Types of Higher Education

Undergraduate 

An undergraduate degree is a term for an academic degree taken by a person who has completed and undergraduate course (A-Levels, Btece or equivalent). An undergraduate degree is usually offered at an institution of higher education, such as a university. The most common type of this degree is the bachelor's degree, which typically takes at least three or four years to complete. 

Foundation degree

The foundation degree is a vocational qualification in higher education, introduced by the British government in September 2001. Foundation degrees are intended to give a basic knowledge in a subject to enable the holder to go on to employment or further study in that field. They are normally offered by universities and further education colleges working in partnership.

It is at Level 5 in the qualifications framework. This makes it similar in level to the associate's degree awarded in the United States, and sometimes in the United Kingdom. It is below the level of an honours degree. Courses are typically two years full time study or 3-4 years part time. 

It also sits on the same level as the pre-existing Higher National Diploma (HND) and Certificate. However, unlike the HND, it stands as a degree, and has a defined value of 240 Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points in the UK system, or 120 ECTS-credits in the European Credit Transfer System, whereas the credit points value of the HND depends on the receiving institution. 

A further important difference is that foundation Degrees, as originally conceived, were to give students with substantial industry experience the opportunity to frame what they knew against appropriate academic perspectives, and were to be accessible by students in work.

It is common for Foundation degree holders to "top-up" to a fill honours degree award, which typically involves one further year of full-time study (longer for part time study)

Part-Time courses 

Part time courses are more suitable to some people. There ideal for people who have busy lifestyles or just don't want to study three years intensive. There also great for people who want to work as well as study.

HNCs/HNDs

A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a higher education/further education qualification in the United Kingdom. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the HNC is a BTEC qualification awarded by Edexcel, and in Scotland, an HNC is a Higher National awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The attainment level of the qualification is roughly equivalent to one year of university and a Certificate of Higher Education by being less than that of a Higher National Diploma (HND). Studied full time, the qualification normally takes one year or two years part time. Many HNCs cover the same areas as an HND and it is often possible to complete an HND with one year full time study after successfully  completing the HNC. 

Extended Degrees

An extended degree is an alternative route into higher education for students that do not have the traditional qualifications to start an undergraduate degree. Extended degrees act as a bridge between previous education or work experience to ensure that students have the knowledge and academic experience to complete a full degree programme. They are also valuable study routes to those students that are currently employed and are looking to progress their career or gain further knowledge of their industry/sector.