Going to university doesn't just mean spending three years studying for a Bachelor's degree - there are many ways you can gain a higher education qualification at undergraduate level.
Types of undergraduate courses
Bachelor's degree
A standard Bachelor's degree takes three years to complete (full-time) and will see you graduate with one of the following titles: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), or Bachelor of Law (LLB). They are all of equal status and it's possible to get your degree with Honours.
Four-year 'sandwich' degree
A sandwich degree is a Bachelor's course with an additional year 'sandwiched' between your second and final years of study. During your third year, you will go on a relevant work placement to put what you have learned into practice and test your skills.
Within some courses, a minimum 30-week work placement is mandatory. However, all of our undergraduate students have the option to undertake a work placement as part of their course.
Integrated Master’s degree
An Integrated Master's degree is a four-year course (or five years with placement) which combines undergraduate and postgraduate study. You will graduate with a Master’s level degree.
International Foundation Certificate (non-UK)
We offer Foundation Certificates for international students through the Bournemouth University International College.
Pathway programmes (non-UK)
You can gain fast-track entry onto selected degrees at BU if you undertake a relevant pathway programme through Bournemouth University International College. Successful completion of one of these courses guarantees you entry onto year two of your chosen undergraduate degree.
Foundation degrees
Although full Honours degrees (BA/BSc/BEng/LLB) are the most common undergraduate courses, they are not the only way to achieve a higher education qualification. You can also complete a Foundation degree, which lasts only two years and combines academic study with workplace learning.
Top-up degree
If you already have a Foundation degree, or another relevant qualification like a HND, you can complete just one year of study on a Top-up degree, which allows you to achieve a full Honours level qualification and graduate with a BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons).
Foundation Year
Foundation Years are an alternative route to studying a full degree. You would take a one-year course which enables you to progress on to the first year of one of our eligible undergraduate degrees.
Teaching and learning at BU
Find out about our teaching style and get an overview of how studying at university differs from school or college.