Types of Degrees In UK

Do you wish to pursue higher education in the UK but don’t know where to start? Well, we are here for the rescue! We understand how nerve-racking it can get to choose a degree structure that suits you the best and benefits your plans. Since degrees in British universities can have different titles than those in other nations, let us introduce the most common types of degrees in UK.

Undergraduate Degrees in UK

An undergraduate degree in the UK is typically the first level of higher education students pursue after completing their secondary education. This degree usually takes three to four years to complete and provides students with a broad understanding of their chosen field of study. Undergraduate degrees in the UK are awarded in various subjects, such as arts, sciences, engineering, business, and more. 

They are often referred to as Bachelor's degrees and are available in different forms, including BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science), and BEng (Bachelor of Engineering). The curriculum of an undergraduate degree in UK usually includes lectures, tutorials, and practical work, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of their subject area. Upon completion of an undergraduate degree, students can either enter the job market or pursue further education at the postgraduate level.

Types of Degrees in UK at the Undergraduate level:

1. Bachelor's Degree 

A Bachelor's degree is one of the most popular types of degrees in UK at the undergraduate level. It is typically a three to four-year program that offers a broad understanding of a specific field of study. Bachelor's degrees are available in various subjects, including arts, sciences, engineering, business, and more. The curriculum of a Bachelor's degree program includes a combination of lectures, tutorials, and practical work, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of their subject area. 

Upon completion of a Bachelor's degree, students can either enter the job market or pursue further education at the postgraduate level. A Bachelor's degree is an essential prerequisite for many professional careers and provides a strong foundation for advanced study in a specific field. In the UK, these degrees are frequently awarded in the following fields:

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA)
2. Bachelor of Science (BSc)
3. Bachelor of Education (BEd)
4. Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
5. Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
6. Graduate Certificate (GradCert)

Bachelor's Degree Eligibility Requirements in UK

The requirements for international students at UK universities might differ depending on several factors, including the course you choose, the university you attend, the level of your degree, etc. However, some basic requirements for each level of degree at UK universities apply to all international students. For bachelors in UK, students need to ensure that their past academic qualifications meet the eligibility criteria of their favoured university. 

•  A minimum of 65% in 12th grade in Humanities
• A minimum of 70-80% or above in 12th grade in Science & Commerce is required by most universities. 
• Some universities conduct an entrance examination which will vary on your program (GMAT, GRE, LNAT, BMAT, UKCAT etc.)
• English Language Proficiency Tests

2. Foundation Degree

A Foundation Degree is a type of undergraduate degree in UK that provides students with practical and vocational education in their chosen field. It typically takes two years to complete and is awarded in various subjects, including business, health and social care, engineering, and more. The average fees for a Foundation Degree in the UK range from £6,000 to £9,000 per year, making it a more affordable option for students. who want to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific field while keeping their options open for further education.

A Foundation Degree (FdA) is a level 5 qualification that focuses on practical-based learning and is distinct from a foundation year or a foundation diploma. It is equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor's degree and typically includes a combination of academic study and workplace experience. Upon completing a Foundation Degree, students can enter the workforce directly or progress to the final year of a Bachelor's degree program.

Foundation Degree Eligibility Requirements in UK

To be eligible for a Foundation Degree in the UK, students must meet the following requirements:

• Completion of secondary education
• Hold a level 3 qualification, such as A-levels or BTEC National Diploma
• Some programs may require relevant work experience or additional qualifications.

3. Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) & Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)

If you don't want to commit to a full degree, you're frequently offered a stand-alone qualification called a CertHE or DipHE. A CertHE is awarded after a year of full-time study, worth 120 credits, and a DipHE after two years, worth 240 credits. Depending on the profession, a CertHE or DipHE may help land a job because they are equal to other degrees. For instance, an NVQ 4 Diploma in Business and Administration and a DipHE in Business and Management are comparable.

You can use a CertHE or DipHE as a stepping stone to a complete degree, and you may be allowed to forgo one or two years of a graduate program. You still need to ensure that you meet the course's entry requirements and determine whether your prior coursework is transferrable.

Postgraduate Degrees in UK

A Postgraduate degree is a type of advanced degree available in the UK that can be pursued after completing an undergraduate degree. It is typically awarded in subjects like science, arts, business, law, and engineering. The duration of postgraduate degrees in the UK can range from one to four years, depending on the program and the mode of study.

Postgraduate degrees in the UK are of two types - taught and research-based. Taught postgraduate degrees, such as a Master's degree, provide students with advanced knowledge in their chosen field through classroom lectures, assignments, and dissertations. Research-based postgraduate degrees, such as a PhD, focus on original research and are primarily self-directed with minimal classroom instruction. Pursuing a postgraduate degree in UK can enhance career prospects and provide the specialised knowledge and skills required to succeed in a specific field.

Types of Degrees in UK at the Postgraduate level:

1. Masters's Degree

A master's degree is a postgraduate degree and is one of the most common types of degrees in UK. These degrees are more narrowly focused on a particular field of study. After earning your master's, you'll be able to get in-depth information and develop the skills you’ll need to succeed in your chosen field. In the UK, master's programmes typically last for a year. Still, you can choose to complete one in two years by including work placement opportunities in your subject to gain professional first-hand experience.

An integrated master's programme is an option if you are driven to finish your master's degree immediately after graduation. You can complete your bachelor's and master's degrees in four to five years in this way. Some common master’s degrees include:

1. Master of Arts (MA)
2. Master of Science (MSc)
3. Master of Education (MEd)
4. Master of Research (MRes)
5. Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
6. Master's Degree in Law (LLM)
7. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Masters Degree Eligibility Requirements in UK

To apply for a master's degree in UK, some universities may have different eligibility criteria, so students need to ensure they qualify for their chosen programme of study. To help you better understand the UK grading system, check out our detailed guide.

• A three- to four-year bachelor's degree in a comparable discipline with a minimum grade point average of 60% to 75%.
• GRE or GMAT score (depends on the program)
• Work experience (mostly required for management programs)
• Research Proposal (postgraduate research programs)
• Interview (depends upon program)

2. Taught Masters Degree

 A Taught Masters Degree is a type of postgraduate degree in UK that provides advanced academic and practical knowledge in a specific subject area. There are Taught Masters Degrees for almost all Employable degrees in the UK. It typically involves a combination of classroom lectures, seminars, assignments, and research projects. Taught Masters typically consist of six months of lectures and exams, followed by six months of project work culminating in a thesis. You can finish this degree in a year or two, depending on your ambitions and interests. The average fees for a Taught Masters Degree in the UK vary depending on the university and the course, but they can range from £7,000 to £20,000 per year.

Taught Masters Degree Eligibility Requirements in UK

To be eligible for a Taught Masters Degree in the UK, students must meet the following requirements:

• Hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant field or a degree that is equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree
• Have achieved a minimum grade point average (GPA) in their undergraduate degree, usually a 2.1 or higher
• Meet the English language proficiency requirements, which vary depending on the university and the program.

3. Taught Masters Degree by Research (M Phil)

A Taught Masters Degree by Research, also known as an MPhil, is a type of postgraduate degree that focuses on research-based learning. It combines taught modules with independent research, and it is designed to prepare students for further academic study or a career in research. Postgraduate Research Degrees require two or three years of an in-depth, comprehensive study on a particular topic. After the programme, you have to submit a thesis or dissertation about your study in writing.

MPhil Degree Eligibility Requirements in UK

To be eligible for an MPhil degree in UK, students must meet the following requirements:

• Hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant field or a degree that is equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree
• Have achieved a minimum grade point average (GPA) in their undergraduate degree, usually a 2.1 or higher
• Meet the English language proficiency requirements, which vary depending on the university and the program.

4. Doctorate/ Ph.Ds

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or doctorate is the highest academic level a student can achieve. These types of degrees in UK are extremely rigorous and frequently result in professions in academia. Students who receive at least a 2:1 at the undergraduate level are eligible for doctoral programmes. While some PhD courses require research, there are others which are taught. These taught courses typically include presentations, written coursework, exams, and a thesis and can take about 3 years. As lessons in the classroom are very engaging, active participation from the students is required at all times.

PhD Eligibility Requirements in UK

• A Bachelor's degree with a First or Upper Second Class (or its international equivalent). 
• A master's degree in the relevant field with honours and a minimum average grade of 60% (in both the taught course units and your dissertation) 

Other major types of degrees in UK include:

1. Single honours

Single honours is one of the most common types of degrees in UK. One particular academic subject is covered by a single honours degree and you can add extra modules to your course by selecting them as electives.

2. Joint Honours

If you seek a dual honours degree, you can study an array of subjects at once. Universities in the UK provide integrated degrees that include several relevant subjects. Short courses, certificates, and diplomas are also available at the undergraduate and graduate level types of degrees in UK institutions.

3. Higher National Certificate

An undergraduate degree that takes one year to complete, the HNC is comparable to the first year of a university. It is a level 4 practical certificate for students who want to continue their bachelor's degree in the second year or prepare for a particular career.

4. Higher National Diploma

An HND is a level 5-certificate that takes two years to complete and is the equivalent of the first two years of a bachelor's degree. It is similar to an HNC. Students in their third year of a bachelor's degree programme who wish to gain practical experience or further study can apply for this occupational certificate.

5. Diploma of Higher Education

A level 5 certification known as a DipHE is equivalent to an HND or two years of bachelor's degree study and is a major type of degree in UK. Training during this will be more theoretical than practical, and earning a DipHE will allow you finish the last year of your bachelor's degree.

6. National Vocational Qualification

A professional or vocational qualification is typically pursued to develop abilities or gain qualities needed for particular employment. Due to the practical nature of this certificate, it provides actual work experience. 

7. Conversion Courses

Anyone considering a job change should enrol in a conversion course. With these postgraduate degrees in UK, you can study a subject not covered during your undergraduate education. Most conversion courses that are offered are shortened versions of bachelor's degrees. Conversion courses are frequently taken by students who intend to continue their studies at the master's level.

As the UK has a global stature for world-class education, so know everything about studying in UK to make the most of it! From deciding your dream profession to finalising your degree structure, we at amber want it to be a hassle-free process for you. Through this blog, we mentioned the various degree options accessible to students in the UK and other options depending on interests, aptitudes, and long-term goals. Also, if you are considering to pursue your degree in UK then you must be worried about your accommodation. We got you covered with some amazing options of student accommodation in UK.