subject: Difference Between Degree And Diploma Courses [print this page] Both degree and diploma are awards conferred on to a person on the successful completion of an educational course. However, there are several differences between both the terms and cannot be used interchangeably.
The tenure of a degree course can be around 3-4 years based on the geographical location while one can complete a diploma within 1-2 years. A degree is generally conferred to a person by an accredited or recognized university whereas a diploma can be conferred to a person by any private educational or vocational institution or polytechnic.
Also, the focus and aims of both the degree course and diploma course are different. A degree course emphasizes significance on academics. The curriculum is so structured that the person undergoing the course is provided overview of several subjects apart from one subject that the person may interested in exploring further for both career and academic interests. Typically, that one subject is called a major or specialization whereas other subjects are called minors or electives. For instance, if one is interested in pursuing a degree in accounting, the course will involve several other subjects that may come in use for a career in accounting such as mathematics, statistics, business etiquette and commercial law.
The diploma, on the other hand, focuses on getting a person trained and qualified in a particular business or trade. The curriculum, while teaching the minimum required academic and theoretical knowledge, emphasizes more on how to handle on the job situations. Some of them even include a short stint of apprenticeships and on-the job training as part of the diploma course. Taking the same example as mentioned above, pursuing a diploma in accounting may involve training the person on book keeping. The curriculum will not involve subjects like business etiquette or statistics.
Even though, there exist a few similarities between degree and diploma they are dissimilar in a variety of ways.
Degree Courses and Opportunities
Degree courses are offered in varied subjects through different Universities or educational institutions of the country. The same allows students to pursue master studies in the concerned area or to build a career in the related industry.
Diploma Courses and Opportunities
Mostly professional courses are offered at the diploma level. This allows students to get skilled with a vocational degree with in a short time span. After completion of the course, they can go with postgraduate diploma or bachelor degree courses in the respective area of study. Those who are interested in job can seek and apply for a job in the related industry.
Key differences between Degree and Diploma
Degree programs are so structured that the participant is provided with training on several related subjects along with the main subject. Therefore, the candidate has to study the elective subjects along with the main ones. Diploma on the other hand gives much emphasis to the particular trade or subject, which is the main topic of study.
Diploma programs give much emphasis to practical sessions when compared with a degree course. Degree courses often provide equal stress to practical and theoretical sessions.
Degree courses are offered as a longer duration one when compared to that of diploma. The time duration for the former may be 3-4 years where as that of the later may be of 1-2 years.
Diploma courses are mostly offered as professional oriented ones where as degree courses are offered in a variety of subjects.
Those who have completed their degree course can easily get in to masters level degree course where as the same is not possible in case of a diploma holder.
A recognized institution or University confers the degree programs to the aspirant where as diploma courses can also be offered through polytechnics or other private institutions. It can even be awarded even by autonomous institutions.
