Your Guide to Undergraduate Degrees

An undergraduate degree is a three-year programme available to students after completing their secondary education. As with any decision-making process involving higher education, it's important to determine what you should obtain your degree in, as well as the costs and time commitment. This way, you can determine whether getting your undergraduate degree is the right choice for you.

Discover more about what it takes to earn an undergraduate degree and other types of education to explore your interests and build key skills.

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Introduction to Computer Programming

This MOOC provides you with the foundational skill set required to write computer programs. If you are interested in learning how to write interactive, ...

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What is an undergraduate degree? 

An undergraduate degree is a three-year university degree, or bachelor's degree. You can earn this type of degree once you graduate from secondary education. Most undergraduate degrees are three-year programmes, but the completion time can vary. 

What can you study in an undergraduate programme?

In an undergraduate degree programme, you can pursue a variety of subjects, which often determine what degree you'll earn. For example, humanities and social sciences subjects tend to earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. In contrast, natural sciences and computer science subjects tend to earn a Bachelor of Science (BSc). The 10 of the most popular degree subjects in the UK include [1]:

• Medicine and dentistry

• Subjects affiliated with medicine

• Social sciences

• Psychology

• Veterinary sciences

• Agriculture, food, and related studies

• Physical sciences

• Mathematical sciences

• Engineering and technology

• Business and management

• Design and performing arts

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Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects

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Skills you'll build:

Adaptability

What does it cost to earn an undergraduate degree?

How much it costs to earn your undergraduate degree will depend on a few factors, including whether you attend an in-person or online programme, whether you choose to live on-campus or off-site accommodation, plus how quickly you can move through your degree programme. For some time, tuition fees for home students have been capped at £9,250 per year for full-time students. However, starting 1 August 2025, colleges and universities can charge up to £9,535 per year for the 2025-26 school year [2].

The factors below can add to or reduce your overall cost for an undergraduate degree:

• Public versus private schools: Private universities, overall, often cost more than public universities.

• Online versus on-campus: Online learning may be less expensive than attending an in-person programme; you won't need to pay for a dorm, transportation, or meals outside the home. You can also complete an online degree whilst working, which helps mitigate costs.

• Part-time versus full-time: Attending college part-time is less expensive per term, but it may take you longer to earn your degree. Starting 1 August 2025, part-time course tuition will be capped at £7,145 in the UK. 

Other types of education to consider

Other options exist if you’re unsure if an undergraduate degree will meet your current or future needs.

• MOOCs: When you're interested in learning more about a specific topic, you can choose from many massive open online courses (MOOCs), many for free. On Coursera, you'll find options from renowned university partners, including Introduction to Physical Chemistry from the University of Manchester, Introduction to Marketing from the University of Pennsylvania, Supervised Machine Learning: Regression and Classification from Stanford University, or Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose from Princeton University.

• Professional Certificates: Develop job-ready skills in a matter of months with a Professional Certificate. Enrol in beginner and advanced programmes from Google, IBM, and Meta, amongst other companies. You can complete each in less than a year while gaining important industry knowledge and career skills. 

• Bootcamps: With computer science, data science, and UX design, you can participate in shorter but more in-depth programmes called bootcamps. Also designed to help you develop job-ready knowledge and skills, bootcamps can help you accelerate your learning, and many feature career placement support. 

• Internships: You don't have to be a college learner to apply for internships, though some companies may have stipulations about who qualifies. These part-time or time-limited opportunities can be a great way to gain professional experience. They can also help grow your network so that you can begin applying for entry-level jobs in the field.

Study undergraduate degrees on Coursera

Undergraduate degrees are an effective way to further your education and develop your skills. Experience what it's like to earn your bachelor's degree online at your own pace by taking an open course from a top university:

• Build in-demand coding skills with Introduction to Computer Programming from the University of London.

• Develop analytical skills with Research Design: Inquiry and Discovery from the University of North Texas.

• Become a better leader as you explore management concepts through metaphor and music at the University of London.

course

Introduction to Computer Programming

This MOOC provides you with the foundational skill set required to write computer programs. If you are interested in learning how to write interactive, ...

4.1

(895 ratings)

83,787 already enrolled

Beginner level

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Average time: 21 hour(s)

Learn at your own pace

course

Research Design: Inquiry and Discovery

The main purpose of this course is to focus on good questions and how to answer them. This is essential to making considered decisions as a leader in any ...

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Average time: 10 hour(s)

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Explore Management Concepts through Metaphor and Music

How can exploring and analysing music and metaphors help us to better understand management, work organisations, working lives, and ultimately ourselves ...

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Average time: 17 hour(s)

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