Types of Qualification
Whatever your ambition, higher education in Cornwall offers a huge choice of subjects and different ways to study them, all designed with you - and your future in mind.
Course Options
Bachelor's or Honours Degrees
BA, BSc and MB. Honours Degrees (also known as First or Bachelor's Degrees) are the qualifications most often associated with university-level education. Most Honours Degrees take 3 years of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study, to complete.
Foundation Degrees
Foundation Degrees are designed in conjunction with employers to ensure that students acquire skills that are highly relevant to the workplace and combine academic study with work-based learning. Foundation Degrees take 2 years of full-time study, though many students choose part-time or flexible study options to fit in with other commitments. Students can opt to 'top-up' their Foundation Degrees to Honours Degrees, usually through a further year of study.
HNDs and HNCs
Higher National Certificates (HNCs) or Diplomas (HNDs) also prepare students for specific careers. HNDs take two years full-time to complete, or longer part-time. HNCs can allow entry into the second year of an Honours degree, while HNDs allow entry into the second or third year.
NVQ
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are "competence-based" qualifications designed to teach practical, work-related skills and knowledge. The higher level NVQs fall into the category of higher education.
Access programmes
Access programmes prepare mature students (who may or may not have A levels) for entry into higher education and provide the knowledge and skills needed to progress to a university-level course.
Degree Level Short Courses
Many of our partners offer short, or bite-sized university-level courses that teach higher level skills linked to a specific topic that might, for example, help you in your career, or when setting up your own business. In some cases, taking several of these courses helps you accumulate credits towards one of the qualifications listed above.
Study Options
When choosing your course, you'll also need to think about the amount of time you have available. Many courses are available through different study options to help you fit your education in around your work or other commitments.
Full-time
Full-time courses will take up at least as much time as a full-time job, usually over three years.
Part-time
Part-time courses should leave you enough time to maintain a part-time job. Check the requirements with the institution you are applying to.
Evening Study
Some courses are offered in the evenings to give you the flexibility to work during the day.
Short Courses
Short courses range from one-day workshops to weekly classes over a few months, providing a great introduction to a variety of subjects - or just a chance to top up your skills.
Distance Learning
Distance Learning is delivered entirely online, offering great flexibility if you want to study and continue your job or have commitments that keep you at home.
Blended Learning
Blended Learning is delivered predominantly online but with some lectures and workshops on campus. Like distance learning, these courses are perfectly suited to people who want to carry on working while they study.
