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Difference Between Postgraduate and Masters

Dr. Karan GuptaDecember 28, 2025
Difference Between Postgraduate and Mast...
Dr. Karan Gupta
Expert InsightbyDr. Karan Gupta

Dr. Karan Gupta is a Harvard Business School alumnus and career counsellor with 27+ years of experience and 160,000+ students guided. His insights on general come from decades of hands-on experience helping students achieve their goals.

What is a Master’s Degree?

  • Definition and academic level
  • Types (MA, MSc, MBA, MEng, etc.)
  • Duration and structure
  • Admission requirements
  • Benefits of pursuing a master’s degree

What is a Postgraduate Diploma?

  • Definition and academic scope
  • Common fields offering PG Diplomas
  • Duration and structure
  • Admission criteria
  • Benefits of a PG Diploma (cost, time efficiency, skill focus)

Difference Between PG Diploma and Master's

Feature PG Diploma Masters
Duration 1 year (in most cases) 1–2 years
Qualification Level Postgraduate certificate

Full academic degree

Focus Practical and skill-based learning

Research and theory-based learning

Career Opportunities Mid-level roles

Advanced roles, research, teaching

Cost Generally more affordable More expensive
Thesis/Dissertation Usually not required Often required

Popular Master’s and PG Diploma Degrees

Master’s Degree PG Diploma

MBA (Master of Business Admin.)

PGDM (Postgraduate Diploma in Mgmt.)

MSc in Data Science

PG Diploma in Data Analytics

MA in Psychology

PG Diploma in Counseling Psychology

MEng in Mechanical

PG Diploma in Industrial Engineering

Master in Computer Science

PG Diploma in IT Management

Top Universities for Postgraduate for Indian Students

University Avg. Fees (INR)
University of Toronto ₹12–15 Lakhs per year
University of Melbourne ₹11–14 Lakhs per year

London School of Economics (LSE)

₹13–16 Lakhs per year

University of British Columbia

₹10–13 Lakhs per year

National University of Singapore

₹9–12 Lakhs per year

Top Universities for Masters for Indian Students

University Avg. Fees (INR)

Massachusetts Institute of Tech (MIT)

₹30–40 Lakhs per year
Stanford University ₹28–35 Lakhs per year
University of Oxford ₹25–30 Lakhs per year
ETH Zurich ₹10–12 Lakhs per year
University of Cambridge ₹27–32 Lakhs per year

Jobs After Pursuing Postgraduation

Job Role Avg. Annual Income (INR)
Marketing Executive ₹3.5 – 6 Lakhs
HR Coordinator ₹3 – 5 Lakhs
Junior Data Analyst ₹4 – 6 Lakhs
Assistant Manager ₹5 – 8 Lakhs
Project Coordinator ₹4 – 7 Lakhs

 

Jobs After Pursuing Masters

Job Role Avg. Annual Income (INR)
Data Scientist ₹10 – 20 Lakhs
Software Developer (Senior) ₹8 – 15 Lakhs
Business Analyst ₹7 – 12 Lakhs
Financial Analyst ₹6 – 10 Lakhs
University Lecturer ₹5 – 9 Lakhs

 

Why Choose Karan Gupta Consulting?

  • 27+ years of expertise in overseas education consulting
  • 160,000+ students successfully counselled
  • Personal guidance from Dr. Karan Gupta, Harvard Business School alumnus
  • Licensed MBTI® and Strong® career assessment practitioner
  • End-to-end support from career clarity to visa approval
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Dr. Karan Gupta

Dr. Karan Gupta

Harvard Alumnus | Career Counsellor

With 27+ years of experience, Dr. Karan Gupta has helped 160,000+ students achieve their study abroad dreams at top universities worldwide.

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