School life is always blissful and fun. As kids, we were carefree, without any pressure or stress. We were not so concerned about the future. All we did was to live life to the fullest, filled with fun and frolic. Nothing else was expected from us too.
Adulthood is the time for you to start thinking about your life choices, and how they may affect your future. Choosing the right higher education course will help you enjoy what you are learning, So that instead of getting bored and frustrated, you will be full of excitement and enthusiasm when entering the college.
Although the British education system offers plenty of options, only a few of them will suit you. You should keep your needs and goals in mind before you commit to a course. Something perfect for one person may not necessarily be beneficial for another one. Therefore, make it a point to do a lot of research before you engage in a particular course.
What Is A Diploma Course In The United Kingdom?
A diploma is an academic qualification offered by colleges and universities in the United Kingdom. These are career-focused courses and thus are more practically and technically designed. There are four types of diplomas, namely the Diploma of Higher education (DipHE), Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, and Higher National Diploma (HND).
Is Diploma A High Qualification In The United Kingdom?
Value of any degree course is based on the level according to a qualifications framework. Each type of diploma falls under different levels of qualification and offers different credit points. According to the education system in UK, any educational program above level 4 is considered as higher education.
The Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) is rated as level 5 qualification according to the Regulated Qualification Framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and also by the European Qualifications Framework. Once you have successfully completed this course, you will gain 240 credit points. The graduates of this course are highly valued and sought after by employers all over the world. The Diploma of Higher Education, can be used as an entry-level qualification for the final year of a related degree programme. It can be studied for two years on full-time basis, or four years when taken as a part-time course.
In England and Wales the Graduate Diploma is considered level 6 in England according to the Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ), while the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) rates it as level 10 or 11. It is a short term course and is the equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree, earning you 80-120 credit points on completion.
The Postgraduate Diploma is qualified as level 7, according to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), and level 11 or 12, based on the SCQF rating. Postgraduate diploma courses are short, to be completed within one year. Yet, this course is equal to a masters degree. But if you cannot invest that much of your time, you can take the shorter version of the study, which lasts only for six months. By the end of the course, you will gain a postgraduate certificate with the same knowledge. This course is ideal for those who are limited in funds but aspire to a masters degree.
The Higher National Diploma (HND) is equivalent to level 5 qualification (240 credit points). The Higher National Certificate, which is embedded in the HND, is equivalent to level 4 qualifications. This is a foundation degree level course and is also equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree programme. Unlike the Diploma of Higher Education, which follows a traditional method of teaching using academic essays, this course imparts practical knowledge through presentations, projects and case studies. There is a wide range of courses offered in HND, such as HND in Business Marketing, HND in Business Accounting and Finance, HND in Hospitality Management, HND in Healthcare Management, HND in Media and Communication, HND in Fashion and Technology, HND in Graphic Design, etc.
What Are The Advantages Of Choosing A Diploma Course?
- Diploma courses are not like degree courses, which are focused more on academic lectures and tutorials. Instead, as diplomas are vocational, they have a more practical approach, therefore letting you put the skills into practice as you learn new things.
- As these are career-focused and practical courses, your self-confidence at workspace is definitely boosted.
- Most of the diploma courses let you study part-time. Therefore, if you are already in employment, and also want to climb up the educational ladder, a diploma course would be ideal for you.
- Studies for a diploma give you time to explore different career options. During the period of study, you will be better able to locate your area of interest and then specialise in it.
- These are short-term courses and also have cheap tuition fees compared to other degree courses.
