Choosing Between A Management Degree And Diploma

By Author: Samuel Barrett
Total Articles: 25
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A degree typically takes longer to acquire than a diploma. Moreover, it provides a broad overview apart from the subject of specialisation. Diplomas are more focussed on teaching students the skills for handling job situations, and may even include on-the-job training and apprenticeships.

Many young people start working early in life. These professionals are well advised to complement their work experience with diploma or degree courses that improve their skills and build up their resumes.

Both a degree and diploma are academic qualifications that you can acquire after the successful completion of your educational course. However, there are several differentiating factors:

* You can complete a degree course in up to five years. However, a diploma can be earned in less time.

* A degree has an academic focus and its purview encompasses a broad range of topics apart from the subject you want to specialise in. This means that while pursuing a degree you will have broader education.

* A diploma focuses on imparting specific knowledge or skills and trains you in a particular trade or business, while ...
... a degree ensures that you may pursue a Master’s programme in future. With a diploma you won’t be able to study a PG degree.

* Degree programmes are available for the academic pursuit of every conceivable subject, while diplomas are offered for more professional genres like management, hospitality, nursing, mass communication etc.

* You are generally granted a degree by an accredited university while diplomas can be given by polytechnics or any private vocational and educational institution.

A degree has a structured curriculum that provides an overview of several related topics to a subject of specialisation, thus preparing a student for a broader understanding in a wider context. For example, a person studying Human Resource Management will also be introduced to accounting, marketing, managerial economics, business strategy and other such subjects. If that person chooses to do a diploma in Human Resource Management instead, they will be taught focussing on that particular subject.

This is not to say that the curriculum in a diploma does not provide the minimum theoretical knowledge and academic exposure required; it definitely does. However since the time duration of a diploma is typically much shorter than a degree, it narrows down the range of skills you learn. Diplomas are more focussed on teaching students the know-how for handling job situations. Some can even include on-the-job training and apprenticeships.

In the corporate world, opinion is divided about the weight given to a degree vis-à-vis a diploma. Recruiting managers are now keen to hire the right man/woman for the right job. This can mean that a candidate’s individual personality, skills, experience and track record can outshine any qualifications on paper. It is important to make your own judgement about your specific needs when it comes to choosing between a degree and a diploma.

If the job you are aspiring for specifies a degree as a basic requirement then naturally your decision is clear. However, if you are already doing well in your career but are looking to acquire additional skills or a formal qualification, then a diploma can be your choice. For busy working professionals distance learning university education is the most practical option. There will be different scenarios in different peoples’ lives. Keeping the parameters outlined earlier in mind, you can make an informed decision.

The author of this article recommends Stafford, a renowned promoter of higher education in the Middle East. Stafford has collaborated with top universities in the UK to provide distance learning courses like certificates, doctorates, online MBA, master's degrees and diploma courses in Dubai and many other cities.