21 Graduate Diploma Level

Graduate Diploma Level provides extended graduate specialisation within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge, develops or broadens vocational knowledge and skills in a new or existing field of professional study, and develops practical experience in a chosen professional activity.

The focus is an understanding and critical examination of the principles, theories, models and methods in a chosen field, and the ability to apply them to particular tasks or problems.

The usual entry requirement is the completion of a Bachelor Degree, or an Advanced Diploma and demonstrated potential to undertake work at this level. In some circumstances relevant prior work can be recognised, particularly where relevant professional practice has been undertaken.

This category includes Postgraduate Diplomas.

This narrow level comprises the following detailed levels:

211  Graduate Diploma
212  Graduate Qualifying or Preliminary
213  Professional Specialist Qualification at Graduate Diploma Level
214  Statement of Attainment at Graduate Diploma Level
215  Bridging and Enabling Course at Graduate Diploma Level

Graduate Diploma provides extended graduate specialisation within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge, and develops or broadens vocational knowledge and skills in a new or existing field of professional study.

The focus is an understanding and critical examination of the principles, theories, models and methods in a chosen field, and the ability to apply them to particular tasks or problems.

The usual entry requirement is the completion of a Bachelor Degree, or an Advanced Diploma and demonstrated potential to undertake work at this level. In some circumstances relevant prior work can be recognised, particularly where relevant professional practice has been undertaken.

The duration is typically the equivalent of one year of full-time study.

Graduate Qualifying or Preliminary provides a systematic and coherent introduction to a specific body of knowledge, emphasising the underlying principles and concepts.

The focus is an understanding and critical examination of the principles, theories, models and methods in a chosen field, and the ability to apply them to particular tasks or problems.

The usual entry requirement is the completion of a Bachelor Degree, or an Advanced Diploma and demonstrated potential to undertake work at this level. In some circumstances relevant prior work can be recognised, particularly where relevant professional practice has been undertaken.

The duration is typically the equivalent of one year of full-time study.

This category includes Masters Qualifying.

Professional Specialist Qualification at Graduate Diploma Level recognises extensive detailed knowledge and practical experience in the chosen field as recognised by other professionals in that field.

The focus is an understanding and critical examination of the principles, theories, models and methods in a chosen field, and the ability to apply them to particular tasks or problems.

The usual entry requirement is a Bachelor Degree and several years practical experience in the chosen field.

The duration is variable as the requirements may stipulate a particular period of practical experience, but is broadly commensurate with one year of full-time study.

Statement of Attainment at Graduate Diploma Level provides recognition of completion of any coursework components which may contribute towards a qualification at Graduate Diploma Level, and is usually in the form of an academic transcript.

The focus is an understanding and critical examination of the principles, theories, models and methods in a chosen field, and the ability to apply them to particular tasks or problems.

The usual entry requirement is the completion of a Bachelor Degree, or an Advanced Diploma and demonstrated potential to undertake work at this level. In some circumstances relevant prior work can be recognised, particularly where relevant professional practice has been undertaken.

Duration of education at this level may vary.

Bridging and Enabling Course at Graduate Diploma Level provides specific background knowledge to allow further detailed study at a higher level than Graduate Diploma Level for students who do not have the pre-requisite subject matter knowledge or who have not studied for some time.

The focus is an understanding and critical examination of the principles, theories, models and methods in a chosen field, and the ability to apply them to particular tasks or problems.

The usual entry requirement is the completion of a Bachelor Degree, or an Advanced Diploma and demonstrated potential to undertake work at this level. In some circumstances relevant prior work can be recognised, particularly where relevant professional practice has been undertaken.

Duration of education at this level may vary.

This category excludes graduate qualifying or preliminary programmes which are included in 212 Graduate Qualifying or Preliminary.