Age 18+

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, typical degree courses last for three years (if taken full-time) to four years (if a sandwich course), and lead to a Bachelors degree with Honours (e.g. BA Hons, BSc Hons).  Sandwich degrees involve a work placement of up to a year.  In Scotland, an Honours degree lasts for four year.  Honours degrees are classified from First (highest grade) through upper second class (2.i), lower second class (2.ii), Third and Pass.

ICT specific

In the UK, there are nearly three thousand undergraduate courses that cover some aspect of computing; from animation through engineering to web design. There are over 600 postgraduate courses involving computer science / information technology throughout the UK; a handful of these are conversion courses for graduates of other disciplines.

The Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) degree is a new Honours degree course designed in partnership with some of the biggest employers in the IT industry.  Rather than focus purely on technical areas, the degree covers the best mix of skills and knowledge for students who want exciting and challenging management or senior professional careers designing, developing and implementing technology solutions for businesses.  Business, project management, and personal skills are as important as technical skills in this degree.

Some universities also offer Foundation degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Higher National Certificates (HNCs).  Full-time Foundation degrees and HNDs are two years in length and can be upgraded to degree level through further study.  HNCs are the part-time equivalent to HNDs. These qualifications usually include work-related learning that is not found in degrees in the same subject.

The ICT Higher Apprenticeship is a new approach to developing degree level skills that are required to start a career in the ICT industry.  New employees are provided with a self-earning alternative route to a degree.  An ICT Higher Apprentice is able to gain a Foundation Degree from three years of employment combined with part-time study, which can be converted into an Honours Degree with a further year's commitment.

Postgraduate study includes Diplomas and Masters qualifications (e.g. MAs, MScs).  Masters usually take one calendar year, as opposed to an academic year.  Doctorates (e.g. PhDs and DPhils) entail four or five years further study. An MBA (Master of Business Administration) can usually be studied only after two years relevant professional work.

First degrees at Scottish universities typically last for three years for an ordinary degree and four years for Honours. HNCs in Scotland are comparable to half of a HND and run for one year full-time.

Last modified: 05 Jul 2007