HE Qualifications explained
South Thames College offers a broad range of Higher Education qualifications which are designed to enable you to progress to further study or enter into successful employment.
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
An HNC is a level 4 vocationally orientated qualification. These courses are generally more practical in nature and are specifically more work related than a degree. Generally delivered over one year, students can progress to an HND, or in some cases, direct entry to the second year of an Honours Degree
Higher National Diploma (HND)
A HND is a level 5 qualification and is normally delivered over two years or one year when you have successfully completed an HNC. A completion of an HND gives you the option transfer to an appropriate degree course and study for a further year at university.
Level 4 (HNC) & Level 5 (HND).
These qualifications have a stronger work related emphasis than degrees. You gain a thorough grounding in the key concepts and in the practical skills required in your chosen sector. When you get your HNC, you can progress to a Foundation Degree, and many universities will accept you onto the second or final year of a related degree programme.
Foundation Degrees
A Foundation Degree is a qualification offered in a variety of work-related subjects, aimed at individuals who may already be in relevant employment. This course is broadly equivalent to the first two years (Level 4 and Level 5) of an Honours Degree and can normally be studied on a full or part time basis to suit your commitments. On completion successful students have the option to top up to an Honours Degree by studying for a further year at university.
Honours Degree
Honours Degrees for example Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) or Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons), are usually delivered full time (two to three days a week) over three years. You will normally study the first one or two years at South Thames College and then complete your degree at university. We offer Honours Degree courses in partnership with the University of Cumbria.
Postgraduate Qualifications
We offer postgraduate qualifications such as the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching (PGCE) in partnership with Canterbury Christchurch University, and the Extended Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (EDSML). A postgraduate qualification can help you to develop a deeper understanding of a specific subject area and help you to pursue a specific career.
Masters Degree
These level 7 courses usually involve one years’ additional work after an Honours Degree. Students can graduate with a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA).