Both programs are alike. The difference in name/award determines what your previous formation was. If you have studied in and have a diploma or degree in higher education, then you will be given a Postgraduate Diploma. If you are an industry professional and have extensive work experience and are now "developing" your skills "professionally" you will be given a Professional Development Diploma, which indicates that your further education is based on the experience previously accumulated.

In order to graduate from your Diploma level, you need complete 8 modules, which can either be online (6 weeks each) or in form of a residency (1 week intensive). The advantage of residencies are that you are able to meet fellow students face to face, which allows you to exchange your experience even more intensively. In addition to this you might want to finish your course in a block system, which some students prefer, as they take vacation for this.

After having completed the certificate courses successfully, you are eligible to start your 4 elective courses for the Diploma level. You can review a list of the current elective courses here.

Ideally, candidates should have at least 5 years of industry experience in order to start the Diploma courses.