Research tips
When you are embarking on choosing your course it's a good idea to be aware of the different types of degrees available and how they are delivered. It's also a good idea to ask some key questions that will help you make your decisions.
Types of honours degree courses
- 3 year Degree (UK and Wales - 4 years in Scotland)
- 2 years Accelerated Degree - a three year degree condensed into 2
- Sandwich Degree - usually 4 years to include one year work experience
- Combined Degree - you study two subjects 50/50
- Interdisciplinary (modular) Degree - you study a range of subjects from different academic departments e.g. American Studies
- 3 or 4 year Degree including study/work abroad
- Distance learning/flexible learning degrees - you study all or part of your course online
What else would be good to know about the course?
- what are the job prospects like?
- what types of employment do other students go onto after they have graduated?
- what do past students think about the quality of the course and the teaching?
- how is the course assessed?
- will it include professional qualifications?
- how many hours of lectures will you attend each week?
What would be good to know about the institution?
- does the institution have a good reputation for the course I'm interested in?
- what are the facilities like e.g. library, clubs?
- what sort of support is available for adult learners e.g. financial, learning support?
- if I am staying away from home, what is the accommodation like and how much is it?
The answers to many of these questions can be found by using the following websites:
- Discover Uni - the official Government comparison site
- University League Tables - The Guardian league tables
- The Complete University - University profiles
- Student Finance - Government information on student loans
- UCAS - course and university search
- The Student Room - official forum for mature students
- Individual university websites
- Going to an open day