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Posted April 22, 2026

What are the different types of degrees available in the UK?

With its world-renowned institutions (including the prestigious Russell Group universities), high quality teaching and research facilities, multicultural campuses, strong industry links, outstanding career opportunities, and funding and scholarship options, there are so many reasons why the UK is a popular place to study for both home-based and international students.

When exploring the UK’s globally recognised education system, you’ll also discover an incredible amount of course choices, including a long list of degree types. Whether you’re unfamiliar with the UK education system or just keen to learn more, this rundown of the different degree types available in the UK is certain to come in handy.

Bachelors degree

As the most common undergraduate degree type, a bachelors degree is often the first step for people looking to specialise in the area they are passionate about.

Bachelors degrees include the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) and Legum Baccalaureus (LLB), and are typically undertaken for a period of three years in UK – with a four-year course duration more common at Scottish universities. To qualify, students are assessed through exams and coursework, with the completion of a dissertation necessary in some programs but not all.

Following the successful completion of a bachelors degree, you can pursue postgraduate study or enter the industry.

Foundation degree

For those looking for a more practical route to their dream job, a foundation degree (FdA, FdSC) is a great initial step. These are studied for two years on a full-time basis, and are common in vocational careers. Upon completion, foundation degree graduates can upgrade their qualification to a full bachelors degree with a further year of study. Alternatively, they can enter the industry.

HND or HNC

A two-year higher national diploma (HND) or one-year higher national certificate (HNC) can also be pursued, and are common for those looking to progress in the worlds of business, engineering or another field that relies largely on practical skills. Again, this can be ‘topped up’ with further study to a full bachelors degree, or serve as a direct route to full-time employment.

Integrated masters

Combining a bachelors degree and a master degree in one handy program, a four-year integrated masters offers the advanced foundation needed in technical careers like engineering, science, technology and mathematics.

Studying an integrated masters unlocks several benefits for those looking to progress in these fields, with the financial advantages of pursuing an integrated masters over a MSc described here by Coventry University:

“An integrated master’s degree will add two semesters of additional study to an undergraduate degree, taking your university experience to a minimum duration of four years. An MSc is typically a one-year standalone postgraduate degree. The fees for an MSc year are typically higher than for the additional integrated master’s year. It will require three additional semesters of study.”

Masters degree

If an integrated masters isn’t for you or not available in your field, a masters degree may still be an option. This is a hugely popular postgraduate program, and typically takes one year to study full-time.

Its 180 credits are earned across a series of taught modules alongside a dissertation or research project. A masters degree is the ideal route to becoming a specialist in your field, as well as a great basis for a career change.

PGCert or PGDip

The postgraduate certificate (PGCert) and postgraduate diploma (PGDip) are two postgraduate qualifications that sit just below the masters degree. Unlike a masters, they require no dissertation. The PGCert is shorter in duration, with its total 60 credits earned across a period of 3 to 6 months for full-time students. The PGDip is slightly more advanced, with students awarded 120 credits across six to nine months of full-time study.

With both the PGCert and PGDip, credits earned can count towards a full masters later, with further study and the completion of a dissertation required.

PGCE

The PGCE or Postgraduate Certificate in Education is a teaching qualification that’s earned after the completion of a bachelors degree and works towards achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). It usually takes around nine months to acquire, and is an essential across most teaching posts in primary and secondary education in the UK.

Those looking to practise as a teacher in Scotland will need to study a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) to qualify.

Doctorate

The highest academic qualification you can gain here in the UK, a doctorate (PhD, DSc, EdD, ThD) can only be studied after the successful completion of an undergraduate degree and a relevant masters. It involves several more years of study after this, with qualification based on the production of original research.

Interested in pursuing postgraduate study via some of the degree types mentioned above? Discover all your options by browsing our full range of postgrad programs.

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What is the difference between a PGDE and a PGCE?

 

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