Bachelor Degree
A bachelor’s degree is a course of academic study leading to a qualification such as a bachelor of arts (BA), bachelor of science (BSc), or bachelor of medicine (MB).
It usually takes three or four years to complete full-time (normally four years if you’re doing a sandwich course as this includes a year in industry or abroad). Some bachelor’s degrees, like medical courses can take longer. You can also study for a bachelor’s degree part-time, or through flexible learning.
The qualification is designed to give you a thorough understanding of a subject. It helps you develop your analytical, intellectual and essay/dissertation writing skills.
There are a vast number of bachelor’s degree courses to choose from. Some subjects like medicine, law and architecture prepare you for a particular career. Others, like English or history can equip you with skills for a wide range of jobs.
To study for a bachelor’s degree, you will need to have the qualifications which meet the entrance requirements for the course you wish to study.
Most bachelor’s degrees ask for at least two A-Levels at grade E or above (or equal grades in other qualifications).
The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) operate a system called the ‘UCAS Tariff’. Your previous qualifications can earn points on the tariff to help get you a place on a particular higher education course. Different courses will ask for a different number of points.
Top-Up Courses
Top Up courses are usually the third and final year of a Bachelor’s degree designed for those who have extensive work experience and a Higher National Diploma or Associated Degree and looking to study a short course to receive a Bachelor’s degree.
Although a HND is an excellent qualification in itself, depending on your career ambitions, you may decide that it’s worth studying a little longer for a BA/BSc degree. Topping-up your HND will typically take one further year of study. A range of study options are available for students to consider
There are a number of benefits in topping up a current qualification to an Honours degree. By completing the top up course students will help to demonstrate to an employer that they have the academic, organisational and management skills needed for your chosen career path. Topping up to a degree at Honours level may also open up further opportunities available to you in the future.
