Guide to All Qualifications
click here for undergraduate or postgraduate

Further Education (FE)

Glossary:

Advanced Diplomas

The new Advanced Diploma is an alternative to the traditional A level route and offers a mix of classroom learning, creative thinking and hands-on experience. It is equivalent to three and a half A levels and can be started in Year 12 or above.

The University of Lincoln welcomes the development of the new Advanced Diplomas as an alternative route into higher education and will consider the Advanced Diplomas as an entry requirement for its undergraduate courses. Individual course requirements do vary depending on the discipline and applicants may be required to complete specific qualifications as part of the additional/specialist learning options (eg Science for the Psychology degree). All applicants are encouraged to visit the University's website for more details of entry requirements, before making an application.

The Extended Project

The Extended Project is both a free-standing qualification and a compulsory part of the advanced level 3 diploma. The University recognises the qualification and its role in preparing applicants for higher education and will accept the Extended Project as part of the overall tariff points required.

Cambridge Pre-U Diploma

The Cambridge Level 3 Pre-U Diploma aims to equip students with the subject-specific skills required to make a success of their subsequent studies at university. In addition, it encourages independent and self-directed learning and lateral, critical and creative thinking. Cambridge Pre-U syllabuses can be taken separately, and are graded individually. Students may choose to combine them to achieve a full diploma.
The University will consider the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma as satisfying general entry requirements. All applicants are encouraged to visit the University's website for further details of entry requirements, before making an application.

AQA Baccalaureate

The AQA Baccalaureate comprises four elements which together demonstrate that students have achieved success in terms of A levels and wider learning and enrichment activities.

The University will consider the AQA Baccalaureate as satisfying general entry requirements. All applicants are encouraged to visit the University's website for further details of entry requirements, before making an application.
ASDAN’s Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) - Level 3

The CoPE provides a framework for the development, assessment and accreditation of generic and wider key skills and wider activities.
The University welcomes applications from students with the ASDAN CoPE level 3 qualification and will accept it when combined with additional A Levels or other level 3 qualifications.

National Diplomas

ND's have been designed as a preparation either for employment or for entry to HE. The subject of study is usually more specific than an AVCE or foundation and will allow HE entry to specific study areas.

AVCE (GNVQ)

The Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education programme is designed to prepare students for progression into HE or directly into employment. The programme introduces the full range of pathways available in the study area.

HNC

Most students who choose to study for an HNC do so part time over two years while they continue to work. HNC graduates  may be able to enter a relevant degree course in the second year, rather than starting from scratch.

Foundation Programmes and Foundation Degrees

One or two year courses designed to prepare the student specifically (but not exclusively) for entry to HE. e.g. The Foundation in Computing and Media Technology is a one year “level zero” programme targeted at students who wish to study an undergraduate programme in Computing, Informatics or Media Technology at the University of Lincoln, but who do not satisfy formal requirements for entry into higher education.

Undergraduate Qualifications (HE)

Glossary:

HND

Higher National Diploma and the new Foundation Degrees are HE qualifications, normally two years in duration. These courses provide direct entry to employment or, to the second or third year of a degree course.

Undergraduate Bachelors Degree (3 Year) - BA / BSc etc

Honours degrees form the largest group of higher education qualifications. Typical courses last for three years and lead to a Bachelors degree with Honours, having a title such as Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.

An Undergraduate degree can be studied as a joint award e.g. Fashion Studies and Photography, provided the specific combination is available.

Undergraduate/Masters Degree (4Year) - MComp / MDes etc

This is a four year programme with a wider range of taught units usually including a research element in the final year. The degree can be used for advanced entry to postgraduate education. Students may transfer between Bachelors and Masters programmes depending on achievement.

Postgraduate Qualifications (PG)

Glossary:

Masters level - MA / MSc/ MBA

Masters degrees are awarded after completion of taught courses, programmes of research, or a mixture of both. Longer, research-based programmes often lead to the degree of MPhil. Most Masters courses last at least one year, and are taken by persons with Honours degrees or equivalent achievement.

Masters level - MRes

The MRes is a flexible programme of formal research training for recent graduates, lecturers or practitioners; whose work requires application of specialist research skills. The MRes may act as the preliminary stage for the completion of an MPhil or PhD.

Doctoral level - PhD / DPhil / EdD

The titles PhD and DPhil are commonly used for doctorates awarded on the basis of original research.