Undergraduate degrees in Scotland explained 🎓

When you're applying for a course at university, the names for the different degree types can be confusing. This page explains what we mean by an honours degree, why some degrees are termed ‘ordinary’ degrees, how a BSc is different to an MSc, and why some students will do either an integrated or an intercalated degree. 

What is an undergraduate degree?

An undergraduate degree is the first level of study you complete at university. If you go on to study any higher degrees after this, they are known as ‘postgraduate’ - i.e. after you have graduated. 

Is the Scottish MA a master's level course?  

No, the Scottish MA isn't a master's level course. Like other Scottish universities, we use the title Master of Arts (MA) for undergraduate degrees. Although the name can look like a postgraduate qualification, the Scottish MA is an undergraduate degree at the same academic level as the BA (Bachelor of Arts) in the rest of the UK. 

The main difference is that in Scotland, many of our undergraduate degrees take four years to complete, instead of three in England. 

What is a BSc?

A BSc is a Bachelor of Science degree, usually focused on science, health, technology, or applied subjects. In Scotland it normally takes four years and leads to an honours qualification, or three years for an ordinary degree.

If you go on to study further, the next level after a BSc is usually a postgraduate degree, such as an MSc.

What does it mean to study a degree with honours?

In Scotland, studying with honours usually means completing a fourth year of study, which often includes an independent research project or dissertation. 

You’ll often notice the word (hons) in brackets after the degree title, which is an abbreviation of the word 'honours'. 

It’s your chance to explore a topic you care about in depth and develop research and analytical skills that employers value. Many employers, and also postgraduate courses (such as masters and PhDs), insist on an honours degree.  

Honours degrees are graded using the following classifications:

• First class (1st)
• Upper second (2:1)
• Lower second (2:2)
• Third class (3rd)

Most students in Scotland study towards an honours degree, but you can still graduate earlier with an ordinary degree if you prefer.

Single honours, joint honours, and degrees 'with' another subject

Some degrees let you study more than one subject at honours level. The wording in the title tells you how the subjects are balanced.

Single honours

You study one main subject at honours (levels 3 and 4) in your degree. 

Joint honours - 'and'

Using 'and' in the degree title (for example History and Politics) means you study both subjects equally and complete honours-level work in both.

An additional subject - 'with' 

Using 'with' (as seen in 'English with Creative Writing', for example) means the first subject is your primary subject and the second has significant, but lesser, focus. You will study more modules in your primary subject and normally complete your honours project in that area.

What is an ordinary degree?

An ordinary degree (sometimes called a non-honours degree) is usually awarded after three years of study in Scotland, instead of four. It is a separate qualification in its own right however and not a failed honours degree. 

Most often this means completing the main taught part of a degree without the additional honours-level year or project, although some professionally regulated courses structure honours differently.

Whilst many careers require an honours degree, some - particularly those which are vocational in nature - recognise an ordinary degree as full preparation for professional practice.

We have some courses which offer both honours and ordinary degrees when you apply:

Nursing

• BSc Nursing (Hons) - a three-year degree which differs from the ordinary level as it includes an honours project and gives both an academic and professional qualification.
• BSc Nursing (Ordinary) -a three-year degree which leads to professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council but does not include the honours project.

The NMC sets the requirements for being a registered nurse, not universities. Since these requirements can be met within a three year degree, after that point you are qualified as a nurse. This includes all required placements, clinical skills, and professional practice.

The honours route mainly adds research experience, which can be helpful if you want to specialise or progress to postgraduate study, but it isn’t required for registration.

Learn more about our nursing courses

Accountancy

Accountancy also comes in two versions, BAcc (hons) and BAcc Ordinary. 

• BAcc (Hons) – a four-year degree which includes an honours project and offers full professional accreditation with bodies such as ICAS, ACCA and CIMA.

• BAcc (Ordinary) – this is a three-year version that gives you a solid grounding in accountancy but only partial accreditation. 

  The BAcc (Ordinary) may be sufficient for entry-level, or non-chartered accounting roles, and means you can enter the workforce sooner. You might be able to get sponsorship from an employer to study for professional qualifications. However, if you want full professional recognition from the start, you will need to take the honours year.

Learn more about our accountancy courses

How are ordinary degrees classified?

Ordinary degrees are classified differently to honours degrees. Instead of first, upper second and lower second classes, you’ll usually see pass, merit or distinction grades.

What are integrated and intercalated degrees? 

• Integrated degrees combine undergraduate and postgraduate study in one course (for example MSci or MEng). You apply once and graduate with a master's qualification.
• Intercalated degrees are taken during another course(often Medicine). You take a year out of your regular medical degree, complete a separate qualification, then return to finish your original course. For example, you might study for a MBChB and between years 3 and 4 take a BMSc in Cardiovascular and Diabetes Medicine.