There are a wide range of postgraduate courses to suit a range of needs. You may want to study a shorter course than a Masters, gain professional accreditation or learn on the job. We offer qualifications that can help you to achieve all these things.
What is the difference between PGDip, PGCert and other postgraduate courses?
PGDip and PGCert degrees are different to a masters degree based on how long you'd study for and the amount of credits they are worth. Either of these could be a valuable option depending on what you are looking to get out of your postgraduate education.
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas
A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) is the most common and shortest postgraduate taught (PGT) course. It is worth 60 credits, or a third of a full Masters degree.
A Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) takes slightly longer to study and is worth 180 credits, or two-thirds of a full Masters degree.
Both are good options if you already have some prior learning, want postgraduate-level study without completing a major final project, or are looking for career progression in a particular field. You can also build on these qualifications to reach Masters level. We currently offer these qualifications in areas such as education, journalism, and law.
You can see information on all types of postgraduate courses here.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
A Postgraduate Certificate in Education or PGCE combines academic study with school placements to provide the skills you need to become a teacher. Like other postgraduate certificates, it is normally worth 60 credits and you can use these towards Masters level qualifications.
We offer PGCEs in primary, secondary and post-compulsory education. Successful completion of our courses leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Professional qualifications
These courses have a vocational focus. They are taught by industry experts and accredited by professional bodies. They can provide you with an entry route into a particular career or a platform for promotion. The amount of credits these are worth vary by the length and type of course you are studying.
Popular professional qualifications that we provide are:
- Legal Practice Course (LPC) - the traditional qualification for those who wish to practise as a solicitor in England and Wales.
- Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) - a new suite of qualifying courses for aspiring solicitors who wish to practise in England and Wales. These will eventually replace the LPC.
- Barristers Training Course (BTC) - the compulsory training for anyone who wants to become a barrister.
- The Professional Certificate in Trade Mark Practice (PCTMP) - accredited qualification for trademark attorneys.
- Short courses - at NTU, you can choose from a wide range of professional short courses. These can provide credits and accreditation to boost your career progression.
Masters apprenticeships
A Masters apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with academic learning and leads to a nationally recognised qualification. A Level 7 apprenticeship is equivalent to a Masters degree. At NTU, you can study Maters apprenticeships in business, architecture, law, psychology, clinical practice, and nursing. You'll need to be eligible to work in the UK to secure a position and training.
More about postgraduate courses
Postgraduate course FAQs
Find out everything you need to know about applying for a postgraduate course at NTU, including your offer, alumni discounts, and more.
Flexible learning
Balance study with your lifestyle. Discover our flexible study options for UK students including part-time, distance learning and studying while you work.
Funding your studies
Wondering how you’re going to pay for your postgraduate studies? We can help. Find out about the range of funding opportunities available.