UK Accredited Online Engineering College
Flexible online engineering courses and qualifications
International Graduate Diploma
Credits: 360 | Level 6
“a revolutionary graduate level qualification …available for anyone anywhere anytime …”
The International Graduate Diploma is an innovative higher education qualification accredited at Level 6 with 360 credits, making it equivalent with respect to credits and level to a UK Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. Aligned with Level 6 of the UK Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), this programme provides a rigorous academic foundation while ensuring industry relevance and practical application.
An Accessible Alternative to a University Degree
The International Graduate Diploma offers a robust alternative to a traditional degree, providing learners with the skills, knowledge, and credentials required to progress in their careers or pursue further study.
Key Benefits
✅ Internationally Recognised Accreditation
Accredited by the International Education Accreditation Council (IEAC) and aligned with UK higher education standards, this qualification is recognised as a Level 6 award within the UK framework. It carries a total credit value of 360 Credits (CATS) or 180 ECTS, ensuring global recognition and credibility.
✅ Career Advancement
A Level 6 qualification demonstrates expertise and professional competence, enhancing employability and opening pathways to senior roles across engineering and technical fields.
✅ Flexible & Accessible Learning
Designed for learners who require an alternative to traditional university study, this fully online programme enables you to study at your own pace—balancing work, personal commitments, and education.
✅ Industry-Relevant Curriculum
With a strong emphasis on academic rigour and practical applications, this diploma equips learners with the technical expertise and management competencies required in today’s engineering sector.
✅ Pathway to Further Study
This qualification provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study, including master’s degrees and specialist professional certifications.
Who Is This Qualification For?
The International Graduate Diploma is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their skills, whether they are already employed and looking to upskill or exploring a structured pathway into an engineering career. Whether your goal is to advance professionally, obtain industry-recognised credentials, or pursue further academic opportunities, this Level 6 qualification equips you with the expertise, knowledge, and flexibility needed to succeed.
Qualification Structure
The International Graduate Diploma programmes are structured so as to envelope two other qualifications at level 4 and 5, thereby providing multiple entry and exit points, as follows:
- Higher International Certificate [120 Credits] – an open access level 4 qualification providing the fundamental foundations of engineering with some specialist units. This is aligned with the first year of an undergraduate degree programme in engineering.
- Higher International Diploma [120 Credits Level 4 + 120 Credit Level 5] – a level 5 qualification that envelopes the Higher International Certificate’s level 4 units and adds an additional 120 credits at level 5. This develops the students engineering knowledge and skills further, with an opportunity to engage in a significant research project in an area of interest. This is aligned with the second year of an undergraduate degree programme in engineering.
- International Graduate Diploma [120 Credits Level 4 + 120 Credit Level 5 + 120 Credits Level 6] – the level 6 top-up to the previous programmes is an academically rigour programme which delves into advanced yet contemporary issues for engineers. This entire programme is aligned with the third year of an undergraduate degree programme in engineering.
These 3 enveloping qualifications and steps are summarised below:
All of the above programmes allow open-access enrolment, and therefore students should enrol directly on to the programme that they wish to achieve their qualification in from the offset.
For instance, students that wish to achieve an International Graduate Diploma may enrol directly on to that programme and commence study with the Level 4 units before progressing through the levels and units to achieve the final qualification.
In summary, the International Graduate Diploma (Level 6) combines all of the above steps in to one 360 credit qualification making it equivalent to that of a Bachelor’s degree in terms of the levels and credits.
Duration
Learners typically take 24-36 months to complete these 360 Credit degree equivalent courses, although you are in control over how long it takes.
Fast-Track Your Qualification
Recognising Prior Learning (RPL)
At iLearn Engineering®, we understand that many students come with previous academic experience. Our Recognising Prior Learning (RPL) policy allows eligible students to gain standing credit for their existing qualifications, helping them fast-track their studies towards the International Graduate Diploma.
Already Have a Level 4 Qualification?
If you have 120 credits at Level 4, such as a Higher International Certificate, HNC, or Certificate of Higher Education, you may be eligible to start the International Graduate Diploma directly at Level 5. This means you can carry forward your existing credits and will only need to complete the remaining 240 credits to earn your qualification.
Already Have a Level 5 Qualification?
If you have a Level 5 engineering qualification, such as a Higher International Diploma, HND, or Diploma of Higher Education, you can apply to start the International Graduate Diploma directly at Level 6. This allows you to use your prior learning as standing credit, meaning you only need to complete the final 120 credits at Level 6 to achieve your International Graduate Diploma.
Have Questions About RPL?
If you have existing qualifications and want to explore how they can be applied as standing credit towards the International Graduate Diploma, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to discuss your eligibility and take the next step toward achieving your engineering qualification faster!
Qualification Comparisons
The image below show various qualifications at different levels. For example, at level 5 we can see there are various qualifications such as the Higher International Diploma, Diploma of Higher Education and a Foundation Degree all at the same level. Similarly, the International Graduate Diploma, along with other Graduate Diplomas are sitting at the same level as a Bachelor’s degree, all at Level 6.
Engineering Disciplines Available
You will find a wide selection of International Graduate Diplomas in all of the main engineering sectors available in one place, right here with iLearn Engineering®
International Graduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is the backbone of many industries, from automotive and aerospace to manufacturing and robotics. This pathway equips students with expertise in materials science, fluid mechanics, structural analysis, machine design, composites, smart materials, machine learning, renewable energy amongst other specialist topics providing a strong foundation for careers in advanced engineering sectors.
International Graduate Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Electrical and electronic engineering is at the heart of modern technology and innovation. This discipline explores topics such as power systems, circuit design, embedded systems, and renewable energy technologies, preparing students for roles in power generation, automation, and electronics development.
International Graduate Diploma in Aerospace Engineering
For those passionate about aviation and space technology, our Aerospace Engineering qualification delves into aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structural mechanics, and flight dynamics. This discipline opens opportunities in industries such as aircraft design, space exploration, and defence engineering.
International Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering
Civil engineering focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure and the built environment. Students will gain knowledge in structural analysis, materials science, geotechnical engineering, and sustainable construction, leading to careers in urban development, transportation, and environmental engineering.
International Graduate Diploma in Engineering Management
For those looking to combine technical expertise with leadership and strategic decision-making, Engineering Management provides a pathway into project management, operations, and organisational leadership within engineering companies. Students will explore business strategy, financial management, risk assessment, and team leadership within an engineering context, preparing for management roles in a variety of industries.
International Graduate Diploma in General Engineering
For students who want a broad-based education in engineering, our General Engineering qualification provides a multi-disciplinary approach, covering core principles from mechanical, electrical, civil, and aerospace engineering. This option is ideal for those seeking versatility and diverse career opportunities across multiple engineering sectors.
Further Information
Progression
The International Graduate Diploma has excellent progression opportunities, including:
Pathway to Senior Roles
Level 6 qualifications are typically equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree, demonstrating a high level of expertise and readiness for leadership positions.
Bridging to Postgraduate Study
Many universities accept a Level 6 diploma as an entry route to postgraduate programmes, including master’s degrees and professional qualifications.
Delivery
Courses are 100% online distance learning delivered via bite-sized learning plans including short videos, worked examples, e-workbooks and practice questions.
Assessment
Assessment is via written assignments.
There are no exams, no timetables and no deadlines to adhere to. Students learn at their own pace in their own time.
Support
Full tutor support is available via email, message, voice and video-call. iLearn Engineering® Faculty staff consist of a blend of academic lecturers, practising professional engineers and scientists.
Entry Requirements
The International Graduate Diploma programmes at iLearn Engineering® are ‘open access’, meaning that anyone can enrol. We teach you all of the fundamental engineering mathematics, design and scientific principles that you need to succeed with the specialist aspects of the qualification.
Accreditation:
The International Graduate Diploma courses are accredited to be equivalent in credits and level to a Bachelors Degree.
Get started today
Furthermore, our courses are available internationally and are fully accredited.