Before embarking on university study you need to have an understanding of the different types of courses available.

Higher National Diploma (HND) – This is a vocational degree with subjects that are occupationally based such as Travel and Tourism, and is two years full-time or three years if taken as a sandwich course (with industrial experience). This degree can lead straight on to employment or a first degree, which could be completed in twelve months. Entry requirements are at least on A level (or equivalent) or a vocational qualification at level such as an AVCE, BTEC National or Certificate or NVQ.

First Degree – The main qualification taken at university which is usually three or four years full-time and the entry requirements for a degree course are a minimum of two A levels (or equivalent).

These are the two most common undergraduate (or first) degrees and are usually three to four years full-time:

• BA (Bachelor of Arts) for a first degree in arts and

• BSc (Bachelor of Science) for a first degree in science.

There are a number of different types of courses which you can study at first degree level. You can study:

• Single Honours - a single subject,

• Joint Honours - two subjects taken equally (you do not do twice as much work),

• Combined Honours - two or three subjects.

• If you are interested in having more flexibility in your course you could take a Modular Course which allows you to pick individual units. Depending on the modules taken you will graduate with a single or joint degree.

• Sandwich Course – part of the course is spent in a work placement which is usually paid employment, professional or industrial training out at work (possibly overseas). There are thick sandwich (a year out) and thin (usually 2 periods of six months). The university prospectus will give you more details about what is on offer.