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05th January 2023
A PGCert, short for Postgraduate Certificate, is a higher-level certificate that is suited to learners looking to gain a postgraduate qualification over a shorter period of time than usual. Read on to find out everything you’ll need to know about PGCerts and decide whether it’s the right choice for you.
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A PGCert is a postgraduate level study option that offers students taught modules and training at a master’s level. They are a higher level than a bachelor’s degree, but due to their shorter length are not equivalent to a master’s degree. They are available across a large variety of subjects and are typically offered by most higher education institutions.
Many universities offer postgraduate certificates as an option within a full master’s programme, so you’ll be able to follow part of the same curriculum and gain some of the same experience as a master’s student on that course. In many cases you can choose to extend your PGCert into a PGDip or master’s degree, continuing your studies towards a higher qualification.
The main benefit of a PGCert compared to a master’s degree is the fact that it takes significantly less time to study, usually one term compared to a master’s three. They’re especially relevant if you want a postgraduate qualification without doing much research activity or writing a dissertation. They also offer a lot of flexibility, as in certain situations you can leave a master’s course or PGDip early and still get accredited with a PGCert level qualification.
PGCerts are also a popular way for graduates to engage in continued professional development (CPD) during their careers, helping them achieve a promotion or make a career change.
PGCert courses are offered across almost all subjects. In most cases, any subject or course offered as a master’s degree will also have a PGCert option available for you to study.
You can choose from a range of course structures and delivery modes, such as full- and part-time PGCerts, as well as hybrid or fully remote courses.
PGCerts are typically offered across three different types:
Academic PGCerts, which allow you to build academic knowledge and skills in a subject, either to broaden your expertise or in preparation for further study and a dissertation to get a full master’s degree
Vocational PGCerts, which allow you to develop your skills as a professional in a certain field over a short period of time without carrying out research
Professional PGCerts, which allow you to qualify for professions in certain regulated disciplines such as law or education
A full time PGCert usually takes one term in the UK, which is a third of a standard master’s degree, but they can last longer – in some cases and you might find PGCerts up to a year in length, like the PGCE. Part time PGCerts can take up to two terms depending on the study pattern that you choose and the full-time length of your course.
Start times for PGCerts are generally the same as master’s degrees, with the most common starting time for PGCerts being in the autumn, generally September or October. In many cases you can also start a PGCert in January.
The entry requirements for a PGCert are almost always equal to the requirements for getting onto the master’s course in that subject. You’ll typically need a 2:2 or higher in your bachelor’s degree. It’ll be helpful if your undergraduate degree is in a related subject, but PGCerts are more suited to students or professionals who are looking to change their study focus.
As usual, higher grades will help boost your chances of success when applying for a PGCert. Having a certain amount of work experience can often be a requirement for PGCerts with a professional focus. A strong personal statement is also important to ensure a successful application.
Due to their shorter length, you’ll almost always pay less for a PGCert than an equivalent PGDip or master’s degree.
PGCert qualifications can vary quite widely in price. For example, the PGCert in Creative Learning from Leeds Beckett costs just £2,500, compared to the PGCert in Advanced Restorative Dentistry from the University of Manchester which costs £11,250.
Although they can be significantly cheaper than a master’s degree, there are also fewer funding options for PGCerts.
A lot of scholarships at postgraduate level are specifically for master’s degree students, and you won’t be able to apply for a postgraduate loan if you’re studying a PGCert.
A common way for students to get funding for their PGCert is through employer sponsorship. If you aren’t looking to study a PGCert in a professional capacity, you’ll still be able to reduce the costs of your PGCert study through things like alumni discounts, some institution specific funding for certificates, or government loans if you’re from Northern Ireland.
Go to: Read the ULTIMATE Guide to Postgraduate Funding
PGCerts are an excellent way to boost your career prospects by gaining new professional skills or preparing for your transition into a new field.
If you have a bachelor’s degree but want to develop further expertise in a certain niche, to help you stand out against other applicants for competitive roles, a PGCert could be the perfect way to do so without committing to a full degree.
PGCerts are common routes into roles as legal professionals and educators, with qualifications like the PGCE and PGCert in Law being the first step you’ll need to take.
You might already be a professional in your field, in which case a PGCert might allow you to unlock new opportunities such as promotions or career shifts with support from your employer.
PGCerts like the PGCE or PGCert in Law are always in high demand as they are necessary to enter popular career pathways like becoming a teacher or solicitor.
As with other types of postgraduate level qualifications, PGCerts across in-demand disciplines will always be beneficial. As well as education and law, these include medical and medical-related disciplines, tech and engineering, education and social sciences.
A PGCert is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to further learning and development in any subject.
Many PGCert courses accept applications all year round, and in a lot of cases applications will be closed when the course is full for that academic year. As a result, submitting your application as early as possible is usually best. This will give you time to make other applications if you don’t get your first choice of course. Admission can either be on a first come, first serve basis or competitively assessed.
You’ll typically want to apply at least three months before your intended start date, but six months before is best. Checking the application schedule for your chosen PGCert to get specific details is always advised.
Your PGCert could involve one or more assessment types, ranging across written coursework, group projects or presentations. You won’t usually have to sit exams or complete a dissertation.
PGCerts are generally marked and graded in a similar way to other master’s level courses. Overall scores and grades are as follows:
It’s possible that some universities or courses will use slightly different grading boundaries to these.
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