Graduate Diploma level 7

[victoria24]

I dont really understand all this degree type gubbins so what does Graduate Diploma level 7 mean?
Upon completion, would I have a masters or a bachelor degree or neither?
I'm sure some of you here have more brains than me!

[Carey]

One would do this when you already have a first degree whether it be a BSc (Bachelor of Science) or a BA ( Bachelor of Arts) then another year of study at post-graduate level here in NZ is called a Graduate Diploma eg a teacher training course (called PGCE - Post Graduate certificate of Education - in the UK).

Hope that helps?

[Kanga]

A graduate diploma/ certificate is different to a post-graduate diploma or certificate though Carey as the former is awarded from papers taken at undergraduate level, whilst the latter is, well, post-graduate. You usually do the former if you want a second subject specialism but already have a degree and the latter if you want to extend your studies in the area you took your degree in. For example I'm studying a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) but intend on spending another year doing a graduate diploma, which will effectively give me a double major.

I think! If in doubt, contact the uni.

[sophiedb]

Yes, I'm looking at a grad dip too. It's essentially a stand-alone final year of a normal bachelors degree - though if it's a bit far out of your original degree's comfort zone you'd probably have to supplement with some 1st and 2nd year modules too.

A postgrad dip is like the first stage of a masters.

[victoria24]

still confused... i may be doing it standalone with no pre requisite papers and no current degree. it is 4 years extra murally or 2 years full time..

[sophiedb]

Fair enough - I have heard of that, usually if you have experience in something related to the subject???

[victoria24]

yep, I do have experience and so they waive the pre requisites. so do I end up with a degree?

[Kanga]

Well, you'll need to ask the university that!! Entirely depends upon whether they are corss crediting prior, what the course entails etc. If you don't have a first degree and you're not 'building on top' of an existing one then I doubt you'll exit with a degree after two years but really noone on here can tell you an absolute answer.

[sophiedb]

What Kanga said, though if any potential employer said "gead dip? what's that?!" you could probably say that it's equivalent to a degree... I'd check with the uni though