Which kind of course is right for me?
Find out about the different types of degree courses we offer:
Fit your course around your life
We offer different ways to study, so you can choose one to meet your needs. We understand that some students have work and caring responsibilities, so most courses can be studied part-time.
Honours degrees
Award: BA(Hons), BSc(Hons), short for Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science; also called undergraduate degrees
Duration:
- 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time
- 4 years full-time for sandwich courses with a year-long placement in industry
Single honours means that you'll study one subject on your course, such as Broadcast Journalism. Joint honours degree courses combine two subject areas, like Mathematics and Business. Single and joint honours students do the same amount of work, and are assessed in the same way.
Most of our courses involve work-based learning – through workshops, short placements or a year in the workplace (usually your third year) where you apply your new skills in real situations, gain valuable experience that looks great on your CV and make important contacts in the industry.
Top-up degrees
A top-up degree typically involves one year full-time or two years part-time study and enables you to top up your foundation degree up to an honours degree.
What can I do when I've finished?
You'll be able to progress to postgraduate courses, graduate training schemes or conversion courses, or go straight into work.
Foundation degrees and diplomas
Award: FdA, FdSc, DipHE, short for Foundation Arts or Science, or Diploma of Higher Education; also a type of undergraduate degree.
Duration: typically 2 years full-time,4 years part-time
Foundation degrees are job-related qualifications. They are designed with help from employers, so you will be equipped with practical skills needed to succeed in a range of careers.
Foundation degrees usually take two years, or you can study part-time which takes longer but means you can fit in study with other commitments.
Foundation degrees also allow you to keep your options open in the future. After successful completion, you may be able to progress to a top-up year or receive credits towards a professional qualification.
A diploma of higher education is usually more focused on academic study. People who have completed DipHE courses may also be able to top up their qualification to an honours degree.
What can I do when I've finished?
You may be able to progress to top-up year, to top up your degree to a BA(Hons) or BSc(Hons) in a related subject (typically one year full time or 2 years part-time), or you can go straight into work.
Postgraduate degrees
Award: MA, MSc, (Master of Arts or Master of Science); PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education); MPhil (Master of Philosophy), DPhil, PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
A postgraduate degree is an opportunity to specialise further by focusing on more research and individual study. Some people choose to come back to study for a postgraduate degree after a break from education, when they have had the chance to develop a career.
You’ll come away with key skills in research and writing, whilst also demonstrating your personal commitment to your field of work.
Postgraduate opportunities at Hastings include the PGCE and Graduate Teaching Programme (GTP), both of which lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You need QTS to be able to teach in state schools in England and Wales.
Duration:
- the PGCE, GTP and a taught masters degree (MA, MSc), typically takes one year of full-time study
- Research degrees such as the PhD and MPhil take longer
- the PGCE takes one year full-time.
What can I do when I've finished?
You can apply for graduate-level employment or go on to further academic research.