Levels of Qualifications

Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) - Level 4

A Certificate of Higher Education is a Level 4 qualification and is equivalent to the first year of a full-time honours degree programme. The successful completion of a Certificate of Higher Education can lead into the second year of an appropriate Foundation Degree or an honours degree programme.

Diploma of Higher Education (Dip HE) - Levels 4 & 5

A Diploma of Higher Education is a Level 5 qualification and is equivalent to the first two years of a full-time honours degree programme. The successful completion of a Diploma of Higher Education can lead into the third year of an appropriate honours degree programme.

Foundation Degree (FdA / FdSc) - Levels 4 & 5

A Foundation Degree is an employment-related qualification at higher education level. It is designed to equip individuals with the higher-level skills and knowledge that not only meet the needs of the employer, but also offer the opportunity to develop personally and professionally. It is partly work-based and projects and assignments relate to individual’s role within the workplace.

Bachelor's Degree (BA / BSc) - Levels 4, 5, 6

A Bachelor's honours degree is a 3 year full-time course. The majority of programmes are modular, and therefore are available on a part-time basis, either during the day, or during the evening and occasional Saturdays. Details of these courses are available in the Undergraduate Prospectus.

Graduate Certificate (Grad Cert) - Level 6

Graduate Certificates are designed for those who have already achieved a Level 6 qualification in another discipline.

Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) - Level 7

A Postgraduate Certificate is awarded for 60 credits at level 7.

Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) - Level 7

A Postgraduate Diploma is awarded for 120 credits at level 7.

Master’s Degree (MA / MSc / MTh / MBA) - Level 7

Students are required to complete 180 credits at Level 7 for the award of a Master’s degree, 60 credits of which comprise an extended piece of research submitted as a dissertation of 20,000 words.

Master of Ministry (MMin) - Level 7

Students are required to complete 180 taught credits at Level 7.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) - Level 7

An MPhil is an original piece of research leading to a 60 000 word thesis, completed within 1 to 3 years (or longer if you chose to study part-time).

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Level 7

A PhD is a substantial and original piece of research leading to an 100 000 word thesis, completed within 3 to 4 years (or longer if you chose to study part-time).

Professional Doctorates (DBA / PhD by Professional Practice or Published works) - Level 7

Doctoral programmes that integrate professional and academic knowledge. Please contact us for further details of the regulations and time limits.