Education System
A lot of what you will read below is general information and is best not take to be the ultimate truth. There are often exceptions, variances and specific particularities linked to many aspects of the education system in the
BA or BSc?
In the
- Arts degrees (MA, BA, Fda…) are generally linked to ‘arts’ subjects, such as history, law, art, geography etc… and are very generally less based in the strict sciences (physics, biology, chemistry and maths).
- Science degrees (MSc, BSc, Fdsc…) are generally directly linked into the four sciences. Examples could be physics, astronomy, oceanography etc…
Please be aware that some subjects like psychology, sociology etc… offer both. Sometimes a student has the choice of either, depending on the specialism within a degree he or she chooses.
The explanation of arts degrees and science degrees is a very general explanation. Reality is generally less simplistic than is pictured here.
- Another abbreviation you may come across is ‘SW’. SW degree or Sandwich course/degree is a degree where the student is expected to do one year of work within the industry linked to the subject studied. This ‘year out’ is sandwiched in between years at university.
- Higher National Certificate.
- Equivalent to the first year of a degree.
- Typically one year full time.
- A Btec course which is often a more vocational qualification after which you can do a second year to achieve an HND.
- Higher National Diploma.
- Generally equivalent to the first and/or second year of a degree.
- Typically two years full time.
- A Btec course which is often a more vocational qualification.
- Equivalent to the second year of a degree.
- Typically two years full time.
- A vocational course with a more practical aspect linked in with industry.
- Possible, and often expected, to be followed by a one year top up course to make this qualification a full degree. The qualification stands by itself however, and is well respected by British industry. A number of people take this qualification part time while working for a company, which often sponsors the student.
- Typically 3 years full time, but in
- Usually the standard qualification for entry onto the PGC, PGD or Masters.
- Degrees are available at different levels:
- Ordinary degree: you have a pass for your degree and/or have studied not in enough depth to be awarded an Honours degree.
- Honours degree: in
- First Class
- 2.1 or upper second class
- 2.2 or lower second class
- Third class
- It often depends on the university where the cut off points are for each of these. Some universities, like
- Postgraduate Certificate.
- Broadly equivalent to a third of a Masters.
- The standard qualification for entry into teaching and some other careers.
- Sometimes entry without a degree is possible if the applicant has a lot of experience in the field.
- Postgraduate Diploma.
- Broadly equivalent to two thirds of a Masters.
- The standard entry for some careers.
- Sometimes entry without a degree is possible if the applicant has a lot of experience in the field.
- Typically taken in one year.
- Possible to do a research or taught Masters, the first of which expects the student to do an extensive piece of research and write a more extensive dissertation.
- Some universities entitle graduates automatically to use the name Masters a number of years after finishing their degree, such as
- Some universities and some faculties may offer masters courses as a first degree, rather than a BA/BSc.
- You normally would need at least a 2.1 or 2.2 degree to be able to get in.
PhD or Doctor of Philosophy (nothing to do with the subject philosophy!) or Doctorate
- Typically takes 3 years to complete.
- Mainly requires research consisting of original work in the form of a dissertation or thesis.
- PhD degrees are generally academic, but there are some professional PhDs in subjects such as engineering etc…
- Not to be confused with an MD degree, which is a professional degree in medicine to become a medical doctor.