What Is a Diploma and How Is It Different From a Degree?

Receiving a diploma in the UK is a way to get into a vocational career, bridge the gap between A-levels and a bachelor's degree, or garner further qualifications after graduating with a postgraduate diploma. Whether you are looking to gain hands-on experience in a trade or only have time for two years of university, getting a diploma is a solid choice. 

What is a diploma?

A diploma is a type of certification that provides the recipient with hands-on skills, often in a vocation or trade like nursing, animal science, design, health care, or counselling. A diploma comes in various levels starting from a level 3 national diploma to a postgraduate diploma gained after receiving a bachelor's or master’s degree. At each level, a diploma means different things to universities and employers. 

Some specific professions only require a higher national diploma to certify you to work in the field and are often only two-year programs at university, which saves time and gives you more hands-on skills than a degree. 

Is a diploma the same as a degree?

The biggest difference between a diploma and a degree is typically the type of coursework and number of credits required to complete each. A diploma provides you with hands-on experience in a shorter time whereas a degree is geared towards focused, theoretical experience in a subject, usually in a university setting. 

Diplomas may also be used when bridging a gap in your education, for example between a bachelor's degree and master's degree or PhD. A diploma provides you with additional qualifications and experience that you gain outside of the degree, which makes you more qualified when applying to a master's or PhD program. It also gives certain certifications at a higher level, such as a postgraduate diploma. 

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Levels of diplomas

Diplomas come in many shapes and sizes depending on the skills you wish to pursue, your educational level, and your career prospects. Here are some common types of diplomas:

• Level 3 national diploma

• Higher national diploma (HND)

• Diploma of higher education (DipHE)

• Graduate diploma

• Postgraduate diploma

Level 3 national diploma

A level 3 national diploma is equivalent to a BTEC which stands for Business and Technology Education Council. They are generally vocational qualifications or certificates and are often taken alongside or in place of A-levels. A level 3 national diploma is great if you want to continue your education in a particular subject or trade, are looking for a trade apprenticeship, or are looking to gain further education before entering a university. 

A level 3 national diploma or BTEC can be studied with or at the same time as a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSEs) or A levels at school or university. After the completion of a level 3 national diploma, you have the option to go into the workforce or continue to study in a college or university. Whatever path you choose, a level 3 national diploma gives a solid foundation in a variety of subjects as there are over 2,000 BTEC qualifications across 16 sectors [1].

Higher national diploma (HND)

A higher national diploma (HND) is equivalent to two years of a bachelor's degree, as it can be completed in two full years of university study. It is best used if you are looking into a vocation like nursing, counselling, or agriculture. 

A higher national diploma provides you with hands-on skills, knowledge, and certification to work in a specific field. It is often an alternative choice to a bachelor's degree if you are looking to join the workforce in a vocation since it can be completed much faster and often involves a work placement while studying. 

Diploma of higher education (DipHE)

A diploma of higher education (DipHE) is a level 5 qualification like an HND but is focused more on the theoretical knowledge of a subject than an HND. It is also typically completed in two years of university study without the focus of an HND on joining the workforce. A DipHE has similar instruction to a bachelor’s degree but is completed in a shorter timeframe. 

If you need to leave a university early or cannot attend the full three years, a DipHE can be attained in specific subjects if you have completed two years and the proper credits in your field. 

Graduate diploma

A graduate diploma is only achieved in tandem or after receiving a bachelor's degree. This certificate is often used as a bridge if you are thinking of pursuing a master’s degree. It also allows you to study a similar subject and gain further experience to make sure you are ready for graduate school.

Postgraduate diploma

A postgraduate diploma is at the same level as a master’s degree but is completed in less time and with more of a focus on the workforce or hands-on experience. It is often in the same subjects as a master’s degree, however, a thesis or dissertation is not needed. If you are unable to complete a master’s degree but have earned enough credits, you may be able to receive a postgraduate diploma in your field of study. 

This type of diploma can also help you gain the knowledge needed to start a career in a field such as law or social work, give additional certifications for a PhD program, or provide an intro to what a master’s program is like. 

Jobs for people with a diploma (with salaries)

With a diploma, you can pursue many different careers. Here are a few examples:

All annual average salary data is sourced from Glassdoor UK as of March 2024.

• Dental hygienist: £39,100 per year 

• Nurse: £36,729 per year 

• Fitness instructor: £22,582 per year

• Hotel manager: £36,848 per year 

• Carpenter: £36,081 per year 

• Electrical engineer: £39,886 per year 

Next steps

If you’re thinking about a diploma vs. degree, a foundational degree or a higher national diploma is a great place to start. If you have already completed a diploma and are looking to upskill for employers or to prepare for a higher degree, you can find many degrees and Professional Certificates on Coursera that can help you on your learning journey. Get unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs with a Coursera Plus subscription.

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