Online Postgraduate Certificates

Advance your career and expertise with our flexible online postgraduate certificates, designed to provide specialised knowledge and skills from leading universities.

Advance your career with an online postgraduate certificate

Build specialist knowledge and boost your professional credentials with an online postgraduate certificate (PGCert). Whether you’re looking to upskill, change direction, or take the first step toward a full master’s degree, our online PGCerts offer flexible, focused learning — delivered by top universities around the world.

Why choose an online postgraduate certificate?

Learn flexibly, wherever you are

Online PGCerts are designed for busy professionals. Study part-time, at your own pace, and access course materials when it suits you — so you can learn alongside work or other commitments.

Gain targeted, career-relevant knowledge

A postgraduate certificate allows you to focus on a specific subject area or skillset in as little as six months. Choose from a wide range of topics — from business and education to healthcare, data science, and more — and gain expertise that’s immediately applicable to your career.

A stepping stone to further study

A PGCert can stand alone as a valuable qualification or count toward a full postgraduate diploma or master’s degree. It’s a flexible, low-commitment way to explore a subject before progressing to a longer course.

Build practical skills with a recognised qualification

Through your PGCert studies, you’ll develop key skills that are valued across industries:

Subject-specific expertise

Gain advanced knowledge in your chosen field, underpinned by current research and professional practice.

Critical thinking

Analyse problems, evaluate evidence, and apply your learning to real-world scenarios.

Communication and collaboration

Strengthen your ability to present ideas clearly and work effectively with others — vital for leadership and teamwork.

Academic and professional development

Learn research skills, academic writing, and reflective practice to support both further study and professional growth.

FAQs

A postgraduate certificate (PGCert) is a short, focused academic qualification at the master’s level. It typically involves completing part of a full master’s degree and can be used to gain specialist knowledge, develop professional skills, or prepare for further postgraduate study.

Duration will vary by programme and institution, but most online PGCerts take between 3 and 12 months to complete, depending on the subject, university, and your pace of study.

Tuition fees vary by programme and institution. However, PGCerts are generally more affordable than full master’s degrees. With FutureLearn, you can access online postgraduate certificates from globally recognised universities at a competitive cost.

Want help choosing the right degree?

Complete this form and we’ll share guides, insights, and top courses to help make your degree journey that much clearer.

Playful geometric illustration of a graduate in cap and gown leaping with a diploma, surrounded by flying mortarboards and confetti, in vibrant purple, pink, and orange gradients.