education level course meaning

Education Level Meaning: What Does Each Level Of Education Mean?

Understanding formal educational journey can be like exploring a vast, multi-layered map, with each level of education marking a distinct territory of knowledge, skills and abilities.

From the initial steps taken in elementary education to the specialised heights reached in doctoral studies, understanding the meaning behind each educational level is crucial.

This article aims to explore these levels and the significance they hold in an individual’s academic and professional journey. By unraveling the essence of each educational stage, we provide a clearer path for learners to chart their course through the world of academia and beyond.

Elementary Education

Elementary education is the foundational stage in the formal education system, typically covering kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade, depending on the country and region.

Completing this level equips students with basic skills in:

• writing, and
• mathematics.

Students also have an introduction to sciences, social studies, and often a second language. This phase is crucial as it lays the groundwork for all future learning, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities from a young age. 

In the U.S., for instance, a strong emphasis is placed on creating a supportive learning environment that caters to the developmental needs of children.

Successfully completing elementary education means a child is prepared to transition to secondary education, where they will build on this foundational knowledge.

It signifies the end of the initial compulsory phase of schooling, setting the stage for more specialised and advanced learning in high school and beyond.

Secondary Education

Secondary education, often spanning from sixth or seventh to twelfth grade, bridges the gap between elementary schooling and higher education. Completing this level means you’ve acquired a high school diploma, a key milestone in formal education.

This stage introduces more specialised subjects, often allowing students to choose electives based on their interests. These may include subjects like:

• advanced sciences,
• mathematics,
• literature, and
• social studies

For many, it’s a time to explore potential career paths, with schools offering vocational training alongside traditional academic courses.

In the U.S., for instance, secondary education includes various programs like AP courses or dual enrollment options, which can earn college credit.

Successfully graduating from high school prepares students for the next steps in their educational journey, whether it’s:

• enrolling in a college or university for an undergraduate degree,
• entering a vocational program, or
• jumping straight into the workforce.

It signifies a level of education that equips individuals with both the academic and social skills needed to navigate the complexities of adult life and the professional world.

Undergraduate / Bachelor Degree

An undergraduate degree marks a significant milestone in higher education, typically following secondary education. It’s the first level of university education, leading to a bachelor’s degree.

This achievement indicates that you’ve successfully completed a program of study in a specific field, like science, arts, or engineering, at a college or university.

For many, it’s a passport to professional careers or a stepping stone to advanced degrees.

In the U.S., obtaining an undergraduate degree usually involves a mix of general education courses and major-specific classes. This structure ensures a well-rounded education while allowing deep dives into areas of interest.

For example, a bachelor’s in science might require courses in:

• physics, and
• electives in humanities or social sciences.

Completing this level of education means you’ve developed critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialized knowledge in your field.

The journey to an undergraduate degree varies, typically taking four years, but can extend depending on the program or if you’re pursuing a double major.

Graduating with this degree opens doors to various career paths, qualifies you for certain professional certifications, or can be the prerequisite for entering graduate programs, such as a master’s or doctoral degree.

It’s a significant step that prepares you for the challenges and opportunities of the professional world or further academic pursuits.

Masters Degree

A master’s degree represents an advanced level of education that follows an undergraduate degree. It signifies a deeper specialization in a particular field, whether it’s in the arts, sciences, business, or another area.

Completing this degree means you’ve engaged in intensive study and possibly research, culminating in a thesis or comprehensive examination.

For instance, someone with a bachelor’s in psychology might pursue a Master of Science (M.Sc.) to specialize in clinical psychology. This path typically involves:

• coursework,
• practical training, and
• a research project or thesis that contributes new insights to the field.

Similarly, an MBA (Master of Business Administration) prepares graduates for leadership roles in business, combining theoretical knowledge with practical business skills.

Earning a master’s degree can change your career trajectory, opening doors to higher-level positions, increased earning potential, and in some cases, a prerequisite for doctoral studies.

It usually takes one to two years to complete, but this can vary depending on the program and whether you study full-time or part-time.

Graduating with a master’s degree not only enhances your expertise but also demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional development. It’s a significant achievement that sets you apart in the job market, equipping you with advanced knowledge and skills in your chosen field.

Doctoral Degree – Highest Level Of Education

Achieving a doctoral degree is the pinnacle of academic success, representing the highest level of education in various fields, from science to humanities.

This degree signifies not just years of study but a significant contribution to your field through original research.

Completing a doctorate means you’ve conducted a comprehensive study, culminating in a dissertation that presents new knowledge or insights, capable of influencing future research and practice.

For instance, in the U.S., a doctoral candidate in environmental science might spend years studying the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems, contributing valuable data and strategies for conservation.

Similarly, a doctoral program in education could lead to groundbreaking methodologies in teaching and learning, shaping future educational practices.

Earning a doctoral degree is a rigorous process, typically involving:

• examinations, and
• a lengthy dissertation process.

It requires a deep commitment to research and scholarship, often under the guidance of experienced mentors and advisors. This journey not only hones your expertise in a specific area but also develops a wide range of skills, from critical thinking to problem-solving.

Graduates with a doctoral degree often pursue careers in academia, research, or high-level industry positions, where they can continue to influence and innovate within their fields.

Completing this degree opens doors to opportunities for leadership, teaching, and advanced research, making it a transformative step in both personal and professional development.

Education Level Meaning Explained

Each level of education serves as a building block in the vast architecture of learning, marking significant milestones in an individual’s academic and professional journey.

From the foundational knowledge gained in elementary education to the specialised skills acquired through secondary schooling, and the advanced insights developed during undergraduate and postgraduate studies, each stage prepares learners for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Understanding the meaning and significance of these educational levels not only helps in appreciating the journey but also in making informed decisions about one’s career path and life goals, ultimately shaping a more informed, skilled, and adaptable society.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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By Nik Taylor (Editor, The Uni Guide) | 19 October 2023 | 5 min read

Education levels and qualifications explained

A short guide to understanding different types of qualification, what they are and how they relate to one another

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What are education levels?

What are GCSEs?

What are as-levels, what are a-levels, what are btecs, what are t-levels.

T-levels are a new qualification (launched in 2020) which students can choose to take after GCSEs. A T-level is a two-year course which focuses on developing workplace skills and knowledge. Students spend some of their time learning at school or college, along with time spent on a work placement. In terms of workload, one T-level is intended to be roughly equivalent to three A-levels.

What are Ucas points?

What is the international baccalaureate, what is an apprenticeship.

What is an HNC?

What is an hnd, what is a degree, what is an undergraduate degree, what is a master’s degree, what is a phd degree or doctorate, you may want to look at these..., what is a red brick university list of red brick universities.

What are the red brick universities and how did they get their name? Most importantly, should it make a difference when choosing where to study?

What is the Russell Group? List of Russell Group universities

Here's what it means to be a part of the Russell Group – and a list of the universities involved

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So you’ve found a degree course that ticks all the boxes and you’re ready to put it down as one of your five Ucas choices. But what about its entry requirements?

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What qualification levels mean

England, wales and northern ireland.

There are 9 qualification levels.

Entry level

Each entry level qualification is available at three sub-levels - 1, 2 and 3. Entry level 3 is the most difficult.

Entry level qualifications are:

• entry level award
• entry level certificate ( ELC )
• entry level diploma
• entry level English for speakers of other languages ( ESOL )
• entry level essential skills
• entry level functional skills
• Skills for Life

Level 1 qualifications are:

• first certificate
• GCSE - grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G
• level 1 award
• level 1 certificate
• level 1 diploma
• level 1 ESOL
• level 1 essential skills
• level 1 functional skills
• level 1 national vocational qualification ( NVQ )
• music grades 1, 2 and 3

Level 2 qualifications are:

• CSE - grade 1
• GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C
• intermediate apprenticeship
• level 2 award
• level 2 certificate
• level 2 diploma
• level 2 ESOL
• level 2 essential skills
• level 2 functional skills
• level 2 national certificate
• level 2 national diploma
• level 2 NVQ
• music grades 4 and 5
• O level - grade A, B or C

Level 3 qualifications are:

• access to higher education diploma
• advanced apprenticeship
• applied general
• international Baccalaureate diploma
• level 3 award
• level 3 certificate
• level 3 diploma
• level 3 ESOL
• level 3 national certificate
• level 3 national diploma
• level 3 NVQ
• music grades 6, 7 and 8

Level 4 qualifications are:

• certificate of higher education ( CertHE )
• higher apprenticeship
• higher national certificate ( HNC )
• level 4 award
• level 4 certificate
• level 4 diploma
• level 4 NVQ

Level 5 qualifications are:

• diploma of higher education ( DipHE )
• foundation degree
• higher national diploma ( HND )
• level 5 award
• level 5 certificate
• level 5 diploma
• level 5 NVQ

Level 6 qualifications are:

• degree apprenticeship
• degree with honours - for example bachelor of the arts ( BA ) hons, bachelor of science ( BSc ) hons
• graduate certificate
• graduate diploma
• level 6 award
• level 6 certificate
• level 6 diploma
• level 6 NVQ
• ordinary degree without honours

Level 7 qualifications are:

• integrated master’s degree, for example master of engineering ( MEng )
• level 7 award
• level 7 certificate
• level 7 diploma
• level 7 NVQ
• master’s degree, for example master of arts ( MA ), master of science ( MSc )
• postgraduate certificate
• postgraduate certificate in education ( PGCE )
• postgraduate diploma

Level 8 qualifications are:

• doctorate, for example doctor of philosophy ( PhD or DPhil )
• level 8 award
• level 8 certificate
• level 8 diploma

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Undergraduate vs. Graduate: Educate Yourself On The Difference

• Undergraduate Meaning
• Undergraduate Student And Degree
• Graduate Meaning
• Graduate Degree And Student
• Graduate Origin
• Postgraduate Meaning

⚡ Quick summary

The main difference between undergraduate and graduate is that undergraduate is always used in the context of the first level of college or university education (the level where you can earn a bachelor’s degree ). In terms like graduate student and graduate degree , graduate refers to a level of advanced education beyond the undergraduate level, especially a master’s degree or doctorate . The noun graduate is more general, simply referring to a person who has completed a level of education (someone who has graduated ).

The difference between undergraduate and graduate is a difference of degrees (*throws graduation cap in the air to celebrate the pun*).

The level of education that each word involves varies depending on how the word is being used, and there are situations in which both words can be used in the same situation. For example, you can become a graduate student after graduating with an undergraduate degree.

The word graduate can mean very different things depending on whether it’s used as a noun (as in recent   high school graduates ), an adjective (as in graduate student and graduate degree ), or a verb (as in I plan to graduate next May ). The same goes for its shortened form, grad , which can be used as a noun (as in Congrats, grads! ) or an adjective (as in grad program ).

Undergraduate can also be used both as a noun (as in I’m an undergraduate at Stanford University ) or an adjective (as in I’m working toward my undergraduate degree ). It can be shortened to undergrad in both cases.

By the end of this article, you’ll have an advanced degree in all the different ways graduate, grad , undergraduate , and undergrad are used, and what they mean in each case.

What does undergraduate mean?

An undergraduate is “a student in a university or college who has not received a first, especially a bachelor’s, degree.” For example, a college student might say I’m an undergraduate at the University of Texas if they were pursuing a bachelor’s degree there.

Undergraduate is also commonly used as an adjective in this same context, in terms like undergraduate student , undergraduate degree , and undergraduate studies.

Undergraduate is often shortened to undergrad as both a noun and an adjective.

In undergraduate, the prefix under- is used to indicate a lower rank or status. The educational status of an undergraduate student is below that of a graduate student.

What’s the difference between wisdom and knowledge ? Here’s a lesson on the two terms.

What is an undergraduate student ? And what is an undergraduate degree ?

An undergraduate student is a student who is pursuing a degree at the first level of higher education (meaning the level after high school) at a college or university. Undergraduate students are typically those working to earn a bachelor’s degree (or, less commonly, an associate’s degree ). These degrees are often referred to with the general term undergraduate degree.

Outside of the US, an undergraduate degree is sometimes called a first degree. There are also other types of undergraduate degrees outside of the US, such as a foundation degree (which, like an associate’s degree, is typically a two-year degree).

What does graduate mean?

As a noun, the word graduate  [  graj -oo-it ] refers to “a person who has received a degree or diploma on completing a course of study.” In other words, a graduate is someone who has completed a particular level of schooling or an educational program—a child who just finished kindergarten and a doctor who just completed medical school are both graduates. It can even be used figuratively , as in She’s a graduate of the school of hard knocks.

As a verb, graduate [  graj -oo-eyt ] means “to receive a degree or diploma on completing a course of study.” The process of graduating—and the ceremony itself—is called graduation .

As an adjective, graduate [  graj -oo-it ] means something more specific. It’s used to indicate that a student, degree, or educational program is an advanced one, beyond the level of a bachelor’s degree. This sense of graduate is most commonly used in terms like graduate degree, graduate school , graduate program, and graduate student.

What is a graduate degree ? And what is a graduate student ?

Graduate degree typically refers to a degree beyond a bachelor’s, most commonly a master’s.

A graduate student is a student who’s pursuing an advanced degree after having earned their undergraduate degree (such as a bachelor’s degree) by graduating from an undergraduate program. Calling someone a graduate student most often means they are pursuing their master’s degree, but it may be another advanced degree, such as a PhD (You’d most commonly call such students PhD students. Or you might say they are working toward their doctorate or their doctoral degree.)

To earn a graduate degree, graduate students go to a division of a university known as graduate school , and such a program is often called a graduate program. In all of these terms, graduate is often shortened to grad : grad school , grad student , grad program . (A student doesn’t become a graduate student until they take graduate-level courses. For example, if a student graduates with a bachelor’s degree and then later pursues a different bachelor’s degree, they are still an undergraduate student .)

Some graduate studies are referred to in more specific ways: medical students go to medical school to earn their medical degree ; law students go to law school to earn their law degree.

Do you know the difference between these highly-esteemed graduate degrees and titles: PhD, MD, and Dr ?

Where does the word graduate come from?

Graduate comes from the Medieval Latin graduārī, meaning “to take a degree.” It ultimately derives from the Latin gradus, meaning “a step.” Each time you graduate, you take a step to the next level of education.

What does postgraduate mean?

The adjective postgraduate is sometimes used in the same way as the adjective sense of the word graduate, especially in the UK, as in postgraduate student or postgraduate studies.

Postgraduate should not be confused with postdoctoral , which refers to studies, research, or professional work above the level of a doctorate.

How to use undergraduate vs. graduate

The best way to sort out the different meanings of undergraduate and graduate is to determine whether each word is being used as a noun, an adjective, or a verb. Here’s an easy breakdown of the differences.

• undergraduate (noun): A college student pursuing a non-advanced degree, most commonly a bachelor’s degree. Can be shortened to undergrad.
• undergraduate (adjective): Used in the context of colleges and university programs ( undergraduate programs ) where students are pursuing a degree (generally referred to as an undergraduate degree ) that is not an advanced degree. Also sometimes shortened to undergrad.
• graduate (noun): A person who has completed a particular level of schooling or educational program. Can be shortened to grad.
• graduate (verb): To complete a level of schooling (and, typically, to receive a degree or diploma). You can graduate from kindergarten, high school, college, graduate school, medical school, etc.
• graduate (adjective): Used in the context of advanced schooling—a level beyond a bachelor’s degree, most commonly a master’s program. Used in terms like graduate student , graduate school , graduate degree , graduate program , graduate courses , etc. Often shortened to grad.

Examples of undergraduate, undergrad, graduate, and grad used in a sentence

Let’s look at some examples of these words in actual, real-life use to get the meanings straight.

• As an undergraduate, she had studied engineering; as a graduate student, she switched to architecture.
• I completed my undergraduate degree after five years and a lot of hard work.
• As a graduate student, you will be expected to complete a thesis.
• You should start thinking about graduate school applications before you graduate.
• Most of the applicants for this position are recent college graduates.
• I’m still an undergrad, but I’m hoping to start grad school next fall.
• I’m a UGA grad, but I almost went to Georgia Tech.

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What are the U.S. education levels?

There are different levels of public education in the U.S. Find information about pre-school, elementary school, middle school, and high school. Learn how schools decide the grade and type of class for students new to the USA.

Education in the USA

In the United States, the law requires all children to go to school. Elementary, middle, and high school are all free if your child attends public school . The ages of the students for each grade can vary from state to state. 

U.S. education levels

In the USA, there are 12 grade levels after the first year of kindergarten. The four levels of education are:

• Preschool (early childhood education)

Elementary school

• Middle school

High school

Early childhood education

Early childhood education can mean different things. It refers to learning that happens before kindergarten. It is not required by law.

Early childhood education includes daycare and preschool . Ages can vary based on the place you choose to take your child. Daycare can start a few months after a child is born. Preschool can start as early as age 2. 

You usually have to pay for daycare and preschool. There are free preschool options for families with low income through the Head Start program .

Children in preschool learn how to be with other kids and get ready for kindergarten. 

Children begin elementary school with kindergarten (grade K) around age 5. The next year is grade 1 and it goes up each year to grade 5. They finish elementary school around age 10.

Children in elementary school usually learn different subjects from one teacher in a single classroom. They learn to develop writing and math skills, reading, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Middle school (also called junior high school)

Students attending middle school are around age 11 to 13. It starts with grade 6 and ends with grade 8. Middle school students usually switch from classroom to classroom. They may have different teachers in one school day. 

In middle school, students learn:

• English (grammar, spelling, reading comprehension, and sentence structure)
• Mathematics (fractions, decimals, percents, solving equations)
• Sciences (earth science, basic biology, basic chemistry concepts)
• Social studies (civics, government, and basic economics)

In some communities, children will not switch schools to go to middle school. They will keep going to the same elementary school.

Students attending high school are around age 14 to 18. It starts with grade 9 and ends with grade 12. The classes are arranged by subjects. A student usually has different teachers throughout the day.

In high school, students learn:

• English (classic literature, essay writing, and critical analysis)
• Mathematics (algebra, geometry, calculus)
• Science (biology, chemistry, physics)
• Social studies (US history, world history, and civics) 

Some students can take advanced classes and prepare for work or college. High schools also have clubs, sports, work-study arrangements, and other activities. 

There are names for students in each grade:

• 9th grade: freshman 
• 10th grade: sophomore
• 11th grade: junior  
• 12th grade: senior

Secondary School

A secondary school is an alternative option to a high school. It covers grades 9th to 12th. It offers technical and vocational training, such as carpentry and automotive technology.

Post-high school education

After getting a high school diploma, students can go to college. Students need to find a college or university and learn the requirements. You will have to apply and pay tuition. If you need help paying for college or university, there are scholarships for immigrants and refugees .

Public colleges

Public colleges are also known as city colleges and state colleges. Cities and states fund public colleges. 

They have low-cost tuition for students who live in the city or state where the college is located. 

Private colleges

Private college requires paid tuition. It doesn’t depend on the government, it receives funding from donors. There are private colleges that could provide students with many financial aid programs. Private colleges tend to have a smaller number of students.

Community colleges

You can finish community college in 2 years and then transfer to a University. Many community colleges have affordable and low tuition. Students will earn a certificate or an associate degree. 

Some vocational-technical colleges are 2-year colleges.

Universities

Offer many career options; after 4 years of studies, students get a Bachelor’s Degree.

Universities have different colleges. Some universities offer professional degrees (law, medicine). These types of degrees need licenses and extra training.

Students who want to continue their education can apply for a Master’s degree or a Doctorate.

Class placement

Students can be split up by their learning level in different classes. This is more common in middle school and high school when students attend classes by subject with different teachers. Some levels of classes are harder and some are easier. 

Class placement can be decided based on:

• How well the student understands English or their test scores
• Parent/guardian recommendations
• Standardized test scores
• Willingness to complete challenging assignments
• Student interest or motivation
• Teacher or counselor recommendation
• Samples of student work

The names of the classes sometimes describe the level of difficulty. The names can be different depending on the school.

• Basic skills
• GTE (Gifted and talented education)
• Advanced Placement (AP)
• IB (International Baccalaureate)

Grade level placement for students new to the USA

Grade level placement means deciding which grade a student will start in when they move to the USA. 

Students may take some tests before the start of the school year or at the very beginning of the school year. The tests might be written or with an adult reading the questions to the student. It can be different depending on the school.

Many refugee students may have missed school while they were in camp or fleeing their country. They may be at different grade levels than a typical American student of the same age. Some students might be at a high-grade level but do not speak English yet. Those students may have trouble in harder classes until they learn English better. 

If you think your child is in the wrong grade, you can talk to the teacher, principal, or the school staff who tested and placed your child.

• Ask, “What was your reasoning?” The school can help you understand their decision.
• Explain why you think the placement is wrong. They may be able to change the placement if they agree with your reasons.

We aim to offer easy to understand information that is updated regularly. This information is not legal advice.

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From Associate to Doctorate: A Complete Guide to College Degree Levels

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Considering a college degree? First, you’ll have to understand the types of degrees and college degree levels.

Different degrees prepare you for different career paths. For example, you can’t become a psychologist with just a bachelor’s degree — you’d need a master’s or doctorate in psychology. And you usually can’t become an engineer without at least a bachelor’s degree.

Typically, as your university degree level rises, your earning potential increases, and the unemployment rate decreases. That’s one more reason it’s important to understand the different types of degrees.

What Types of Degrees Are There in College?

There are many types of degrees you can earn in college. College degree levels can be broken down into two categories: undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees.

Here are the college degrees in order, from lowest ranking to highest:

• Associate degree (undergraduate)
• Bachelor’s degree (undergraduate)
• Master’s degree (graduate)
• Doctoral degree (graduate)

While a doctorate is the highest education level, some fields may stop at a master’s. The phrase “terminal degree” refers to the highest degree in a field.

A professional degree is a type of graduate degree — often a doctorate — that prepares you for a professional career in fields like law and medicine.

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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Associate Degree

• Typical Program Length: 1-2 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 60

Most associate degrees prepare you to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. These programs can be found at community and technical colleges and typically last 1-2 years.

An associate degree can also serve as the foundation for a bachelor’s program. You may even be able to transfer some of the credits you earned for your associate degree toward a four-year degree.

Some associate degrees require you to complete an internship or practicum in addition to taking classes. This is particularly common among healthcare and tech degrees.

To apply for an associate degree program , you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED certificate. Some schools may require you to submit standardized test scores, such as the ACT or the SAT, as well.

Featured Associate Programs

What can you do with an associate degree.

An associate degree prepares you for vocational, allied health, and support roles. For example, you can become a medical assistant , paralegal , or vet tech with an associate degree.

The highest-paying careers with an associate degree pay over $80,000 per year. See the table below for salary information on other popular associate degree jobs.

Source: BLS

Types of Associate Degrees

Colleges can offer three kinds of associate degrees:

• Associate of Arts (AA)
• Associate of Science (AS)
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Arts, humanities, and creative fields typically offer an AA, whereas social sciences and natural sciences fields often award an AS. Many applied and vocational programs offer an AAS degree.

The type of degree matters if you’re planning to transfer into a bachelor’s program. Colleges normally offer fewer transfer credits for an AAS degree.

Popular Associate Degrees

• Business Administration
• Business Management
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Cybersecurity
• Early Childhood Education
• Graphic Design
• Healthcare Management
• Information Technology
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Pre-Nursing
• Social Work

Bachelor’s Degree

• Typical Program Length: 4 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 120

A bachelor’s degree prepares you for many career paths. You’ll generally spend four years earning a bachelor’s degree at a college or university. You’ll take general education classes and courses in your major . You can also choose a minor.

Some colleges offer accelerated bachelor’s programs , which take less time — often 2-3 years. Degree-completion programs can also speed up the timeline by awarding you credit for previous college coursework.

You can earn your bachelor’s degree online as well. An online degree from an accredited college meets the same standards as that of an in-person degree.

You’ll need a high school diploma for admission and may also need to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Featured Bachelor’s Programs

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree.

In diverse industries like business, tech, and education, a bachelor’s degree can prepare you for many entry-level careers. Some of the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor’s degree include roles in finance, management, and tech.

Graduates with a four-year degree can also benefit from high demand in many lucrative fields, like software development and engineering. The table below introduces some popular jobs with a bachelor’s degree.

Types of Bachelor’s Degrees

You can earn a bachelor’s degree in many fields. Some of the most common types of bachelor’s degrees you’ll see include:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The two most popular degrees are a BA and a BS. These degrees cover all arts and sciences majors and some education and engineering degrees.

Popular Bachelor’s Degrees

• Civil Engineering
• Communication
• Computer Programming
• Health Informatics
• Health Sciences
• Human Resources
• Mathematics
• Organizational Psychology
• Political Science
• Public Policy
• Supply Chain and Logistics

Master’s Degree

• Typical Program Length: 1-3 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 30

A master’s degree can help you gain specialized skills and qualify for higher-paying roles. As a graduate student, you’ll work closely with experts in your field to explore advanced topics.

While a master’s degree typically takes two years, some universities offer accelerated one-year master’s programs. You can also enroll in a bachelor’s-to-master’s program to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time.

Most master’s programs require a minimum of 30 credits. Admission and graduation requirements vary depending on the program. For example, many arts and sciences master’s programs require GRE scores , while business programs typically require GMAT scores .

Featured Master’s Programs

What can you do with a master’s degree.

With a master’s degree, you can qualify for management-level careers and specialized roles in industries like healthcare, research, and social services. The highest-paying master’s degrees include MBAs and nurse practitioner degrees.

Learn more about the earning potential and demand for popular master’s degree jobs below.

Types of Master’s Degrees

Here are some of the most common types of master’s degrees you can earn:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Laws (LL.M.)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)

An MA and an MS are among the most popular master’s degrees. Humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences fields typically award an MA or an MS. Other popular options include an MBA and an M.Ed.

Popular Master’s Degrees

• Creative Writing
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Healthcare Administration
• Library and Information Science
• Network Security
• Public Health
• Supply Chain Management

Doctoral Degrees

• Typical Program Length: 2-10 years
• Typical Number of Credits: Varies

A doctorate represents the highest degree you can get in academia. There are a few types of doctoral degrees you can get.

Professional doctorates train you for a professional career. For example, law school and med school are two common professional paths. A Ph.D., on the other hand — by far one of the most common types of doctorates — emphasizes theory and research.

In a doctoral program, you’ll take graduate-level seminars and courses, take comprehensive exams, conduct original research, and defend a dissertation in front of a faculty committee.

Most applied doctorates take 3-5 years, while a Ph.D. typically requires 4-6 years of coursework. In certain fields, you can earn your doctorate online.

Some doctoral programs require a master’s degree for admission, whereas others admit applicants with just a bachelor’s degree. You may need to submit standardized test scores depending on the program.

Featured Doctoral Programs

What can you do with a doctorate.

If you want to become a physician , professor , or lawyer, you’ll need a doctorate. In many fields, a doctorate translates into higher salaries. Lawyers, pharmacists , and physicists all report median salaries of over $125,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The following table shows the earning potential and demand for popular doctoral degree jobs.

Types of Doctoral Degrees

A doctorate is the highest education level, but there are still several types of doctoral degrees. Here are some of the most common you can get:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
• Juris Doctor (JD)

A Ph.D. is the most popular doctorate. You can earn a Ph.D. in many arts and sciences fields. Other doctorates take their names from the career path associated with the degree.

Popular Doctoral Degrees

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Administration
• Educational Leadership
• Human Services
• Legal Studies
• Organizational Leadership
• Public Administration

Frequently Asked Questions About College Degree Levels

What are the four types of college degrees.

The four types of college degrees are associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Colleges classify associate and bachelor’s degrees as undergraduate degrees and master’s and doctoral degrees as graduate degrees.

Within those categories, you can earn many types of degrees. For instance, at the bachelor’s level, you could earn a bachelor of arts (BA), a bachelor of science (BS), or a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree.

What is a four-year college degree called?

A four-year college degree is called a bachelor’s degree. Another term for this degree type is a baccalaureate degree.

Many careers require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level roles. For example, most careers in business require you to hold a bachelor’s degree. Many roles in tech, education, the public sector, and engineering also require you to have a four-year degree.

Some career paths require a specific major. In many states, you’ll need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse . In other fields, your specific major matters less than the quality of your skills.

What is the highest degree?

The highest degree is a doctorate, also called a doctoral degree. In terms of university degree levels, both master’s and bachelor’s degrees rank below doctorates.

You can earn a doctorate in a wide array of fields, including the social sciences, business, the humanities, education, engineering, and healthcare.

In some fields, however, a master’s degree represents the terminal, or highest, degree. For instance, a master of fine arts (MFA) is the terminal degree for creative writing.

What is the hardest college degree?

Most would agree that the hardest college degree is a doctorate. As the highest education level, a doctorate requires significant expertise in the field.

Many Ph.D. programs take six years or more and require you to write a book-length dissertation based on original research.

Because a doctorate represents the top of the university degree levels, it’s a relatively uncommon degree. Only around 2% of U.S. adults held a doctorate in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau .

What is the quickest degree?

The fastest degree you can get is either a one-year associate degree or a one-year master’s degree. While other types of degrees typically take a minimum of two years, you can earn a master’s degree in one year with an accelerated or fast-track program.

You can sometimes add a master’s degree to your bachelor’s through a 4+1 program, also known as a bachelor’s-to-master’s program. In this case, some of your coursework counts toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees, meaning you’ll spend an additional year in college to leave with a master’s degree.

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What Do College Course Numbers Mean?

College course numbers may mean different things depending on the individual institution. There are standard formats that many colleges use to signify dates, levels and titles. Most college courses are identified by three to four numbers. For example, the first digit may indicate the class year, the middle two digits may identify the subject and the last digit may indicate the number of credit hours.

Course Levels 101

Most colleges identify introductory classes at the 100-level. These basic or survey classes will have titles like general biology, world history or writing fundamentals. These 100-level courses are usually taken by freshman, although some will be sophomores meeting general education requirements. 200-level classes will be more strenuous and focused on specific topics like Asian history, Western literature and computer programming. Some of these classes may require students to have taken the prerequisite 100-level class. 300- and 400-level classes involve in-depth coursework and require greater knowledge of a certain field. These classes are usually taken during the final two years of college. Some 400-level classes include first-year graduate students who are preparing to take 500- and 600-level classes offered through graduate schools.

Related resource: Top 10 Online Education Degree Programs

100- and 200-Level Course Expectations

100-level courses come with no prerequisites regarding knowledge of a disciplines concepts and terminology. Students who enter these classes must be able to compose formal essays and comprehend college-level textbooks. These classes will acquaint students with the basic terms, methods, ideas and language of the subject. 200-level courses are actually 100-level courses that focus on particular areas within a discipline. Students must have finished a 100-level writing or English class, so they can recognize concepts, read detailed texts, use quantitative skills and articulate themselves with peers. These classes will require students to progress through academic explorations towards conclusions and experiments. Students who take 200-level classes must be able to keep up at a reasonable pace without encountering comprehension difficulties.

300- and 400-Level Course Expectations

300-level courses will contain advanced content for upper division students. These classes will most likely be core requirements of the students’ majors. Students should have acquired a sufficient knowledge in the major to pursue independent study and research with methodological tools and models. These students must be able to obtain relevant information the proper use of resources and libraries. They must be able to assimilate valid information, combine findings into cohesive statements and ultimately produce term-papers. 400-level courses will likely include tutorials, seminars, guest lectures and honors courses reserved only for upper-division students finishing their major. These students must have completed enough 300-level classes to work independently under the supervision of faculty. Many of these 400-level classes include capstone projects that require students to synthesize all relative information into a final presentation.

In the end, college course numbers will indicate the level of difficulty and identify the subject. For example, “ENG” is often used for English, “MAT” for mathematics and “BIO” for biology. The U.S. Department of Education offers assistance on how to pay for and complete a post-secondary education here .

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What are education levels?

There are many levels of education in the UK - some compulsory, some not. From GCSEs through to PhD, let’s walk you through the levels.

We’re sure you know the basics - School for GCSEs, sixth form college for A-Levels. But what’s beyond this? Here, we’ll give you an idea of the different levels of education, who can take part in which and why you might look to study at that level.

In England, the qualifications you can earn are ranked from level 1 to 8. These levels are stacked across two qualification types: school or college and university.

These education levels are graded like this:

But what does this all mean? Let’s take a closer look!

What are GCSEs?

A GCSE is the General Certificate of Secondary Education and is a level 1 qualification. These are exams that you study at the end of secondary school in year 11.

The grades are easy to marry up to the old system. Anything from 1 to 3 would be G to D on the old system, whereas anything from 4 to 9 would be C to A*. Some universities will consider your GCSEs when considering your UCAS application , but most typically tend to be more interested in your A-Levels.

What are AS-Levels?

AS-Levels are the qualifications studied before you study your A-Levels, and are studied in year 12. AS Levels are considered to be a level 3 qualification.

AS Levels are usually used to shape your final grade in a subject. They are not always required, as many students may just go straight into A-Levels, but if you're applying to a competitive university or course, then AS Levels can help move the needle in the right direction.

What are A-Levels?

A-Levels are Advanced Levels and sit at a level 3 qualification. These are the most universally accepted qualifications in the UK and are what you’ll typically need if you want to study at a level 4 or higher.

With A-Levels , students will study three or four different subjects over a two-year period. A-Levels are graded from E to A*.

What are BTECs?

A BTEC is a level 3 vocational course that focuses on a specific subject area. BTECs tend to focus on practical skills compared to other qualifications (like A-Levels), but will also touch on theory too.

BTECs are unique qualifications in that they can be studied at almost any level. They can substitute for GCSEs (BTEC Firsts) which are considered to be level 1, and can also substitute for AS or A-Levels (BTEC Nationals).

What are T-Levels?

T-Levels are a new qualification that was established back in 2020. These are generally seen as A-Level substitutes and are two-year courses and are considered to be level 3 courses.

T-Levels are considered to be the equivalent to three A-Levels. As a result, they are considered a level 3 qualification. T-Levels are offered in specific courses and have begun to take over certain BTECs; essentially, some subjects are not available as a BTEC and must now only be studied as a T-Level.

These are not accepted by all universities. While A-Levels are accepted at every university, BTECs are more dependent on the course and university you’re applying to T-Levels are the same, though universities are beginning to accept them as part of their admissions criteria.

What is the International Baccalaureate?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a qualification for international students. It’s studied by those between 16 and 19 and is a level 3 qualification.

The International Baccalaureate is studied around the world and is accepted by most universities. This qualification is open to everyone and will allow students to study in foreign countries.

What is an HNC?

The HNC is the Higher National Certificate . It’s a vocational qualification designed to prepare students for the working world. The HNC is a level 4 qualification and is generally taken between A-Levels and an undergraduate degree. It’sconsidered to be equivalent to one full undergraduate year at university.

What is an HND?

HND is a Higher National Diploma . An HND is considered to be a level 5 qualification. Much like the HNC before it, it is a vocational qualification.

HNDs cover a wider range of topics than an HNC and are considered to be the equivalent of two years at university. An HND can be studied as a two-year course full-time or a four-year course if you study it part time.

What is an undergraduate degree?

An undergraduate degree is studied at university. This is considered to be a level 4-6 qualification and the level achieved will depend on the type of undergraduate you study. For example, a Bachelor’s degree is the most typical undergraduate degree. Usually, after the full length of the course, you’ll achieve a level 6 qualification.

What is a Master’s degree?

A Master’s degree can only be studied upon completing an undergraduate degree. A Master’s degree is a level 7 qualification and can take as many as four years to complete. You’ll only be able to reach this level if you hold the necessary undergraduate degree.

A Master’s degree tends to be more focused than an undergraduate degree. Master’s will focus on certain aspects of undergraduate study in more detail, but tend to open up a bit for more research and a greater independent focus, especially when it comes to studying.

What is a PhD or doctorate?

Both a PhD and a Doctorate are the highest level of education in the UK. These are level 8 qualifications and can only be completed after completing a Bachelor’s degree. PhDs can take as many as eight years to complete and will involve a huge amount of research, with the majority of your time working on your independent thesis.

Hang on… what about apprenticeships?

Yes, apprenticeships do carry a level! The level assigned to an apprenticeship depends on what type of apprenticeship you are studying.

The best way to show you is in this table:

You may have noticed that there are no level 8 apprenticeships. This is because this level is solely set aside for those who have a PhD or a Doctorate, as they are the highest-rated qualifications on offer in the UK.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, 100 vs 200 vs 300 level courses.

Hey everyone! I'm trying to figure out the difference between 100, 200, and 300 level courses. How do they differ in terms of difficulty and depth of material? Can freshmen take higher level courses as long as they meet the prerequisites?

Hi there! The difference between 100, 200, and 300 level courses primarily lies in difficulty, depth of material, and the target audience of students. Here's a general breakdown:

- 100 level courses: These are typically introductory courses designed for freshmen or students new to a subject area. They provide a foundation in the subject and often have few or no prerequisites. The course material tends to be broader, and the difficulty level is generally lower compared to higher level courses.

- 200 level courses: These courses are designed for students who have completed the introductory level courses or have a basic understanding of the subject. They start delving deeper into specific topics, with a moderate level of difficulty. Some prerequisites might be necessary, including 100 level courses or certain skills/knowledge.

- 300 level courses: These are advanced courses that cater to upper-level students, typically juniors and seniors. They assume a solid understanding of the subject and therefore dive into specialized topics or more complex concepts. The difficulty level is usually higher, and they generally have more stringent prerequisites.

As a freshman, you can indeed take higher level courses as long as you meet the prerequisites and feel confident in your ability to handle the material. Sometimes, prior experience, advanced knowledge, or strong scores on an AP or IB exam in the subject may allow you to start at a higher level. However, make sure to consult with your academic advisor to determine if you're ready for a higher level course, and remember that each college may have its own policies regarding freshmen enrolling in upper-level courses.

Good luck with your course selection!

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Quick Guide: Your College Degree Options

Find the right college for you.

There are generally four categories of college degrees: associate degree, bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, and doctorate or professional degree. Each category comes with its own particular subcategories, and there are some subtle differences between a doctorate and a professional degree.

If you ever find yourself lost in the sea of abbreviations for degrees, you're not alone. This quick guide is here to clear the air regarding the types of degrees available to you and what each one means.

Guide to College Degrees, Professional Studies & Certifications

Associate degree.

An associate degree is a two-year degree typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges. However, some four-year universities offer them as well. Examples of some associate degrees include Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS).

AS degrees are generally more narrowly focused and prepare students for science and math-related careers. AA degrees are broader and focus on fields outside of math and science such as liberal arts, business administration, criminal justice, and culinary arts.

Some students who earn an associate degree transfer to a four-year program to earn a bachelor’s degree. Others complete associate degrees and then go straight to work.

Bachelor's or Baccalaureate Degree

Bachelor’s degrees require students to complete four- or five-year programs in a specific academic discipline. The two most common types of bachelor’s degrees are bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS). Other types of bachelor’s degrees include the bachelor of fine arts (BFA), and bachelor of architecture (BArch).

Because bachelor’s degrees train students to enter a specific field, many professional careers require them. Earning a bachelor’s degree can open the door to many job opportunities and increase your potential income.

Some institutions offer a liberal arts and career combination program, also called a 3-2 program. This is a type of dual degree in which a student completes three years of liberal arts study followed by two years of professional or technical study. In the end, students earn two bachelor’s degrees, usually a BA and a BS.

An example of this is Columbia University’s 3-2 Combined Plan program in which students can earn a BA and a BS in five years.

Some colleges also let you earn a teacher certification by combining bachelor's degree study with state certification requirements. State requirements vary, but these programs usually feature professional education courses, including student teaching.

Graduate Degree

Graduate degrees are advanced degrees that some students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. The two most common are master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS). Other examples include master of fine arts (MFA) and master of business administration (MBA). A graduate degree is like an extension of a bachelor’s degree whereby a student further enriches their knowledge of their field and narrows their f ocus of study .

Graduate degrees usually take around two years to attain, but this can vary based on the degree. Many institutions allow students to enroll in a graduate program in a field unrelated to their bachelor’s degree. This may require some extra credit hours, though.

Professional Degree

Students earn professional degrees to become licensed to work in professions like medicine or law. The M.D. degree is an example. Professional programs generally require a college degree before you start them and then at least three years of study to complete.

Doctoral Degree and Professional Degree

The doctorate and professional degrees are the highest levels of education one can attain. They signify mastery of a subject and often come with the coveted title “doctor.” Although the two are similar, there are some important differences.

A doctorate or doctoral degree is a research-oriented degree focused on scholarly development. The most common doctorate is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Despite the name, a PhD covers many disciplines, not just philosophy.

A professional degree is an application-oriented degree, meaning it prepares students for a specific working position. There are many types of professional degrees. Some examples are: doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of pharmacy (PharmD), and doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) in the field of medicine, and juris doctor (JD) and doctor of juridical science (SJD) in the field of law.

A graduate degree does not need to precede a doctorate or professional degree. Often, students will go straight into a doctorate or professional program following their bachelor’s, however some programs will require a master’s degree to gain entry. Completion can take anywhere from four to eight years, depending on the field of study.

Many doctoral students work either full-time or part-time while they study in the program. This, along with the field they are studying, will significantly affect the time it takes to complete their degree.

Joint Degrees

Some students may choose to pursue a joint degree, also known as a dual degree, which means they simultaneously study for a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree. Joint degrees can be pursued in the same college or can be split between two different colleges. For example, Berklee College of Music and Harvard University offer a dual bachelor’s/master’s program in which a student receives a bachelor of arts (BA) at Harvard and a master of music (MM) or master of arts (MA) at Berklee.

Depending on the program, it may be possible to study at the same time for a master's degree and a doctorate. For example, the University of Southern California offers a program leading to doctor of pharmacy and master of public health degrees.

How do academic degrees go in order?

There are four types of degrees. In order of level of education, they rank as associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s or graduate degrees, and doctorate or professional degrees.

How many degrees are there in college?

Most community colleges offer only two-year associate degrees, while most four-year colleges offer bachelor’s, graduate, and doctorate or professional degrees. Some four-year colleges may also have associate degree programs.

How many years do you have to be in college to achieve certain degrees?

Though it will vary between academic disciplines, associate degrees usually take two years to achieve, bachelor’s degrees take four years, master’s degrees take two years, and doctorate or professional degrees can take anywhere from four to eight years.

What is an eight-year degree?

An “eight-year degree” typically refers to a doctorate degree or PhD. Although some doctorates can be completed in as little as three years, these degrees typically require more time studying highly specialized subjects. Students in these programs often must defend a dissertation while already working a professional job.

What are the four years of college called?

The first four years of college are the undergraduate years, and a student studying for a bachelor’s degree is called an undergraduate. The four years refer to the total accumulated credit hours; a student may take fewer or more than four years to attain their undergraduate degree.

What does a graduate degree mean?

A graduate degree or master’s degree is an advanced degree that some students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. Earning a graduate degree signifies mastery of a particular field of study and focuses more intensely on a subject than a bachelor’s degree does. Graduate degrees usually take two years to attain.

What do you call a master's student?

A master's student is called a graduate student or “grad student” for short. A student still studying for a bachelor’s degree is called an undergraduate student or “undergrad student.”

How many years is a master's degree?

Graduate degrees usually take around two years to attain, but this can vary based on the degree. Many institutions allow students to enroll in a graduate program in a field unrelated to their bachelor’s degree, although it may require some extra credit hours.

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How does the college course 101 numbering system work?

I'm not an American, but I know that the number 101, often used postpositively, is used to mean fundamentals/rudiments of a particular scholarly subject. I know (partially as a hunch but I also looked it up) this is because introductory courses in American, or maybe North American college are given the number 101.

But now I want to know a bit more about this numbering system, because I was watching a video called: Chemistry 107. Inorganic Chemistry, and I wondered exactly how far along or advanced this is? Is it guaranteed that there are 5 other courses between 101 and 107 that are intermediate between these?

The only information I got from Wikipedia was that:

This common numbering system was designed to make transfer between colleges easier.

So if anyone has gone through an education of this numbering system, could you explain roughly how this is arranged? Is Chemistry 107 really far ahead, and does it mean that there are 5 previous courses before it?

And here is the video in case it helps in answering my question.

• united-states
• terminology
• course-design

• 2 I'm not from the US, but from what I understand, the first number is basically the year and the rest is the number of the course. 101 is the most basic course in the first year, 102 would be in the first year but for someone who's already taken the subject in high school, etc. 107 wouldn't be that advanced as it's still a first-level course. –  user9646 Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 10:16
• 1 In my dept., 100-level courses were introductory, 200s were for non-majors, there were no 300s, and the 400s were all the major courses. It's pretty variable –  Azor Ahai -him- Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 17:53
• A remark that doesn't warrant a full answer: some schools, such as community colleges in Texas, use a four-digit system, i.e., MATH XXXX, where the first digit is used to indicate the level akin to 100, 200, etc. and the second describes the course's worth in credits. As an example, MATH 3325 is a junior level, three-credit course. –  Sean Roberson Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 19:24
• When I was at Univ. of North Carolina in the late 1970s, precalculus was Math 30, Calculus I-IV was Math 31-34, etc. Graduates only courses (actually means you have to get permission if you're an undergraduate) started at 200. However, I just looked and they don't use the same numbering system now. But Harvard still has a similar numbering system in place. For example, Math 55 at Harvard would probably not be considered an introductory course! Also Stanford University -- see their Math 61CM, 62CM, 63CM courses. –  Dave L Renfro Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 20:43
• My school uses 100 for absolutely introductory courses, 101 /102 if it splits the 100 course into two and expands the content (101 then becoming the introduction). (I've also seen it turn ECON 101 & 102 into ECON 100 + 201 + 202, so there are some permutations.) Higher 10x courses would be for slightly more advanced content or slight variations, e.g. we use MATH 103 for an introductory calculus course specifically aimed at business and social science students, but MATH 101/102 for the math major stream. –  Jim MacKenzie Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 20:48

6 Answers 6

A common system works roughly as Najib Idrissi describes: courses numbered 100-199 are first-year courses, which either have no prerequisites or only high school-level prerequisites. Courses numbered 200-299 are second-year courses, which have 100-level prerequisites, and so on.

But this system is by no means universal in the US, nor does the rough description above capture all aspects of it accurately. The "and so on" above would lead you to guess that 400-499 are the most advanced undergraduate courses, and 500+ are graduate courses. And that's the case at some universities. But at my current institution, 300-399 designate the most advanced courses intended primarily for undergraduates (including those in their fourth year), and courses starting at 400 are graduate classes. At another institution I've been at, "lower-level" undergraduate courses are 1-99, "upper-level" graduate courses are 100-199, "lower-level" graduate courses are 200-299, and "upper-level" graduate courses are 300-399. And in any of those systems, you can't always guess from the number alone the relationship between Basket Weaving 125 and Basket Weaving 147.

To address your question about the online chemistry course, you can't even assume that Chemistry 101-106 even exist at the institution in question; if they do, they may or may not have any clear relation with 107. When I was an undergraduate, there were two distinct introductory chemistry sequences for different audiences: 105-106 and 107-108. So there was no 101, and 106 was a more advanced course than 107.

So if you want to know the place of a specific course in the curriculum, you have to consult the course offerings of the specific institution.

tl;dr (summarizing this and other answers, and many more details in comments): There is no one system for course numbers, even at a given institution. At best you can make a rough guess about a course number's meaning. If you really want to know, you need to find information from the specific department.

• 2 Sometimes, "100" is a course intended for non-specialists of the subject. So "Psychology 100" may be for Arts students (Literature, History) who need a 1st-year Science credit. For students planning to proceed in Psych, there would be a 101 or others. At one large University, as I recall, Physics 100 was a science credit for Arts students, and there were other 10x courses specifically intended for majors in Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, and others--each separate, I think, so as to be scheduled compatibly with the courses of those specialties. Actual Physics majors took Physics 130. –  CCTO Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 18:02
• 1 And at the low end of things, 0-level courses are typically remedial, non-credit courses covering things the student didn't learn in high school but should have, eg. "Math 050: Trigonometry". –  Mark Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 20:57
• @Mark That is not a "typical" system. Some schools use numbers below 100 that way, but many don't. Again, while the first digit often has significance, which numbers mean what varies a lot. –  Henry Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 21:12
• 1 Sometimes, 101 existed in the past, but got split or combined with another course, or various other things, and the number never got reused. –  Riking Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 22:17
• @CCTO And for another example, mine was the opposite - CS 100 was the overview course for CS majors. CS 105/106 were the intro-to-programming courses for non-majors, and CS 115/116 were the same intro courses but geared towards majors. (And to this answer's point about gaps, there were no other 100-level CS courses) –  Izkata Commented Apr 28, 2018 at 4:14

The numbering system isn't nearly that consistent across American universities. "Subject 101" isn't really the introductory course in Subject at most schools.

Based on my experiences on a few schools, here are the consistent patterns I'm aware of:

• Course numbers are typically three digit numbers
• The first digit does typically indicate the level of the course, with 1XX courses being lower level than 2XX courses and so on, but the significance of the first digit can vary wildly (4XX courses could be undergrad courses or upper level grad courses at different schools, for instance).

It's impossible to guess at the significance of the last two digits of a course number without knowing the specific courses involved. Some of the principles that lead to choosing specific numbers are:

• Sometimes consecutive courses do get numbered consecutively, so 130 and 131 might form a related sequence. Conversely, my experience is that when courses don't form a natural sequence, they rarely (but not never) get consecutive numbers, to avoid confusion: there are always many gaps in the numbering system.
• Sometimes the second digit has significance - it might be that courses whose second number is a 4, regardless of level, are all inorganic chemisty, so 141 is the first inorganic chemistry course while 440 is the number of a graduate seminar in inorganic chemistry.
• Often when a course is removed or dramatically changed, its number will be retired for a time: it would be confusing if 107 meant very different things for people graduating from the same school in the same year because they took the course in two different years.

• 1 Another principle that is sometimes used: odd numbers for the fall semester courses, even numbers for the spring semester courses. –  Michael Seifert Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 16:14
• 1 Re 4XX courses, what I've seen is that the same course will be open to grad or undergrads. Undergrads sign up for 4XX, grads for 6XX - same course, same instructor, perhaps a few extra assignments required of 6XX. Then 7XX courses are generally grad-level only. –  jamesqf Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 17:35
• @MichaelSeifert Or vice versa. I've seen the evens for sone semester and odds for another pretty frequently, but I haven't seen one be more common than the other. –  RothX Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 17:52
• 1 @jamesqf The pattern of which initial number corresponds to which level varies a lot by institution. I've never been at a school which routinely used 7XX numbers, but I can certainly believe they exist. –  Henry Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 18:59
• My school's grad courses are 8XX, so I think this is very school-dependent. –  Jim MacKenzie Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 20:49

When people in the U.S. talk about a generic introductory course, say "Underwater Basket Weaving 101", we often give it the number 101 .

This is just a linguistic shorthand; introductory courses are labeled 101 at relatively few colleges and universities. The actual numbers depend on the university, and the systems vary wildly, and can even vary somewhat between different departments at the same colleges.

For example, the introductory courses in mathematics at various universities (calculus or precalculus) are labeled:

M.I.T.: 18.01 (18 is the math department number). Princeton: MAT 100, followed by MAT 103. Harvard: Math 1a. Williams College: Mathematics 130, Purdue University: MA 16500 or MA 18100 (the second is honors calculus). Mount Holyoke College: Math 101.

• 1 It's worth adding that there are often multiple introductory courses for a subject like mathematics, usually intended for different students with different needs. There might be an intro course for students who intend to become math majors, one for students who will be studying engineering, one for students studying economics/social sciences/life sciences, etc... Each course will have different numbers. That system will also vary wildly depending on the department. –  Zach Lipton Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 19:55
• 6 This nicely summarizes what I began to read from the other answers: "101" is mostly used only in this proverbial sense. In which case it need not even apply to actual courses, but any profession ("we found the suspect, that was just police work 101") or other activity ("How can you wear socks and sandals? That's fashion 101"). E.g., a possibly good and idiomatic translation into German might be "Das kleine Einmaleins des Unterwasser-Korbflechtens" (literally, "the rules of multiplying single-digit numbers in underwater basket weaving") –  Hagen von Eitzen Commented Apr 28, 2018 at 8:47

As others have said, there's a lot of variation in how courses are numbered at different universities. One example that's somewhat different from those that have already been mentioned is the University of Texas at Austin.

UT Austin uses the first digit to indicate the number of credit hours that are awarded for the class (which is usually roughly equal to the number of class hours per week.) The remaining two digits indicate the relative level of the class: lower division (freshman/sophomore), upper division (junior/senior), or graduate.

For example: The first class taken as part of a bachelor's degree in physics is PHY 301 (Mechanics), which is also open to other majors. It requires prior or simultaneous enrollment in PHY 101L, which is a laboratory course. There's also PHY 104 (Introductory Physics Seminar) which is a high-level overview of the field, and is roughly equivalent to what one might expect from a "101" class.

Short version:

• Only the first number matters in course descriptions.
• 101 courses are special in that they are designed for anyone at the university to take them, and have no prerequisites.

100-level courses (sometimes called 1000-level courses) are designed for all students, regardless of major or college*.

• So Econ 201, Econ 220, and Econ 2051 are meant for Econ majors only. These courses presume familiarity with the department's field. In other words you'll be at a serious disadvantage if you haven't taken a few 100-level courses.

200-level courses (sometimes called 2000-level courses) are designed explicitly for majors.

So Econ 202 and Econ 240 are designed for econ majors. Thus most students will be econ majors, and the course will assume you have some general background knowledge of economics. Ideally from taking 100/1000 level courses.

In most cases 200-level and up courses are not going to be designed (or fair) for cross-school (cross-college) students. In other words, the pre-reqs for 200-level and up courses are "you need to have had at least a year of education in this school in order to know what's going on in class".

300-level and up (or 3000-level and up) courses and up vary widely by school and department/major.

• Where I went to undergrad , 300-level sometimes meant you had to have taken at least 3 200-level courses in the department.
• Sometimes 400-level means seminar, or masters students only. Sometimes 300-level means double-length courses.
• If your school has 500-level courses, these are normally grad student-only courses, though.

* if your university has multiple colleges. For example, Cornell has an engineering college, a fine arts college, a liberal arts college, an industrial and labor relations college , a hotel management college, an undergrad business school , and more. Here's a better explanation of this.

• 8 I don't think the practices described here are remotely universal. For instance, some schools may use the distinction between 100 level and 200 level to distinguish between non-major and major courses, but many other schools do not. Nor is it consistently true that 500 level courses are grad student-only. –  Henry Commented Apr 27, 2018 at 19:02

A university can use any system they want. Especially older and prestigious universities will have weird systems, since they are less concerned about being accepted as "legitimate" (their legitimacy is already beyond question).

The "100-system" is pretty common. Usually the first number is the year in which students are expected to take it, and the second number is the semester. But this system often creates problems:

• Sometimes, Math 101 is taken in year 1 by some majors but year 2 by others.
• Sometimes students from a major can choose from, eg, organic or inorganic chemistry for their third semester. So which one gets to be called Chem 201? Regardless, the other one will be called something else.
• Sometimes a class can be taken at any time as an elective, so has no "default" time it is supposed to be taken.
• Sometimes there will be multiple versions of a class, but later on the 101 course will be discontinued, while the other remains.

The only real rule is that if a course has a certain number, no other course will have that number.

However, "Something 101" has been used for a time in colloquial English to mean "the basics of", "an introduction to" or "a crash course in" something. Funnily enough, this has resulted in me taking some courses which claimed to be the "101" of something, but were advanced, graduate-level classes (the ones I took did not actually have a course code of 101, though).

So the answer is, there isn't really a system, and when people refer to "101", they probably mean it as a figurative expression, and not an actual system.

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How to Understand and Define Education Levels

So, you were asked about your education level and you need to know all about it?

Don’t worry, we got you!

Whether you’re a student planning on your academic life, or you’re just after crafting a resume, our guide is for you!

We’ll tell you all about education levels, their importance, and their examples! 

Want to know more?

Keep scrolling down!

Table of Contents

Exploring the Meaning of Education Levels

When we talk about education levels, what are we really talking about?

Education levels actually help us define and understand a person’s educational background, qualifications, and abilities.

These levels are important when it comes to decision-making about your employment, further studies, and even other aspects of your life. They’re stepping stones to personal and professional growth, and they can also show your societal status.

Examples of Education Levels

The level of education is not the same in all the world, but there are similarities. Let’s take a closer look at specific examples of education levels. 

Primary Education

So, you start your schooling journey right here! This stage covers the early years of our education and tries to grow our first skills such as reading and writing. 

In most countries, primary education is a building block on which all the higher levels of learning are built!

During this stage, students also develop social and emotional competencies. The primary goal of primary education is to ensure that every child has a strong educational foundation for advancement in higher education.

Secondary Education

High school is the next step in the learning journey. This usually includes the middle and high school years. The curriculum varies around the world.

In high school, students can choose courses that match their interests and career goals. This part of education is very important because it prepares us for higher education or the workforce.

Higher Education (Bachelor’s Degree)

The next step is to graduate from a university or college. Higher education programs and duration vary depending on the university, country, and even field of study.

This program aims to teach students everything about their chosen major and to give them proficiency in it. That is why all practical applications of theory are included.

Graduates are awarded a bachelor’s degree upon successful completion, and this credential is highly regarded in the industry.

Master’s Degree

If you’d like to deepen your knowledge, you should go for graduate school or a Master’s degree. 

This advanced degree focuses on specific fields of study with greater intensity and specialization.

Master’s programs often require students to engage in more research and coursework and it aims to provide them with the skills they need in their chosen professions. 

People with a master’s degree are more likely to land a job they like! So, if you’re thinking of continuing your education or going to the job market straight from higher education, we suggest you go with the graduate school choice!

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The most advanced level of education is called a Ph.D. or Doctor of Philosophy for most majors. If you’d like to stay in academia after graduation, want to become a professor, or if you’re just interested in research, you can apply for a Ph.D. position!

At this level, you’ll be studying serious and complicated topics and most of your studies are based on research. It’s hard, so only enter it if you think you’re able to contribute original knowledge to your field. 

Identifying the Highest Education Level

So, how should we know someone’s highest education level? Let’s see!

Review Academic Credentials

Start by asking for their academic credentials. Look for degrees or diplomas earned from institutions. These credentials often show the highest level of education achieved.

Check for Specialized Degrees

Do they have a specialized degree? These degrees include master’s degrees or Ph.D. They show advanced education and expertise in specific fields.

Consider Professional Certifications

In some cases, individuals may have professional certifications that hold significant weight in certain industries. These certifications may represent the highest level of education required for specific roles. 

So, if you’re a hiring manager, check each certification they listed as well.

The Role of Education Levels in Your Resume

You may be a job candidate, searching to know more about the level of your education and how it can affect your hiring process. 

Well, your education levels play an important role in shaping your resume and influencing your potential employers. Let’s find out more about this link!

Why Your Education Levels Matter on Your Resume

Your education level is one of the most important criteria in your resume as it can represent you in many different aspects, and some of the most crucial ones are as follows:

Credential Verification

Employers often use your educational background to verify the qualifications you’ve listed on your resume. For example, if they need an English teacher, people who have a degree in English teaching, translation, or literature are preferred!

Skill and Knowledge Showcase

Education levels reflect the skills and knowledge you’ve learned through formal learning. This information helps employers assess your suitability for a particular role. This is why you should describe what skills you learned in university and how each topic influenced you.

Filtering Mechanism

Some positions require specific educational qualifications to apply. Employers may use education levels as a filtering mechanism to narrow down candidates.

So, if there’s a job description that says the candidate must at least have a master’s degree, then you’ll be automatically filtered from the final list of candidates with a bachelor’s.

How to Showcase Your Education Levels on Your Resume

Here are some tips on how to professionally showcase your educational background!

Include a Dedicated Education Section

Create a dedicated section near the top of your resume specifically for your education. Include the following details:

– Degree or certification earned (e.g., Bachelor of Science, MBA)

– Name of the institution (e.g., Harvard University)

– Graduation date (e.g., May 2020)

– Honors or awards (if applicable)

– Achievements

– On-campus or volunteer jobs related to your major

List in Reverse Chronological Order

Begin with your most recent or highest level of education and write them backward. This allows employers to see your latest educational level first.

Provide Relevant Details

If you have completed coursework or projects relevant to the job you’re applying for, consider including them in your education section. This shows the potential employer that you have the practical skills and knowledge they require. 

Tailor to the Job

You can always customize your education section for each job application! It’s a smart strategy!

Emphasize relevant degrees or certifications that fit the specific requirements of the position.

Frequently Asked Questions About Education Levels

What are the primary education levels.

Primary education levels typically include early years of formal learning, including kindergarten and elementary school. They focus on foundational skills like reading, writing, and basic mathematics. They also try to make the child interested in education so they may include art and sports as well.

What’s the difference between secondary and higher education?

Secondary education follows primary education and includes middle and high school years. You’ll get a diploma after finishing this level. Higher education refers to education beyond high school and includes colleges, universities, and even vocational schools.

How long does it take to earn a bachelor’s degree?

The duration of a bachelor’s degree depends on the major and the country, but in most cases, it takes about four years of full-time study to complete this level.

What’s the significance of a master’s degree?

A master’s degree shows that you’ve got advanced knowledge and expertise in a specific field. It shows that you know how to research topics related to your major and you’ve been through its in-depth learning. It can open up career opportunities and often leads to higher earnings.

What is a Ph.D., and why pursue one?

A Ph.D. is the highest academic degree and involves original research in a field. People pursue Ph.D. programs to contribute to knowledge and expertise in their area of interest. Most people who study Ph.D. are either interested in working in academia as a professor or becoming a researcher in the field.

Is including education levels on my resume essential?

Sure! It’s very important to dedicate a part of your resume to your educational background. You should also write them in reverse chronological order and include details such as honors and achievements. It helps employers assess your suitability for the role.

Are there career options for individuals without advanced degrees?

Yes, you can also find career options for individuals without advanced degrees. Many fields believe practical experience and skills have the same importance as formal education. However, having certifications from institutes that have a weight in your area of expertise can even create more career options for you.

Final Words

So, wish to continue your education or you’re going for the job market?

Anything you choose, you should know that the level of your education matters in it! Whether you’re applying for the job of your dreams or emailing a professor for a Ph.D. position, it matters what you’ve studied and what’s your current level of education!

The first section that most employers check when they have your resume, is the box dedicated to your education. So, make sure to use all the tips and tricks we taught you about showcasing your educational level on your resume! 

However, remember that learning is a lifelong journey, and it can bring you opportunities that change your life forever! 

Hope you can make the best choice after reading this guide, remember, your growth as a person is not determined by your level of education, but your professional path depends on it very much! 

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Courses Numbering System in US :100—900 Level? BS or MS Class?

One of the things that you hear often from students studying in US schools when the talk about their courses is mention a number about their class level.  For instance, they would say statements like : “I had to take that stupid 101 class in Music”, “It is a 4000 level class and I think it will be hard”, “Oh gosh, I have taken this 800 level class and it is killing me…” . For someone who have not studied in US or not familiar with the concept of a level of class, it may be hard to understand. Let me share few thoughts on this.

What is the concept behind Course Numbers in USA ? Do they signify anything ? In most of the US schools, every course number starts with a digit ranging from 1 to 9. The first number in the entire course number has significance and it tells the complexity or the level of the course. It can also tell that if it is an Undergrad level class or Graduate level class. As the numbers say, the lower the number the basic the course it is. For instance, if it like 102 Mathematics, then it will be very basic Math and does not require any complex skills. On the other hand, if it is like 302 Mathematics, then it is assumed that you have the expertise of 102 Mathematics and even may be 202 Mathematics or similar. They would mention in advanced course, the pre-requisites for taking a class.  Also, the course numbers may have a 3 or more prefix Alphabets like BUS ( Business), PSY (Psychology), MATH ( Mathematics) , BUS MGMT (Business Management), etc. This prefix signifies the major(specialization) classification of the course .  Few examples of course numbers : BUS 640 Accounting, BUS ADM 710 Finance , MATH 234 Algebra, CSC 678 Computer Networks, etc.

What are the 100—600 or 1000—6000 level classes? 700 – 900 level classes?

There is no universal rule here that every school should adopt this pattern, for most part most of the schools adopt this format (all the four US schools I studied had this pattern). They may have either three digits or four digit classification like 100 or 1000 depending on the school.

• 100- 600 or 1000 -6000 level : Typically, this slab of 100 to 600 corresponds to Undergrad level classes. Typically, all the courses that are on the 100 and 200 level are very basic, they are either freshman(first year) or Sophomore(second year) level classes. Most of these classes are foundations for bachelors and everyone would have to take these. All the classes from 300 to 4000 are advanced level classes and are taken by Juniors (3 rd year) or Seniors(fourth year) students. They are more focused. Some schools have more advanced classes that are around 500 and 600 level, they are also Undergrad level classes but more advanced.
• 700—900 or 7000—9000 level : This classes with this numbering correspond to Graduate level classes for MS, MBA or PhD. Masters classes are ideally in the range of 700 to 800. 900 level classes correspond to PhD and Thesis or research level classes and much advanced.

Does the US school you study have different numbering system ? What has been your experience taking those classes ?

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sir , i wann to apply for Ms in us sugesst me good and cheapest university.

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What are A-levels?

A-levels are the traditional qualifications that are offered by schools and colleges for students aged between 16 and 19.

Short for Advanced Level, A-levels come after GCSEs. They usually focus on academic subjects, compared to  vocational qualifications  like BTECs and NVQs, which are more practical. There are more than 40 different A-level subjects on offer – some will be subjects that you studied at GCSE and others may be new.

A-levels are highly valued by employers and universities so they can open up lots of doors to further study and careers.

'A-levels are academic qualifications which open the door to study and careers' Tweet this to your followers

How do A-levels work?

You usually study three or more A-levels over two years, then

Students choose which A-level subjects they want to study when they are doing their GCSEs, and admission is usually dependent on your GCSE grades.

You generally need at least five GCSEs  at grades 4-9 / A*-C to be able to take A-level subjects. Sometimes you also need a 5 / B or above at GCSE in the subject you want to take at A-level. But this varies depending on the school or college you’re going to so make sure you check this.

You usually study three or more A-levels over two years and they are assessed by a series of exams. You may also study AS-levels or vocational qualifications at the same time.

Where can I study A-level subjects?

You can study A-levels at school, sixth form or college. You don’t need to stay at the school where you did your GCSEs. For more information have a look at our advice about options after GCSEs .

Most people study A-levels full-time but you can also study them part-time at some colleges.

What is the difference between an AS and A2?

AS levels are basically half an A-level – they give a broad understanding of a subject but not in as much detail.

AS levels and A-levels are now separate courses, unlike in the

old days when the AS was part of the A-level course

Until recently, they counted towards a full A-level. So you’d get the AS level at the end of Year 12 and the A2 (the full A-level) at the end of Year 13.

But this has now changed.

From 2015 (2016/2017 for some subjects), AS levels are standalone courses, taken alongside – rather than as part of – A-levels.

This means that they won’t form part of an overall A-level grade. So you’ll only take your AS exams at the end of your first year and you’ll need to take all the exams for your A-levels at the end of the two-year course.

What does linear and modular course mean?

The new A-level will be linear, rather than modular. What does this mean? Well, you’ll take all the exams at the end of the two-year course rather than being assessed after each module.

There may be a bit of coursework but the majority of assessment will be through the  exams at the very end of your course. If the idea of exams makes you nervous, we've got you covered! Read our  A-level revision guide  to ace the exams.

Are A-levels right for me?

If you enjoy academic learning and want to study a broad range of subjects, they could be the perfect option for you.

A-levels help you keep your options open are are worth thinking

about if you know you want to go to university

If you're sure that you  want to go to university then they are worth considering. They are valued by universities, and also employers. Some universities require A-levels for certain courses and they won’t accept vocational qualifications .

They are good if you don’t know what you want to study at university, or haven’t pinned down your ideal career yet, because they keep a lot of options open.

A-level subjects are just one of many post-16 options and they are not for everyone.

If you already know exactly what career or trade you want to work in, you might find that a vocational qualification or apprenticeship is a better fit.

We know it's not easy to figure this out, so to help - we'll now take a look at the careers that you will need A-level subjects for. 

Which careers require A-levels?

Some careers require you to have a degree, and you need to have certain A-levels to get a place on that degree. 

Which?  has put together a handy guide showing what A-levels you need for the degree you want to study. Some common ones are:

• Veterinary science – biology and one or two subjects from chemistry, maths or physics.
• Medicine – chemistry, biology and either maths or physics.
• English – English literature.  
• Computer science – maths.
• Dentistry – chemistry, biology and either maths or physics.

If you have a certain degree or career in mind, it’s really important that you have a look at the entry requirements to those courses when choosing your A-level subjects so you don’t find yourself in a dilemma when applying.

If you have no idea what you want to do next, then you’re better off choosing a more general subject – read the next section to find out why. 

Which A-levels give you the most options?

There are some A-levels that help you to keep your options open. These are known as facilitating subjects . They are:

A-levels subjects include facilitating subjects which can help

you gain a uni place

• History 
• Modern languages  
• Classical languages  
• Maths and further maths 

The more of these you choose, the more university courses you will find are open to you when you start applying. So if you're not set on a particular degree or career, it's worth looking at these facilitating A-level subjects.

Some universities have a list of A-level subjects they prefer (to see an example, have a look at the University of Sheffield’s ). Some even actively discourage students from taking certain subjects.

How are A-levels different from GCSEs?

There’s quite a big leap in difficulty level between GCSE and A-level. A subject that you thought you’d got your head around will suddenly become a lot more complex! 

You’ll be studying things in more detail and you’ll probably find that your teacher or tutor expects a lot more independent study and engagement from you than they did at GCSE level. 

A-levels are just one option. Check out our article on post-16 options  to find out what you can do after your GCSEs.

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Qualifications: what the different levels mean

A qualification shows employers, teachers and learners what you have learnt and what you can do as a result of that learning. There is a large variety of qualifications available so they are grouped together into levels to show how they compare and what other qualifications they can lead to.

Qualification frameworks 

In the UK, most qualifications taken through work, school, college or university, fit into one of nine levels (12 in Scotland). The higher the level, the harder the qualification. The levels are based on the standards of knowledge, skill and competence needed for each qualification. Qualifications at the same level can be very different in terms of content and the length of time they take to complete. 

Knowing about the different levels means that you can compare qualifications and identify what you need for your chosen career.

Four qualifications frameworks are in use within the UK:

• Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Northern Ireland
• Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW)
• Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ)

Qualification levels

The table below shows some examples of qualifications at each level under the various frameworks. The list is not exhaustive.

More information on the frameworks and associated levels, including comparisons with other countries can be found on the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessments (CCEA) website .

Checking if your country's qualifications are recognised in the UK

If you are resident in Northern Ireland and need to check your qualifications against UK equivalents, you can access a free Qualification Equivalence Service by contacting your nearest  Careers Office .

Your qualifications will be checked against the UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) database which will provide you with comparison information and advice on your specific qualifications.

Your country of origin needs to be listed on the NARIC databases to avail of this service and you will need to have a copy of your qualification certificates or details.

Free movement of professionals across the EU

If you are a non-UK National from a member state within the EU, EEA or Switzerland with professional qualifications and wish to work in Northern Ireland you may be eligible, under the EU Directive on the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications for automatic or general recognition of your qualifications depending on your profession.

The UK Centre for Professional Qualifications (UK CPQ) is the National Contact Point (NCP) for Professional Qualifications in the United Kingdom. It is responsible for guiding professionals through the process of obtaining recognition for their professional qualifications in the UK and has a dedicated website which provides comprehensive advice and guidance for both individuals and employers.

More information can be found at the UK CPQ website:

Comparing qualification levels from outside Northern Ireland

There are 12 qualification levels in Scotland. These are set out in the  Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

Irish qualifications are set out in the  Irish National Framework of Qualifications 

You can compare European qualification levels and also get information on specific qualifications that occupy those levels in national frameworks.

You can also contact the UK National Recognition Information Centre   to compare a UK qualification with any non-UK qualification. There may be a fee for this.   

Useful links

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What is Level of Education – Meaning and Examples

Wondering what the level of education meaning is? Well, the level of education of someone refers to the highest educational degree they’ve obtained. It could be Ph.D., Master’s, college, or even a lower degree.

When it comes to education, everything can get a little confusing.

Therefore, the level of education varies by country. However, in this article, I will try to cover every question you may possibly have regarding the meaning of “level of education”, including the different education levels available.

What is the Meaning of Level of Education?

One of the oldest questions you will probably get most time during an interview is, “What level of education do you have?” The correct answer to this question will reflect the level of knowledge you might have acquired over the years of your education in your chosen course/career.

One thing you must understand is, that the level of education is completely dependent on the person in question. While some have only managed to finish high school, some other people have gone passed college and presently pursuing a Master’s degree.

What are the Examples of Education Levels?

1. primary education, 2. secondary education.

Secondary education is the stage of formal learning that comes after primary or basic education.

3. Higher education (Bachelor’s degree)

Furthermore, students who complete this type of program can usually enter the workforce or transfer to a more specialized program at a four-year institution.

4. Master’s degree

A master’s degree (typically one or two years) is an advanced degree offered after the completion of a bachelor’s program.

5. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D.’s main purpose is to provide highly qualified specialists with the training necessary for them to conduct research and contribute to the progress of their chosen field(s).

Some people think that the Ph.D.’s main purpose is simply to provide more information or insight into a subject, but this isn’t true — although this may happen as part of your research work on your dissertation (final project).

What is the Highest Level of Education?

The term “Ph.D.” comes from the Latin phrase Philosophiae doctor, which translates to “doctor of philosophy.”

The Ph.D. is not a professional degree, but it does signify that the person has achieved an advanced level of knowledge in his or her field of study and has been vetted by an academic committee as worthy of being awarded a doctorate degree in his or her field.

Is it Important to Include Your Level of Education in Your Resume?

Yes, it is important to include your level of education in your resume.

This will set you aside from other applicants who did not attend college or graduate school.

Level of Education Meaning: FAQs

What are the objectives of education at different levels.

Generally, For a student, education is acquiring knowledge while for a teacher is imparting knowledge regardless of the level.

What does education level mean?

What does the level of education on a resume mean.

This is the information about the schools you attended, the degrees you are awarded, your GPA (not necessary), and any special awards and honors you earned.

How many years does it take to complete higher education?

Higher education (bachelor’s degree) typically takes four (4) years to complete. However, it might take you more or less in some countries.

Level of Education Meaning: Conclusion

I hope you found this article helpful.

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Data, Analysis & Documentation

Education level.