University Coursework

Studying for a Degree

Degree is a general term covering qualifications obtained from university, usually by students of 18 or older. The main types of first degrees are Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science(BSc) and various types of Bachelor of Medicine (MB) degrees for doctors and surgeons. A list of subjects studied for BA and BSc degrees would fill this page and several more. You can take single subjects e.g. geography, combine two or more e.g. politics, philosophy and economics or even build your own course by selecting modules. You'll need to do some more research to find the course that fits your needs best.

A full first degree takes around three years of study, but language students, trainee doctors and those on vocational courses will often have a year abroad or on work experience. Foundation degrees are two year courses, usually work-related, that count as two-thirds of a full degree. You can finish the third year later on if you want. There is also the option of earning a degree through part-time study and/or by studying at home. Check out the Open University for more about this.

Minimum requirement for entry on to a degree course is usually two A Level passes. Mature applicants may be able to get in if they have relevant experience, or you can take an access course to demonstrate your abilities. If you want to do a popular degree at Oxford or Cambridge you'd better get revising - three or four A*s are often needed.

Why Study For a Degree?

Some professions like teaching, architecture and the law only take people with degrees (often only after further study). Lots of employers specify graduate level education in their job ads. A good degree in the right subject will increase your earning potential greatly. Some people do one just because they love their subject and want to learn more. If that's not enough University is also a great place for parties and meeting girls!

Degrees: What Will I Study?

Choosing which degree course can be tricky, not only do you have to decide what to study, but where to do it. Each university's idea of a history degree will be slightly different. You'll need to have a realistic idea of your likely A Level grades, a stack of prospectuses from lots of universities and some good advice from your careers advisor. Some degrees are directly job related like law, accountancy or medicine, others are more general, but can still impress an employer if you're not set on a particular career yet.

Degree courses allow you to focus on areas of your subject that particularly interest you. You'll have to select options as you study and research and write a dissertation on a topic that you choose. Your final grade will be decided by a mixture of coursework and exams.

Degrees... What Comes Next?

There's the PGCE and law conversion courses that will let you work as a teacher or solicitor. MA or MSc courses allow you to delve deeper into your subject, and then there's the PhD that means you can call yourself doctor.

External links to more information about degrees.

http://www.ucas.com/students/beforeyouapply/higher_education_explained/

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/DG_10039021

http://www.connexions-direct.com/

http://www.thebigchoice.com/Careers/A_Levels/Choosing_the_right_degree.html