What Are the Degree Levels in the UK?

When choosing and studying for higher-level qualifications, you have many options to consider beyond the well-known bachelor’s and master’s degrees. You can choose from the options based on your goals, budget, time restraints, and abilities.

In this article, we will dive into the UK qualifications framework, including different options at each level, the typical length of study, cost, and entry requirements. 

What are the qualification frameworks?

The UK follows four different qualifications frameworks, which outline the levels of all known academic qualifications in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. These four qualification frameworks are:

• CQFW: Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales

• FHEQ: Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland

• RQF: Regulated Qualifications Framework for England and Northern Ireland

• SCQF: Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

They are assigned a level depending on what each qualification covers and their requirements. This provides consistency and allows learners, course providers, and employers to compare and assess qualification options. 

Nine defined levels exist in England, Wales, and Northern Island, while Scotland adheres to 12 qualification levels. These levels range from entry-level to PhD level. The higher the number, the more comprehensive the qualification. 

Lower levels 

The lowest levels on the qualifications framework are pre-degree levels, generally referring to qualifications gained in school and college. These include GCSEs, A levels, and other programs such as community education and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses, but not degrees. 

Often, these are completed as additional qualifications for career progression, such as on-the-job training and professional CPD. This might be a diploma in management or a certificate in coaching and mentoring.

Higher levels

Levels 5 to 8 of the nine-level qualifications frameworks refer to degree-level qualifications. In Scotland's 12-level system, levels 9 to 12 offer degree qualifications. You can earn non-degree qualifications within these higher levels, such as professional certificates, diplomas, and apprenticeships.  

The following table summarises the degrees offered within the CQFW, FHEQ, and SCQF frameworks at various levels. The RQF focuses on vocational qualifications, so you will not find degree qualifications within that framework.

Level 5

CQFW and FHEQ level 5 qualifications are delivered at the college level (further education) or intermediate level higher education such as foundation degrees and diplomas of higher education. You can typically complete this degree at further education institutes, colleges, community colleges, or even the workplace. This degree level can be a gateway into higher education or an entry point for certain professions, such as nursing. 

Foundation degree

A foundation degree is a level 5 qualification combining workplace skills and academic learning. A foundation degree covers a range of subjects, from hospitality to drama to design studies. It can be a stepping stone to reach the requirements to study for a bachelor’s degree, or it can be enough to enter some professions. As foundation degrees are partly on-the-job training, they give you excellent work experience opportunities and could also provide a foot in the door.

Course length: Two years full-time

Entry requirements: Vary by course, but may require between 72 and 120 UCAS tariff points, grade D or grade 3 in GCSE English language, or commercial or industrial experience

Other options

If a foundation degree isn’t for you and you want something more flexible, you can find other options at the level 5 standard.

Diploma of higher education (DipHE)

A diploma of education (DipHE) is a vocational qualification studied at a college or university. While it is vocational, it is also academic and very similar to studying the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. With this in mind, it can sometimes be awarded to students who only complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree course. Typically, DipHEs are for vocational subjects such as health care, nursing counselling, textiles, and animal science. 

Course length: Two years full-time

Entry requirements: Varies; possible specific A-level requirements

Higher National Diploma (HND)

An HND, or higher national diploma, is a vocational, on-the-job course typically studied in college. It is the equivalent of completing two years of a bachelor’s degree. Subjects include health care, social care, agriculture, and engineering. They are usually classroom-based, with real-world assessments and projects taking place in the workplace. This is very similar to a DipHE but more practical. This qualification may help you land a job or can sometimes be extended to a bachelor’s degree. 

Course length: Two years full-time

Entry requirements: Minimum of 1 to 2 A Levels, depending on the course 

Level 6 / Levels 9 and 10

CQFW and FHEQ level 6 courses and SCQF levels 9 and 10 courses are equivalent to a bachelor’s degree at the university level. Many level 6 qualifications are academic, although you can study for level 6 qualifications in subjects like management, marketing, and coaching through bodies like CMI and ILM as part of professional development. 

BA (Hons)

The BA (Hons) is probably the most well-known level 6 qualification. A BA (Hons) or bachelor’s degree in arts (with honours) focuses on the arts, humanities, or social science. BA’s are typically studied in a university setting, with a wide variety of options when it comes to subject choices. In this type of programme, you will usually study some core modules and then choose other free modules to tailor your studies. Assessments are through a combination of exams and coursework. 

Course length: Three years full-time (four years with a placement)

Entry requirements: These vary according to each university. They may ask you for anything from three A Levels to 3 A Levels at grade A* for top universities. 

Bsc (Hons)

A BSc (Hons) is the same level and set up as a BA (Hons), except it is devoted to learning a science (Bachelor of Science). Typical subjects include life sciences, chemistry, applied sciences, business, engineering, bioscience, computer science, medicine, agriculture, maths, and dentistry. 

Course length: Three years full-time (four years with a placement)

Entry requirements: These vary according to each university. They may ask for anything from three A Levels to 3 A Levels at grade A* for top universities. 

Degree without honours

You can study for a degree without the honours part, but it isn’t common in the UK. A BA or BSc without honours is an undergraduate degree without completing a dissertation. An honours degree is of higher standing, and students usually opt for this option as it doesn't require much more time or input. 

Other options

If you don’t want to commit to a three-year degree course, you can choose other level 6, largely vocational options. 

Graduate certificate or diploma

A graduate certificate or graduate diploma is the equivalent of the level of the third year of an undergraduate degree and is common for vocational courses. They are often considered a pre-master's course or stand alone as part of a vocational qualification. 

Length of study: One year

Entry requirements: Pass the first two years of an undergraduate degree

Level 7 / Level 11

CQFW level 7 courses and SCQF level 11 courses are considered postgraduate level. These include university-led courses and vocational options, mostly in academic study. They all vary in length and subject, as well as cost.

MA

An MA degree stands for Master of Arts and is a level 7 postgraduate degree in various arts, humanities, and social sciences subjects. MA courses are assessed using a combination of exams and coursework, including a thesis and associated project, and involve research and more independent study than an undergraduate degree. 

Length of study: Two years full-time

Entry requirements: At least a 2:2 in a relevant degree

MSc

An MSc stands for master of science and is the same as an MA, but it covers STEM-based subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and maths. Other subjects, including some business, consulting, and social science subjects, also fall under the category of MSc. 

Length of study: Two years full-time

Entry requirements: At least a 2:2 in a relevant degree

Other master’s degrees

MAs and MScs are not the only types of master's degrees available. Whilst these cover most subjects, some have their title:

• MEng: Master of Engineering

• MBA: Master of Business Administration

• LLM: Master of Laws

• MPhil: Master of Philosophy 

• Integrated master’s degree: Four-year programme combining undergraduate and postgraduate study into one course.

Other options

You can choose other more vocational options at the master’s level that don’t lead to a degree. These can be shorter, more flexible, and specific. 

Postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma 

Postgraduate certificates (PGCert) and postgraduate diplomas (PGDip) are master’s level but are shorter courses and don’t involve a thesis, so you will likely have fewer research requirements. You can use these for career advancement. Many certificates and diplomas are very specific, such as the PGDip in social work and the PGCE (Professional Certificate in Teaching). 

Length of study: A PGCert takes 15 weeks to complete, and a PGDip takes 30 weeks

Entry requirements: An undergraduate degree of 2:2 or above. 

Level 8 / Level 12

CQFW and FHEQ level 8 and SCQF level 12 qualifications are the highest level with the national qualification frameworks and require a high level of study. The most common is the doctorate. 

Doctorate degree (PhD)

A doctorate degree is the highest degree program available and focuses largely on research and academic study. Doctorates can be very specialised or targeted to a specific career. Some PhDs are funded, and on a specific topic, but in other cases, you can apply to your area of research and search for funding. 

Length of study: Three to four years full-time, up to seven years part-time

Entry requirements vary according to course. Professional courses have entry criteria, and other PhDs are assessed on previous work, portfolios, and peer reviews.

Next steps

Degree levels start at level 5 (foundation degree) and go up to level 8 or 12 (doctorate degree) of the UK qualification frameworks. You'll find affordable course listings of every level on Coursera, so you can enhance your qualifications and build professional skills at your own pace.  For more formal degrees, look at top BA and BSc options on Coursera or a master’s degree.