A Top-Up Degree is equivalent to a final year undergraduate degree. Suppose you already have a Level 5 education (graduated), you can opt for a Top-Up Degree and gain admission to the final year, which means that as a student, you can complete Level 6 of education in 1-year compared to the standard 3-years.
It is also possible to study a Top-Up course after completing National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 5 (like a foundation course or Higher National Diploma and its similar equivalent).
If you are concerned about the value and recognition of a Top-Up Degree, rest assured that they are recognized the same way as other full degrees.
Top-Up Degrees help add value to your existing Level 5, and they make you career/ job ready by providing you with all the necessary skills and knowledge you would need to excel in the field.
Some students also do a Top-Up Degree if they wish to pursue a higher degree in a different subject within the same field, and the top-up will give the man insight and in-depth knowledge of the said field. For instance, a student pursuing hotel management can top-up for a hotel and travel management.
Top-Up Degrees are a great way for students to make the best out of their bachelor’s degrees. Students who pursue a Top-Up course may also graduate with a BA (Hons) or B.Sc (Hons), depending on the university and course. Students who opt for top-up degrees are usually those who wish to land a job right after graduation while studying abroad. Some of the common subject areas that students typically opt for a top-up course are:
Although these are some of the most common areas of study for a top-up, you can always do extensive research to see the equivalent or available options for your chosen field of interest. It is also important to note that each top-up course has different eligibility criteria depending on the area of study. Although Top-Up degrees may not be available for all courses, it is an excellent investment for those subjects where a Top-Up can add value.
The eligibility and entry requirements vary depending on the university and course. Still, some of the most relevant and standard requirements for all Top-Up Degree programs to study in the UK are as follows: