What is an undergraduate degree and what to expect?

When it comes to studying after school and college, the next step for most is university, and the first step into university will be an undergraduate degree. Here, you'll level up your learning and choose a specific subject to study. There are different types of undergraduate degrees to choose from, and shouldn't be confused with a postgraduate.

What is an undergraduate degree?

An undergraduate degree is a first-level degree studied at a university or another higher education provider. An undergraduate is a level 4-6 qualification with the level depending on the type of undergraduate degree you complete. It will come after college and before a postgraduate degree such as a Master's degree.

Types of undergraduate degrees

A Bachelor's degree is the most common type of undergraduate degree. However, it's not the only option! An undergraduate degree is any of the following:

• Bachelor's degree (BA, Bsc, BEd, BEng)
• Foundation year/diploma
• Foundation degree
• Higher National Certificate (HNC)
• Higher National Diploma (HND)
• Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
• Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
• Top-up degree
• Joint honours degree
• Integrated Master's

What to expect from an undergraduate degree

Length of study

Depending on the type of undergraduate course you choose, your study can range from 1 year for a foundation year to 5 years with an integrated Master's. The longer your course, the more specialised your studies will likely become, as your knowledge and academic skills develop.

Assessment types

While you'll be used to a structured approach to assessments with GCSEs, A-Levels and BTECs, undergraduate degrees can vary with how they assess students. Some course types and subjects will have more coursework-led modules, while others may teach you the content needed for exams at the end of each year. Each course, subject and university will do things differently. It's good to understand what assessment type you do best at and consider this when choosing your university.

Being an undergraduate student

What's great about being an undergrad is the freedom you have! You'll have more independence and choice with what you study and how you approach your work. Your tutors will expect you to be engaged in the course and contribute to your seminars and lectures to make the most of your studies.

As an undergrad, you'll develop a deeper understanding of the subject you're studying and also start to piece together the skills needed for your career after university. You'll likely have opportunities to explore different career paths and use your course as a chance to gain experience and key skills.

What's the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate?

An undergraduate degree is a level 4-6 qualification while a postgraduate, such as a Master's or PhD, is a level 7-8. To study for a postgraduate degree, you must already have a first degree which will be an undergraduate.

While an undergraduate degree is an introduction to your subject, your postgraduate degree is there to develop your academic skills and grow your knowledge in a specialised area of your subject. You'll likely complete a Master's dissertation which will require a lot of independent research and thinking. The skills you learn at undergraduate will set you up to succeed as a postgraduate.