Glossary of terms
Can you explain some of the terms used, especially those specific to the UK?
In common with much of the UK Higher education system, we use the following terms and abbreviations:
- BA – a Bachelor's degree: "Bachelor of Arts"
- BSc – a Bachelor's degree: "Bachelor of Science"
- Course – used here as a synonym for "programme"
- Credit – the "value" of a module, normally either 15 or 30 credits
- First, Upper Second (2:1), Lower Second (2:2), Third – a class of honours degree in the British classification system
- Honours – Bachelor's degrees are normally awarded "with honours" but "pass" degrees are also available
- Lecturer – a university teacher or qualified equivalent ("faculty" in US-usage)
- Level 4 - The standard entry level at BA(Hons) or BSc(Hons) - equivalent to year one of a standard BA / BSc
- Level 5 - The second level at BA(Hons) or BSc(Hons) - equivalent to year two of a standard BA / BSc
- Level 6 - The final (or top up) level at BA(Hons) or BSc(Hons) - equivalent to year three of a standard BA / BSc
- Level 7 - Equivalent to a Master's level qualification
- Module – an individual unit of study with its own assessment; online modules are sub-divided into "units" and "sessions"
- MA – a postgraduate Master's degree: "Master of Arts"
- MPH - Master of Public Health
- MSc – a postgraduate Master's degree: "Master of Science"
- Professor – a senior academic
- Programme – a course of study, leading to an award such as a degree
- Tutor – a university teacher or qualified equivalent
See alsoBritish degree abbreviations
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