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