Types of Degrees UK Students Can Take in 2025

Types of Degrees UK Students Can Choose

Choosing the right qualification can be like solving a Rubik’s cube, but blindfolded. Between all the types of university degrees UK institutions offer, the constant comparison between the UK and US systems, and the stress about return on investment, it’s no surprise that so many students are second-guessing their degree choices. Understanding the different types of degrees available in the UK is not just for ticking boxes, but it is the basis for building the future you want.

This isn’t just textbook advice. We have seen students spiralling about whether to choose an arts diploma or switch to a postgraduate certificate, which is ‘more employable.’ Learners frequently mention the stress they feel after choosing a degree they never had an interest in. For example, many young people face a meltdown because they loved software engineering but ended up choosing a pure arts degree. And this is not one case.

Stories like these are common in every type of student wondering if their undergraduate degree aligns with the dream job. There are international students who regret studying a course that didn’t open the doors they expected. So if you’re stuck between “do what you love” and “do what pays,” this blog is your clarity compass. You’ll get a full breakdown of the types of bachelor degree options, how advanced degrees in the UK work, and the difference between academic and vocational routes. 

What Is The Difference Between a Degree and a Qualification in the UK?

Degrees are higher education qualifications granted by a university or a recognized educational institution. It is usually achieved after completing a structured course of study over several years. Degrees are usually designed according to the national qualification frameworks in the UK, such as the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).

A qualification is any certificate or diploma that confirms the completion of a training. It indicates that a person has met the required standards in a subject area. In the UK, qualifications can be in the form of school-level awards, vocational training, and short courses.

Types of Degrees UK Students Can Choose

You’ve reached to that stage where everyone is asking, “What degree are you thinking about?” It’s not about picking the “perfect” one. It’s about finding what fits you. So take your time. Think about what excites you. Your degree should empower who you are becoming. Below is the breakdown of categories you should be considering 

1. Undergraduate Degree Programs: These are entry-level university qualifications in which a student enrolls after completing their secondary education ( like A-levels or equivalent).
2. Postgraduate Studies: Learners who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to continue learning are suitable for these courses.
3. Research Degrees: These are academic qualifications where a student is required to work independently on a research project.
4. Professional Qualification: In these degree types UK students take are directly linked to specific careers. They combine theory with professional practice to help them acquire skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

These forms represent the core types of university degrees UK institutions offer.

Types of Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate)

Let’s explore the most common programs for young learners offered in the UK:

Bachelor Qualification:

It is usually a three-year degree program. The duration to complete an undergraduate program can vary by university in the UK. These degrees give you deep subject knowledge and prepare you either for work or postgraduate study. Common types include:

1. Bachelor of Arts – BA

Subject-focused such as humanities, social sciences, and linguistics. Examples of the domains you can study include English, history, psychology, and politics. It has a duration of 3 to 4 years, depending on the inclusion of a placement year. 

2. Bachelor of Science – BSc

STEM-related disciplines are the primary focus. Examples include biology, computer science, and chemistry. This course can span between 3-4 years, including a work placement.

3. Bachelor (BEng) / Master of Engineering (MEng)

It is a three to four years undergraduate degree. It covers areas like civil, electrical, and mechanical. MEng is an integrated master’s degree that extends over four years and offers deeper technical knowledge. Both are designed to prepare you for professional engineering roles. These degrees follow the UK’s structured academic framework.

4. Bachelor of Law – LLB

It is a qualifying degree that prepares students for barrister roles.

5. Bachelor of Education – BEd

It includes two modules PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) or PGDE (Postgraduate Diploma in Education). During these degrees, students gain hands-on classroom training alongside their academic coursework. They’re one of the most recognised types of university degrees UK institutions offer for those pursuing teaching careers.

6. Other Types of Bachelor Degree:

1. BFA (Fine Arts)
2. BMus (Music)
3. BArch (Architecture)
4. BDes (Design)
5. Combined BA/BSc 

The undergraduate qualifications are a launching pad for employment or further study towards a master’s degree in the UK.

Pre-Bachelor Options:

It is a two-year course in which you can gain academic knowledge alongside practical work skills. It’s ideal for those students who don’t want to enroll in a full bachelor’s and want into work. Before a bachelor’s, students can take:

• Foundation Degree (FdA, FdSc)

Students can practice skills alongside their theoretical study. It’s ideal for those who want to enter the workforce early in their career or for those who want to continue their undergraduate course. In most cases, it is a 2-year study.

• Higher National Diploma (HND)

It opens doors to good employment opportunities and academic progression options towards top-up degrees.

Types of Advanced Degrees UK (Postgraduate)

After completing undergraduate studies, students often explore the types of advanced degrees that UK institutions offer:

1. Taught Postgraduate Degrees

A learner can study courses like MA (Master of Arts) or MSc (Master of Science). It takes one year to complete with lectures, assignments, and a dissertation.

• MA (Master of Arts): Oriented towards subjects related to humanities and social sciences
• MSc (Master of Science): Includes different fields of STEM.
• MBA (Master of Business Administration): Related to different domains related to business studies.
• MRes (Master of Research): Students have to prepare for research. 

2. Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates

It is a shorter qualification than a master’s degree. The primary focus is on practical knowledge. The enrolled students complete it in 6–9 months. These postgraduate degrees in the UK help deepen your skills related to career advancement. The common types include PGDip / PGCert.

3. Integrated Master’s Degrees

This qualification is a combination of undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Some forms of this include MEng, MSci and MMath (4 years). These represent key types of advanced qualifications UK universities offer to deepen knowledge and career prospects.

Research Degrees in the UK

These are opted for by students who want to enter specialised roles in their field of study.

1. M-Phil (Masters of Philosophy)

It is equivalent to the first two years of a PhD program. It takes the learners one step closer to the highest qualification in a specific domain of a subject. During the 1-2 years, the students conduct research independently or in a group. 

2. PhD / D(Phil) (Doctor of Philosophy)

It is considered the highest academic degree in the UK. The total time span is three to five years during which you conduct a thesis-based research..

3. Professional Doctorate

This is an advanced qualification in areas like education, psychology, or business. You study while working, mostly on a part-time basis. It blends research with practical skills. It’s one of the top-level degrees in the UK. A graduate with a Doctoral qualification has high expertise in the field. Some examples are Ed-D (Education), D-ClinPsy (Clinical Psychology) and D-BA (Business).

Comprehensive List of Degrees UK by Level

Here’s a simplified view degrees categorised according to academic level:

Level 4 – 5

Certificate (CertHE) and Diploma (DipHE) Higher Education.

Foundation Degree (FdA, FdSc).

Level 6

BA, BSc, BEng, LLB, BEd, BMus, BFA, BDes and BArch.

Level 7

M(A), M(Sc), MRes, MBA, LLM, MEng (Integrated), PGCert and PGDip.

Level 8

MPhil, PhD, D(Phil), EdD, DClinPsy, DBA

Understanding Degrees in UK By Qualification Levels

UK degree types can be confusing to new students. Here’s what you should know:

Honours vs Ordinary Degrees

Honours: More in-depth; awarded with classification

Ordinary: Without honours; fewer credits completed

UK Degree Classification System

• First Class (1st): 70%+
• Upper Second (2:1): 60–69%
• Lower Second (2:2): 50–59%
• Third Class (3rd): 40–49%

Duration of Degrees

• Bachelor’s: 3 years (typically)
• Integrated Master’s: 4 years
• Master’s: 1–2 years
• PhD: 3–5 years

This clarification supports better decision-making for students searching for types of degrees UK.

Degree Progression Routes and Career Outcomes

There are many types of degrees UK students can choose in 2025. Each of these serves a different purpose. Undergraduate are the first step you take while starting career in academics. Postgraduate degrees, such as Master’s or Diplomas, help you polish your skills. If you want to explore a subject in depth, it is recommended to earn a research qualification like a PhD. There are certain careers, fields like law, medicine, or teaching, in professional degrees are required. Hence, knowing the types of degrees UK offers can help your career goals faster.

Career Outcomes by Degree Type

• BA: Education, civil service, media, NGOs
• BSc: Research, IT, engineering, lab work
• LLB: Solicitor or barrister with further training
• MBA: Senior leadership or entrepreneurship
• PhD: Academia, R&D, public policy

Progression Examples:

• FdA → BA (Top-up)
• BA/BSc → MA/MSc → PhD
• BEng → MEng → Chartered Engineer
• MA/MSc → PhD / Professional Doctorate

Are Degree Types Different In Northern Ireland, Scottland, England and Wales?

You know that the types of degrees UK students can earn differ by region in the UK. Lets take a look

Wales and Northern Ireland:

Here you will find that undergraduate qualifications follow a path similar to England. You’ll usually study for three years to attain degrees like Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng).

So, what is different?

The types of degrees UK students pursue don’t change across these areas. But the structure around them does. Here’s how:

Tuition fees and student funding:
Welsh students often receive more financial support from the government in the form of tuition fee grants and maintenance funds. This reduces the study cost as compared to England.

Credit system and qualifications:
England and Northern Ireland use the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). On the other hand Wales uses the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW). It is more flexible in linking academic and vocational qualifications.

Employment needs and subject demand:
Regional industries in a country can shape course availability across the Universities. In Wales, high priority is given to healthcare and renewable energy. At the same time, advanced manufacturing and digital services are major focus areas in Northern Ireland. Thus, you will see people opting for different subjects for their education in Wales and Northern Ireland.

UK vs USA Degrees: What Are Key Differences?

A common question among students is how degree types UK differ from those in the United States.

In the United Kingdom, undergraduate degrees take three years to complete, while in the US, the duration is up to four years, including general education courses. UK degrees are specialised and focus on one subject. In contrast, American universities offer more flexibility. Here, students can study various subjects before choosing a major. When it comes to postgraduate education, the UK offers one-year Master’s programmes, whereas US Master’s degrees are a two-year study. 

These differences are vital for international students weighing global study options.

Choosing Among Types of Degrees UK

It is important to choose the right qualification among the many types of university degrees UK institutions offer to students. This guide aims to answer every important question you have while selecting your course of study. Bookmark it for reference as you move forward in your educational journey. Do you need personalised advice? Share your interests and goals, and we’ll map the perfect degree route for you.

FAQs

Q1: What types of degrees UK universities have in their education system?

You can find a broad range of qualifications. Students can enroll in undergraduate programs like B-A, B-Sc, and B-Eng. If you want to pursue higher education, there are postgraduate degrees such as M-A, M-Sc, M-BA, and Ph-D. The types of degrees UK institutions provide provide academic and vocational training opportunities. If you want to pursue foundation courses go for diplomas and certificates.

Q2: What bachelor’s qualifications are common in the UK?

These are B-Arts, B-Science, B-Engineering-, Law-B, and B-Fine Arts. You can study various subjects related to these fields in most of the UK universities. They represent the most accessible starting point on the list of degrees UK students can take.

Q3: What types of degrees related to postgraduate courses do UK institutions offer?

Students can pursue research master’s (MRes), postgraduate diplomas, taught master’s (like MA and MSc), and doctoral degrees (PhD, MPhil, EdD). These degree types UK universities offer are ideal for career advancement in the future.

Q4: Is it worth it to study MBA degree course in UK?

UK MBA programmes are globally respected. They typically last just one year. These types of university degrees UK are especially valuable for professionals aiming to move into senior roles. Plus, many UK MBAs have good industry links to provide placement support to fellows.

Q5: Can I study a postgraduate degree course in the UK without A-levels?

Degrees in UK can be accessed through alternative pathways such as BTECs, Higher Education Diplomas, or international qualifications. Many UK universities offer flexible entry criteria for various types of degrees to make education more accessible to non-traditional students.

Q6: Which degrees in UK can help me land a high-paying job?

Some of the top-earning degree types UK students can look for is Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Engineering, and Computer Science. These types of degrees are in high demand in the public and private sectors. Graduates from these fields are included among the highest earners in the UK job market.