Graduate Certificate vs Graduate Diploma vs Masters: What's the Difference?

Graduate Certificate vs Graduate Diploma vs Masters: What's the Difference?

Graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters? Compare your options to find the postgraduate qualification that fits your goals.

If you're considering postgraduate study, you've probably come across three common qualification types: graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and masters degrees. All three are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Graduate certificates and graduate diplomas sit at AQF level 8, while master’s degrees sit at AQF level 9. However, they differ in their length, depth of study and the opportunities they can lead to.

Graduate certificates

A short postgraduate course designed for fast upskilling in a specific area, typically taking six months of full-time study.

Graduate diplomas

In one year of full-time study, a graduate diploma provides advanced knowledge and skills in a specific field, offering deeper study than a graduate certificate but less than a masters degree.

Masters degrees

In one year of full-time study, a graduate diploma provides advanced knowledge and skills in a specific field, offering deeper study than a graduate certificate but less than a masters degree.

Graduate certificates

A graduate certificate is a fast way to build postgraduate-level knowledge and skills in a specific field. It can be completed in as little as six months of full-time study, making it a practical choice for professionals who want to upskill without committing to a full degree.

Graduate certificates can help you advance your career, specialise within your industry or develop skills in a new field. It is a flexible type of study, allowing you to balance your studies with work and family commitments.

Why study a graduate ceriticate

Upskill quickly

Complete your qualification in as little as six months, making it easier to balance study with work and other commitments.

Build your skills & confidence

Develop targeted knowledge that complements your existing qualifications and strengthens your professional practice.

Specialise in your field

Focus on a specific area of interest without committing to the broader scope of a full degree.

Career pivot

Gain skills outside your current industry and take the first step towards new roles and opportunities.

Explore graduate certificates

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Postgraduate study

Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 6 months, Part-time 1 year
Postgraduate study

Graduate Certificate in Commerce

  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 6 months, Part-time 1 year
Postgraduate study

Graduate Certificate in Marketing

  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 6 months, Part-time 1 year
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Graduate diplomas

A graduate diploma builds on the foundation of a graduate certificate, offering broader and deeper postgraduate study. With additional time and the option to choose elective units, it gives you more scope to explore your interests and develop specialised knowledge and skills.

A graduate diploma could be a good choice if you want to broaden your career options, move into a new specialisation or prepare for further study. It’s suited to people who want more depth than a graduate certificate offers but aren’t ready to commit to a masters degree.

Why study a graduate diploma

In-depth upskilling

Develop deeper and more wide-ranging knowledge through more units than a graduate certificate.

Choose subjects that suit you

Build on your core subjects with elective units that align with your interests, career goals or professional direction.

Expand your career options

Gain skills that can help you move into a new specialisation, take on more responsibility or explore different roles.

Prepare for further study

Use the graduate diploma as a pathway to a masters degree, while building your confidence in postgraduate study.

Explore graduate diplomas

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Postgraduate studyCommunication and writing

Graduate Diploma in Journalism

  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
Postgraduate studyManagement and leadership, Business and administration, Project management, Construction management

Graduate Diploma in Project Management

  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year, Part-time 2 years
Postgraduate studyCommunication and writing

Graduate Diploma of Writing and Publishing

  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year, Part-time 2 years
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Compare: Graduate certificate and Graduate Diploma

The main difference between a graduate certificate and a graduate diploma

While both qualifications sit at the same AQF level 8, a graduate diploma covers twice the coursework of a graduate certificate over twice the time, giving you a more comprehensive grounding in your chosen area.

Which qualification is better?

It depends on what you're looking for. A graduate diploma is more in-depth and gives you the flexibility to study electives alongside your core subjects. A graduate certificate is shorter and more focused, making it the better choice if your priority is upskilling quickly in a specific area rather than exploring a broader range of topics.

Masters degrees

A masters degree is the most comprehensive of the three qualifications, typically taking around 2 years of full-time study. It offers in-depth learning in a specialised area and may include practical learning, research or a major project.

A masters degree is suited to people who want to deepen their expertise, progress into senior or specialised roles, or change career direction. It can also provide a pathway to further study, including a doctoral degree, depending on the course and entry requirements.

Why study a masters degree

Develop advanced expertise

Build in-depth knowledge and high level skills in your chosen field.

Advance your career

Strengthen your professional capabilities and prepare for senior or leadership roles.

Access specialised opportunities

Gain the qualifications required for specialist or regulated roles in your industry.

Create new career pathways

Change direction, expand your professional options or prepare for further study, including a doctoral degree.

Types of masters degrees

There are two main types of masters degrees: masters by coursework, which focuses on structured learning and practical application, and masters by research, which centres on independent research and can lead to different career pathways.

Masters by coursework

Structured units, often finishing with a capstone or industry project. Typically 1.5-2 years, offered in-person or online, and open to those with a bachelor’s degree. Best if you want practical, job-ready skills within a set timeframe.

Masters by research

Focused on an independent research thesis in a specific field. Typically 1.5-2 years, self-directed or in-person, and usually requires a bachelor’s degree with honours. Suited to building specialist expertise, or as a pathway into a PhD. 

Explore masters degrees

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Postgraduate studyManagement and leadership, Business and administration, Business information systems and technology

Executive Master of Business Administration

  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1.5 years, or part-time equivalent
Postgraduate studyData analytics, Applied science

Master of Analytics

  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years
Postgraduate studyEconomics, Commerce, Blockchain, Data analytics, Management and leadership, Business and administration, Supply chain and logistics, Business information systems and technology

Master of Commerce

  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years, or part-time equivalent, Reduced duration available

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Research degreeEnvironmental and sustainable engineering

Master of Engineering (Environmental Engineering)

  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City, Bundoora
  • duration Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years
Research degreeFine and visual art

Master of Fine Art

  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years
Research degreeMedical sciences, Applied science

Master of Science (Medical Science)

  • learning mode On campus
  • location Bundoora
  • duration Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years
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Fees

Your fees will be based on the number of credit points you are enroled in for your degree, and the fee-per-credit-point for that course in the current year.

Most, but not all, degrees at RMIT have a standard annual full-time load of 96 credit points, so you can estimate your expected tuition fee for the year by multiplying the fee-per-credit-point by 96.

Fee per credit point x credits per year = annual  fee

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process by which the skills, knowledge and experience you’ve accumulated prior to your current course are formally recognised. It’s a great way to graduate faster and save on the cost of your degree, without doubling up on course material that you already know.

If you have completed a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, you may be eligible for RPL on your masters.

Compare your postgraduate study options

Consideration factor

Graduate certificate

Graduate diploma

Masters

Time
  • 6 months (4 subjects)
  • 12 months (8 subjects)
  • 2 years (16 subjects)

Estimated annual fees (varies by course)
  • Fee per credit point x credits per year = annual fee
    +
  • SSAF
  • Fee per credit point x credits per year = annual fee
    +
  • SSAF
  • Fee per credit point x credits per year = annual fee
    +
  • SSAF

Purpose
  • Fast upskilling in a specific area
  • Broader postgraduate study with choice of elective units
  • In-depth specialisation or career change 

Career outcomes
  • Strengthens and builds on existing expertise quickly
  • Builds a more rounded postgraduate skill set assisting with employability and career advancement
  • Opens opportunities for specialised or leadership roles, and can achieve requirements for regulated professions

Entry requirements
  • Relevant bachelor degree or equivalent industry experience.
  • Relevant bachelor degree or equivalent industry experience.
  • Relevant bachelor degree; some degrees require honours or work experience.
  • A related graduate certificate/diploma can help gain entry into a masters degree.

How to choose the right qualification

Consider your career goals, the time you can commit to study and the financial investment that suits your circumstances.

  • Choose a graduate certificate: if you want to upskill quickly in a specific area. It’s the shortest and most focused option, with courses that can be completed in as little as six months.
  • Choose a graduate diploma: if you want to develop broader knowledge and explore subjects beyond the core units. It offers the flexibility of electives and can typically be completed in one year.
  • Choose a masters degree: if you want to develop advanced expertise, move into a new career or prepare for senior roles. It requires a longer study commitment, typically one to two years full time.

Next steps

Whether you’re returning to study or continuing on from your undergraduate degree, explore RMIT's graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and masters degrees to find the postgraduate study option that fits your goals.

Have more questions?

Our friendly staff at Study@RMIT are available five days a week to assist you.

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