University Level Education: Qualifications Explained

With a plethora of options, all valued by employers, sometimes it can be hard to decide what option will be best for you.

There are so many more ways to get the qualification you’d like without dedicating three years of your life to a full-time degree.

Ultimately, it depends on how long you’d like to study, whether you’re currently employed and how much work experience want while you’re studying.

Here’s a handy guide explaining all of the options.

Qualifications Explained

HTQs

• Two-year new and existing level 4 and 5 technical qualifications designed to give you comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in your chosen area.

HNCs and HNDs

• HNC (Level 4) is equivalent to the first year of a degree, and HND (Level 5) is the equivalent of the first two years’ • Work-related qualifications that focus on skills for a particular job • Option to ‘top-up’ with additional study to achieve a full degree at college or university

Foundation Degrees

• Equivalent to two-thirds of a bachelor’s degree • Combine study with workplace learning in your chosen industry • Option to ‘top-up’ with additional study to achieve a full degree either at college or a university

Degrees

• A Level 6, three-year course • GC offers degree pathways in conjunction with our partner universities and post-graduate level 7 courses in leadership and management

Higher Apprenticeships

• Combine on-the-job training with studying a degree-level qualification (Level 4 to Level 6) • Many offer the opportunity to gain professional accreditations and memberships too • Earn while you learn and get ahead

Professional Courses

• Accredited by a professional awarding body (entry level to Level 7) • Linked to a specific industry • Develop relevant skills to a particular career path