Diploma Programs
The term diploma can be a little confusing, and although many people use the terms 'diploma' and 'degree' interchangeably, this is not really correct. At the completion of a degree you will be provided with a document to prove that you are the holder of that qualification. This document is known as a diploma.
However – and this is very important – many schools offer courses that are known as diploma programs. These are not degrees, but are shorter courses of study within your given field and lead to a qualification in their own right. On occasion, diploma programs are sometimes included as part of a degree program.
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The reason they are shorter is because they provide education purely on the subject in question. A degree is very theory based and will also cover other subjects that are related to the main focus – for example a degree in nursing might also cover subjects such as people management and communication.
Diploma programs tend to be available in more practical career subjects as opposed to academic – for instance nursing, engineering, hotel management etc.It is usual for a diploma course to last somewhere in the region of one to two years of full-time study, and will of course take longer if you study part time. The program will be very much based around practical and hands-on experience, with only minimal academic and theoretical study.It might also include short periods of apprenticeship or work experience.
In years gone by it was often thought that a diploma program was less valuable than a degree, and many employers would look more favorably on those who had undergone the degree route.This attitude is now changing in many industries, although for those who are hoping to move into management levels at some stage in their career it is still more advantageous to have a degree.
Diploma programs can also be taken by those who are already employed in the workforce and wish to further their education and promotion prospects. Employers tend to look very favorably upon individuals who choose to take such proactive steps, and you might even find that some organizations or companies offer funding towards this.
If you're considering this option then it's possible to complete diploma courses part-time and/or online to enable you to fit the study around your work.Tough? – Yes.Worthwhile? – Most definitely – and that's in terms of both the likely wage gains and your own personal satisfaction.
Trades covered by diploma courses are becoming more widespread all the time – so if there wasn't anything available a few years ago in your particular field it's worth looking again. If yours is practical career then you'll probably be pleasantly surprised by the amount of courses now on offer. So all you need do is reach out and take advantage of the extra edge a diploma qualification will give you over others in the workplace.« Collapse
However – and this is very important – many schools offer courses that are known as diploma programs. These are not degrees, but are shorter courses of study within your given field and lead to a qualification in their own right. On occasion, diploma programs are sometimes included as part of a degree program.
Read more »
The reason they are shorter is because they provide education purely on the subject in question. A degree is very theory based and will also cover other subjects that are related to the main focus – for example a degree in nursing might also cover subjects such as people management and communication.
Diploma programs tend to be available in more practical career subjects as opposed to academic – for instance nursing, engineering, hotel management etc.It is usual for a diploma course to last somewhere in the region of one to two years of full-time study, and will of course take longer if you study part time. The program will be very much based around practical and hands-on experience, with only minimal academic and theoretical study.It might also include short periods of apprenticeship or work experience.
In years gone by it was often thought that a diploma program was less valuable than a degree, and many employers would look more favorably on those who had undergone the degree route.This attitude is now changing in many industries, although for those who are hoping to move into management levels at some stage in their career it is still more advantageous to have a degree.
Diploma programs can also be taken by those who are already employed in the workforce and wish to further their education and promotion prospects. Employers tend to look very favorably upon individuals who choose to take such proactive steps, and you might even find that some organizations or companies offer funding towards this.
If you're considering this option then it's possible to complete diploma courses part-time and/or online to enable you to fit the study around your work.Tough? – Yes.Worthwhile? – Most definitely – and that's in terms of both the likely wage gains and your own personal satisfaction.
Trades covered by diploma courses are becoming more widespread all the time – so if there wasn't anything available a few years ago in your particular field it's worth looking again. If yours is practical career then you'll probably be pleasantly surprised by the amount of courses now on offer. So all you need do is reach out and take advantage of the extra edge a diploma qualification will give you over others in the workplace.« Collapse
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