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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.

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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