The Qualification Groups

If you decide to go on to Higher Education ,you can choose from the following main qualification types.
This is not a list of courses, it is a list of the groups of qualifications you may be able to choose from:

• H (Honours) - Bachelors degrees, graduate certificates and diplomas;
• I (intermediate) - Diplomas of Higher Education and Further education, foundation degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs);
• C (certificates) - Certificates of Higher Education.

Honours degrees

These are the most common HE qualifications. They are called Bachelors degrees and are either arts based (the BA, or Bachelor of Arts) or science based (the BSc Bachelor of Science). They take between three and five years of full time study to complete.

Foundation degrees

Foundation degrees are employment related qualifications. They have been designed by employers and aim to put an end to skills shortages. They combine vocational and general learning. They have flexible methods of study. Full time foundation degrees take two years to complete and part time ones usually take three to four years. There are no set entry requirements so you can apply even if you do not have other qualifications; it is up to the university or college to decide if you are a suitable candidate or not. If you successfully complete a foundation degree you may be able to add a further 12-15 months' study to what you have done so far and convert it to an Honours degree. It is possible to study a foundation degree course while working. You can find out more about foundation degrees from the following website; www.foundationdegree.co.uk.

HNCs/HNDs

Higher National Certificates or Diplomas can be done in a wide range of subjects, usually linked to specific careers. Often, HNCs and HNDs are studied part time by people who are also working. They take two or more years to complete. Having an HNC mean you can enter the second year of a suitable Honours degree while having a HND can mean you can enter the second or third year.

Certificates/Diplomas of Higher Education

The certificate of Higher Education is a one year course that can be done if you feel you need to gain some confidence before starting further HE studies. The diploma is a two year full time course or three year if part time course often linked to specific careers. It is like a degree but has less content. It is sometimes possible to add a year of study to the diploma to convert it into a degree.

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