There is now a broad range of qualifications that come under the heading of 'higher education', the most common of which are outlined below.
Honours Degrees
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. 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 at a University.
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.
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.
