Glossary

A-level

A British advanced level examination allowing entry to university.

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are government backed training schemes aimed primarily at people aged between 16-24, although funding is available for those over the age of 24 in some regions. For more information, see the Qualifications page.

 

Bachelors degree (BA or BSc)

The qualification studied towards as an undergraduate. Also known as a first degree or undergraduate degree.

BTEC

BTEC Nationals are vocational qualifications to prepare students equally for direct entry into employment or for progression to higher education.

Foundation degree

Foundation degrees are a new employment-related higher education qualification designed to equip you with the higher-level skills that employers are crying out for. For more information, see the Qualifications page.

GCSE

General Certificate in Secondary Education. Sometimes referred to as O-Levels.

Masters degree (MA or MSc)

MA (Master of Arts). A postgraduate taught degree in a non-scientific subject.
MSc (Master of Science). A postgraduate taught degree usually in a scientific subject.

National Diploma/Certificate

National Diplomas/Certificates are Level 3 qualifications for students who wish to prepare for a career in a specific occupational area and/or progress to higher education. For more information, see the Qualifications page.

NVQ/SVQ

NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) and SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) are work-related qualifications that enable you to gain the skills and knowledge you needed to do a job. For more information, see the Qualifications page.

PGDip

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip). Does not contain extensive research.

PhD

Doctor of Philosophy. A postgraduate research degree lasting for 3 or more years.

Standard Grade

Standard Grade of the Scottish Certificate of Education. Standard Grades are generally taken over two years of study in third and fourth year at secondary school.