Qualifications

Higher National Certificates & Higher National Diplomas (HNCs/HNDs)

They are generally vocational (work related such as computing and Hotel Management) and take one or two years to complete and can be studied full or part time (some part time versions may take slightly longer). Students can progress onto the second or third year of a degree course in a similar area if they achieve a certain level.

Certificates and Diplomas of Higher Education (Cert HE, Dip HE)

Theses take two or more years of full-time study and are similar to a degree, but with less content. Some universities award certificates and diplomas to students who have only completed part of a degree course.

Foundation Degrees

Foundation degrees combine workplace learning and academic study. They are developed with businesses to make sure students get the skills employers really want. Courses include those such as E business, Early Years and Professional Administration.

They can be studied full or part time over two years or more, studying at home, work, college or university. Students can progress onto professional courses or top-up to an Honours degree.

Master degrees and Doctorates

Some students choose to progress onto masters degrees and doctorates when they have completed a bachelor degree. These are the highest level of university qualifications, and students specialise in particular subject areas and become experts in their chosen field.

Bachelors’ degrees

Bachelor degrees are the most common university qualification, usually taking three years to complete, although some courses such as Medicine and Dentistry take five years and adding work or language placements can take longer. Degrees are focused on a subject, rather than a particular job.