Graduate certificate vs graduate diploma vs master’s degree

At UNSW, you’re spoiled for choice with over 400 programs on offer.

When it comes to navigating the various postgraduate degrees, the terminology can get a little confusing. Are you interested in taking your studies further but don't know whether to choose a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master's degree? We can help you decide which program is best for you and your career path.

What is a postgraduate degree?

Before we start comparing postgraduate programs, you must first know what a postgraduate degree is.

A postgraduate degree is (almost) any type of university program you undertake after completing undergraduate study, or a bachelor's degree. ‘Postgraduate’ is an umbrella term that helps us classify the “level” of study of a particular program. 

Types of postgraduate degrees

While no two study paths are the same, there are many pathways you can take to achieve your professional goals. Find out which postgraduate program is best for you and your career.

What is a graduate certificate?

A graduate certificate is a short-term, intensive postgraduate program that is one step above a bachelor's degree. Typically comprising four courses, a graduate certificate can take from 6 to 9 months to complete. This program can either operate as a standalone credential that can bolster your professional growth, or it can serve as a stepping stone to further study, such as, a graduate diploma or master's degree. 

To be eligible for this program, you must have either:

• A recognised bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
• Minimum 5 years work experience relevant to the field of study

Giving your resume a competitive edge without the commitment of a full master's degree, this credential is preferable for many looking to quickly upskill and grow in their field. 

What is a graduate diploma?

Another reasonably short academic qualification, the graduate diploma is the midway point between a graduate certificate and a master's degree. Taking anywhere from 9 months to 1.7 years to complete, the graduate diploma helps students prepare for a specialisation, whether that's a specific role or a master's degree. 

With a graduate diploma, you'll be equipped with the specialised knowledge and skills to meet the ever-changing industry demands, excel in your career or explore your field in greater depth. 

The entry eligibility for a graduate diploma depends on the course and field, however, it typically requires a recognised undergraduate degree from a cognate discipline. If you have relevant professional work experience, you may also be eligible for credit transfer, meaning you'll benefit from a reduced workload.

Graduate certificate vs graduate diploma

Other than the timeframe, many people struggle to differentiate these two postgraduate degrees and it's understandable why. They are very similar. 

While some may choose to go down the route of studying a graduate certificate then moving onto a graduate diploma and concluding with a master's degree, this pathway is not always desirable nor available. Some courses may only provide a graduate certificate, while others, just a graduate diploma. Many master's programs have graduate certificates and graduate diplomas embedded into the unit. This allows students to exit the master's degree early with a certificate or diploma if completing a certain amount of credit points. 

Explore your options and discover which postgraduate programs will best suit you and your professional goals. 

What is a master’s degree?

A master’s degree is often longer than graduate certificates and graduate diplomas, taking between 1-2 years to complete. They involve advanced study of your chosen field and allow you to further enhance your skills, develop a specialisation and gain more academic and professional experience in the field. A master’s degree can help you advance into leadership roles, increase your earning potential, and prepare for doctoral programs.

There are two main types of master's degrees:

• Course-based: Focuses on coursework and shorter research papers

• Research-based: Requires an extensive thesis project

The prerequisites of a master's degree is dependent on which avenue you have taken. Master's programs typically accept a recognised bachelor's degree, with potential additional eligibility requirements, such as academic scores, portfolio submissions or relevant work experience. Some master's degrees also allow entry for people without a previous bachelor's degree that have extensive professional work experience in the relevant field.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore UNSW’s postgraduate programs and find the best path for your future.