Psychology is a super important area of study and one with lots of lucrative careers you can follow, but how do you make the most of your education? You’ve got your Bachelor’s degree and are happy in your career path, but what’s next? Further education can be a great way to improve your skillset and put yourself above your peers, hopefully opening plenty of doors for you in the future.
But with more than just one path out there to take, which is the best for you? Today we’re looking at the pros and cons of psychology graduate diplomas vs. Master’s degrees, hopefully helping you decide what’s next for you.
What is a Psychology Graduate Diploma?
A graduate diploma is an advanced qualification designed for those who already hold a relevant undergraduate degree – although this doesn’t necessarily have to be psychology. Graduate diplomas are often considered a stepping stone between Bachelor’s and Master’s, so they can be a great option if you’re looking for a higher education qualification without the time and money constraints Master’s degrees come with.
The length of study will vary depending on your chosen institution, whether you’re completing it online or in person, and if you’re opting for full-time or part-time study. For example, studying for a JCU graduate diploma in psychology takes 20 months to complete as a part-time course, but you might be able to complete it quicker if you choose to study full-time.
What is a Psychology Master’s Degree?
A Master’s degree is much more extensive than a graduate diploma, usually taking two years to complete (although this will be longer if you’re studying part-time). Your degree will delve deeper into theories and applications you’ve already learned about in your undergraduate degree, along with some new concepts that you’ve never touched before!
Masters students will often be given the opportunity to choose an area of study to specialise in, such as clinical psychology, counselling, or forensic psychology. You can use this to hone your knowledge and really apply yourself to what you find most interesting and want to go into in the future.
Pros and Cons of Psychology Graduate Diplomas
Pros
- Shorter study time: Graduate diplomas tend to be shorter than Master’s degrees, letting you earn your qualification quicker so you can start reaping the rewards sooner!
- Lower costs: Most graduate diplomas cost less to obtain than Master’s degrees, in both tuition and living costs thanks to the shorter study time
- More flexibility: Many graduate diploma programs come in part-time and full-time designs, letting you choose how you want to work around family time and work commitments
- Stepping stone to further education: Graduate diplomas are often considered a stepping stone to a Master’s degree if you choose to study one in the future, with the potential to transfer your credits to make further study easier and quicker!
Cons
- A broader range of knowledge: While some people might like the broader range of knowledge, it’s important to note that you won’t get as much specialised knowledge as you would a Master’s degree with a graduate diploma
- Might not meet licensing requirements: Some regions don’t allow you to become a licenced psychologist with a graduate diploma alone, so you might still need to complete a Masters before earning this title
Pros and Cons of Psychology Master’s Degrees
Pros
- More specialisation options: Master’s degrees let you specialise in specific areas of psychology, so you can study only what you find interesting and want to continue looking into in the future
- Meets licencing requirements: A Master’s degree is often a requirement for becoming a licensed psychologist, so with this degree, you can further your career without needing extra qualifications
- Higher salary potential: Having a Master’s degree might look more appealing to employers, giving them a push to offer you a higher salary for your expertise
- Professional recognition: With a Master’s, you can call yourself a Master of Psychology, which is a widely recognised qualification that can improve your professional reputation and hopefully open doors in the future
Cons
- Higher commitment level: A Master’s degree requires lots more commitment than a graduate diploma, including more time and more money, which might not make it suitable for those who have family and work commitments to think about
- Risk of becoming overqualified: While it may sound silly, some employers might believe a Master’s degree makes you too qualified for the role they’re offering, actually limiting the number of job opportunities available to you
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are pros and cons to both graduate diplomas and Master’s degrees! Graduate diplomas are often better suited for people with other commitments that make studying full-time difficult, and they’re shorter and cheaper, too. On the other hand, Master’s degree programs are longer and often tougher, but they come with a wider range of specialisations to choose from and reassurance that they meet licensing requirements. Which you choose will all depend on what you want to do with your qualifications!