University – qualifications and terminology explained
Degree - standard university qualification requiring A levels or a Level 3 qualification. Usually three years, four if it includes a year abroad or a year of work experience. Longer for careers such as medicine, veterinary science and architecture
Foundation Degree or HND - step below a degree, usually in a vocational subject, practical and related to a job area. An extra “top up” year can lead to a full degree
UCAS - University & Colleges Admissions System – application route for university
UCAS Tariff – points system used for entry qualifications
Personal Statement – written statement on your UCAS form explaining what you can offer
Prospectus – booklet produced by universities explaining their courses
Graduate – when you finish your degree, you become a graduate
Undergraduate – someone still studying for their degree
Postgraduate – someone taking a qualification after their degree
QTS – Qualified Teacher Status – a Degree + teaching qualification
BEd – Bachelor of Education – a Degree + teaching qualification
BA Degree – Bachelor of Arts Degree – the qualification you’ll gain after taking a Degree in an Arts subject such as English, philosophy or history
BSc Degree – Bachelor of Science Degree – the qualification you’ll gain after taking a Degree in a Science subject such as biology, zoology or oceanography
MA/MSc – Master of Arts/Master of Science – a postgraduate qualification
PhD – Doctor of Philosophy – higher level postgraduate qualification
Campus – a university’s main site including teaching and accommodation buildings
Clearing – system for gaining a place if you do not achieve the right A level/Level 3 results