Banyak definasi untuk Executive Diploma dan Diploma. Nama memang berbeza namun ada perbezaan dan juga persamaan.
Mari kita lihat beberapa definasi dari dalam dan luar negeri.
Di Malaysia, mengikut Universiti Teknologi Malaysia;
Executive Diploma Programme is a part-time academic programme designed for working adults and professional in order to enhance their knowledge and skill in their respective field. (UTM SPACE)
mengikut Universiti Malaya:
The Executive Diploma programme is specially designed to enhance the skills and knowledge related to the client vocation for career advancement. (UMCCED)
Definasi universiti luar negeri pula lain seperti Warwick Business School
The Warwick Executive Diplomas are masters-level postgraduate qualifications, each designed specifically to address these key strategic executive and organisational challenges. (Warwick Business School)
Said Business School, University of Oxford
Launched in 2006, our Executive Diplomas are four part-time postgraduate Oxford University qualifications designed for experienced professionals. (Said Business School, University of Oxford)
Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality, UK
The Level 7 Executive Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management provides an industry relevant postgraduate academic progression route for those who want to build on their bachelor's level qualification or improve their career progression (Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality, UK)
Persamaan semua definasi ini adalah Executive Diploma direka untuk warga kerja dan bukan untuk mereka yang baru sahaja lepasan SPM.
Namun dari segi tahap berbeza.
Dari sini kita dapat lihat di luar negeri Executive Diploma adalah sebuah program sarjana atau Master (postgraduate) berbeza di Malaysia ianya dilihat sama seperti Diploma Tahap 4 (undergraduate).
Penerangan tentang jenis-jenis diploma yang ada di Malaysia, sila baca di sini.