Types of degrees in the UK

If you’re starting to think about what comes after school, you’ve probably heard people mention all different types of degrees. 

Undergraduate and Postgraduate, Master’s and Doctorate’s: there’s lots to choose from, but many are dependent on entry qualifications, and others can only be studied once you have completed an undergraduate degree. 

Today, we’ll be focusing specifically on undergraduate degrees. Distance Learning Centre will clear up any confusion between undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and we’ll also answer some of your most frequently asked questions. 

For example, what’s the difference between a foundation diploma and a foundation degree? 

Are certificates and diplomas academic, vocational, or both? 

Different types of degrees in the UK offer vastly different experiences and timeframes so that background knowledge can be really important. That’s where we come in! 

What’s the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate?

When people talk about undergraduate degrees, they mean the first level of study after finishing school (typically taken by students around 18). 

Undergraduate courses are designed to introduce a subject area in a structured way. The most common type is a bachelor’s degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc). 

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, these usually take three years of full-time study (unless they include a placement or a year abroad, in which case, it’s four). 

Undergraduate degrees are set at level 6 on the UK’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. These programmes build the foundations of knowledge and normally include essays, exams and projects.

Postgraduate degrees, however, take place after completing a bachelor’s degree (usually at least a lower second-class honours grade, 2:2 or above). 

These courses dive deeper into a topic and are intended for students who want to specialise further or develop advanced skills. Postgraduate qualifications sit at level 7 or 8 of the FHEQ, and levels 11 or 12 on the SCQF. 

Undergraduate degrees 

What is an undergraduate degree? 

As we’ve mentioned, undergraduate degrees are designed to give students a foundational knowledge of a given subject. 

It is usually taken by students aged around 18 once they have finished school, but students of any age with the correct qualifications can make a successful application. Course content usually includes lectures, seminars, coursework and exams. 

Most bachelor’s degrees are awarded with honours, which means the student has completed the full credit requirements (around 360 credits in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and receives a final classification such as First, 2:1, 2:2 or Third Class. 

Bachelor’s degree

A Bachelor’s (often called a BA or BSc) is the main type of undergraduate qualification taken after finishing school. 

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it normally takes three years of full-time study to reach honours level, while in Scotland, most honours degrees take four years. An ordinary (non-honours) Bachelor’s can be shorter.

Foundation year/foundation diploma

A Foundation year or Foundation Diploma is an extra year of study before beginning a full degree. 

Taking this route helps students who need to develop academic skills or reach entry requirements. Typically, it takes one year of full-time study before continuing into a standard three-year degree.

Foundation degree

A Foundation degree blends academic topics with work-related training and is a level 5 in the UK qualification framework. It usually takes two?years if studied full-time, or around three to four?years part-time. 

After completion, students often take a further year to ‘top up’ to a full honours degree.. 

Top-up degree

A Top-up degree is designed for students who already hold a level 5 qualification, such as a Foundation degree or Higher National Diploma. It provides the final year of study needed to gain a full honours Bachelor’s degree. 

Higher National Certificate

A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a practical qualification at level?4, roughly equivalent to the first year of university. Full-time study normally takes one year, with part-time routes stretching to two years. 

After completion, students can often move directly into year two of a Bachelor’s degree. 

Higher National Diploma

A Higher National Diploma (HND) builds on the HNC and is a level?5 qualification equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree. It normally takes two years full-time or longer for part-time study. 

Those holding an HND can proceed to top up to an Honours Bachelor’s in a further year.

Certificate of Higher Education

A Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) is a level?4 award equivalent to the first year of a Bachelor’s degree. Completing this qualification normally requires one year of full-time study. Credits earned can sometimes be transferred into a full degree programme. 

Diploma of Higher Education

A Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) sits at level?5 and represents two years of study, comparable to the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree. 

Students studying full-time usually take two?years, and the qualification may be used to enter year three of an honours degree course.

Certificate of Continuing Education (CertCE)

A Certificate of Continuing Education (CertCE) is an introductory higher education award, often taken later in life or while working. It usually requires completing a small number of credits, roughly equivalent to a few modules. 

Ready to take learning to the next level? 

Gearing up to take the next step of your educational journey is big, but it shouldn’t feel overwhelming. There’s something to suit every path and pace, no matter if you’re set on a full bachelor’s course or considering a shorter foundation route. 

What’s most important is finding the course that works best for you. 

So, if you’re looking for a flexible way to continue learning and work towards your future, why not explore online study with Distance Learning Centre? We offer students the chance to study at their own speed, in their own time. 

From our wide range of education courses (like A-Levels, AS Levels, GCSE) to personal interests and hobbies courses (animal care, writing and journalism), we’re one of the leading and longest established UK suppliers of self-study distance learning courses. 

So, if you’ve enjoyed our deep dive on the different types of degrees, be sure to check out what else is on offer at Distance Learning Centre.