How to differentiate a master from a postgraduate

After studying a career, it is easy to ask yourself if it is worth studying later and what kind of studies are best for you . There are two categories that you have probably heard before: masters and postgraduates or postgraduates (it is correct in both ways). Sometimes the difference between them is not very clear, because they are used indiscriminately, leading to confusion. The truth is that they are not the same, each one has its characteristics. Knowing them will help you to select and better classify your options at the time of choosing. For example, you can compare if a short and expensive postgraduate course compensates you more than a cheap master's degree but that allows you to do a doctorate later.

Steps to follow:

one

More than anything the confusion occurs in the word "postgraduate", which according to the context designates two completely different concepts. Speaking in general, the postgraduate studies encompass any type of training that takes place after the degree . Recall that the degrees are equivalent to the old diplomas and degrees. Well, any degree that requires completing a degree in whole or in part is considered postgraduate training, in a broad sense. But then there are graduate degrees, which we define better in step 3.

two

Masters and postgraduate degrees differ fundamentally in two things: their duration and the degree obtained at the end of studies . Thus, the master's degree is usually more prestigious because the degree is above the graduate degree, it requires more time ( they take more subjects or are longer). A master's degree gives the master's degree, superior to the former graduates, to new graduates and to postgraduate degrees, as we have said. To obtain a master's degree it is essential to have previously obtained a degree or equivalent. Some master's programs admit experienced professionals without a university degree, but these are not awarded the master's degree but a certificate of use. For this reason, they tend to be more expensive than postgraduate programs. At the same time, they are the safest way to pursue a PhD .

3

The graduate degree is a specific type of postgraduate training . Sometimes they are also called "university expert" courses. Like the master's degree, they also require a university degree (undergraduate, bachelor or diploma), but in practice it is less difficult to access a postgraduate degree than a master's degree, provided that sufficient experience and competences can be accredited. shorter than a master's degree. They consist of a minimum of 15 credits (150 teaching hours) and rarely extend beyond a course. Many postgraduate courses can be complemented with others so that, by studying two different but related majors, you can obtain a master's degree. It is a very interesting option, since this way you get a maximum return to the training: after a few months or a year of studies we have guaranteed a postgraduate degree. If we like it and decide to continue, the time we have dedicated will be amortized by converting our graduate degree into a master's degree. Find out at the university that gives them to be that you have this possibility.

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