What is an Undergraduate Qualification?
An undergraduate qualification in the UK is an academic step up from A-levels (or their equivalents) and is typically gained by completing a programme of study at university. There are three broad types of course:
- those that lead to a degree;
- intermediate qualifications in the form of certificates or diplomas; and
- those that combine academic study with workplace learning.
The variety of undergraduate courses and subjects on offer mean it is important to fully research which option suits you best.
Undergraduate Degrees
For your first degree, most understudies embrace a three-year bachelor’s, highlighting a blend of classes, workshops and addresses made up of various modules. Certain modules are discretionary, and accordingly you can tailorstudy to what you are most inspired by. Science and building degrees more often than not take four years and incorporate an examination task or paper. There has likewise been the presentation of 2-year degree courses in some UK colleges.
Joint degrees are another choice – part your time crosswise over two diverse courses – while most colleges additionally offer sandwich degrees whereby a year is taken out so a situation can be attempted in industry. Upon graduation, you’ll have the choice of either discovering all day business and starting your vocation, or moving into postgraduate study.
Short Undergraduate Degree Options
Shorter courses are also available.
- Certificate of Higher Education – This can be achieved following one year of full-time study, or two years of part-time study
- Diploma of Higher Education – A 2-year full-time degree
Completion of the above courses is not enough to secure a place in postgraduate study, but students do have the option of moving into the second or third year of a full degree if they wish to graduate.