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What are two-year degrees?
Often referred to as accelerated degrees, two year degrees are exactly what they sound like. Instead of the traditional three or four years of studying that an undergraduate degree takes, two-year degrees condense it by a year. You’ll learn the same information but in a shorter period of time. This often involves having shorter term breaks and staying at uni throughout the traditional summer holiday break.
How much do two-year degrees cost?
Two-year degrees usually cost the same in tuition fees as a three-year degree. You will save money though, as you won’t need to spend money on things like accommodation, books and everyday spending in a third year of study.
Who can study a two-year degree?
Anyone who meets the entry requirements for the course can study a two-year degree, but it may appeal more to mature students who may have a family as it means a quicker return to work, or school-leaver students who would prefer to finish their qualification faster, either because they want to start working in a graduate role as fast as possible or because they're more focused on gaining the qualification than connecting deeply with the student life and social side of university.
Why were two-year degrees established?
Two-year degrees were introduced in a bid to make learning more flexible.
At the time of launch, then universities minister, Jo Johnson, said: “Students are crying out for more flexible courses, modes of study which they can fit around work and life, shorter courses that enable them to get into and back into work more quickly, and courses that equip them with the skills that the modern workplace needs.
“I absolutely recognise that for many students the classic three-year residential model will remain the preferred option. But it clearly must not be the only option.”
This was a statement that many universities were happy about, including the University of Buckingham’s (UB) registrar Anne Miller. Anne told us, “Jo Johnson’s message is good because even if it brings more competition, it gets the message out there that there’s a good model and it's cost effective.”
Many universities have been offering two-year degrees for a number of years. In fact at UB, the only independent alternative provider with a Royal Charter, has been offering two-year degrees in a wide range of subjects since they were founded in 1976.
Are two-year degrees the same as standard degrees?
In theory, you should receive the same high standard of teaching doing an accelerated degree that you would have studying the same subject for three years.
Anne says that UB regards retaining the same high quality of teaching and academic support as highly important. She told us that all the teachers who teach during the summer are permanent members of staff at the university. So no temps or substitutes are used, meaning students feel supported and get stability with their learning.
“We’re all about the students”, says Anne, and other academic support provided by UB includes:
- Personal tutors
- Strong learning section in their student welfare department
- Academic Skills department
- Help for those with learning difficulties
- Careers Service
The application process at UB also reflects their openness to students. The flexible application scheme means students can apply right up until the start of the academic year.
Two year degrees are proving to be a popular choice amongst students, and applications have grown exponentially in the last couple of years.
What are the pros of two-year degrees?
Continuous education
One of the big advantages of two year degrees is the continuity of the learning you’ll receive.
For example, the University of Buckingham teaches students across four terms, including classes over the traditional summer period. Exams take place every six months, so students can earn 90 credits every term.
This means there isn’t as long a time period between learning the information and being tested on it as in other degrees. Anne believes this helps students retain the information from lectures, as well as a more continuous relationship with tutors.
Lower cost
Two-year degrees cost the same in tuition fees as a three-year degree, which can be up to £9,250 per year. So, you don't pay for a third year of living costs, but will cover the same content and get the same qualification.
Nathaniel McCullagh is founder and managing director of Simply Learning Tuition. This is an independent education company providing introductions to private tutors. Nathan says that “we have to face two sets of economic reality”, which are rising tuition fees and living costs, but also admits two-year degrees mean students “have less time to enjoy and explore all the wonderful opportunities that university can offer”.
He added, “Studies show that student debt is often crippling for many years after graduation. So on balance, if you can get 75% of the benefit of Uni in 2 years, for 1/3 off the price, then to many it would appear on the surface to be worth it. For those who start with a 2 year degree but then discover a love for academia and who can realise the financial value of further study in their working lives, postgraduate study is available.”
Complete an undergraduate and postgraduate quicker
Those who do a two-year degree will finish their Bachelor's education sooner. In fact, in the time it takes most students to complete their undergraduate course, a two-year degree student can achieve both their undergraduate and postgraduate Master's qualification.
Employability
Not only will you graduate an entire year before your peers, but the fact you’ve only had a few weeks break here during your studies can also be a benefit. Two-year degrees are more comparable to a real work environment as you don’t have two to three months off studying each year.
Anne explains, “It’s a really good basis for employers to see as the work/life balance is very similar to a real environment. Students can hit the ground running in the workplace and become very employable.”
Same standard of education
Accelerated degrees must offer students the same high level quality teacher as traditional degrees.
Anne says that at the University of Buckingham “we have very robust requirements to structure the degrees. We’re consistent with the sector and our standards are the same as the three-year degrees that we offer…we have strong support mechanisms, external examiners from other universities, we have the exact same standards and quality that publicly funded universities have…we operate on a traditional Oxbridge tutorial module.
“There’s a high level of teaching and contact hours, and most importantly, academic support.
“Now students are having to take out loans, their expectations are higher, so we have to do everything we can to support them. They want to know that the quality and standard is good, and we work to make sure they know it is…The standards are as high as anywhere else. The end result is just as good, if not better.”
What are the cons of two-year degrees?
Too much, too soon?
It’s possible that, as two-year degrees condense so much information into such a short space of time, the intensity puts unnecessary pressure on students.
Anne disagrees, and explained “I think it’s wrong to call them intensive degrees…It’s not crammed…It’s condensed but not intense. There is no detrimental effect on the student as long as the institution provides a high level of teaching, academic support and pastoral care. I’ve never heard a student say they feel under pressure.”
It might be harder to work and study
Students who wish to work alongside their studies might find it more difficult to find the time on a two-year degree. This is important for many students who need the extra money as well as experience for their CV.
However, many students on two-year degrees do take on part-time work while they study and find ways to have a good work/life balance.
Less engagement with campus life
Students on a two-year degree will find that their studies take up more of their time, leaving them less free time to engage with campus life and participate in societies. However there are still plenty of opportunities to meet people and socialise, especially with the other students on the accelerated course.
Not great for students who struggle?
Another question raised against two-year degrees is what happens to students who fall behind?
Unis offering these courses should have a support system in place for any students who fall behind on an accelerated course, just like on a three-year degree. This includes having the option of moving onto a slow track three-year degree, or encouragement to study a foundation level beforehand.
Not great for lecturers?
Shorter degrees can mean less time for lecturers to conduct their own research. This is something they would traditionally do during the long breaks between terms.
Nathaniel argues this may be detrimental to students, as “those who take longer courses will also likely have benefited from more dedicated (and higher calibre) teaching staff. The reason most academics teach at universities is so that they can focus on research during the long summer holiday. In a truncated course where students and staff work the whole year-round, education becomes a lot more like a commodity.”
However, many lecturers are able to do their research at other points in the academic year. At the University of Buckingham, any research-active lecturers are offered a term off a year to carry out their own studies.
Still not sure about two-year degrees?
If you can’t make your mind up between an accelerated or traditional degree, the best thing to do is to contact universities directly. You can attend an open day and ask them in person about anything you’re concerned about.
Some universities even offer taster days, where you can go to the university’s campus and experience what studying an accelerated course is really like.
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