Which Qualifications?

Degrees

• These are available to people with further education qualifications such as A, A2, Vocational A's, AS levels or a National Diploma.
• They last either 3 or 4 years, and you'll end up with either a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or a BSc (Bachelor of Science).
• Over the years, you'll develop a thorough and deep understanding of your chosen subject.
• Most degree courses rely on you to motivate yourself to do the work you need to. There'll be regular lectures and small group tutorials/ seminars to ensure you stay on the right track, but you'll have to do a lot of work to pass.
• A degree will greatly enhance your career prospects.

Foundation Degrees

• These are new courses designed to offer students more work-related courses. As such, they combine the academic qualities of traditional degree courses with specialist workplace based skills.
• They are delivered by universities/colleges, as with traditional degrees, but the entry requirements are usually more flexible, which can be helpful if you don't have several A levels.
• Once completed, you can apply for a degree course if you want to further your study.

HND's (Higher National Diploma's)

• These are much more practical and work related than degrees.
• It takes 2 years to complete an HND or 3 years if it involves industrial placements - this is often known as a 'sandwich' course.
• Usually you need only 1 A level (or equivalent) to get a place on an HND course.
• Often, once you complete your HND, you can carry on into the second year of a traditional degree if you wish.
• You apply for HND courses through UCAS as you would for a degree.