Undergraduates may often feel confused by the qualification options available for higher education. Higher certificates, diplomas, and degrees are just some of the undergraduate courses in South Africa. How do you know which one to choose?
Some may assume that these qualifications are all much the same as far as career growth is concerned.
While it is true that any of these academic qualifications will help your career, a few differences make each one unique to your overall goals, previous experience or education, and chosen career path.
Someone choosing a qualification in marketing may have different goals than someone aiming for an MBA, for instance.
Knowing the differences (and applications) for each type of course can help you choose the right path for your career.
How Do Higher Certificates Work?
Higher certificates are obtained over one year. Often, this is a skills-based qualification, which means a lot of focus is put into applying skills. The focus is on achieving the necessary skills to perform within the chosen field, and the qualification is typically industry-orientated.
You will receive a basic introduction and practical techniques to help you gain entry into your chosen field.
This type of course can be completed with minimal requirements, which may include matric exemption or equivalent. It could consist of courses such as a Higher Certificate in Islamic Finance & Banking or a Higher Certificate in Marketing Management.
How Do Diplomas Work?
Diplomas are obtained over three years. This qualification is similar to a degree, but it often focuses on career-centric or vocational training with extensive practical experience.
Typically, in-depth and specialisation of skills is included along with practical work experience. Entry requirements often include matric with an exemption or an equivalent. Diplomas could consist of courses such as a Diploma in Financial Management.
How Do Degrees Work?
Degrees take three or more years to complete. Bachelor’s degrees are obtained at the undergrad level, while honours and master’s degrees are obtained at the postgrad level.
Critical thinking is balanced with practical application, and courses often give a rounded overview. In some fields, a BA is essential to pursue further qualifications.
For example, students wanting to complete an honours or master’s degree must first complete a bachelor’s degree. Some examples of degree courses in South Africa include the Bachelor of Administration and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom).
Which is better, a higher certificate, diploma, or degree?
Choosing between a higher certificate, diploma, or degree comes down to several factors, including:
- Time commitment: Consider how much time you have to complete your studies. While higher certificates typically take a year to complete, diplomas take 2-3 years, and degrees take 3-4 years.
- Financial resources: Certificates are the most inexpensive option because they are faster to study and require fewer credits, while degrees are the most expensive because of their longer duration and higher tuition costs. That said, scholarships, bursaries, and student loans can help manage the costs.
- Career goals: Higher certificates are entry-level qualifications that are great if you want to enter the job market quickly or want to further your education at a later time. Diploma programmes are suitable for more specialised roles since they provide you with practical skills in industries such as IT, engineering, business, and design. Lastly, degrees are required for people wanting to enter more advanced careers, such as management.
Choosing which qualification is suitable for you depends on what you plan to do with your qualification. If you want to enter the marketing field, you may find that a higher certificate gives you the right start to begin your career.
A relevant degree will likely be your best choice if you have chosen a field such as accounting or business administration. The best way to decide is to do your research when choosing a career so that you know what potential employers require.
Are you interested in learning more about undergraduate courses at REGENT Business School? Contact us today with any questions, and we will do our best to assist you.
FAQ
Is it better to have a degree or diploma?
Generally, degrees are considered the “better” option when choosing between a diploma and a degree. This is because a degree offers more career opportunities and allows you to attain higher-level positions.
That said, it may also depend on industry demands. While some industries may prefer a degree, others may want you to have a diploma—especially in technical and vocational fields.
What comes after a higher certificate?
After completing a higher certificate, you have several options for further studies, such as studying for a diploma or degree. Alternatively, you can enter the job market by finding an entry-level career.
You can even consider doing both by pursuing studies through distance learning while you have a full-time job.
Can a diploma become a degree?
A diploma cannot be converted into a degree, but it can serve as a pathway to pursue one through further studies.
Depending on the college and programme, you may be able to use your diploma to gain credits towards a bachelor’s degree. Consult your university to hear about the possibilities.
Pursue higher education with REGENT
Pursuing tertiary education can be overwhelming, especially with all the available programmes.
This can cause a lot of overwhelm and confusion. But now that you understand the critical differences between higher certificates, diplomas, and degrees, you can make a more informed decision.
Before choosing your course, consider your time commitment, financial resources, career goals, and industry demands.
Have a look at REGENT’s undergraduate programmes here.
