Your Qualification Explained
University Centre South Devon offers a range of courses leading to different qualifications.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) – Level 4
Higher National Certificates (HNC) are vocational qualifications designed to develop practical as well as theoretical skills and knowledge. They focus on equipping you with a practical understanding of your chosen subject and can lead directly to employment in specific industries; they may also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations. Upon successful completion of the HNC you can progress onto the related Foundation Degree at University Centre South Devon.
Foundation Degree – FdA and FdSc – Level 5
A Foundation Degree is a degree-level qualification that takes two years to complete, and is equivalent to the first 2 years of a traditional Honours Degree. Foundation Degrees focus on relevant, work-based skills within a particular career route or profession, and are designed to increase employability and progression opportunities.
More and more people are recognising that Foundation Degrees are one of the quickest and most direct routes to the high-level vocational skills required in the working world. Because employers are involved in the development of Foundation Degree programmes, they ensure you are immediately ready to transition into employment when you complete your studies.
Bachelor’s Degrees – BA (Hons) and BSc (Hons) – Level 6
At the end of a Foundation Degree you have the option to ‘top-up’ your qualification with an additional third year of study to convert it into a Full Honours Degree. We offer a range of Bachelor’s top-up courses for you to consider, or you could progress to the University of Plymouth where you are guaranteed an interview for an associated top-up course.
A Bachelor’s Degree generally introduces you to the new skills and research methods that employers will value, and is widely seen as a mark of intellectual ability and potential in the employment market.
Higher Technical Qualifications – Level 4 or 5
Higher Technical Qualifications are either new or existing Level 4 and 5 qualifications (such as Higher National Diplomas/Foundation Degrees/Diploma HE) that have been approved against occupational standards in their sector.
These qualifications have been developed by awarding bodies, who have worked with employers and businesses to make sure that learners get the specific training, knowledge and skills they need for their chosen career.
You can find out more about the higher technical qualifications UCSD offers here
Higher and Degree Apprenticeship – Levels 4 to 7
Higher apprenticeships are available from Levels 4 to 7, some contain Certificates of Higher Education, foundation degrees and bachelor’s degrees. Programmes are developed with employers to ensure you gain relevant skills for the local market.
Higher and degree apprenticeships offer a unique way of developing professional level, job specific skills while remaining in employment and earning a salary. You will have the opportunity to achieve graduate and postgraduate level qualifications with a chance to gain a professional accreditation and membership.
You can find out more about higher and degree apprenticeships here
Access to Higher Education – Level 3
Access to Higher Education (HE) is an intensive one year programme designed to prepare students, who may not have the necessary qualifications (e.g. A Levels), for progression to university.
An Access to HE Diploma consists of three core subjects (which are equivalent to three A Levels) as well as a Study Skills module.
You can find out more about access to higher education here
Other qualifications level 4, 5, 6 and 7
Other qualifications may include