Qualifications & Specializations
DIPLOMA
Offers Training and Course Work in Occupational Skills for Better Employment and Promotion Opportunities. Practical skill acquisition typically accounts for 80% of a course. An essential component of these courses is apprenticeship. The majority of the programs are designed for people between the ages of 16 and 19 and last for 8 to 12 months. Examples of jobs in this field include automotive, welding, pharmacy, and diesel and heavy mechanics.
ADVANCED DIPLOMA
A postgraduate diploma is an advanced course of study that builds on top of a diploma and provides more in-depth theoretical knowledge and specialization in a particular subject. In many countries, it is considered a part of the undergraduate degree and offers progression pathways. It is commonly pursued by professionals as an extension of their existing qualifications. Examples of courses offered include Accounting & Finance, Animation, Aviation, Financial Planning, and more.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE
An associate degree is awarded in the USA and Canada after completing a 2-year study program at a community college, technical college or a bachelor-granting university. This degree acts as a foundation program upon which students can pursue their specialization for the next 2 years towards a bachelor’s degree. Some of the programs offered under an associate degree include Business and Commerce Technology, Mechanical Technology, and Data Processing, among others.
BACHELORS DEGREE
A bachelor’s degree is usually awarded to undergraduate students who complete 3-4 years of extensive classroom and practical training in their area of specialization. The degrees awarded include Bachelor of Science, Engineering, Arts, Philosophy, Business, among others. This basic qualification is required by most employers worldwide.
POST GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
The Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) is an academic award that is typically granted for completing a postgraduate qualification that is shorter than a postgraduate diploma or a master’s degree. The usual duration of this course is 6 months and it is mainly offered by universities in the UK and Australia. In Canada, it is an extension of the bachelor’s degree and lasts for 1 year. The focus of this diploma, like other diplomas, is to enhance the employability skills of students. Examples of PG Cert courses include Business, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and more.
POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA
A PG Diploma is a one-year course awarded after completion of qualifications beyond a Bachelor’s degree and serves as a pathway towards a Master’s degree. Examples include PG Diploma in Computer Science, Biology, etc.
MASTERS
A Master’s Degree is an extension of specialization after completing a Bachelor’s Degree. It typically takes 2 years to complete and can be classroom-based, research-based, or a combination of both. Some countries, such as the United Kingdom, offer Masters programs lasting for 12 to 16 months. A Master’s Degree is generally a prerequisite for admission into a doctorate program. Examples of Master’s Degrees include Masters in Science, Arts, Law, Business, Engineering, Theology, and many more.
INTEGRATED PHD
Integrated PhD programs are a combination of Master’s and Doctorate degrees. To be eligible for admission, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in the related discipline. These programs are designed for exceptional candidates who have the potential and ability to excel in a high-performance environment. The aim of an integrated PhD program is to gradually condition one’s thoughts towards research while providing a view of the challenges in small doses. When you join an integrated PhD program, you will be quickly introduced to a learning system that emphasizes skills and tools, with evaluations based on presentation, data talks, and discussions. These programs are offered across all disciplines such as Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, etc., and typically last 4-5 years. Doctorate degrees are offered after completion of a Master’s Degree. In the first year of an integrated PhD program, you will learn more than you ever will in the first year of any other degree. Premier institutes usually offer this program, which ensures that students are exposed to cutting-edge technology, world-renowned speakers, and internationally trained faculty. Since the requirements are tough and the course is purely research-based, admission criteria are usually very stringent. The normal duration of the PhD Program is 5 years. Most of the time, students are eligible for fellowships while pursuing their PhDs.
