study, however, the degree allows the student to enter a career path, more efficiently and quicker. It is a postgraduate-level qualification that provides advanced knowledge and skills in a particular field of study. The degree can be considered as something that is acquired after undergraduation and is a gateway to a Master’s degree if the individual wants to pursue studies further. Between PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada, the former is a quicker and cheaper way to start a career.
The duration of a PG Diploma programme can vary depending on the institution and the subject area but typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years. Since PG Diplomas are very career-oriented, the curriculum is also moulded accordingly with industry projects and real-time situations being part of it.
What Is A Master’s Degree?
A Master’s degree is usually conducted at a postgraduate level and furnishes a student with advanced knowledge and practical or theoretical expertise. Between a PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada, the former takes anywhere between two to three years to finish. Master’s degree programmes are offered in a wide range of subjects such as business, engineering, science, social sciences, humanities, and more. The programme may include a thesis or capstone project, which requires students to conduct original research or produce a significant piece of work in their field of study.
A Master’s degree can enhance career prospects and provide opportunities for career advancement, as well as open doors to further study at the doctoral level. This degree has a higher value in the corporate world and graduates can benefit immensely, with greater pay, higher job position, etc.
Courses Offered In Various Colleges/Universities For PG Diploma Vs Masters In Canada
Canada has plenty of universities and colleges that offer the best courses along with great facilities and quality. Below is a list of colleges and universities along with the most popular courses offered there –
The Most Popular PG Diploma Courses In Different Colleges:
- Durham College – PG Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology
- Niagara College – PG Diploma in Healthcare Management
- George Brown College – PG Diploma in Applied Computer Science
- Algonquin College – PG Diploma in Business Administration
- Seneca College – PG Diploma in Project Management
- Humber College – PG Diploma in Enterprise Software Development
- Confederation College of Applied Arts & Technology – PG Diploma in Sports Science
- Centennial College of Applied Arts & Technology – PG Diploma in International Business
- Sheridan College – PG Diploma in Digital Marketing
- Columbia College – PG Diploma in Mass Communication
The Most Popular Master’s Courses In Different Universities:
- University of Toronto – Master’s in Physics
- University of Waterloo – Master’s in Architecture
- University of Calgary – Master’s in Management
- The University of British Columbia – Master’s in Computer Science
- McGill University – Master’s in Law
- McMaster University – Master’s in Financial Mathematics
- University of Alberta – Master’s in Economics
- Queen’s University – Master’s in Politial Studies
- University of Ottawa – Master’s in Biomedical Engineering
- Brock University – Master’s in Accountancy
What Are The Eligibility Criteria for PG Diploma Vs Masters In Canada?
PG Diploma and a Master’s degree have varied requirements since both are offered at different academic levels. The eligibility criteria for them both are mentioned below –
Eligibility Criteria for PG Diploma:
- An undergraduate degree of 3 or 4 years preferably from a similar background to the opted diploma course.
- All official transcripts from preceding education.
- English proficiency test courses, the most popular tests being TOEFL and IELTS. The minimum scores required vary with college.
- Work experience might be required for certain courses.
- Proof of finance to sustain academics for at least 1 year.
- A well-written statement of purpose.
- Letter of recommendation (If applicable).
- Passport and Visa.
Eligibility Criteria for Master’s Degree:
- A minimum of 16 years of educational experience, including high school and undergraduate.
- Official transcripts of high school and undergraduate.
- English proficiency test courses, TOEFL and IELTS.
- Standardized tests such as GRE, GMAT, etc may be required depending on the course and university.
- Letter of recommendations for reputable sources.
- Strong statement of purpose.
- Relevant work experience may be required by certain departments.
- Passport and Visa.
Pros And Cons Of A PG Diploma
Between PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada, a lot of students opt for PG Diploma due to its many pros, but similarly, there are cons to it too. Here are the pros and cons to help aid a student with their decision.
Pros:
- A PG Diploma is highly cost-effective as it has a very reduced tuition fee than a Master’s degree.
- A PG Diploma also has a shorter duration than most other degrees, therefore promising a quicker degree.
- Trains the student with career-ready skills making their employability rate go up.
- The rate of acceptance of many college offering PG Diploma is higher and the process is easier.
Cons:
- The work permit visa received after completion is only for one year as compared to a Master’s degree.
- If a student wants to pursue further studies, then this could be an unnecessary additional degree in between.
Pros And Cons Of A Master’s Degree
A Master’s degree is growing in demand as more people are aiming for higher studies in reputable universities. Even then, this degree has its own advantages and disadvantages which are mentioned below –
Pros:
- A Master’s degree has much more value in the corporate world and the knowledge received is timeless.
- The work permit acquired after graduation is valid for three years.
- The curriculum of a Master’s degree emphasises research and theory and hence provides a wider knowledge bank.
Cons:
- The tuition fee is on the higher side for a Master’s degree when comparing between PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada.
- The course duration is longer and can range from two to three years depending on the university.
A truly inspired and ambitious candidate will make the best use of what is offered to them, there definitely are distinguishable aspects to both degrees. However, at the core of it all, education is supposed to invoke new ideas and shape the future generation and this is achievable only through a determined mindset. PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada is a debate that can’t be concluded by looking at the surface-level differences between the two but by letting the true interest in the field drive the path.
If you liked reading this blog on ‘What Is A Better Option: PG Diploma Vs Masters In Canada’ then make sure you check out our other articles link below
Pgdm Courses In Canada
Popular Universities In Ontario For International Students
Diploma Vs Degree – Which Is A Better Choice For You?
1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further