Postgraduate study

What is a graduate diploma and how can it help you succeed?

In today’s competitive job market, continuous professional development is crucial. One way to stay ahead and enhance your career prospects is by pursuing a graduate diploma. But what is a graduate diploma and how can it benefit you? Let’s take a look.

What is a graduate diploma?

Here are the basics. A graduate diploma is a postgraduate qualification that typically takes between six months to one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) to complete. To enrol, you generally need to hold a bachelor’s degree or have relevant work experience.

Graduate diplomas are designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in a specific field of study. So, while a bachelor’s degree provides the solid foundations, a graduate diploma means diving deeper into particular areas of interest.

They sit between a graduate certificate and a master’s degree in terms of depth and complexity. Indeed, you can often progress from a certificate to a diploma and then a master’s, building an increasingly sophisticated skill set and body of knowledge as you progress.

Why study one?

So, we’ve answered the question what is a graduate diploma. Next, let’s tackle the why. Why might it be the ideal qualification for you and your career?

Increased employability

Having a graduate diploma can set you apart in your workplace and/or industry. It demonstrates a commitment to professional development and a higher level of expertise in your field. You’ll be able to bring a greater depth of knowledge and skills to your role – which could also mean you are in a prime position to go for a promotion or apply for a more advanced position.

Industry relevance

Keeping your skills and knowledge up-to-date with industry trends is essential for career longevity – and advancement. Graduate diplomas are designed to provide current and relevant information that aligns with industry standards. In fact, at Charles Sturt, many of our courses are designed in consultation with industry professionals, so you know you’ll get the most relevant knowledge for your field. Learn the latest tools and techniques, and make your mark when you graduate.

Work-life balance

At Charles Sturt, postgraduate study is flexible study. You can complete your graduate diploma online, and select either full-time or part-time study. Even better, the course will adapt to your changing needs. Want to take on an extra subject for a session? You got it. Life demands mean you need to scale back the study load temporarily? You can do that too. Whatever you need to successfully complete your graduate diploma while working and maintaining your family life – we’ve got your back.

Economic considerations

Graduate diplomas are more affordable and quicker to complete than master’s degrees, making them a cost-effective option for advancing your education. The shorter duration means that you can return to the workforce sooner and start reaping the benefits of your new qualification. Moreover, the specialised nature of a graduate diploma can provide immediate value to your career, offering a high return on investment.

Pathway to further study

Now that we’ve mentioned master’s degrees, it’s also worth pointing out that a graduate diploma often serves as a stepping stone to further study. You could complete your diploma, then work for a while before coming back to do a master’s degree. The good news is that when you return, if you’re master’s is related to your diploma, you’ll get credit for the postgrad studies you’ve already completed. Meaning you finish your master’s sooner.

Career change

If you’re considering a career change, a graduate diploma can provide the necessary credentials and knowledge to make a smooth transition. For example, someone with a background in engineering might pursue a Graduate Diploma of Project Management to move into management roles within their industry or even switch to a different sector – using their transferable new leadership skills.

Networking

Graduate diplomas are all about industry relevance. So it makes sense that when you do one, you have lots of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals and industry experts. These connections can be invaluable for career growth, as they can lead to mentorship opportunities, job referrals and collaborations. Moreover, networking with equally passionate peers in your course can provide support and insights that will enhance your learning experience.

How a graduate diploma compares to other postgraduate qualifications

So, we know that a graduate diploma takes, on average, a year of full-time study to complete. And we’ve looked at what one offers. Now, let’s look at the other postgrad qualifications to see how they stack up in comparison.

Graduate certificate
  • Duration: Typically shorter, usually around six months of full-time study.
  • Focus: Provides an introduction to postgrad study. It is often used as a stepping stone to a graduate diploma or master’s degree.
  • Depth: Less comprehensive than a graduate diploma, focusing on a narrower range of topics.
Master’s degree
  • Duration: Longer, usually one to two years of full-time study.
  • Focus: Offers more in-depth study and research opportunities. It involves a higher level of academic rigour and often includes a research component or thesis.
  • Depth: Provides a comprehensive and thorough understanding of a field, covering a wide range of topics and advanced concepts.
Postgraduate certificate
  • Duration: Similar to a graduate certificate, but may vary depending on the institution.
  • Focus: Provides specialised knowledge and skills in a particular area, often more focused than a graduate certificate.
  • Depth: Generally shorter and less comprehensive than a graduate diploma.

Financing your degree

There’s no getting around it, doing a graduate diploma is an investment in your future career. But, as with all investments, you need to consider how to finance it.

The cost of a graduate diploma varies depending on the field of study. It’s essential to research and budget accordingly. Be sure to consider all associated costs, including materials, textbooks, and any additional fees, such as travelling to a campus to attend an intensive school.

The good news is that you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and grants to help fund your studies. These awards are often based on academic merit, financial need or specific criteria related to the field of study.

You may even find that your employer is willing to sponsor your further education if it benefits your role within the company. This can include covering tuition fees, providing study leave or offering other forms of support such as flexible hours to accommodate study demands. It never hurts to ask!

Moreover, if the course is related to your current job, you may be eligible for tax deductions on your tuition fees and other associated costs. The Australian Taxation Office allows for deductions on expenses incurred in gaining qualifications directly related to your employment. Seek professional tax advice for the complete lowdown.

Finally, you may be able to defer your fees with the government’s FEE-HELP program. If you are studying a postgrad course in a fee-paying place (which most graduate diplomas have), you could secure a low-interest government loan to cover some or all of the cost. You only start paying the loan back when you reach a certain level of employment income.

Now you know what a graduate diploma is – what’s next?

If you’re ready to enhance your skills, finesse your knowledge and boost your career prospects…