Different types of degrees

A degree is a qualification awarded by a university or higher education institution. At Sunderland, we offer a range of degrees at various UK qualification levels, across many different subjects:

Undergraduate degrees

An undergraduate degree is a bachelor-level academic qualification. It corresponds to levels 4-6 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

A wide range of subjects are available to study as an undergraduate degree. You’ll study a typical undergraduate degree for three years, but there are variations. For example, you may study for four years if you choose to do a placement year, study abroad, or study a course that has an integrated master's qualification, such as MPharm. Or, if you study an accelerated degree, such as Occupational Therapy and Professional Policing, you could finish your course in two years.

We teach a number of bachelor’s honours degrees with titles including:

Bachelor of Arts (BA (Hons))
Bachelor of Science (BSc (Hons))
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng (Hons))
Bachelor of Law (LLB (Hons))

Postgraduate degrees

A postgraduate degree is a course you can study once you have achieved your undergraduate degree. This qualification is a good option if you want to specialise in your field, or progress in your career. Taught postgraduate degrees are level 7 on the QCF.

We offer taught postgraduate degrees and research postgraduate degrees which can be studied both full and part-time. You can even learn online and study a distance-learning course.

Examples of taught postgraduate degrees include:

Master of Arts (MA)
Master of Science (MSc)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Laws or Latin Legum Magister (LLM)

Learn the difference between an MA and an MSc.

Foundation degrees

Foundation degrees combine academic study with practical skills and often include work-based learning. They correspond to levels 4 and 5 on the QCF. After studying this type of degree, you could ‘top-up’ to a full honours degree if you wish to progress.

Many of our Foundation degree courses are taught at partner colleges, such as East Durham College. Courses available include:

Integrated Foundation Year

An Integrated Foundation Year degree is a four-year undergraduate degree route that incorporates a foundation year at the beginning to help you gain the essential study skills and subject knowledge you’ll need for undergraduate study.

Integrated Foundation Year degrees are perfect if you're returning to education after a long period, or if you’ve just missed out on achieving the entry requirements needed to study an undergraduate degree.

Most of our subject areas offer Integrated Foundation Year degrees so there is a large range of courses for you to choose from.

Advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships

Advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships give you the opportunity to earn while you learn, combining work-based learning with university studies.

Advanced apprenticeships are level 3 qualifications and can be considered to be the equivalent of two passes at A Level.
Higher apprenticeships are level 4 and 5 qualifications. Level 4 apprenticeships are equivalent to the first year of undergraduate degree study or a Higher National Certificate (HNC), while level 5 apprenticeships are equivalent to a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND).
Degree apprenticeships are level 6 and level 7 qualifications, the equivalent to a bachelor's or master's degree respectively.

Research degrees

A research degree is the highest-level qualification awarded by a university. Research degree students don't attend classes and complete modules, but instead work with a Director of Studies (academic supervisor) on an original research topic.

Research degrees are levels 7 and 8 on the QCF.

Examples of research postgraduate degrees we offer include:

Published: 5 March 2025