Why study a diploma?

by StudyMalaysia on December 27, 2016 | Top Stories

You might not think that a diploma is your cup of tea but a diploma qualification can open up many more doors and opportunities than you think! Diplomas cost less, take a shorter time to complete and give you flexible learning options.

As an alternative to taking the pre-university pathway, you can apply for a diploma programme after you've completed your O-Level/SPM/IGCSE.

Diploma programmes usually take 2 years to complete, with some requiring 2.5 to 3 years. The programme is generally regarded as less academic in approach compared to a degree. A typical diploma curriculum may contain 60% academic and 40% practical or course assignment.

The entry requirement for a diploma is a recognised certificate (MQF Level 3) or a pass in O-Level/SPM/ICGSE with 3 credits.

There are many reasons to choose diploma over bachelor’s degree. Some of them are:

1. The entry requirements are less rigid

The general entry requirements for a diploma is a pass with three credits in SPM (with the exception of a nursing diploma which requires five credits). Some diplomas may have additional requirements – do check with the college you’re interested in.

2. Diplomas cost less

Let’s face it. Not everyone has the means to fork out funds for a bachelor’s degree. To acquire a bachelor’s degree, the pathway after SPM involves a pre-u qualification for 1 to 1.5 years of study (50 credits) followed by 3-4 years of bachelor degree study (120 credits). In comparison, a diploma takes 2 to 2.5 years (min 90 credits) right after SPM.

Diplomas cost way less than what a degree programme would – the course fees for a diploma programme ranges from RM20,000 – 40,000, with many courses falling in the range of RM25,000 – 35,000.

3. Diplomas make you ready for the job market

Unlike pre-university programmes that focus more on rigorous academic study, diploma programmes are designed to equip students with the necessary skills required to meet the job requirements in a particular industry. The curriculum often includes lots of hands-on work that allows you to practise these skills. You’ll be able to enter the workforce within your target industry right after you graduate.

4. You'll love it if you like practical work

As mentioned in the previous point, a diploma prepares you with the specific skills that you need in a target industry. Whether you choose graphic design, culinary arts, automotive technology or medical imaging, you would have completed plenty of practical training in the core area of your study by the time you graduate.

If you like more hands-on work and practical experience, you’ll enjoy the curriculum of a diploma course which is usually 60% academic and 40% practical.

5. You complete your studies sooner

If you choose the pre-U route after SPM followed by a bachelor’s degree, you’d take about 5-6 years to graduate. In contrast, a diploma generally takes 3 years, allowing you to enter the job market and begin earning sooner.

6. Your learning options are flexible

There’s probably no other study route that offers the flexibility of a diploma. Here are some awesome advantages:

First, unlike pre-U courses and degrees, diplomas don’t necessarily follow a rigid academic calendar. That means that intakes are open several times a year. If you miss an intake, you won’t have to wait too long for the next one.

Second, diploma programmes are offered in different study modes like distance learning, part-time, and full-time. That means that diplomas are not just for conventional students. You can choose to work and study, and you might have the chance to build up your contacts in the working world through your fellow classmates.

Third, when you come to the point where you feel you need to further your studies to improve your career opportunities, you’d be glad to know that many diplomas offer advanced standing status with many overseas universities that lead to a bachelor’s degree. Here’s your chance to earn a foreign degree at a much lower cost.

Here are some examples of diploma courses offered at private higher educational institutions in Malaysia.

Search for hundreds more diploma courses here.

Source:

• Study in Malaysia Handbook, 10th edition

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