What are the different types of degree?

There are so many different types of degree. But what do they mean? And which should you choose? Our handy guide explains those confusing abbreviations and all the different degree types.

Getting your head around everything involved with going to university can be confusing enough. But when you start looking at the subjects you want to study and the different types of degree, it can start to feel a little overwhelming.

Each qualification has a series of letters which specify the type of degree. It's not that different to A-Levels, BTECs, or T-Levels, with each type meaning something different.

We've created this handy guide to help clear things up for you. If you do have any questions, you can email the Solent admissions team, who are experts at this sort of thing and happy to help. Or you can use our live chat below and chat to one of our advisers.

HNC v HND

What they mean

• HNC: Higher National Certificate
• HND: Higher National Diploma

The similarities

• They're classed as an undergraduate qualification, but take less time to complete.
• You don't apply through UCAS for these, go directly to the university.
• Tend to be for more vocational subjects.
• Both can be topped up to a full degree if you wish.

The differences

• HND is a higher qualification than HNC and is generally the equivalent of the first year of an undergraduate degree.

Take a look

Check out our HNC courses for some examples:

• HNC courses

Foundation degree v foundation year

What they mean

• FdA: Foundation Degree in Arts
• FdSc: Foundation Degree in Science
• FdEng: Foundation Degree in Engineering
• Foundation year: this isn't a qualification, but acts as part of a bachelor's degree.

The similarities

• There's not really any, other than that they all have the word 'foundation' in them.

The differences

• A foundation degree is awarded after two full-time (or three to four part-time) years of university-level study.
• With foundation degrees, you can continue studying for another year to top it up to a full degree.
• A foundation degree is classed as a university-level qualification.
• A foundation year is an extra year of studying that you do before starting a university degree.
• A foundation year is not a qualification. It will prepare you for the correct level of university study if you don't have the required amount of UCAS points, or if you want to study a different degree subject to your further education qualifications.

Take a look

Check out our foundation courses for examples:

• Foundation years
• FdSc courses
• FdEng courses

BA v BEng v BSc v LLB

What they mean

• BA: Bachelor of Art
• BEng: Bachelor of Engineering
• BSc: Bachelor of Science
• LLB: Bachelor of Law

The similarities

• The ones beginning with 'B' mean Bachelor of (Art, Engineering and Science). The LLB is a Bachelor of Law but is an abbreviation of the Latin Legum Baccalaureus (which means Bachelor of Law).
• They take around three years to study full-time, although some offer an additional placement year where you can get experience working in industry. Some may also offer a foundation year which prepares you for degree-level study.
• You apply through UCAS.
• There is a huge range of subjects to choose from.

The differences

• This really depends on the degree you choose to study. BAs tend to be more written and art based. BScs are more practical, written, and science based. BEngs are normally more vocational and practical.

Take a look at our course listing to browse through all the different types of degrees.

Top-up v accelerated

What they mean

• Top-up: Essentially you top-up your existing qualifications to a degree.
• Accelerated: A degree which you complete in a shorter time – typically two years.

The similarities

• You apply through UCAS for both.
• Act as part of a three-year degree.
• Reduce the number of years you study.

The differences

• Top-ups will top-up an existing qualification to a full degree in one year.
• Top-ups require an HND or Foundation degree before studying.
• Accelerated speeds up a degree so you study it in two years instead of three.

Take a look

The majority of our undergraduate degrees are offered as a top-up, make sure you check out the entry requirements section of your chosen course for more information:

• Top-up degrees

Higher and degree apprenticeships v degrees

What they mean

• Higher and degree apprenticeship - you will be in full-time employment and study part-time for a degree qualification.
• Degrees - you will be studying full-time for a degree qualification.

The similarities

• Both will provide you with the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in your career.
• Both offer a wide range of subjects.

The differences

• Apprenticeships are when you work full-time whilst you study and will be paid for by your employer and the government
• Degrees are full-time study (you can have a part-time job!) and you will have to fund your degree with either student loans, or by paying them yourself.

Take a look at our apprenticeships section for more information

Get in touch

Hopefully this has made things a lot clearer for you. But if you're still not sure, get in touch with one of our advisers, or talk to your HE adviser at school or college. They'll be able to explain things fully so you can make an informed decision about what degree type is best for you.