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This page contains information on:
- the different types of courses
- qualifications
Q
What courses are there in the United Kingdom?
A
There are:
- Bachelor Degrees
- Foundation Degrees
- Higher National Diplomas
- Higher National Certificates
- Diplomas of Higher Education
- Foundation courses, Foundation years or Access/Bridging courses
Find out more by consulting the British Qualifications table of the National Qualifications Framework and the Portuguese and European qualifications table of the Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional.
Q
What is a Bachelor’s Degree?
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Generally, it describes a British higher education course that is the equivalent to a Level 5 European qualification. It lasts three or four years full-time or more if taken on a part-time basis, however courses in architecture, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science and medicine can take between five to seven years to complete.
Find out more by consulting the British Council Education information sheet 'Choosing your degree programme and institution'.
Q
What is a Foundation Degree?
A
A Foundation Degree is a professional higher education course that is validated by universities and other educational institutions, it confers the equivalent of a Level 4 European qualification and last for two years (full-time) or three or four years (part-time). These courses were developed in partnership with employment bodies in order to equip students with the competencies and necessary knowledge for the job market. After completing a Foundation Degree a student can continue his/her studies and complete a degree in fifteen months.
Find out more on the page 'Foundation Degrees' and on the UCAS student site index (University and Colleges Admissions Service) choose ' F | Foundation degrees'.
Q
What is a Higher National Diploma – HND?
A
It is a professional higher education course, which confers a Level 4 European qualification and lasts for two or more years, depending on whether it is taken full-time or part-time. After completing this qualification students can start the second or third year of a Bachelor’s degree.
Find out more about the HND consulting the portal Aimhigher.
Q
What is a Higher National Certificate – HNC?
A
It is a professional higher education course, which confers a Level 4 European qualification and lasts for one or two years, depending on whether it is taken full-time or part-time. After completing this qualification students can start the second year of a Bachelor’s degree.
Find out more about the HNC consulting the portal Aimhigher.
Q
What is a Diploma of Higher Education - DipHE?
A
It is a professional higher education course, which confers a Level 4 European qualification and lasts for two years. After an extra year this qualification can be converted into a Bachelor’s degree.
Find out more about the DipHE by consulting the portal Aimhigher.
Q
What is a Foundation course, Foundation year, Access or Bridging course?
A
A Foundation course, also called a foundation year, access or bridging course, is a course that bridges the gap between the qualifications that a student has and the qualifications he/she needs to study in higher education. It generally lasts for a year, although an intensive Foundation course can last only six months. When choosing the institutions that offer a British degree, find out if the same institutions offer a Foundation year / course in the same field.
Access courses are generally for mature students (over 21). Find out about 'Access courses' by consulting the UCAS student site index in 'Access programmes'.
Find out more by reading the British Council Education information sheet 'Choosing your undergraduate foundation programme'. Find out which areas have these courses and how to apply by consulting our page about Access Courses.
Q
What is a sandwich course?
A
It is a higher education course that includes a placement that can be in the United Kingdom or in Portugal, in another country or continent. The placement takes place during or at the end of the course.
Q
Can I obtain a British qualification via Distance Learning?
A
British Distance Learning has an excellent reputation throughout the world. You can study according to the time you define for yourself and take exams at the British Council in Portugal.
Find out more by reading the British Council Education information sheet 'Study for a qualification in your country: Undergraduate degree', and by looking at our page on Distance Learning.
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