Technically an undergraduate is anyone studying towards a bachelors (honours) degree who has not yet graduated (received a degree).
In practice, the University of Bolton considers all students who are studying towards a bachelors degree, a foundation degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND) or Certificate (HNC) as an undergraduate.
Please visit the links below to find out more about each of these qualifications:
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Bachelors degrees (honours degrees)
The main qualification obtained at a university in the UK is known as a degree, bachelors degree or honours degree and someone studying for a degree at a university is called an undergraduate.
A bachelors degree normally involves 3-4 years of full-time study or 4-7 years part-time study. The University of Bolton currently offers 6 types of bachelor degree:
BA - Bachelor of Arts
BSc - Bachelor of Science
LLB - Bachelor of Laws
BDes - Bachelor of Design
BEng - Bachelor of Engineering
BEd - Bachelor of Education
Bachelors degrees can be either pass degrees or honours degrees. Honours degrees are generally of a higher academic standard and are identified by the term (Hons) after the degree abbreviation.
The grades, if you pass, are known as a first class (highest, often shortened to "a first"), a second class ("a second"; usually divided into an upper second - 2:1 or "two-one" - and a lower second - 2:2 or "two-two"), and a third class ("a third").
Most students study for a single honours bachelor degree in a single subject. However, it is often possible to combine two subjects of interest - these are called combined honours degrees.
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Foundation degrees
Foundation degrees are modern higher education qualifications, designed and delivered in partnership with employers to equip people with the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for - now and in the future.
You can study for a foundation degree whilst you are in work, or you can choose to study full-time. Some foundation degrees are also available by distance learning. In general, a foundation degree will take two years to complete if studied full-time or three years if studied on a part-time basis.
On successful completion, foundation degree graduates can revisit their career options and may choose to enter employment, progress to further professional qualifications or on to a bachelor degree. The University of Bolton offers a number of 'top up' options especially designed for foundation degree graduates wishing to gain a bachelors degree.
The University of Bolton currently offers two types of foundation degree:
FdA - Foundation degree in Arts
FdSc - Foundation degree in Science
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Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs)
Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas, or HNCs and HNDs as they are better known, are vocational qualifications that are available in a wide range of subjects. They are designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in current or future employment or for progression to a bachelors degree.
HNCs usually take one year if studied full-time and two years if studied part-time. HNDs normally take two years when studied full-time and up to five years when studied part-time.
It is quite common for those who have achieved an HNC to progress to an HND and then to add to their qualification by studying towards a bachelors degree or professional qualifications. Equally, many students who complete an HND will progress to similar further study.
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