Do you know the key difference between a Polytechnic and a university?
if not, then, in this article you will learn about it.
Polytechnic and University deliver higher education for all students. The universities offer courses in nearly all fields of study. Academic courses are offered in the areas of law, commerce, business, and engineering. Polytechnic and university both are important and valuable in our life and career pursuit.
The University campus or the colleges affiliated with it will offer these courses. The duration of university courses can range from 2 to 5 years. Polytechnics, on the other hand, are specialized educational institutions that provide education in one particular field of study.
The majority of polytechnics provide education that improves the technical and practical skills of participants. The main offer is diplomas and certi in the course, which are completed in a short period of time. These educational centers may be similar, but they differ in many ways.
What makes one educational center different from another and which form of education is best for you to achieve your career goals? We’ll answer these questions and many more in this article so that you can decide what path is best for you.
What is a Polytechnic?
We are often asked if polytechnics are colleges or universities. It’s neither. The main difference between polytechnics and traditional institutions, such as BCIT, is that they are based on applied learning. A polytechnic, also known as “hands-on learning” or experiential learning, is a combination of university-level study and practical skills training. Polytechnics are known for their unique form of education, which is intense and technical but also rewarding. Polytechnics offer student clubs and organizations that are very similar to those found at universities.
These clubs and organizations benefit from the connections with industry and the real-world experiences provided by the faculty and the school. Students often begin their postsecondary education at colleges due to lower entry requirements, smaller classes, and cheaper tuition. They then transfer to polytechnics or universities to complete their degrees.
Students should always check the transferability between institutions before transferring. BCIT and many polytechnics offer the same credentials that a university offers, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as targeted, job-specific certificates and diplomas.
What is a university?
The university is a higher educational institution that awards degrees in a variety of academic disciplines. Most universities offer undergraduate and graduate programs. In the United States, the designation is only given to colleges with a graduate program.
Let’s look closer at the benefits of a polytechnic degree now that you understand how they differ.
Polytechnic courses and opportunities
The Polytechnics offers a variety of diploma courses for engineering to those who are interested. For those who have completed their HSC or 10th grade, the duration of the program is three years. Diploma courses are only two years long for HSC-qualified students. The technical education offered is typically in the areas of Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Computer Science, IT, and Electronics and Communication. Students can choose to continue their education (like B.Tech/B.E) or find a rewarding career after completing the course.
The University Courses and Opportunities
Aspirants can choose from a wide range of courses in different fields of study. Candidates who have the required qualifications can choose any course that is relevant to their field of interest. Candidates who have completed their graduation or post-graduation in the chosen subject can look for job opportunities.
What are the differences between a Polytechnic and University?
- The courses at universities are more extensive and are usually completed over a longer period of time. Polytechnics, on the other hand, offer centralized programs that can be completed in a shorter amount of time.
- Polytechnics are more practical and offer technical degree programs. University courses are equally balanced between theoretical and practical content.
- Polytechnics provide industry-specific training that allows students to achieve rewarding careers in a shorter time period than University courses.
- The approach of universities is broader and they teach a variety of subjects, with an emphasis placed on basic knowledge. There are also a few labs and project assignments.
- Polytechnics, on the other hand, are more practical and offer smaller courses that are specific to the industry and are not taught at universities.
- In addition to the engineering degree, these polytechnics offer a variety of courses, diplomas, and certificates of shorter duration that help students get jobs in industry.
- The courses at universities are more extensive and are usually completed over a longer period of time. Polytechnics, on the other hand, offer programs that can be completed within a shorter period of time.
- Polytechnics are more practical and offer technical degree programs. University courses are equally balanced between theoretical and practical content.
Some of the best polytechnic colleges in the world are:
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland
- Technical University of Munich, Germany
- National University of Singapore, Singapore
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)
- Delft University of Technology (Netherlands)
- Polytechnic University of Milan (Italy)
- Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
- Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland.
Top five reasons for considering a polytechnic college
- Practical, hands-on education to prepare students for STEM careers
- Research and development of cutting-edge technologies are given high priority
- Employers are in high demand for graduates who are well-prepared and ready to enter the workforce.
- Work on real projects and gain valuable work experience
- Students will have access to top-notch faculty and facilities that promote student growth and learning
The approach of universities is broader and they teach a variety of subjects, with an emphasis on basic knowledge and a lot more theoretical aspects. They also include some project work and laboratory assignments. Polytechnics, on the other hand, are more practical and offer smaller courses that are not taught at universities.
In addition to engineering degrees, there are a variety of courses, diplomas, and certificates offered by these polytechnics. These are shorter in duration and can help students get jobs in the industry.
Polytechnics, which are not engineering schools in many countries but are only partly correct, are often referred to as such. They are educational centers that impart practical knowledge. Apart from engineering degrees, these centers also provide knowledge of applied sciences and industrial art. Students who are looking for a degree that will get them a job immediately after graduation can benefit from this.
The duration of the courses is also different. The courses at universities are usually longer, lasting 2-5 years, while the diplomas and certificates awarded by polytechnics can be completed in as little as 6-12 months. This allows students to get absorbed into the industry almost immediately, thus solving the unemployment problem.
Polytechnics may be better than universities
We must look for areas where polytechnics are better than universities.
- Polytechnics are primarily designed for engineering courses, and they are equipped to do so. Polytechnics are the best option if you like engineering courses, such as electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, etc. These courses are often well-suited to polytechnics.
- Graduates of polytechnics can begin working with their national diploma before moving on to the Higher National Diploma level (HND). University students won’t have the option to work with the national diploma until they finish their 4- or 5-year courses.
- Polytechnics appear to provide more practical experience than universities. You can get more practical experience by studying SIWES at the ND level and then IT later. Students only take IT at the 300-level.
- More polytechnic students are starting their own businesses after graduation because they have enough practical experience.
Similarities
Here’s some good news before you panic and start reading all your textbooks in a row. You will have an advantage over your university peers because of the many similarities between university and polytechnic life. Both these institutions treat students like adults. You’ve probably noticed that no one calls you to check if your homework is done, and nobody will call your parents if your exam fails. No one cares if you miss two or three classes.
You should take responsibility for your own learning, by printing out your notes and doing revisions. Also, you are expected to consult your professor proactively. Professors are there to teach, not to nanny.
You have an advantage here since you’ve already overcome the most difficult part of lifestyle change. You are likely to be an independent learner who has the self-discipline necessary to succeed in a university environment if you have managed to gain admission. It is not necessary to have someone by your side when you sit down to work on a weekend afternoon.
This will greatly help in your university life. It’s time to up your game and spend more time studying in your free time, rather than waiting until the exam period.
What should I choose Polytechnic and University?
Your question is aimed at this. You should be able, after reading the comparison, to determine which is best for you. You can see that it is all up to you. What do you want? If I were to give you advice, I would say that you should consider pursuing higher education. This is my opinion. So, for Higher education, A degree from a university is mandatory for everyone.
Why?
As I said earlier, employers here give more credit to graduates of universities than polytechnics. Even though the federal government announced the abolishment of the dichotomy, HND holders are still limited to level 14 for promotions until they obtain additional qualifications. You should choose Bsc if you only want to work in organizations, especially for private companies.
You can waste time at polytechnics. You will have to return for HND at least 5 times for the same degree.
In Maths, it takes 2 years to get ND, one year for IT, and two years to get HND. You will need to get the JAMB Direct Entry Form if you want to go to a University after ND. Admissions via direct entry are usually given to ND holders who have higher grades, such as distinctions or upper credit. Can you guarantee it?
Final Words for Polytechnic and University
Here, it’s difficult to judge for everyone. My advice was fair, I believe. Find the light inside you and decide accordingly. You may have heard something else than what you’ve read. Do you plan to attend a polytechnic or university? Hopefully, this short article will help you in choosing a polytechnic and university.
Frequently asked questions for polytechnic and university
Is polytechnic and university both the same degree?
Ans. No. After getting a polytechnic degree you will be able to obtain some local work in your region but for getting official work you will need to get a degree certificate from the university. So, Polytechnic and university are not the same.
How many times does it need to get a polytechnic and university degree obtaining?
Ans. It depends on the country and educational institutions where you will study. In some countries, a university degree offers within 4 to 5 years whereas a diploma(polytechnic) degree offers within 2-3 years. if you have any questions, then comment below. Hopefully, this article will help you.