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Undergraduate qualifications explained
We offer certificates and diplomas as well as degrees.
What is a certificate?
Our shortest qualification, a certificate, gets you started in a specific subject. It’s a first-step qualification in its own right, or it can be a stage to mark your achievements on the way to a degree.
A Certificate of Higher Education is a nationally recognised qualification for study equivalent to the first year of a full-time degree.
Why study for a certificate?
Our certificates are valued as professional qualifications and can improve your career prospects.
What is a diploma?
More advanced than a certificate, a diploma is a specialised qualification, often starting at a more advanced level. You can complete a diploma on its own, or use it to build towards a degree. A diploma involves more study than a certificate – usually at a higher level – specialising in one area of study. Professional diplomas are work-related diplomas that assume you have specific work experience.
A Diploma of Higher Education is a nationally recognised qualification for study equivalent to the first two years of a full-time degree.
Why study for a diploma?
A diploma shows that you are capable of sustained studying at university level , and that could be valuable, especially if you want to go on to further professional or academic training or study.
What is an undergraduate degree?
An undergraduate – or bachelors degree – is a widely recognised higher-education qualification, equating to level 6 of the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) framework. While you are an ‘undergraduate’ (that is, studying for your degree) you will study a series of courses (or modules), to learn about yor chosen subjects, and to develop your analytical, intellectual and writing skills to a high level.
Why study for an undergraduate degree?
Degree-level study will demonstrate that you can understand complex information, meet deadlines, work independently and in a team, solve problems and communicate with confidence.
Graduates (people who’ve got a degree) tend to get more interesting and better paid jobs, and have better financial and career prospects than people without degrees. But even if you don’t intend to use a degree for your career, the skills you develop will help you take your interests further or develop them in new directions.
Types of undergraduate degree
Depending on the subjects you choose to study, there are two types of degree:
With both types you can get either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree – the type you earn is determined by the balance of subjects you choose to study.
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