Unlocking your Potential: Your guide to course levels at the Hugh Baird University Centre
For some, a degree of any kind may seem like an unachievable goal, believing that degrees are only accessible to college leavers, younger people or only those with A-level qualifications.
The age-old route into university, whilst still valid, is an outdated premise when it comes to accessing higher education.
In the post-pandemic world, more and more people have started to rethink their job status which in turn has seen higher numbers of mature students enrolling on degree courses and embarking on new and fulfilling careers; regardless of previous experience or qualification level.
At the Hugh Baird University Centre, we offer a growing range of degree-level courses, all validated and approved by leading universities. We provide easily accessed degree programmes at varying levels to suit everybody.
Access to Higher Education
Access to Higher Education courses are designed to prepare mature learners (19+) for a range of studies at university level.
Foundation Degree (FdA/FdSc/FdEng)
A Foundation Degree is a degree-level course, which combines academic study with work place learning and is a qualification in its own right. It is equivalent to the first two years of a full honours degree and may be studied on a full or part-time basis, with the full-time route taking two years and the part-time route often completed over three years. Due to the combination of academic study and relevant work-based learning, successful students graduate with the practical skills and relevant knowledge sought by employers.
On completion of a Foundation Degree, students can progress into employment or apply to Top up their qualification to a full honours award (BA/BSc/ BEng) with one year of further study (or two years if studying part-time).
Not quite ready for the Foundation Degree?
If you’re not quite ready for the Foundation Degree or don’t have the necessary formal qualifications to start just yet, a Foundation Degree with Optional Integrated Foundation Entry gives you an extra year of tuition (two years if studying part-time) at the beginning of the Foundation Degree programme.
This option allows you more time to prepare for study at Foundation Degree level, whilst enjoying a full university experience from day one. It can also be ideal for anyone who chose subjects at BTEC or A-level that aren’t appropriate for the Foundation Degree they are interested in.
Honours Top Up Degree (BA/BSc/BEng)
Honours Top up degrees are equivalent to the final year of a full honours degree and may be studied on a full or part-time basis, with the full-time route taking one year and the part-time route often completed over two years. Our Top up degrees are approved by the University of Central Lancashire. Students who successfully complete an Honours Top up degree with us will graduate with a full BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) Degree.
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are new university-level qualifications (such as HNDs/ Foundation Degrees) that have been developed in collaboration with employers to ensure students get the specific training, knowledge and skills required for their chosen career. If you are looking at studying a T-level and you want to progress to university once you’ve completed the programme, a HTQ is the natural next step for you.
Who are HTQs for?
- They’re for students over 18 who want to study a subject to prepare them for skilled jobs, and also for adults looking to retrain or upskill.
- They would suit you if you want a more practical, employer-led programme.
- Although HTQs are primarily designed for entry into skilled employment or those looking to retrain or upskill, you could also progress to further study and/or training.
With a range of course options within each degree level, Hugh Baird University Centre could be the key to unlocking your potential and helping you on the path to your dream career.
Interested and want to learn more?
Email our team today at enquiries@hughbaird.ac.uk
