Interested in taking a bachelor’s degree? It’s an honour…
Whether you’re about to finish school, you’re considering returning to education after a gap year, or you want to retrain for a new career, a bachelor’s degree is a popular form of undergraduate study.
To help you get your head around what they are, what you can study, and what you’ll be able to do after you’ve graduated, here’s everything you need to know about bachelor’s degrees:
What is a bachelor’s degree?
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate qualification that’s provided by a university or college.
It’s classed as a level 6 qualification according to the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
This qualification is the most common type of undergraduate degree, and is offered in a wide range of subjects – from engineering and business, right through to art and creative writing.
What are the different degree levels?
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How long does it take to complete?
If studied full-time, a bachelor’s degree will last three to four years, depending on the course you take.
This may also include a placement or ‘sandwich’ year, where you’re able to gain practical experience at a workplace.
If you choose to study part-time, your course will take longer to complete.
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What are the entry requirements?
Specific entry requirements will depend on the course you take and the university you’re looking to study at – but you’ll usually need a certain number of UCAS points to qualify for a bachelor’s degree.
These can be achieved through A Levels, BTECs, or Diplomas.
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What are the different types of bachelor’s degree?
Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in many fields, with the qualification you receive reflective of the subject you study.
The two most common types of bachelor’s degrees are:
- A Bachelor of Science (BSc). Includes courses that fall under the category of maths and science, such as biology, physics, chemistry, psychology, mathematics, computer science, nursing, and more.
- A Bachelor of Arts (BA). Includes courses that fall under the category of art and humanities, such as sociology, history, journalism, education, english literature, design, music, media, and more.
However, you may also be able to study a subject that enables you to gain a more specific type of bachelor’s degree, including:
- A Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS)
- A Bachelor of Law (LLB)
- A Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
- A Bachelor of Education (BEd)
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What study methods are available?
There are a variety of ways to study for a bachelor’s degree, with specific study methods depending on the university or college you take your course with.
For example, it could involve going to university full-time and studying in a classroom setting, or you could choose to study part-time from home so you’re able to keep working.
Here are a few of the most common learning methods:
- Classroom
- Distance learning/online
- Full-time
- Part-time
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How much does a bachelor’s degree cost?
Tuition fees can be up to £9,250 per year for UK students. International students can expect to pay between £10,000 and £26,000 a year.
However, you won’t be expected to pay all at once.
There are a number of ways to make studying affordable, from student loans to scholarships.
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How will I be assessed?
Your overall grade will be awarded based on a combination of coursework and exams.
Most courses will also require you to write a dissertation in your final year.
Here’s how bachelor’s degrees are graded:
- First
- Upper Second (2:1)
- Lower Second (2:2)
- Third
- Pass
- Fail
Providing you achieve a third or above, you’ll be awarded a bachelor’s degree with honours.
What jobs can I do with a 2:2 degree?
What can I do with a bachelor’s degree?
With a number of jobs requiring an undergraduate degree to get started, completing a bachelor’s degree will qualify you to secure work in your chosen field.
In fact, many employers offer graduate schemes and internships that are designed to train recent graduates in a range of fields. To find out who’s hiring and to get useful tips on finding the right job, graduate fairs are a great place to start.
If you’re not looking to start your career just yet or the role you’re looking to pursue requires a very specific set of skills – you could alternatively choose to carry out postgraduate study.
Taking a Masters, for example, could help expand your knowledge in a particular area, allow you to undertake independent study, and ultimately boost your employability.
There are also a number of professional certifications available, designed to help you develop your proficiency in a certain software or area.
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Still searching for your perfect learning opportunity? View all university courses now.
To find out more about undergraduate degrees, visit your preferred university’s website, or check UCAS.
