What Is a HE Degree? A Complete UK Guide

What is a HE Degree?

What is a HE degree? HE stands for Higher Education, so an HE degree is a degree studied and awarded within the higher education system.

Higher education normally follows school or further education and includes qualifications such as bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. It also includes some qualifications that are not degrees, including Certificates of Higher Education (CertHE), Diplomas of Higher Education (DipHE) and foundation degrees.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a bachelor's degree with honours is normally at Level 6, a master's degree is at Level 7, and a doctorate is at Level 8.

However, HE degree is not usually the formal title of a qualification. The exact award might be a BA, BSc, LLB, MA, MSc or another recognised degree.

Understanding the difference between a higher education degree, an HE qualification and other qualification types can make it much easier to compare courses and plan your next step.

If you want a wider explanation of degree titles, read our guide to Types of Degrees in the UK.

What Does HE Degree Mean?

HE means Higher Education.

An HE degree is therefore a degree studied at higher education level. The phrase does not refer to one particular degree.

Examples include:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)

• Bachelor of Science (BSc)

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

• Master of Arts (MA)

• Master of Science (MSc)

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

These qualifications belong to higher education, but they are not all at the same level.

Higher education is also not limited to universities.

Colleges and other approved providers can teach higher education programmes. UCAS explains that many UK colleges offer higher education courses, including honours degrees, foundation degrees and HNDs.

You can read more about studying higher education at a college through UCAS.

There is also an important difference between teaching a degree and awarding a degree.

In England, an institution needs the appropriate degree-awarding powers to award recognised degrees itself. In some cases, one organisation may teach the programme while another recognised institution formally awards the degree.

The Office for Students provides further information about degree awarding powers in England.

What Level Is a HE Degree in the UK?

There is no single level for every HE degree because different degrees sit at different stages of higher education.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland:

GOV.UK provides the official qualification-level comparison for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The important point is that:

Higher education is broader than a bachelor's degree.

A CertHE or DipHE is an HE qualification but is not a bachelor's degree.

Likewise, master's and doctoral degrees are HE degrees but sit above undergraduate study.

Scotland uses a different qualification framework and different level numbers, so applicants considering Scottish institutions should check the relevant Scottish framework and university requirements.

What Is a Bachelor’s HE Degree?

A bachelor's degree is one of the most common forms of undergraduate higher education in the UK.

Examples include:

• BA in Business Management

• BSc in Computing

• BSc in Data Science

• LLB in Law

• BEng in Engineering

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a bachelor's degree with honours normally sits at Level 6.

A traditional full-time bachelor's programme often takes three years, although some programmes take longer because they include:

• a foundation year;

• placement year;

• year abroad;

• professional training;

• another additional stage.

Bachelor's study normally involves both taught learning and a significant amount of independent work.

Depending on the subject, students may develop:

• specialist knowledge;

• research skills;

• critical thinking;

• written communication;

• analysis;

• problem-solving;

• independent learning.

The exact skills depend on the programme rather than on the word degree alone.

For a full comparison of foundation, bachelor's, master's and doctoral study, see our guide to the main types of degrees in the UK.

What Is the Difference Between HE and FE?

HE means Higher Education.

FE means Further Education.

They are related parts of the UK education system, but they are not the same thing.

Further education normally includes study after compulsory secondary education that is not classed as traditional university-level higher education.

It can include qualifications such as:

• A levels;

• vocational qualifications;

• Access to HE courses;

• some professional qualifications.

Higher education includes qualifications such as:

• CertHE;

• DipHE;

• foundation degrees;

• bachelor's degrees;

• master's degrees;

• doctorates.

However, the name of the institution does not always tell you the level of study.

An FE college may also provide higher education courses.

A university may work with partner colleges or other providers.

This is why it is better to check the actual qualification, level and awarding institution than to judge the course only by where it is taught.

What Qualifications Can Lead to an HE Degree?

There is no single route into a bachelor's degree.

Universities may accept different qualifications depending on the course and institution.

Common routes can include:

• A levels;

• Access to Higher Education Diplomas;

• suitable BTEC qualifications;

• other recognised Level 3 qualifications;

• international qualifications;

• foundation programmes.

Universities may also ask for particular:

• subjects;

• grades;

• UCAS Tariff points;

• GCSE results;

• English-language qualifications;

• portfolios;

• interviews;

• work experience.

UCAS explains that university entry requirements vary between universities and courses.

This means that holding a Level 3 qualification does not automatically guarantee admission to every degree.

If university is your long-term goal, begin with the degree you want to study and check its requirements before choosing the qualification that will lead towards it.

Inspire College of Learning currently offers the Level 3 Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (OTHM), which is designed to develop knowledge and study skills for further education progression.

However, university admission remains subject to the requirements of the receiving institution.

If you are considering a Diploma route, our guide explaining whether you can go to university with a Diploma covers this question in more detail.

Is an HE Diploma the Same as an HE Degree?

No.

A Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) is a higher education qualification, but it is not the same as a completed bachelor's degree.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland:

• DipHE — Level 5

• Bachelor's degree — Level 6

Both belong to higher education, but they are separate qualification types.

A DipHE normally represents study below the final level of a bachelor's degree.

This distinction matters when applying for:

• jobs;

• further study;

• university progression;

• postgraduate programmes.

Do not use Diploma and degree as if they mean the same thing.

For a full comparison, see our guide explaining whether a Diploma is a degree in the UK.

How Long Does an HE Degree Take?

The length of a higher education degree depends on:

• qualification type;

• subject;

• university;

• study mode;

• course structure.

A bachelor's degree in the UK commonly takes around three years of full-time study, although this is not universal.

Some programmes take four years because they include:

• a foundation year;

• placement;

• year abroad;

• integrated professional experience.

Part-time degrees usually take longer.

Master's programmes are normally shorter than bachelor's programmes, although their length also varies.

Doctoral degrees normally require several years of advanced research.

Rather than assuming a course length from the qualification title, check the individual university programme.

What Skills Can You Gain from Higher Education?

Higher education is not only about remembering information from a subject.

At degree level, students are normally expected to become more independent in the way they learn and use information.

Depending on the programme, this can involve:

• analysing information;

• comparing evidence;

• developing arguments;

• solving problems;

• conducting research;

• communicating ideas;

• working independently;

• applying knowledge to new situations.

The Quality Assurance Agency provides the UK higher education qualifications frameworks, which explain the broad learning outcomes associated with different higher education levels.

These skills can be useful across many kinds of work.

However, the career value of a degree also depends on:

• subject;

• experience;

• practical skills;

• professional requirements;

• employer expectations.

A degree can provide knowledge.

It does not guarantee a particular job.

Can You Study Higher Education Online?

Yes, some higher education programmes can be studied online.

But there is an important distinction:

Online describes how you study. It does not tell you what qualification you receive.

An online course is not automatically a degree.

A campus course is not automatically a degree either.

Before enrolling, check:

• exact qualification title;

• qualification level;

• awarding institution;

• course content;

• assessment;

• progression;

• professional approval where relevant.

If the programme claims to be a degree, check who actually awards that degree.

This matters more than whether the lectures take place through a laptop or inside a lecture hall.

Does Inspire College of Learning Offer HE Degrees?

Inspire College of Learning currently provides a range of professional qualifications and Diplomas across subjects including:

• Business Management;

• Health and Social Care;

• Cyber Security;

• Information Technology;

• Data Science;

• Law;

• Education and Training;

• Psychology;

• Tourism and Hospitality Management.

You can browse the current professional qualifications available at Inspire College of Learning.

These qualifications should not automatically be described as degrees.

A professional Diploma may sit at a similar qualification level to a university qualification while remaining a different type of award.

If your intended career specifically requires a degree, check that requirement before choosing an alternative qualification.

If it does not, a professional qualification may be another route worth considering.

Choosing Your Higher Education Path

The easiest way to make education confusing is to begin with the qualification title rather than the destination.

Start with what you want to do next.

If your goal is university, ask:

• Which degree do I want?

• Which university offers it?

• What are the entry requirements?

• Which qualifications does it accept?

If your goal is employment, ask:

• Does the occupation require a degree?

• Does it require professional registration?

• Are professional qualifications accepted?

• What practical experience do employers expect?

Then compare the course.

Check:

• qualification level;

• awarding institution or organisation;

• entry requirements;

• subject content;

• assessment;

• cost;

• study method;

• progression.

A course is easier to judge when you know what you need it to do.

Is an HE Degree Worth It?

A higher education degree can be worthwhile if it fits your plans.

It may be particularly useful where:

• the profession requires graduate-level education;

• the subject needs detailed academic study;

• postgraduate study is part of your plan;

• employers in your field commonly ask for a degree.

But a degree is not the only useful educational route.

Depending on the career, alternatives may include:

• professional Diplomas;

• apprenticeships;

• industry qualifications;

• workplace training;

• professional certifications.

Some people may also choose a foundation degree, HND or DipHE before deciding whether to continue further.

The right route is not always the qualification with the highest level number.

It is the qualification that meets the requirements of where you want to go.

So, What Is a HE Degree?

HE means Higher Education.

An HE degree is a degree studied within the higher education system.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland:

• a bachelor's degree with honours is normally Level 6;

• a master's degree is Level 7;

• a doctorate is Level 8.

Higher education also includes qualifications that are not degrees, such as:

• CertHE at Level 4;

• DipHE at Level 5;

• foundation degrees at Level 5.

This is why the terms HE qualification and HE degree should not automatically be treated as identical.

When comparing courses, check:

the exact qualification title

the level

who awards it

the entry requirements

what it can lead to

Those details are far more useful than the letters HE on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What does HE stand for in education?

HE stands for Higher Education. It includes qualifications such as CertHEs, DipHEs, foundation degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorates.

Q2. What is a HE degree?

A HE degree is a degree studied within the higher education system. Examples include bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Q3. What level is an HE bachelor’s degree?

A bachelor's degree with honours is normally Level 6 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Q4. What level is a master’s degree?

A master's degree is normally Level 7 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Q5. What level is a doctorate?

A doctorate such as a PhD is normally Level 8 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Q6. Is every higher education qualification a degree?

No. CertHEs, DipHEs and foundation degrees are higher education qualifications but are not the same as bachelor's degrees.

Q7. Is a Level 5 Diploma an HE degree?

No, not automatically. A Diploma of Higher Education is a Level 5 HE qualification, but a generic professional Level 5 Diploma may be a different qualification type. A bachelor's degree is normally Level 6.

Q8. Is a DipHE a degree?

No. A Diploma of Higher Education is a recognised higher education qualification at Level 5, but it is not a completed bachelor's degree.

Q9. What is the difference between HE and FE?

HE means Higher Education and includes university-level and other higher education qualifications. FE means Further Education and normally covers post-secondary study below traditional higher education level, although FE colleges can also deliver HE programmes.

Q10. Can you study an HE degree at a college?

Yes. Some UK colleges provide higher education programmes, including degree courses, often through their own approved arrangements or partnerships with degree-awarding institutions.

Q11. Can you study higher education online?

Yes. Some higher education programmes are available online. Always check the exact qualification, awarding institution, level and professional requirements rather than assuming an online course is a degree.

Q12. Do you need A levels to study an HE degree?

Not always. Universities can accept several entry routes, including Access to HE Diplomas, suitable vocational qualifications, foundation routes and other recognised qualifications. Entry requirements vary by course.

Q13. Is a degree the only route to a professional career?

No. Some professions require a specific degree, but other careers may accept professional Diplomas, apprenticeships, industry qualifications or relevant experience.

Research and Further Reading

• GOV.UK – Qualification Levels

• QAA – Qualifications Frameworks

• UCAS – Higher Education at College

• UCAS – University Entry Requirements

• Office for Students – Degree Awarding Powers