Undergraduate Study
The University of Suffolk offers a range of higher education opportunities including Honours degrees, Foundation degrees and Diplomas of Higher Education.
Honours degrees
Many University of Suffolk undergraduate courses lead to the award of Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA). Normally they are studied full-time over three years, or part-time, where available, over four and a half to nine years. As well as offering single and joint Honours degrees, there may also be the opportunity for students to choose modules outside of their subject area (timetable permitting). The majority of BSc and BA degrees on offer are at Honours level.
Foundation degrees
Foundation degrees are highly flexible programmes of study with a strong vocational emphasis. The Foundation degree in Science (FdSc) and Foundation degree in Arts (FdA) are generally available in both full and part-time study modes. Normally they are studied full-time over two years or part-time, where available, over approximately three years. Upon successful completion of a Foundation degree students who wish to study further in order to gain an Honours degree can either transfer on to the final year of a related Honours degree or complete a specific Progression Year.
Diplomas of Higher Education
A Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) is equivalent to the first two years of a full-time Honours degree. Students can study a DipHE either as a standalone award, or complete a third year to achieve an Honours degree. In health, DipHE courses are offered as three year full-time programmes of study, which can also lead to state registration in nursing and midwifery.
Certificate of Higher Education
A Certificate of Higher Education is the first year of a degree course.
BTEC Higher Nationals
Both Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) courses, targeted at delivering specialist vocational learning, are offered at our partner colleges. HNCs and HNDs are awarded by Pearson, a well-established national awarding body.
Part-time study of a HNC will take around two years, with a further year required to achieve a HND.
A HND will typically take two years full-time study to complete.
Following the completion of a HND, students are often able to progress onto Honours degree courses, usually requiring one or two further years of study.
Postgraduate Study
The University of Suffolk offers a range of postgraduate higher education opportunities including Masters, Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates, and Professional and CPD courses.
Masters degrees
Many University of Suffolk postgraduate courses lead to the award of a Masters of Arts (MA), Masters of Science (MSc) or Masters in Business Administration (MBA). Normally they are studied full-time over one year or part-time over two to five years.
Applicants should normally hold the equivalent of an Honours degree from a UK university, though other qualifications of similar standing will be considered.
Postgraduate Diplomas
There a number of Postgraduate Diplomas on offer. Some consist of the same modules and examinations as for a Masters degree, but without the dissertation, and can be used as credits to progress to a Masters qualification. Others are offered as standalone qualifications especially developed for professionals within a particular sector and carry accreditation from professional bodies. All are taught either full or part-time depending on the programme.
Postgraduate Certificates
Postgraduate Certificates are ideal for prospective students who wish to undertake further study but only wish to commit for a short period of time. They also provide a progression route to Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters. They are offered as standalone courses developed for professionals within a particular sector. All are taught either full or part-time depending on the programme.
Postgraduate Research
The University of Suffolk is pleased to welcome applications for postgraduate research degrees from applicants wishing to conduct research in any of the following research themes:
- Health and Biological Sciences
- Computer Science and Informatics
- Social Policy (including Social Work, Business Management and Heritage, Education
- History
- Sport and Exercise Science
Further information on completing a Postgraduate Research Degree with the University of Suffolk is available in the Postgraduate Research section.