TOP
Key Takeaways
- A top-up degree is a final year undergraduate degree that allows diploma holders to earn a bachelor's degree at a shorter time.
- It typically takes 8–12 months to complete, compared to 36–48 months for a full bachelor’s degree.
- Top-up degrees save time and cost, and can serve as a bridge to postgraduate study.
What Is a Bachelor’s Degree?
To understand top-up degrees, it is essential to define a bachelor’s degree, which is an undergraduate academic degree for students who have at least completed their GCE ‘A’ levels or equivalent to pursue. It usually involves a specific course of study in a discipline such as arts, sciences, or humanities, and usually takes a period of between 16 to 48 months to complete depending on the curriculum, choice of institution and whether you are studying full-time or part time.
What Is a Top-Up Degree?
A top-up degree allows diploma holders to progress directly into the final year of a bachelor’s programme. Admission requirements vary depending on the course, but they generally include a relevant polytechnic or private diploma, and in some cases, prior work experience*. This pathway is especially appealing to mid-career professionals or fresh diploma graduates who want to upgrade their qualifications without starting from scratch.
*Different top-up degree programmes may have varying minimum entry requirements. The following is quoted as a generic example without any reference to a specific top-up degree programme.
Top-Up Degree vs Full Bachelor's Degree: What's the Difference?
While both qualifications result in a bachelor’s degree, they differ in entry requirements, duration, and structure.
Benefits of a Top-Up Degree Programme
1. Direct entry to academic year 3
Studying for a top-up degree is more efficient as compared to starting a full bachelor’s degree programme from scratch. By leveraging your existing qualifications, you can expedite the completion of the remaining modules necessary to complete the top-up degree. This leads to time and cost savings.
2. Improves Career Prospects
Pursuing a top-up degree can possibly enhance your career outlook. This is because employers prefer higher tertiary qualifications, and together with a bachelor’s degree, having a top-up degree can make you more competitive in the job market and open doors to management positions.
3. Provides an Opportunity to Pursue Higher Education
A top-up programme is also a launch pad for working professionals who wish to pursue higher education, such as a master’s degree. It provides you with the necessary minimum entry requirements for many postgraduate programmes, as well as help you build a robust foundation for your higher education exploration.
4. Allows You to Tap into the Experience of Established Professionals
A top-up programme opens a realm of networking opportunities for you, which extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. You can connect with a diverse array of professionals, including alumni, mentors, and leaders within your field of study through workshops, seminars and industry events. These interactions provide the ground for building meaningful relationships that could help you in your career.
An Attractive Learning Opportunity
Overall, a top-up programme offers many benefits and is an attractive option for many people looking for a flexible, short-duration learning experience. If you decide to pursue a top-up degree, you may want to consider PSB Academy, which offers four top-up business management degrees awarded by UK universities. You can choose to do hybrid learning, face-to-face lessons, or via e-learning*. Explore the suite of top-up degree programmes in business, accounting and finance and hospitality and tourism management at PSB Academy below, each uniquely catered to suit your interests, learning needs and career aspirations.
Business Management Top-Up Degrees
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business Administration (Top-Up), University of Hertfordshire
Bachelor of Arts Business Management (Top-up), Edinburgh Napier University
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Global Business (Top-up), Coventry University
With a relevant private or polytechnic diploma, you can complete any of these top-up degrees within an 8^ to 12-month timeframe, which allows you to elevate your business and management acumen.
The University of Hertfordshire and Coventry University offer top-up degrees that are entirely coursework-based, eliminating the need for examinations.
Accounting & Finance Top-Up Degrees
With a relevant private or polytechnic diploma and a minimum of 2 years of work experience, you have the opportunity to secure up to 7 ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) paper exemptions, which allows you to complete your degree within just 8 months.
* Only applicable to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business Administration (Top-Up) (E-Learning), University of Hertfordshire only.
^Only applicable to the Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Global Business (Top-up), Coventry University, only.
Take the Next Step in Your Education
A top-up degree can be a gateway to possible career progression, greater opportunities, and even postgraduate study. Whether you want to deepen your expertise, enhance your employability, or future-proof your career, PSB Academy has a top-up programme designed for you.
Enquire now to explore our full suite of course options and find the right one to match your goals.
