Are you looking to advance your education and career abroad? Do you know the difference between a diploma vs degree? Well, read till the end as we break down the key factors that will help you make the right decision!
Higher education is a crucial step towards building a successful career, but with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to decide which path to take. When studying abroad; two of the most popular choices are getting a degree or a diploma. While both offer their own unique advantages, it’s important to consider factors such as cost, time, commitment, and career prospects. Before we understand diploma vs degree, let us see what a degree is and what a diploma is.
What Is A Degree?
A degree is typically a higher level of education than a diploma and is awarded by a college or university upon completion of an undergraduate or graduate programme. When it comes to diploma vs degree; Degrees can be specialised, such as a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a Master of Business Administration, and often take several years to complete. Check out the different types of degrees mentioned below.
Bachelor’s Degree:
- Full-time undergraduate programme
- Typically takes four years to complete
- Can be a pathway to pursuing a Master’s degree
Associate Degree:
- Vocational programme
- Provides comprehensive training in both theory and practical skills
- Usually completed in two years
Master’s Degree:
- Specialised and intensive post-graduate programme
- Requires completion of a Bachelor’s degree
- Typically lasts for two years
- Focuses on a specific field of study
Doctorate Degree:
- Highest level of academic degree
- Can be pursued after completing a Master’s degree
- Includes a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD)
- Involves independent research under the guidance of a supervisor
- Usually takes four to seven years to complete
- Graduates are likely to secure employment opportunities.
What Is A Diploma?
Diploma is usually a shorter programme offered by a college or technical institute that focuses on practical, hands-on training in a specific field. Diplomas are often more career-oriented and provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the workforce. They typically take between one and two years to complete.
Graduate Diploma:
- Certified qualification
- Undertaken at the undergraduate degree level
Post-graduate Diploma:
- Certified qualification
- Undertaken after completing a Bachelor’s degree programme.
While both diploma vs degree can lead to rewarding careers, the main differences lie in the level of education, time commitment, and career prospects. Deciding which path to take ultimately depends on your individual goals and priorities.
Key Differences – Degree Vs Diploma
| Degree | Diploma |
| A credential awarded by a university to a student for completing studies up to a certain stage in a field of study of their choice | A certificate presented to a student by an educational institution for successfully studying and completing a specific course |
| Admission is typically done every year | Admission is done on a yearly or half-yearly basis |
| More expensive than diploma programmes | Less expensive than degree programmes |
| Requires more time to complete | Typically requires less time to complete |
| Some degree programmes offer flexibility to change major | No such flexibility for diploma courses |
| Minimum qualification for entrance is 10+2 | Minimum qualification for entrance is 10th |
| Degree holders are typically paid more | Diploma holders are typically paid less |
| Categories: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Associate’s, and Doctoral | Categories: Graduate and Postgraduate |
Diploma vs Degree: What Do Employers Want?
Employers do not always require candidates to hold a specific type of credential, such as a degree, diploma, or certificate. Depending on the profession, a degree, diploma, or certificate programme may be necessary to pursue certain vocations. Both degrees and diplomas can provide entry-level, middle-level, or higher-level employment opportunities across various industries.
Before deciding which type of credential to pursue, it’s important to assess your objectives and determine which one would be more advantageous for your career goals. Some popular job roles that can be pursued with a diploma include mechanical engineering, security/support staff, sales representative, event manager, and makeup artist.
Now let us consider Canada as a destination to study for a degree vs diploma and understand the various aspects & differences to see the differences better with real life examples.
Diploma Vs Degree In Canada
Canada is one of the world’s leaders in educational opportunities and a country with a bustling economy. So understanding how a degree or diploma in this country can further impact your career is important. For both diploma and degree programmes, there are many options in Canada. Let’s discuss and try to find out which option can be a better choice.
Duration
When it comes to diploma vs degree duration a PG diploma programme is typically shorter in duration, usually lasting around 1 year, or up to 2 years in some cases. Whereas a master’s degree programme is more focused on academic research and theory and generally takes around 2 years to complete, with some programmes extending to 3 years.
Cost
Let’s talk about the cost of pursuing a PG diploma versus a master’s degree in Canada. While both options can be expensive, the fees charged for a PG diploma programme are generally less than a master’s degree programme. For example, if you’re considering a PG diploma, you can expect to pay around $20,000 CAD per year. This cost may vary depending on the school and programme you choose. On the other hand, if you’re considering a master’s degree programme, you can expect to pay around $30,000 CAD per year.
Career prospects
In most cases, a candidate with a degree is given more preference by employers than a candidate who has completed a diploma programme.
Why is that? A degree programme covers a wider range of subjects and typically involves more rigorous academic training than a diploma programme. A Diploma can be beneficial if you’re looking to make a career change in a relatively short amount of time and the field you’re entering doesn’t require a degree.
Post Study Work Opportunities
Let’s understand diploma vs degree & PSW opportunities. Completing a one-year PG diploma course enables you to get a one-year work visa, giving you a chance to gain valuable work experience in Canada after your studies. On the other hand, completing a two-year master’s degree programme enables you to get a three-year work visa, giving you even more time to establish yourself professionally and search for the right job. Having a longer work visa can be a huge advantage when it comes to starting your career in Canada. It gives you more time to network, build connections, and explore job opportunities.
Colleges & Universities
PG diploma programmes are often offered by community colleges and some universities. Whereas Masters degree programmes are offered by universities and usually involve a combination of coursework and research.
Verdict
Ultimately, the choice between a diploma vs degree comes down to your choices but consider you also get the scope of pursuing a doctoral once you do a Masters’s degree. Last but not least, it also adds more years to your post-study work visa.
Still unsure about whether to pursue a diploma or degree? Watch the video now to help you make the right choice.
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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