UK higher education qualifications

1. National Vocational Qualification route

NVQs are awarded at seven different levels, equivalent to other academic qualifications. Levels 4 and above are equivalent to higher education qualifications:

• Level 4 equates to the first years of a Bachelors degree
• Level 5 equate to the second years of a Bachelors degree
• Level 6 equates to a Bachelors degree
• Level 7 equates to a Masters degree

NVQs are focused on practical skills in the context of your full or part-time work. You must be employed prior to enrolling onto an NVQ course.

Instead of taking exams, you’re assessed by demonstrating your ability to do your job over a period of time – by submitting a portfolio and undergoing observations by an assessor. Candidates are observed on each unit when they’re ready, meaning there’s no time limit on completing NVQ modules.

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2. Higher and degree apprenticeship route

Higher and degree apprenticeships offer a combined package of work and study, giving you a qualification alongside loads of real world experience. You’ll be employed by a company and even paid a wage for the work that you do.

• Level 4 apprenticeships are equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, or a Higher National Certificate (HNC).
• Level 5 apprenticeships are equivalent to a foundation degree, or a Higher National Diploma (HND).

A degree apprenticeship enables you to gain a full undergraduate (level 6) or master’s degree (level 7) while you work. Degree apprenticeships take three to six years to complete, depending on the course level.

You’ll spend most of your time working and you’ll also study part-time at university. For example, you might go to university one or two days per week, or in short blocks, such as a week at a time. Overall, you spend about 20% of your time studying vs. 80% of your time working.

Degree apprenticeships work differently across the UK:

• Northern Ireland offers higher level apprenticeships (HLAs) that offer you qualifications upto Level 7 which is the equivalent of a master’s degree. However, the majority are at Level 5 which is equivalent to a foundation degree.
• England and Wales both offer degree apprenticeships, with the most options currently available in England.
• In Scotland, degree apprenticeships are known as Graduate Apprenticeships.

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3. Higher National Certificate/Diploma (HNC/HND) route

Taking a year to complete when studied full time, or two years part time, Higher National Certidicates (HNCs) are practical-based qualifications are the vocational equivalent to the CertHE and count as a first year spent at university.

Once completed, an HNC typically leads either directly into the world of work or provides entry into the second year of a Bachelors degree.

An HND is a Level 5 qualification, and is equivalent to the second year of a Bachelors degree. It takes two years of full-time study to complete, or three to four years part time, and is designed to equip you with skills relevant to your chosen career.

Those looking to enter practical industries such as health and social care, engineering or agriculture may benefit more from an HND than a Bachelors degree.

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4. Foundation degree (FdA, FdSc) route

A foundation degree offers a combination of workplace learning and academic study. It carries the same weight as two-thirds of a Bachelors degree – equivalent to an HND or DipHE qualification, at Level 5 of the RQF. Completing a foundation degree full time will usually take two years, with part-time courses lasting around four years.

Candidates looking to formalise their workplace knowledge with a qualification, or those looking to enter a specific profession may wish to consider a foundation degree. There are no set entry requirements, as company training and relevant work experience are typically more useful than formal qualifications.

5. Undergraduate degree route

Bachelors Degree

The Bachelors Degree is the most common and widely studied undergraduate qualification, with thousands of courses available across the UK. Studying for a Bachelors degree at university will give you an in-depth understanding of one or more subjects.

It typically takes three to four years of full-time study to complete an honours degree, with many institutions including the option to spend a year in industry or study abroad. Some courses, such as medicine and architecture, are exceptions and run for much longer. You can also choose to study a degree on a part-time basis, which is well suited to those with a need to work while studying.

The two most common types of Bachelors degree are:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc).

Other popular degrees include:

• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).

Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)

A DipHE at Level 5 is the academic equivalent to the HND and is awarded after two years of full-time study at a university or other HE institution.

It’s recognised as a standalone qualification and teaching is delivered to the standard of a full undergraduate degree, which makes the DipHE an attractive option to students who can’t commit to a three-year degree.

As long as the DipHE is available for your chosen subject, you may be able to leave a Bachelors course early and still obtain a DipHE.

6. Postgraduate degree route

Masters Degree (MA, MSc, MEng, MPhil)

A Master’s degree can be undertaken by degree graduates and it covers a precise area of study. It is a Level 7 qualification and can take anything between one and four years of study. A large amount of independent study is required.

Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert)

Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)

Doctorate (PhD)

A doctorate is the highest level of degree that can be obtained and is Level 8 on the educational scale. On average a doctorate can take eight years to complete, with research into a given subject taking years.