BA - Bachelor of Arts, BSc - Bachelor of Science, BEd - Bachelor
of Education, BEng - Bachelor of Engineering.
Most degrees last three or four years but some, such as
architecture, last longer (five or six years). A single honours
degree means studying one subject and often a subsidiary subject in
the first year. A joint honours means studying two subjects and a
combined honours involves studying two or more subjects. Entry
requirements are a minimum of three GCSEs (grades A* - C) plus A
Levels in two (preferably three) other subjects or a mixture of
A/AS Levels; or BTEC National; or Vocational or applied A Levels or
International Baccalaureate.
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M Maths, M Phys, M Eng etc
These are undergraduate degrees lasting four years which allow
students time to study their subjects in greater depth and also
take other courses such as languages and business studies. They
should not be confused with postgraduate masters qualifications
e.g. MSc (Master of Science) and MA (Master of Arts).
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Diploma of Higher Education.
Two-year courses equivalent which is usually vocational such as
nursing. You might progress to a degree . Same entry requirements
as a degree but not such high grades needed.
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Higher National Diploma/Higher National Certificate
Most HNDs last two years full-time or three years for a sandwich
course. HNCs are normally taken part-time while at work. Subjects
are vocational e.g. engineering, agriculture, hotel and catering.
About 10% of HND students transfer to a degree at the end of their
first year. Entry requirements are usually four GCSEs (grades A*-C)
plus one or two A Levels or an equivalent qualificaotn like a BTEC
National or OCR National.
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Qualified Teacher Status
To be a teacher in any state maintained school, you must hold
QTS. There are two main ways of getting QTS - non-graduates do
either a BEd or BA/BSc with QTS. Graduates who have a degree
without QTS can take a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education
(PGCE) or follow the School-Centred Initial Teacher Training
(SCITT) route where training is school based. Other routes are
available to graduates aged 24+.
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These are employment-related higher education qualifications and
are based on skills shortage areas. They provide students with the
specialist knowledge and technical skills needed for higher
technician level jobs. Courses are offered in a wide variety of
ways (full-time, part-time, distance learning, at higher education
institutions and at further education colleges). Many students go
on to complete a related honours degree.
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One year courses to provide students with the relevant subject
knowledge needed for entry to their chosen degree. Entry
requirements vary. For example, for medicine, pre-medical courses
are aimed at those with high A Level grades in Arts/Humanities but
who need to study science. For engineering, foundation courses are
available for those who have studied to A Level or equivalent
standard, but need to study maths, physics and other appropriate
subjects.
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Modules or individual units are selected from a wide range of
subjects available, to build up either a specialised or broad
course. Assessment is after each module, rather than at the end of
the course.
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One year courses giving a broad introduction to art and design
to enable students to decide which area they want to specialise in
for further study. Available at further education colleges and
higher education institutions. You can search for Art Foundation
courses on the UCAS website, or ask your Art teacher.
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Combine full-time study and periods of training or work
experience. Usually adds an extra year to the course.
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These lead to, or exempt you from, the examinations of
professional bodies e.g. surveying. Length and entry requirements
vary. They may provide a foundation training on which to build with
part-time study or may provide complete training.
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