Educational Qualifications
ScottsEnglish
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It can be very helpful to know the different types of qualifications given in English-speaking colleges and universities. Here are some of the most common:
A certificate – the first 'level', students get this after completing a short course (usually from 1 week - 3 months)
A diploma – given for a course that is shorter than a degree
A bachelor's degree – given by a university at the end of longer course of study (usually 3-4 years of study)
A postgraduate degree: a student who has already received one degree (usually a bachelor's degree) and is studying at a university for a more advanced degree.
Examples of postgraduate (after graduating with a bachelor's degree):
A graduate diploma - given by a university to someone who has completed specialised studies (takes less time than a master's degree)
A master's degree – given by a university when a student has completed further study beyond a degree (usually 1-2 years).
A doctorate – this is the highest level of study issued by a university.