Thinking about going to uni? There’s more than one way to get a degree…
Deciding to get a degree is a big step. It’s a fantastic way to dive deep into a subject you’re passionate about, develop new skills, and open up exciting career paths. But with so many different types of degrees and qualification levels, how do you figure out which one is the right fit for you?
We’ve already covered education levels, but if you’re considering university, it’s important to understand the specific degree levels available.
This guide will walk you through the most common university qualifications, from foundation degrees to the highest degree you can achieve, helping you make an informed choice for your future.
Different levels of degree
To get your head around the different levels of degrees, it helps to understand how they’re categorised. In the UK, qualifications are organised into levels, which indicate their difficulty. University degrees start at Level 5 and go all the way up to Level 8.
Here’s a rundown of the different degree levels:
Level 5 degrees
These are equivalent to two years of a Bachelor’s degree and are a great starting point for higher education, often with a strong focus on practical, work-related skills.
Higher National Diploma (HND)
A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a vocational qualification that equips you with the practical skills needed for a particular field of work. They’re hands-on and career-focused, making them an excellent choice if you have a specific job in mind.
- How long will it last? Two years full-time, or longer if studied part-time.
- What are the entry requirements? You’ll generally need 48-64 UCAS points from qualifications like A levels or BTECs.
- What qualifications will I get? An HND. You can then go straight into employment or ‘top up’ your qualification to a full Bachelor’s degree with an extra year of study.
Foundation degree (FdA, FdSc, FdEng)
A foundation degree mixes academic study with workplace learning. Developed in partnership with employers, they’re designed to provide the knowledge and skills that businesses are looking for.
- How long will it last? Typically two years full-time.
- What are the entry requirements? Usually around 48-100 UCAS points, but requirements can be flexible, especially if you have relevant work experience.
- What qualifications will I get? A foundation degree. Like an HND, this can be topped up to a full Bachelor’s degree.
Level 6 degrees
This is the degree qualification level most people think of when they hear ‘university degree’. It’s the most common undergraduate qualification.
Bachelor’s degree (BA, BSc, BEng, LLB)
A Bachelor’s degree provides a thorough understanding of a subject. You can study straight after finishing further education, and it’s a prerequisite for many graduate jobs and postgraduate courses.
- How long will it last? Three or four years if studied full-time.
- What are the entry requirements? These vary widely, but you’ll typically need a certain number of UCAS points from Level 3 qualifications like A levels, BTECs, or an Access to HE Diploma.
- What qualifications will I get? The title depends on your subject. Common examples include a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), or Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
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Graduate Diploma/Graduate Certificate
Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates are shorter courses at Level 6, often taken after completing a degree in another subject. They’re ideal if you want to make a career change without starting from scratch.
- How long will it last? Usually a few months to a year, depending on the programme.
- What are the entry requirements? Typically, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- What qualifications will I get? A Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate in your chosen field.
Level 7 degrees
These are postgraduate qualifications, designed for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree. They allow for more specialised, in-depth study.
Master’s degree (MA, MSc, MRes)
A Master’s degree is the most common postgraduate qualification. It allows you to focus on a specific area of your undergraduate subject, either through taught modules, independent research, or a combination of both.
- How long will it last? One to two years full-time, or two to four years part-time.
- What are the entry requirements? You’ll usually need at least a 2:1 in a relevant Bachelor’s degree. Some courses may accept a 2:2, especially if you have significant professional experience.
- What qualifications will I get? A Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) are the most well-known, but there are many others, such as a Master of Research (MRes) or Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Do I need a postgraduate degree?
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Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) & Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
These are shorter postgraduate courses that allow you to gain specialist knowledge without committing to a full Master’s. The PGDip usually takes twice as long as the PGCert – but both are quicker (and cheaper) than a full Master’s.
- How long will it last? PGCert: a few months full-time; PGDip: around six to nine months.
- What are the entry requirements? Normally a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
- What qualifications will I get? A PGDip or PGCert.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
A PGCE is a popular route into teaching for graduates. It combines university-based learning on teaching theory with practical placements in schools.
- How long will it last? Around nine months full-time.
- What are the entry requirements? A Bachelor’s degree (usually a 2:2 or above). To teach at secondary level, your degree typically needs to be in the subject you want to teach.
- What qualifications will I get? A PGCE, which leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England and Wales. This allows you to teach in state-maintained schools.
Level 8 degrees
This is the highest degree qualification level you can achieve, representing the peak of academic study.
Doctorate (PhD)
A Doctorate of Philosophy, or PhD, is the highest degree awarded by universities. It’s a research-based qualification that requires you to conduct a large piece of original research and write a thesis (that’s basically a very long essay) that contributes new knowledge to your field.
- How long will it last? Three to four years full-time, or up to six or seven years part-time.
- What are the entry requirements? You’ll almost always need a strong Bachelor’s degree (a 2:1 or first) and usually a Master’s degree in a relevant subject.
- What qualifications will I get? You’ll be awarded a PhD, and you get to call yourself ‘Doctor’. Other types of doctorates include Professional Doctorates (like a DClinPsy for clinical psychology) and Higher Doctorates.
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Professional Doctorates
Professional Doctorates are advanced qualifications designed for professionals in specific fields. They combine rigorous academic research with practical application in the workplace.
- How long will it last? Typically, three to four years full-time, or up to six years part-time.
- What are the entry requirements? You’ll usually need a strong Bachelor’s degree (a 2:1 or first) and often a Master’s degree in a relevant subject. Relevant professional experience is also highly valued.
- What qualifications will I get? You’ll be awarded a doctorate specific to your field, such as:
- Doctor of Education (EdD): For education professionals focusing on teaching and learning research.
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): For experienced business professionals addressing real-world challenges.
- Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy): For careers in clinical psychology.
- Doctor of Engineering (EngD): A research degree for engineers, often industry-focused.
Other degree types to consider
The world of degrees is always expanding. Here are a few more options you might come across.
- Conversion course: A postgraduate course that allows you to change subject areas and train for a new career, for example, converting a history degree to study law.
- Degree apprenticeship: This combines work with part-time university study, so you can earn a salary while gaining a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree without the tuition fees.
- Higher National Certificate (HNC): A Level 4 work-related qualification, equivalent to one year at university. It can be topped up to an HND with further study.
Which degree is right for me?
Choosing the right degree level depends entirely on your career goals, academic background, and how you like to learn.
If you’re looking for a direct route into a specific job, a vocational qualification like an HND or foundation degree could be a great fit. If you want a broad academic grounding or need a degree for a graduate scheme, a Bachelor’s degree is the standard choice. For those wanting to specialise or enter academia, a Master’s or PhD is the way to go.
Think about what you want to achieve and work backwards. Check job descriptions for roles that interest you and see what qualifications they ask for. This will give you a clear idea of the degree qualification level you should be aiming for.
Not going to uni?
Remember, a university degree isn’t the only path to a successful career. If full-time academic study isn’t for you, there are many excellent alternatives.
- Apprenticeships – Gain hands-on experience while earning a salary and a recognised qualification.
- Traineeships – Short-term courses that provide work experience and skills training.
- Online courses – Study flexibly and build new skills in your own time.
- Professional certifications – Industry-specific qualifications that can help boost your career prospects.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the different levels of degree?
In the UK, university degrees are typically categorised into Level 5 (e.g., Foundation Degree, HND), Level 6 (Bachelor’s Degree), Level 7 (Master’s Degree, PGCE), and Level 8 (Doctorate/PhD).
What is the highest degree?
The highest degree you can get is a Doctorate, also known as a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). This is a Level 8 qualification and involves several years of original research.
What is a degree qualification level?
A degree qualification level indicates the depth and complexity of a course. The levels are part of a national framework that helps employers and education providers understand what a qualification means in terms of knowledge and skills.
Are there degrees below Level 5?
Yes, but they are not considered higher education or ‘university level’ degrees. For example, a Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a Level 4 qualification. To learn more about the different stages of learning, read our guide to education levels explained.
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