Postgraduate Diploma - Definition and Overview

The Graduate Diploma or Higher Diploma in Ireland is a postgraduate award taken after a Bachelor's degree. Usually of one years study, sometimes two years, full time study. A wide variety of courses are offered, it is also possible to progress to a Master's degree.

The Graduate Diploma (GradDip) is offered by DIT, DCU, HETAC and UL. The Higher Diploma (HDip) is offered by NUI constituent colleges and universities, Trinity College Dublin offers only the Higher Diploma in Education.

The diploma is generally in two forms:

A reorientation type qualification to reskill a graduate with new specialised skills, for instance the HDipStats - Higher Diploma in Statistics is aimed at offering additional skills in statistics.

A professional type qualification which is necessary to enter a profession, for instance the HDipEd - Higher Diploma in Education allows a person to register and practice teaching.

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGradDip) offered by TCD is of a similar standing to the other two diplomas, it is the main postgraduate diploma of the college and is offered in a wide variety of disciplines across all faculties.

The graduate diploma is also offered in Australia. Some universities also offer a Postgraduate Diploma (PostGradDip). The graduate diploma is then used for additional studies at an undergraduate level or studies in a new field while the postgraduate diploma indicates graduate level studies or advanced studies in an already familar field. A Bachelor's degree is typically required, although in some cases an Advanced Diploma is sufficient. People with extensive experience but without formal qualifications may be admitted, although usually the completion of a graduate certificate is required first.

See also

• Education in Ireland
• Education in Australia
• Postgraduate Applications Centre