Glossary of Terms

Here are some of the more common options briefly explained.

Further Education – This is education in the UK usually after the age of sixteen years. There are different levels of learning from very basic skills and many are concerned with work related training. Further education provides education and courses in a wide range of subjects and levels. These include A Levels, AS Levels, Vocational A Levels, NVQ’s and National Diplomas. They are usually offered in schools, 6 th forms, Further Education Colleges and Adult Education Colleges.  It can provide entry to university.

Higher Education – any studying undertaken at degree level or above is know as Higher Education.

Access courses - Access courses are a study route to help students gain access to a degree where they lack the necessary entry requirements.

BTEC - A BTEC National Diplomas can, depending on the University, facilitate entry into a Degree.  BTEC courses are sometimes taken as an alternative to A levels and cover a wide range of subjects.

City and Guilds - City and Guilds is a vocational awarding body, offering a wide range of qualifications.

CLAIT - CLAIT is a recognised qualification in using computers. It is available in three levels, with level 3 being the most advanced and equivalent to NVQ level 3 or an A level.

Distance learning - Distance learning, is also known as a correspondence course and allows students to undertake courses from home.

Students and tutors communicate and transfer materials to each other via telephone, email, post, websites, online forums or a mixture of these methods.

NVQ – (National Vocational Qualification) are assessed mainly in the workplace. The awards range between levels 1 to 5. Levels 4 and 5 are an advanced, management level.

Degrees - Degrees are Higher Education qualifications awarded by universities and colleges, when a course of study has been completed. Most degrees are studied over three years full-time, but can take between four or five years part time. Below are examples of the different types of degrees on offer.

Foundation Degrees - a new type of qualification for a variety of work based or work-related subjects. Your study will take place as day release from your workplace, which takes between two and three years.  If you undertake a further year of studying your foundation degree can be topped up to an Honours degree.

Higher National Diplomas (HND) or Diploma Of Higher Education - these can be topped up into a full degree later.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) - A Bachelor of Arts is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completion of a degree program in the arts or humanities.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) – A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completion of a degree program in the sciences.