Postgraduate diploma

A postgraduate diploma (PGDip, PgDip, PG Dip., PGD, PgD, PDE) is a postgraduate qualification awarded typically after a bachelor's degree. It can be contrasted with a graduate diploma. Countries that award postgraduate diplomas include Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Germany, Jamaica the United Kingdom, Spain, South Africa, India, Ireland, Nigeria, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Poland, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Australia and New Zealand

Australian and New Zealand universities offer postgraduate diplomas (PostGradDip). A postgraduate diploma indicates master's-level studies. It typically constitutes as the first year of a two-year master's degree. A bachelor's degree is required, although in some rare cases an advanced diploma is sufficient.

Canada

In Canada, a postgraduate certificate program consists of two to three semesters, which can be completed in less than one year in some instances. A bachelor's degree or a diploma is required to be accepted in this type of program. It offers the advantage of not requiring to write a thesis and to focus on a concise subject. It is recommended for students wishing to enhance their professional skills as it concentrates on a more practical application in order to enter the labor market. Depending on the province, the title can vary: Post-Graduate Diploma, Post-Graduate Certification, Post-Baccalaureate or D.E.S.S. (in the Province of Quebec). See links to the Canadian education system, as the various regions can be quite different.