Study UK

Choosing higher education options can be a process full of daunting decisions. Along with what to study, and where, you’ll also have to think about the type of qualifications on offer in your chosen subjects. Although traditionally, studying at university is associated with gaining a degree, there are a number of different qualifications you can study for, either through a work based, or academic style course. It’s not all about degrees, although what you do end up studying for could depend a lot on your chosen subject, and the type of job you’d like to gain at the end of the course. Let’s take a look at the different qualifications in more detail:

Degrees

One of the most recognisable types of higher education qualification, degrees are, by their very nature, designed to give students an in-depth knowledge of their chosen subject. The possibilities subject wise are almost limitless, and can be focussed on a single subject, or combinations of several different subject areas.

Bachelors Degrees normally run for 3 or 4 years, and can lead to a BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science), or MB (Bachelor of Medicine) qualification. You could also opt for a foundation degree, which contains a mix of classroom and workplace learning, and is suitable for students from a range of different backgrounds. Although student life may end with a degree for some, others may want to continue their learning, and if you’re one of those, then you may be interested in post graduate qualifications, such as an MA (Master of Arts) or MSc (Master of Science).

Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Higher National Diplomas (HND)

Two other types of work related courses, usually offered by higher education colleges, and further education establishments. These courses are great if you want to become qualified to take on a specific job, or if you’re already in work and looking for a new career, or career progression. Unlike degrees, which focus more on gaining knowledge, these courses are more about practical skills.

Courses are available at over 400 colleges across the UK, in a diverse range of subjects. Choose this study option, and you could be taking a course in social care, computing, accounting, video production, sports science, or business management, amongst others. HNCs and HNDs can take between one and two years to complete, and can be studied for on a full time, part time, or distance learning basis.

Higher Education Diplomas and Certificates

Lastly, there are a range of higher education diplomas and certificate courses to choose from. The higher education diplomas run for 2 years, and can be taken in subjects like accounting, textile design, construction, and nursing. This type of diploma could be converted into a degree with an extra year of study. Certificates meanwhile run for only a year, and are more academic in nature.

If you want to find out more about any of these qualifications, compare different types of courses, or are just looking for more advice, follow the links below:

• Search for a higher education course, http://www.ucas.com/search/index.html
• Qualifications explained, http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/index.htm