Different degree options

For many students, a Bachelor's degree typically involves full-time on-campus study for a duration of 3-4 years before graduating. However, this conventional approach may not appeal to everyone.

Some may have various circumstances that can make traditional full-time study challenging, or may not currently meet the entry requirements for a degree. Others may simply prefer a different route.

The good news is, there are plenty of other pathways students can take – from foundation years, to pathway degrees and dual degrees.

Foundation Degrees

What are they?

A foundation degree is a 2 year qualification equivalent to a Higher National Diploma (HND), or two-thirds of a Bachelor’s Degree. Foundation degrees often focus on a particular job or profession, and may be partnered with employers to focus on a specific role.

Because of this, foundation degrees are more vocational courses, and so may be a good option for students who don’t enjoy, or thrive in, exams.They will learn a combination of academic and study skills and knowledge, alongside workplace performance and productivity.

Why study a foundation degree?

Foundation degrees are a good option for students who don’t want to commit to 3 years of study, and want to work, but need more skills to start their career. However, if students do decide they want to continue after the 2 years, they can do a 1 year top-up qualification to get their bachelor’s degree.

It’s important to note that although this is an option, if student’s have a particular degree or career in mind, they should make sure that they can transfer onto the relevant course with their chosen foundation degree. Otherwise they may have to start their bachelor’s degree from scratch, or transfer onto the second year of the course, if they haven’t done enough relevant modules.

Entry requirements and fees

Foundation degrees often don’t have set entry requirements. Sometimes relevant professional experience is taken into account, not just their level 3 qualifications. And what’s needed to get onto the course will vary at each institution.

As with entry requirements, fees also differ at each institution. Students studying a foundation degree full time are likely to be eligible for a tuition fee loan, and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.

It’s worth noting that some universities do not offer foundation degrees at all. And many that are offered are awarded by universities but often taught in local colleges. It may not be the best option for students looking to study at a specific university.

How to apply

Students wanting to apply for a full-time foundation degree, should apply through UCAS. If students are thinking of studying a foundation degree on a part-time basis, they should apply directly to the uni or college offering the course.

Foundation Years

What are they?

Foundation years, also known as year zero, are an extra year taken before a bachelor’s degree. Students may choose to do a foundation year if they didn’t meet the entry requirements for a bachelors course, didn’t take the required subjects at level 3 or have taken some time out and want to get reacquainted with studying before they take on a full degree.

Most students will stay at the same uni for both their foundation year and bachelor’s degree, automatically progressing onto their chosen course. It can be possible to do a foundation year at one university and then apply elsewhere after successful completion of the year, but students should check with their chosen university if this is what they want to do.

Why study a foundation year?

Students on foundation years will study for 8-15 hours a week, and will get an insight into what it is like to study at university. They'll take classes focused on developing their core knowledge and study skills to prepare them for their degree, as well as subject specific classes. They can also be a good option for students wanting to try out a course and university before committing to the 3 year degree.

Entry requirements and fees

Entry requirements on foundation degrees are much lower than on bachelor’s degrees. They make university more accessible for students who may have struggled during their level 3 qualifications but still want to get a degree. As well as meeting the grade requirements, some courses will require students to be DBS checked and have occupational health clearance.

Most UK and EU students should be eligible for funding for their foundation year. Like on a bachelor's degree, they can apply for a tuition fee and maintenance loan to cover the cost of their course and living expenses. Fees for the course can vary, but can cost up to £9250 for UK students.

How to apply

Students wanting to apply for a foundation year should apply through UCAS. 

Pathway Degrees

What are they?

Some universities may offer pathway degrees. This is where students choose one subject to study at university, but can pick up an optional pathway within this. The pathway may be in another subject, a teaching module, or a new language.

For example, at Portsmouth, students can study History with pathways in Sociology or American Studies. We also offer students the opportunity to learn a language alongside most of our courses.

Why choose a pathway degree?

When students choose to do a pathway degree, they’ll pick up the pathway subject in their second and third years, and this would be added onto their degree title when they graduate. For example, if your students chose history with the sociology pathway, they would graduate with a degree in ‘BA (Hons) History with Sociology’.

How to apply

Students wanting to study a pathway degree should apply for the main subject, and then choose the pathway modules in their second and third year.  The pathway degree will have the same entry requirements as the main course.

Dual Degrees

What are they?

Your students could come to university for 3.5–4 years, and graduate with 2 degrees. Dual degrees provide study abroad experience and students gain 2 bachelors or 2 masters degrees, in less time than it would take to do them separately.

And because they will be studying at 2 universities, they will benefit from a wider range of teaching expertise, experience of different cultures and will gain a more comprehensive knowledge of their chosen subject.

The universities students will study and be awarded their degrees will vary, but at Portsmouth we have partnerships with Edith Cowan University in Australia and the International University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

If students choose this option, they will study for 2.5–3 years in the UK, and have 1 year studying at the partner university.

How to Apply

Students apply to dual degrees the same way as any other degree - through UCAS or through the university’s website. They do not need to apply to both universities - just the main institution.

Entry requirements are generally higher, due to the appealing and competitive nature of these courses. And students may have to attend an interview before they are offered a place on the course.

Accelerated Degrees

What are they?

Accelerated degrees are courses where students can finish their undergraduate degree within 2 years, instead of 3. It is the same content as a 3 year degree, but fast tracked across the 2 years.

This means students will have less holidays, and less time to socialise and make the most of the ‘university experience’. Students who choose this option won’t get to study abroad, take a work placement or get an internship, but are likely to get a head-start on the career ladder after graduation.

Why choose an accelerated degree?

So accelerated degrees are better suited to students who are focussed on the end goal of achieving a degree, and aren’t so fussed about socialising, joining clubs and taking part in other opportunities. They are usually a good option for mature learners or those looking to change careers.

Fees and Applying

The fees for accelerated degrees are more expensive than 3 year degrees per year - but still work out cheaper overall. The tuition fees are capped at £11,100 a year at publicly funded universities, but students will have one less year of living costs, so accelerated degrees work out cheaper overall.

It’s worth noting that students in England and Northern Ireland can access a tuition fee loan up to £11,100 when on an accelerated degree, but this is capped at £9,250 in Scotland and Wales. Scottish and Welsh students will need to think about how they will pay the difference in the tuition fees if wanting to take this option. 

How to apply for an accelerated degree

As with most other degrees, students can apply for accelerated degrees through UCAS. To find out how your students apply for all degree types, check out our guide for applying to university.