Higher education qualifications

Universities and colleges offer both academic and work-related courses. Depending on the subject and the type of job you're interested in, you can gain one of many types of qualifications - higher education is not just about getting a degree.

Degrees

Degrees are higher education qualifications that help you develop a thorough understanding of a subject. There are several different types and a vast number of subjects to choose from.

Bachelor's degrees

A bachelor's degree, which is sometimes known as an 'ordinary' or 'first' degree, can lead to a qualification like:

• a bachelor of arts degree - known as a BA
• bachelor of science degree - known as a BSc
• bachelor of medicine - known as a MB

Depending on the subject you choose, it normally takes three or four years to complete a full-time degree.

• Bachelor's degrees - more information
• Higher education courses - search for one

Foundation Degrees

Foundation Degrees combine academic study with workplace learning. They are broadly equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's degree and provide a route into university or college for a broad range of students from many different backgrounds.

• Foundation Degrees - find out more about them
• Foundation Degree courses - find one that suits you (UCAS website)

Higher degrees

Higher (also called postgraduate) degrees, diplomas and certificates usually require that you already have a bachelor's degree. They lead to qualifications such as master of arts (MA) and master of science (MSc).

• Postgraduate qualifications - find out more

Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are work-related courses provided by higher education colleges and further education colleges. They are available in a wide range of subjects from accounting to video production.

• HNCs and HNDs - find out more about them

Higher Education Diplomas and Certificates

As well as HNCs and HNDs, you can study for a range of Higher Education Diplomas in subjects as varied as:

• accounting
• construction
• engineering
• nursing
• science
• technology
• textile design

They usually take two years and you can normally convert your Higher Education Diploma to a degree with an extra year of study. Certificates of Higher Education are academic, rather than vocational qualifications. There are broadly equivalent to an HNC and usually take a year of full-time study to complete.

• Higher education qualifications - find out more from the Quality Assurance Agency

More useful links

• Where to go, what to study (education, learning and skills section)
• Applying for a course (education, learning and skills section)
• Student finance (education, learning and skills section)
• Student life (education, learning and skills section)
• Student housing (education, learning and skills section)