The Diploma of the Imperial College (DIC) is an academic certificate awarded by Imperial College London to its postgraduate students upon graduation. Until recently, Imperial was part of the University of London and Imperial College bestowed the University of London's degrees as well as its own diplomas. Now Imperial College degrees are awarded. Although the award may be studied for on its own, the DIC is typically jointly-awarded to students completing a University of London / Imperial College postgraduate course lasting for a year or more. For example, Brian May PhD DIC implies that the student was awarded a PhD from the University of London / Imperial College and the DIC from the Imperial College London.