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Qualifications Explained - Degree-level

Our Degree-level courses come in all shapes and sizes. Here's our guide to explaining what all these different qualifications mean.

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It’s not surprising then that people find getting to grips with all the different degree-level qualifications these days a bit overwhelming at first. But honestly, it’s more straightforward than you think.

Like most people, you probably think of degrees as a three year commitment. We do those here, but we also do a range of qualifications from Level 4 to Level 6 which allow you to ease yourself in gently to higher level study without committing to a full three years upfront.

Plan your path through Degree-level study

Flexible learning built around you. Study for one, two or three years and get a qualification at every stage.

Explore our Degree-level Pathways

  • Certificates of Higher Education (Cert HE)

    Level 4
    Duration: 1 Year
    Progression: Foundation Degree (Year 2) / Employment

    These are one-year Level 4 qualifications which follow the same curriculum as the first year of our Foundation Degrees. On completion you can either opt to into employment or, if you decide to continue your studies, join the second year of the corresponding foundation degree.
     

    Higher National Certificates (HNC)

    Level 4
    Duration: 1 Year*
    Progression: HND / Hons Degree (Year 2)* / Employment

    These are one-year Level 4 employer-focused qualifications which can either lead directly to employment or to a Higher National Diploma (HND) or the second year of an honours degree programme depending on the subject studied.

    *Subject dependent

    Level 4 Courses Available
     

    Higher National Diplomas (HND)

    Level 5
    Duration: 1 Year*
    Progression: Hons Topup Degree / Employment

    HNDs are one-year Level 5 qualifications which build on the knowledge and skills acquired in a corresponding HNC. On completion, you can either go into employment or join one of our topup programmes to gain a full honours degree.

    *Subject dependent
     

    Foundation Degrees (FdA)

    Level 4 & 5
    Duration: 2 Years
    Progression: Hons Topup Degree / Employment

    FdAs are studied over two years (Level 4 & 5), integrate academic and work-based learning through close collaboration with employers to provide an industry-relevant qualification. They also provide a route through to top-up degrees.

    Level 5 Courses Available

  • BA / BSc / BEng (Hons) Degrees

    Level 4, 5, & 6
    Duration: 3 Years
    Progression: Postgraduate / Employment

    These are traditional three-year programmes available at B&FC that lead to the award of an Honours degree.
     

    BA / BSc / BEng (Hons) Topup Degrees

    Level 6
    Duration: 1 Years
    Progression: Postgraduate / Employment

    These provide successful B&FC Foundation Degree graduates with the option of 'topping up' their degree to an Honours degree in just one year. Topup Degrees are a great option for those unable to commit to three consecutive years of study.

    Level 6 Courses Available
     

    Postgraduate programmes

    Level 7

    These are typically studied after an Honours degree, such as our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

    Level 7 Courses Available
     

    Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

    These combine skilled on-the-job training with higher level study to allow those already in employment to move their career forward.

    Explore Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
     

    Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ)

    HTQs are new and existing qualifications like HNCs and Foundation Degrees which are endorsed by employers to ensure you are learning the skills that are required for your chosen career.

    More on HTQs

Subject to Validation & Revalidation

All our Honours degrees and Topup programmes are validated by our awarding body, Lancaster University, and subject to periodic revalidation to ensure that the courses we deliver are of the highest quality, incorporate new academic research and, where appropriate, reflect current industry best practice.

We always indicate if a course is subject to revalidation but this does not mean that the course is likely to be withdrawn.

Please visit our Subject to Validation, Revalidation & Approval page for more information.
 

Contact Us

Don't hesitate to contact our Course Enquiries Team if you have any questions or concerns about Degree-level qualifications.

Call: 01253 504343
Email: info@blackpool.ac.uk
Access to Higher Education

If you're keen to study for a degree but you don't have the qualifications or experience, an Access to HE Diploma gets you degree-ready in just one year.

Bridge the gap with Access to HE