What undergraduate degrees are there?

What undergraduate degrees are there?

These are defined as 'first degrees', which normally lead to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc). They are usually three years long, unless there is an additional year for study abroad or work experience, and medical degrees (MB) or dentistry degrees (BDS) will take at least 5 years. Some universities offer extended undergraduate degrees, completed in four years, which lead to a Masters (MA/MSc), typically in engineering (MEng).

Traditional Scottish universities also operate a four year system which leads to a Masters degree.  Unlike English university degrees which specialise from the outset, a traditional degree in Scotland begins with study in a number of different subjects; students decide on their major topic in the last two years.

image mortarboard and degree certificateA number of British universities offer two year sub degree courses in vocational subjects leading to a Foundation Degree or a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND). Foundation Degrees typically involve study at university or college combined with learning in the workplace.  A Foundation Degree is the equivalent of the first two years of an honours degree and is a genuine university qualification.  Students wishing to obtain an honours degree will need to continue for a further year full-time, or the part-time equivalent. HNC and HND courses are designed to give the student in-depth knowledge and a qualification for a particular job; as with Foundation Degrees, further study will enable candidates to convert their HNC and HND qualifications to a bachelor’s degree.  Many applicants undertake vocational courses to boost their career prospects as such qualifications are highly valued by employers within the UK and overseas, and may count towards membership of professional bodies and employer organisations.  Vocational courses are flexible and fit in well with the lifestyle of many older candidates, who can combine work and family commitments with their studies.

Some universities offer degree courses with extensive integrated periods of work experience. These are called 'sandwich courses'.  Such courses were previously focused on engineering and technological subjects, but in recent years the range has broadened to include business, politics, hospitality and retailing.  Sandwich courses are attractive in that the student does real work (for real pay) during the work experience year, which can help to reduce the level of debt faced at graduation.  Another big advantage is that students on placement gain genuine experience to add to their CV and companies may be more inclined to offer jobs to graduates who have spent time working in their industry.  In 2010, when more than 60 applications are received for every graduate job vacancy, graduates with relevant experience will have the edge in a very competitive marketplace.

Many universities offer both part-time and full-time modes of study. Part-time courses are usually completed in twice the time it takes to complete a full-time course. Part-time students now make up over 40% of those currently attending British universities and over 50% of the student population at some of these institutions. Many students opt for part-time study to fit in with their home commitments and some employers may allow a worker to vary their contract to enable them to undertake a part-time university course. Another, more limited option, is to study for a degree through distance learning and perhaps the most famous provider of all is the Open University. Degrees obtained by distance learning require immense dedication and commitment from students, although there are generous time limits for completion of courses.  Applications for part-time and distance learning courses are made direct to the institution.

There are also some private university colleges in and around London which follow the American system. Some of their degree programmes are also accredited within the British system. Depending on the course, applications may be made either direct or via UCAS.