You have an idea of what you would like to study after A-levels/post school, now you have to decide which university option within the UK is right for you. There are many different options with course types, costs and application routes varying. This may feel overwhelming, but don’t worry! This guide will break down the main study options in the UK: Foundation degrees, Undergraduate degrees and Postgraduate/master’s degrees.
We will go through how each works, the entry requirements and application process, costs and course flexibility. We’ll also explore how these qualifications compare to each other, and how to go about choosing the right course.
Within the UK, the most popular Further Education University options include:
- Foundation degrees
- Undergraduate degrees
- Postgraduate and Master’s Degrees
Foundation Degrees
A foundation degree is a qualification that is equivalent to two-thirds of a bachelor’s degree. It is typically 2 years if you study full-time, or 4 years for part-time study. This degree is designed to prepare you for a specific career or give you a stepping stone into further study, such as a full bachelor’s degree. Many people say that a foundation degree is a good way to get a ‘taste’ of a full undergraduate degree before committing to a full undergraduate degree.
You’ll usually study at a college or university, sometimes in partnership with employers, especially in industries like healthcare, business, education, and engineering.
General requirements
Universities and colleges will set their requirements for this degree, so it may differ depending on where you are looking. Typically, you may need:
- A-levels or BTECs (or equivalent)
- Relevant work experience (especially for vocational courses)
- English and Maths GCSEs (grade 4/C or above)
How to apply
Depending on your course, you may be able to apply through the UCAS website or directly through the university/college. Always check with the institution you are applying to for the correct route.
Costs
The fees for a foundation degree will vary, typically in the range of £3,000 to £7,000 per year, but this will be more for international students. Tuition fee loans from Student Finance are available if this is your first undergraduate-level qualification. Universities and colleges may also be able to provide financial support to students, so make sure to check their website or contact them directly!
Flexibility
Many Foundation Degrees offer:
- Part-time options
- Distance or blended learning
How it compares
- A Foundation Degree is shorter and more practical than a full undergraduate degree
- It’s focused on job-ready skills and industry experience
- With one extra year of study, you can convert your qualification into a full degree—this is called a ‘Top-Up Degree’.
Undergraduate Degrees
An undergraduate degree, also known as a bachelor’s degree, is typically a three-year full-time course. However, some universities may offer part-time options as well as placement years and study-abroad options which may extend the length.
Bachelor’s degrees can be in arts (BA), science (BSc), engineering (BEng), and more.
Some undergraduate degrees may include:
- A foundation year at the beginning (for those who need to boost their subject knowledge or meet entry requirements)
- An integrated master’s at the end, which adds an extra year and awards both a Bachelor’s and Master’s qualification
General Requirements
Entry requirements will vary by university and subject, but most courses require:
- A-levels (or equivalent)
- Specific subjects for A-levels for certain degrees
- A minimum number of UCAS tariff points (based on your grades)
Some competitive courses, such as Medicine, Dentistry and Law, may also require extra tests or interviews.
How to apply
Applications will be through the UCAS website, where you:
- Choose up to five courses
- Write one personal statement for all
- Provide a reference
- Pay a small application fee
The main application deadline for courses is mid-January. However, for Oxford, Cambridge, Dentistry and Medicine the application deadline is usually October. You may also be able to apply for a course through Clearing in June, this is usually for students who want to change their course or make changes after receiving their exam results.
Costs
Undergraduate tuition fees in the UK are up to £9,250 per year for home students. If you’re from outside the UK, fees can be significantly higher and vary depending on the university of course.
You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan through Student Finance England. You only start repaying these loans once you’re earning over a certain income threshold.
Flexibility
Bachelor’s degrees may have courses that:
- Are part-time or full-time
- Have a year in industry, typically between the second and third year of study
- Have study abroad opportunities
How it compares
- More academic and comprehensive than a Foundation Degree
- Offers a broader range of career opportunities
- Often required for graduate-level jobs or postgraduate study
- Can lead to higher earning potential over time
Postgraduate and Master’s Degrees
Postgraduate degrees are for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and want to specialise further, advance in their career or maybe switch fields. A master’s degree is the most common type of postgraduate study and usually takes one year full-time or two years part-time.
Common types of Master’s degrees include:
- MA (Master of Arts)
- MSc (Master of Science)
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- LLM (Master of Law)
- MEd (Master of Education)
Other postgraduate qualifications include postgraduate certificate (PGCert) or diploma (PGDip). A PGCert takes around 6 months to complete while PGDip takes 9 months to complete.
General requirements
Most universities ask for:
- A 2:1 or 2:2 undergraduate degree
- An undergraduate degree that is related to the course you are applying to
- A personal statement
- An academic reference
- May require work experience (especially MBAs or teaching)
- Some competitive courses may also require a portfolio or an interview.
How to apply
Applications are usually made directly through the university’s website. Some universities have fixed deadlines, while others accept applications on a rolling basis.
Costs
A master’s degree will typically cost between £4,000 to £12,000 for UK students, while PGCerts and PGDips usually cost less. The international student fees for these courses will be around £10,000 to £30,000.
For master’s degrees, you can apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan of up to £12,471 (2024/25) from Student Finance England. Other funding options include scholarships, bursaries, and employer sponsorships.
Flexibility
Postgraduate and Master’s courses:
- Available full-time or part-time
- Many courses offer online or blended learning
- Evening/weekend classes for working professionals
- Some allow modular study, meaning you can build the qualification over time
How it compares
- More independent and specialised than an undergraduate degree
- Required for many senior, academic, or niche roles
- Can significantly boost your career progression and earnings
How To Apply and Compare University Courses
Ways to apply
- UCAS: For undergraduate and some foundation degrees
- Direct applications: For foundation and postgraduate degrees
- Clearing; For late changes, missed deadlines or post-results decisions
How to compare courses
When trying to decide or compare universities and courses consider using:
- University open days – Talk to students and lecturers, get a feel for the campus and environment
- League tables – Look at rankings of universities/colleges, but don’t base your decision solely on this
- University or college websites
When comparing, think about:
- Course content and assessment style – what will you be learning and how will you be examined?
- Entry requirements and flexibility – Do the entry requirements match your predicted grades? Does the course match your lifestyle?
- Location and living costs – Do you prefer a city or rural setting?
- Career prospects and industry links – Does the course offer any placement or industry opportunities?
Final Thoughts – UK University Options
There is no one right way to study. Whether you choose a Foundation degree, go straight into a bachelor’s or return later for a master’s that is completely up to you! Just know that within the UK, you have different University options which are explained above.
Take the time to explore your options carefully. Use the resources available, such as open days, university websites, and student forums, to help guide your decision. Think about what will be the best fit for your goals, lifestyle and future aspirations.
Hopefully, this guide has made your options clearer and helped you feel more confident about choosing the right path for your future!