“PG Cert” means graduate school certificate. You can see that it was abbreviated in PgCert, PG Cert, PGC or PgC format. PGCert offers master’s level education in certain areas of medicine and life sciences, but is a short-term graduate award that takes less time for students to complete. April 16, 2026

Is PGCert same as PGCE?

A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) course normally requires one term (around 15 weeks) of full-time study.

Note that the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is slightly different to a standard PGCert. It requires a full year of study, including placements.

Postgraduate Certificates and Postgraduate Diplomas – A Guide

Looking for a shorter postgraduate study option, without a dissertation? A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) could be perfect for you.

These programmes include Masters-level content and are available in a wide range of subjects. However, they are much more flexible and can usually be completed in only one or two terms of study.

Here you can read a detailed guide to PGCert and PGDip programmes, including information on how long they take, what their entry requirements are and who should consider studying one.

What are Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas?

Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas are shorter taught postgraduate courses. They include Masters-level content, but take less time to complete.

Many universities offer PGCert and PGDip qualifications as options within a full Masters programme. This can allow you to complete a specific part of a Masters and still come away with a postgraduate qualification.

Other Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas are more vocational:

• They may be designed as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, providing new skills and training for people in particular jobs.
• Or they may be specific professional training or conversion courses, designed for applicants entering regulated professions such as education or law.

What is a Postgraduate Certificate?

A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) is the shortest commonly available postgraduate qualification. You can earn one after a single term (roughly 15 weeks) of full-time study.

What is a Postgraduate Diploma?

A Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) is a slightly longer postgraduate course. You can earn one after completing two terms (roughly 30 weeks) of full-time study.

This usually means completing everything in a Masters degree except the final dissertation. A PGDip can therefore be a great option if you just want to study taught content at Masters level, without having to complete a research project.

Comparing Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees

PGCert and PGDip qualifications are often available as options within full Masters programmes and are therefore ‘equivalent’ to part of a Masters degree.

The following table makes this clearer: