Is a communications diploma worth it

Is a Communications Diploma Worth It? 

Is a Communications Diploma Worth It? 

Studying for a degree or diploma is a big life event, and it’s often exciting to plan for your future by looking for potential courses! One of the most applicable subjects you can study these days is communications, thanks to its applicable skills that can be used in almost all industries. It’s a great option for those of us who aren’t completely sure of what career we want to pursue yet, but what about a diploma? Is studying a diploma of communication worth your time? Keep reading to find out!

What’s the Difference Between a Degree and a Diploma?

What’s the difference between a degree and a diploma

A diploma is a lower qualification than a bachelor’s degree on the Australian Qualification Framework, and it takes a shorter time to complete thanks to the lighter course load. Most diplomas, including communications, can be completed within 12 months if you study at a full-term pace. Comparatively, degrees can take between three and four years to complete. Unsurprisingly, this means that diplomas also cost less in tuition fees because you’ll be studying for a shorter period of time.

The entry requirements for a communications diploma will also often be lower than those for a degree, as most diplomas allow you to join the course with a secondary school certificate or an ATAR of 60 (on average). This is great news for people who might not have got the grades they were hoping for in senior secondary school, as you can earn your diploma first before applying for a degree afterwards.

With that being said, it’s not always necessary to get a degree after the diploma, as many workplaces accept this as a qualification in its own right. Some careers require a diploma just for you to get your foot in the door before beginning internal training to progress within the company.

What Can You Do With a Communications Diploma?

Communications is one of those degrees that seems to help in every field imaginable, so it’s a great diploma to have alongside a degree in your specialist field if you’re applying for a job that requires a lot of face-to-face time with clients and coworkers. However, you can use a communications diploma on its own, too. There are plenty of jobs looking for this type of qualification, and communications graduates are in demand more now than ever before! Let’s look at some of the things you can do with this diploma.

1. Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing

Social media marketing is one of the most up-and-coming jobs of today because almost every company wants to get their name out there on the biggest platforms. In this job you’ll be running social media accounts, developing strategy, and planning digital campaigns. Most social media marketers have a degree in communications, but a diploma can get your foot in the door, too.

2. Public Relations

A public relations specialist is in charge of getting messages between organisations and the general public, so communications is an essential qualification to have. You’ll need to be able to write press releases, speak to media personalities, and be able to solve problems in crisis situations.

3. Advertising

Marketing is the backbone of business success, so their marketing team needs to be excellent at getting their name out there. A communications diploma will go a long way in helping with this, but another qualification specific to marketing might also help you be able to complete the job to its fullest potential.

4. Human Resources

Human resources

Human resources require an excellent level of communication from its workers, so you might be qualified for a human resource job if you are up to the challenge of recruiting and hiring new employees, training, and moderating conflict among workers. Your communications diploma will help with understanding verbal and non-verbal cues from workers, making sure they’re heard and understood.

Are Graduate Diplomas in Demand?

Yes, if you have a qualification in communications you’ll be in demand because communications gives you a range of skills that you can use in almost any setting. The Australian Government have some statistics that indicate how in-demand you might be if you have a communications diploma, including:

  • Marketing, social media, branding, and advertising are all currently going through an 11.4% job growth
  • Employers are more likely to hire people with excellent communication skills, as well as speaking and writing skills, and presentation skills
  • Multimedia specialists are estimated to see a 13.7% increase in jobs over the next three years

Final Thoughts

Long story short, yes, communication diplomas are worth it if you want a qualification that can help you in a range of job industries and that can be applied in everyday life. They’re particularly useful in jobs such as social media marketing, public relations, and advertising, but most graduates with a communications qualification are often in demand by employers from all industries.

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Christy Bella
Christy Bella
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