Picking the right levels of university degrees is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your academic pursuit. Your choice depends on the overall goal in your career. Many jobs require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to get at least started. However, if you dream of more prestigious careers like law, engineering, or medicine, you will take your studies further. The UK universities offer different degrees and each has various requirements and benefits. For better clarification, we have broken down the different types of degrees, how long they take, and what they can do for your future. Ensure you read to the end, so you can navigate your options with better confidence.
What is a University Degree or Level?
A university degree is an official certificate awarded by a university after you’ve completed a higher level of education, by successfully finishing your coursework, attending lectures, and passing your exams. Think of it as a way of showing the world that you’ve gained specialized knowledge in a particular field. It could be business, engineering, medicine, or any other subject.
Some degrees can be earned through full-time study at the university while some career paths also allow you to get one through certain apprenticeships. No matter how you earn it, a university degree can open doors to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career growth.
Generally, there are different types of degrees in the UK. They include – undergraduate degrees and postgraduate degrees. We will explain each of them subsequently.
Difference Between Undergraduate & Postgraduate Degrees
Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are different levels of higher education qualifications. One can only apply for a postgraduate degree after getting an undergraduate degree. Students go for undergraduate degrees right after high school, while they can apply for postgraduate years after university. Undergraduate students typically finish broad courses in a subject or a field, building a foundation for further study and career. Postgraduate students will specialize in a specific field. Their programs are more academic and research-oriented.
Undergraduate Degrees
Undergraduate degrees are part of the United Kingdom degrees that kickstart your journey into higher education after high school. Think of it as the foundation of your academic journey as it gives you the knowledge and skills to start a career or continue studying at a higher level.
Once you’re done with your undergraduate degree, you have two main options: jump straight into the workforce or keep studying to earn a more advanced qualification. Either way, it’s an important milestone that opens up new opportunities for the future.
That said, undergraduate studies embody more categories of degrees and we will explain them below.
Bachelor’s Degree
This is the most common type of university degree level in the UK. It falls under the Level 6 qualification and is typically what employers refer to when looking for an undergraduate or first degree. With a degree, you’ll know your subject inside and out. You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, and sometimes hands-on lab work, depending on your course. Assessments usually include a mix of exams, assignments, and projects.
The different types of bachelor’s degrees include:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)– Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)– Sciences, Engineering, Technology
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)– Teaching and Education
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)– Engineering disciplines
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)– Law
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) – Medicine
Note: In Scotland, some universities award an MA instead of a BA, but it holds the same academic weight as a bachelor’s degree.
| Duration of Study | 3 years full-time, 4 years with a placement/year abroad. Medicine and similar courses can take 5-6 years. Part-time study takes longer. |
|---|---|
| Entry Qualification Needed | A Levels or equivalent (BTECs, IB, Scottish Highers), plus minimum GCSE grades. Requirements vary by course and university. |
| Fees | Up to £9,250 per year for UK students. International fees range from £12,500 to £37,293 per year, with clinical courses like Medicine reaching £64,000 per year. |
Foundation Degree
The foundation degree is a different UK university degree type in that it blends academic study with hands-on work experience. It’s a Level 5 qualification and equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. This qualification is ideal if you’re already working and want to boost your skills.
| Duration of Study | 2 years full-time, 3–4 years part-time |
|---|---|
| Entry Qualifications | Depends on course and institution. Some require GCSEs/A-Levels; others consider workplace experience. |
| Fees | £6,000 to £9,250 per year for UK students (higher for international students). Some employers may help cover costs |
Certificate of Education (CertEd)
If want to become a teacher in further education or training, the Certificate of Education (CertEd) is on the list of degrees worth acquiring. It’s a great starting point, one that opens doors to teaching roles in colleges, sixth-form institutions, private training providers, public services, and even voluntary organizations. Plus, if you want to take your studies further, you can top up your CertEd to a BA (Hons) Education and Training degree with additional study.
| Duration of Study | 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time through partner colleges. |
|---|---|
| Entry qualification needed | A Level 3 qualification in your subject (e.g., A-Levels). |
| Fees | Depends on the university but is typically similar to one year of a bachelor’s degree (up to £9,250 for UK students, higher for international students). |
Higher National Certificate and Diploma (HNC/HND)
The Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) are degree types needed if you want a practical, career-focused qualification. An HNC is the same as having the first year of a university degree and is perfect for gaining job-specific skills or progressing to the second year of a bachelor’s degree. If you take things a step further, an HND extends to two years and is equivalent to the first two years of an honors degree. These qualifications are ideal for people who want to go straight into the job market or desire a more flexible route to higher education. You can study any subject but the popular ones are business, travel, and hospitality.
| Degree Type | Higher National Certificate | Higher National Diploma |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of Study | 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time | 2 years full-time |
| Entry Qualification Needed | One or two A-Levels, or an equivalent qualification | One or two A-Levels, or an equivalent qualification |
| Fees | £5,000 – £9,250 per year for UK students (varies by institution and course) | £5,000 – £9,250 per year for UK students (varies by institution and course) |
Diploma of Higher Education and Certificate of Higher Education (DipHE/CertHE)
These are other different types of university degrees for students who want a more flexible higher education. People who can’t commit to a full degree but still want a recognized qualification go for CertHE. The certificate is equivalent to completing the first year of a bachelor’s degree.
The DipHE on the other hand equals two years of university study and offers more academic focus than an HND. You can even use it as a stepping stone to te final year of a full degree. CertHE is a Level 4 qualification and DipHE is a Level 5.
| Degree Type | Certificate of Higher Education | Diploma of Higher Education |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of Study | 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time | 2 years full-time, longer if part-time |
| Qualification Needed | A-Levels or equivalent (varies by course and institution) | A-Levels or equivalent (varies by course and institution) |
| Fees | Up to £9,250 per year for UK students (higher for international students) | Up to £9,250 per year for UK students (higher for international students) |
Top-up degree
Top-up degrees are part of the university degrees in the UK. It’s a Level 6 qualification best suited for students with a Level 5 qualification like Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma and would love to upgrade to a full bachelor’s degree. You’ll complete your degree in a shorter time as full-time courses typically take just one year.
| Duration of Study | 1 year full-time, 18 months part-time |
|---|---|
| Entry qualifications required | A Level 5 qualification, such as a Foundation Degree, HND, or BTEC Level 5. Most universities require it to be in a related subject. |
| Fees | Up to £9,250 per year for UK students (higher for international students). |
Postgraduate Degrees
A postgraduate degree is a higher type of undergraduate degree that helps you specialize in your chosen field or switch careers with a conversion course. Students usually go for it after their bachelor’s degree.
There are two main types of postgraduate degrees and they include – taught degrees and research degrees.
As the name implies, taught degrees typically involve lectures, tutorials, and labs, almost similar to undergraduate studies. With research degrees, like PhDs, you’ll have an independent study where you explore a topic under the guidance of a professor.
Note: In England and Wales, postgraduate qualifications are at Level 7 or 8, while in Scotland, they’re Level 11 or 12.
Now, let’s explore the different degree types under postgraduate degrees.
Master’s Degree
A Master’s Degree is usually the most logical step for most bachelor’s degree holders. As a Level 7 qualification, it offers you more advanced study in your field, improving your skills, knowledge, and employability.
There are different kinds of Master’s Degrees. They include:
- Master of Arts (MA)– Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative Subjects
- Master of Science (MSc)– Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences
- Master of Education (MEd)– Teaching and Educational Leadership
- Master of Research (MRes)– Focused on independent research, often leading to a PhD
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)– A research-focused degree, sometimes a stepping stone to a PhD
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)– A professional degree in Business and Management
- Master of Laws (LLM) – A postgraduate law degree, usually for those with an LLB
| Duration | Typically 1 year full-time, or 2 years part-time. |
|---|---|
| Qualifications Needed | At least a 2:2 bachelor’s degree in a related subject. Some programs require a 2:1 or higher. International students need an equivalent qualification. |
| Fees | Ranges from £4,950 to £41,500 per year, depending on the course and institution. International students pay higher fees. |
Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma
For those who want to gain specialized knowledge at a master’s level but don’t want to commit to a full master’s degree, a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) is a great option.
PGCert is a shorter qualification worth 60 credits which is roughly one-third of a master’s degree. PGDip, on the other hand, offers a more in-depth course worth 120 credits, about two-thirds of a master’s degree.
| Degree Qualification | Duration | Entry Requirements | Fees (UK Students) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGCert | 15 weeks (1 term) full-time, or up to 1 year part-time | 2:1 bachelor’s degree (some schools accept 2:2) | Starts from £2,000 |
| PGDip | 30 weeks (2 terms) to 1 year full-time, or up to 2 years part-time | 2:1 bachelor’s degree (some schools accept 2:2) | Ranges from £5,000 to £14,000 |
Doctorate Degree
This is the highest level of academic qualification anyone can earn. It’s a Level 8 degree and is all about becoming an expert in your field through in-depth research. Unlike a master’s degree, which combines coursework and research, a doctorate is almost entirely research-based. You’ll spend most of your time working on a thesis, which is an original piece of research that contributes new knowledge to your subject area.
There are different types of doctorates, depending on your area of expertise:
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)– The most well-known doctorate, focusing on academic research across all subjects (not just philosophy).
- EdD (Doctor of Education)– A professional doctorate for experts in education and teaching.
- EngD (Doctor of Engineering)– Earned by engineers who’ve conducted advanced research in engineering and technology.
- DClinPsy (Doctor of Clinical Psychology) – The qualification required to become a clinical psychologist, often working in hospitals or healthcare settings.
| Duration of Study | Usually, 3–4 years full-time, but part-time study can take up to 6 or 7 years. |
|---|---|
| Entry Requirements | A 2:1 bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. A master’s degree is often required and you may need to submit a detailed research proposal outlining your study plan. |
| Fees | £4,500 to £9,400 per year for UK students. International students will pay more. |
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Conclusion on the Levels of University Degree
As you can see, there are different levels of university degrees and your choice depends on your chosen career and plans. You could head straight to a bachelor’s degree and proceed to a master’s degree and PhD.
Alternatively, you can pick degrees that can help you navigate other areas of your life if you’re not ready for the full-time commitment required in a Bachelor’s degree. Bear in mind that the higher the degree, the better employment opportunities and higher salaries. The key is to find what aligns with your interests, career goals, and lifestyle.
FAQs on Levels of University Degrees
What level is a Bachelor's degree UK?
A Bachelor’s degree in the UK is a Level 6 qualification, meaning it’s an undergraduate degree. Common types include BA (Hons), BSc (Hons), and degree apprenticeships. It’s the standard qualification for many careers and a stepping stone to a master’s degree (Level 7).
Is an undergraduate bachelor's degree?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree. It’s typically the first step in higher education and takes three to four years to complete.
What are the degrees lowest to highest?
The degrees from lowest to highest go like this: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate. Each level builds on the one before it, deepening your expertise.
What are the 4 types of degrees in UK?
The 4 types of degrees in the UK are Associate degree, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, or Professional degrees. Each level offers deeper knowledge and career opportunities.
What is the lowest university degree you can get?
An associate degree is like a stepping stone between high school and a bachelor’s degree. It takes about two years to complete and is offered at community and technical colleges. It’s a great way to gain skills for a career or continue your education later.
Can I do a top-up degree if I already have a degree?
You can get a top-up degree if you already have a degree. It lets you turn a previous qualification, like a foundation degree or HND, into a full bachelor’s degree. It’s basically the final year of a standard three-year degree, helping you boost your credentials and career prospects.
What's the meaning of BSc?
BSc stands for Bachelor of Science. It is an undergraduate degree focused on subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
