Undergraduate Degree in the UK

An undergraduate degree, typically referred to as a Bachelor’s degree, is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills in a chosen field of study. UK undergraduate programs are known for their flexibility, developing practical skills and shorter degree duration. Most full-time degree courses are completed within 3 years, except in Scotland, where they usually take 4 years.

Accepted Qualifications for Bachelor's Degree

To apply for an undergraduate degree in the UK, international students are required to have completed secondary level education equivalent to UK qualifications such as:

  • A-Levels
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • High School Diploma or equivalent (depending on the country of origin such as CBSE or American Diploma)

Most universities also require proof of English language proficiency through tests like PTE UKVI, IELTS UKVI or other acceptable tests.

Types of Undergraduate degrees and their Duration

There are several types of undergraduate degrees available in the UK:

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Usually 3 years, focusing on arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Bachelor of Science (BSc): Typically 3 years, covering sciences and technical subjects.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB): A 3-year program for students pursuing a career in law.
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng): A 3-year degree in engineering fields, with some options for a 4-year integrated master’s (MEng).


2-year undergraduate degree

Some universities offer fast-track undergraduate degree in the UK in certain fields such as Business, allowing students to complete their degree in just 2 years. This saves both time and student cost.

Foundation Year Pathway

Students who do not meet the academic or English entry requirements for direct admission to an undergraduate program, the Foundation year is an excellent pathway. A foundation year in the UK typically lasts 1 year and prepares students for a Bachelor’s degree by strengthening their academic skills and knowledge in their chosen field.

Most foundation year programs offer guaranteed progression to an undergraduate degree, provided the student meets the minimum required grades during their foundation studies.

Top-up Year

Many UK universities offer a 1-year Top-Up program, primarily in Business and Computing subjects. The top-up year is designed for students who have completed the equivalent of the first two years of a UK undergraduate degree, such as HND (Higher National Diploma), a partial Bachelor’s degree from their home country, or another diploma-level qualification.

The Top-Up Year in the UK allows students to directly enter the final year of the degree program and earn a full UK Bachelor’s degree by completing just one year of study.

Undergraduate Tuition Fee in the UK

Tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in the UK vary depending on the university and course of study. International students typically pay in the range from £12,000 to £25,000 British Pound per year. The fees can be higher for specialized courses such as medicine, dentistry, or health science degrees, where fees may exceed £35,000 per year.

Initial Deposit and Installment plans

Most UK universities do not require international students to pay the full undergraduate tuition fee in advance. Instead, they offer flexible payment plans, allowing tuition fees to be paid in installments. Students are required to pay an initial deposit before obtaining their visa, with the remaining tuition fees to be paid in installments, while studying in the UK.

UK Universities typically offer between 2 to 7 installment plans making it easier and manageable for students.

How to Apply for an Undergraduate Degree in year 2025

International students can apply for undergraduate programs in the UK through two main pathways:

UCAS Application – UCAS is the central application portal for UK universities. Students can apply to up to five different universities or courses in a single application cycle.

Applying Through an Approved Agent – Many students prefer to apply through approved university agents who provide personalized guidance, application support, and direct assistance throughout the process including visa application processing (Visa application submission, Biometric and VFS appointment).

JNS Education is an approved agency for over 80 UK universities in the Middle East. Get in touch with us to explore available discount and scholarship options, initial deposit requirements, and flexible installment plans from various universities. Our counselors will provide detailed guidance through every step of the process.

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