PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management)

A Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM course) is designed with the aim of providing specific topic-based knowledge and understanding either in broad management or in a particular aspect. PGDM courses are gaining recognition across the globe for their industry-focused curriculum providing both career starters as well as professionals a fast track route to enter senior levels in management. For a prospective applicant, choosing between a PGDM vs MBA is a difficult decision to make, especially when taking into account the vibrant career aspects and similar course structure in both programs. In this article, we will emphasise on the details of a PGDM Course, the institutions offering it as well as the application process.

About PGDM Course

What differentiates a PGDM course from the traditional MBA programs is the fact that it provides quality management-related knowledge in a specific and condensed curriculum. Typically running up to a period of six months to two years, depending on the location and nature of the programs, it focuses on breaking down the related aspects of management, i.e, Finance, Human Resources, Accounting, amongst others. As an example, a PGDM course with a concentration in Finance aims to provide a sound understanding of management from the lens of financial tools such as investment, capital etc. In addition to this, students have the option to choose from a range of electives on offer so as to gain a multidimensional overview.

Subjects Covered in PGDM Course

As discussed, a typical PGDM course is divided into several concentrations and electives, from which students are free to choose from. The concentrations provide a track for students to work towards during the course of the program and electives serves as a way to diversify the knowledge gained. While the subjects covered in a typical PGDM course vary according to the concentrations and electives but some of the major ones include:

• Business Development
• International Business
• Management & Leadership
• Entrepreneurship
• Project Management
• Strategy
• Marketing
• HR Development
• Financial Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Organisational Behaviour
• E-Commerce
• Advertising & Public Relations

Also Read: Diploma in Banking and Finance

Popular Specializations in PGDM Course

• PGDM in Information Technology
• PGDM in International Business
• PGDM in Sales and Marketing
• PGDM in Supply Chain Management
• PGDM in Business Analytics
• PGDM in Human Resource Management
• PGDM in Hospitality Management

Check Out: PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada

Eligibility Criteria

In order to gain admission into a PGDM course in various parts of the world, you are required to fulfil certain eligibility conditions as well as submit relevant materials for evaluation of candidature. Here is a list of certain eligibility criteria:

• Candidates need to possess a prior undergraduate degree in any field.
• 1-2 years of work experience (University specific).
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) 
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs) 
• If the candidates plan to pursue PGDM from abroad, they need to submit GMAT scores along with english language proficiency scores such as IELTS/TOEFL, etc.
• Official academic transcripts

Note: It is advised that students peruse specific eligibility and application criteria before applying.

Also Read: PGDM in Canada

Top Universities Offering PGDM Courses

With the increased number of students preferring to go for specialised routes and into top-level executive roles, PGDM course forms a staple portion of course offerings at institutions across the globe, for instance, USA, Canada or UK. To make your task easier, here is a list of 5 institutions and their offered PGDM courses.

Name of University	Country	PGDM Course(s)
University of Toronto	Canada	1. Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	Hong Kong	1. Post Graduate Diploma in Civil Infrastructural Engineering & Management
London School of Business and Finance	UK	1. Post Graduate Diploma in Finance 2. Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing 3. Post Graduate Diploma in Management
Trinity College Dublin	UK	1. Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting
Monash University	Australia	1. Graduate Diploma in Business

The above universities have been highly rated both by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and QS Rankings, offer globally appreciated course curriculum as well as vibrant career opportunities afterwards. 

Top 10 Colleges Offering PGDM Courses in India

From IIMs to top-ranked business schools, there are numerous colleges offering PGDM courses. Check out the list of top 10 colleges in India:

1. Indian Institute of Management
2. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
3. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management studies
4. International Management Institute
5. Great Lakes Institute of Management
6. P.S.G College of Technology
7. Doon Business School
8. NDIM Delhi
9. IFMI Business School
10. IPE Hyderabad

Entrance Exams for PGDM Course from Indian Universities

• Common Aptitude Test (CAT)
• Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
• Common Management Aptitude Test (CMAT)
• Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP)

Career Prospects after Post Graduate Diploma in Management

As already discussed above, PGDM course is a more detailed oriented course that an MBA and offers the students a more practical approach while imparting management training. The detailed-oriented nature of the course provides students with a lot of excellent career prospects in the fields of sales, marketing, finance etc. The course helps the students in developing transferable skills which are useful in every walk of life. Here are some of the common job positions available to PGDM graduates:

• Finance Manager– A finance manager works on efficient distribution of financial resources of the company. Their work involves them creating and reviewing financial books and financial reports of the firm. They support the management by providing them with the necessary financial insights about the business and offer them with the appropriate financial advice. An average salary of a finance manager ranges between INR 8 lakh p.a.- INR 16 lakh p.a. In India.
• Data Scientist- A PGDM course in Business Analytics is the most appropriate course for this job position. As a data scientist, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing and interpreting a huge amount of data. Data scientists analyze the data to find out insights regarding the business and report these insights to upper management. An average salary for a beginner data scientist ranges between INR 5 lakh p.a.- INR 12 lakh p.a.
• Business Consultant– Business consultants can work in any field such as marketing, human resource, accounting etc. They are responsible for analyzing the business’s performance and are required to offer effective solutions after assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the business. The average salary for a business consultant in India ranges between INR 10 lakh p.a- INR 15 lakh p.a.
• Administrative Officer- An administrative officer acts as a point of contact for all the employees. They solve the queries of the employees and their responsibilities include preparing regular office reports and managing office supplies stock among other things. The average salary of an administrative officer ranges between INR 10 lakh p.a- INR 16 lakh p.a.

FAQs

While a PGDM course involves advanced knowledge and training along with lucrative job prospects, it is important to analyse one’s skills, abilities and aspirations and choose a study program accordingly. If you are struggling to pinpoint your interests, take assistance of AI-tool at Leverage Edu which suggests you course and universities based on it and assists you in shortlisting some major programs that can offer you immense knowledge and exposure into your field of interest.