What award level is best for you?
If you are considering postgraduate study but are unsure as to what each of the award levels mean and which is best for you, we are here to help
Ulster University offers a range of postgraduate study options that enable you to gradually build your qualifications and develop your knowledge and skills, quickly and affordably.
Many of our postgraduate programmes have been designed so, you can work towards a final Masters’ level qualification whilst gaining CV building qualifications like Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas. You can also build your skills and expertise through short courses.
Many of our programmes are offered part-time and online, giving you the flexibility of fitting study around your busy home and work life.
If we haven't provided you with all the information you need within our video and below, do not hesitate to contact us.
What is a Module and how can this help me gain the skills I need?
Modules are the building blocks of our courses. Each module is designed so you can acquire a package of skills and knowledge within a single module. Many of our modules and courses offer the additional benefit of being accredited by leading industry bodies and organisations.
Each module has a corresponding number of credit points which reflects the level of expertise attained and are used to calculate the cost of each course. You may want to progress to a greater level of award, and you can do this by combining the required modules for higher- level qualifications all the way up to Masters’ level.
Some courses have more than one award available. This means that you can choose the award level that best meets your needs. Your credit points will build towards an award or qualification and once achieved, you can move onto the next award level following the successful completion of further study.
Each course is designed to meet the needs of the industry or sector. To achieve the award level, you need to successfully attain the number of credit points required. For example, a Masters programme may require four modules of 30 credit points and a dissertation of 60 credit points for a total of 180 credit points.
Short Course Option
Undertaking a short course may be your best option if you decide a single module provides you with the skills you need or you want a postgraduate taster.
Many of our courses are recognised by professional bodies and meet industry needs for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Short courses have various starting points throughout the year.
We design our courses so that you can build your qualifications over-time. Your employees can complete a short course or module and then return to study additional modules to gain their Postgraduate Certificate, ideally within a five-year timeframe.
Consider a Postgraduate Certificate of Professional Development
In consultation with employers and industry, we have developed a number of courses to deliver a discrete set of skills, but which do not build towards a higher-level award like a Masters.
If choosing this path, the credit points cannot contribute to a Postgraduate Diploma or Masters.
Build your specialist skills with a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip)
A Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate Diploma provides you with the discrete skills and expertise you need whilst providing your employee with a valuable and widely recognized award, and for some courses, the expertise needed for accreditations.
The Postgraduate Certificate and the Postgraduate Diploma reflect a combination of modules (skills), with the Postgraduate Certificate as the entry award level building towards Masters-level education.
If you are interested in pursuing a Masters qualification but are not sure if you can commit to a full Masters when enrolling, a Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate Diploma might be the best option for you. You can understand what it is like to study at postgraduate level whilst gaining skills and CV-differentiating qualifications as you work towards a Masters.
If you are not sure which award level or combination of modules will best meet your needs, do not hesitate to contact us.
PHD - A Doctoral Research Degree
A PhD is research leading to a Doctorate. The degree normally takes between three and four years of full-time work, allowing you to make an original contribution to your chosen subject.
Ulster University has a range of PhD opportunities available for Doctoral candidates.
Engage with us to help you find the option that best meets your needs
If you’re not sure what is the best option available to you, do not hesitate to contact us. We can discuss your personal goals and circumstances and match you to the best course available. We can also put you in touch with the course director who can provide you with more details about the course content and how it can benefit your career.
We look forward to talking with you, contact us.