April 2025
Blog | Explainer: What is a top-up degree?
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- Blog | Explainer: What is a top-up degree?

By Sean Madden
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You might have heard the term ‘top-up degree' without knowing quite what it is. How does it differ from a regular degree? Is a top-up the right course for you? This blog has the answers to your questions, so read on…
How does a top-up differ from a standard degree?
A top-up degree gives you the chance to combine all of your previous certificates in further education, wherever you’ve studied, with one year of full-time study.
Generally, you would complete this course after a Level 5 qualification such as a two-year foundation degree, HND, BTEC or NVQ.
This one-year course is equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree, and converts your achievements into a full Level 6 qualification.
What does a top-up involve?
You'll take academic refresher modules covering writing and referencing skills, alongside modules covering the central topics and themes. These will be delivered through large teaching groups, tutorials, and online resources. As with the third year of a standard BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons) degree course, there will be a final research project and, in many cases, practical elements to your study, depending on your chosen subject.

Can I access student finance for a top-up degree?
UK students will be able to apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as a three-year undergraduate degree. The loan will cover your course fees, and is only repayable once you have graduated and are earning over a certain amount.
Is a top-up the right choice for me?
Top-up degrees are a well-recognised qualification treated the same as a regular three-year undergraduate degree course by universities – should you be looking to go on to postgraduate study – and employers. As a complete Level 6 qualification, completion of a top-up degree leaves you eligible to apply for a master’s degree, and is recognised at the international level.
If you want to enhance your existing knowledge and skills, open up new employment prospects, or improve opportunities for professional development and progression in your specific field, a top-up degree might be the option for you.
Why study a top-up degree at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½?
We offer a wide range of degrees to suit a host of career or academic ambitions, with more than 20 top-up courses available.
Studying at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ means being able to take advantage of our bustling city centre location, with plenty to occupy all tastes nearby. We also have excellent transport links and industry connections. All this combines to allow our students unrivalled opportunities for placements, employment and ways to spend your free time.
On top of this, our state-of-the-art campus and facilities have just received over £300 million of investment, and our teaching staff and support services are both award-winning.
Student case study: Indiya Daley
An interest in digital marketing led Indiya to study business skills after completing her college course. This helped spark an ambition to run her own company.
At first, she didn't believe she had enough credits for a degree, but at her interview for the Access to Higher Education (Business) course at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, she was surprised to discover that she had acquired enough for a place on the Business Enterprise foundation degree.
Since completing the two-year course, Indiya has now embarked on her final top-up year, which will allow her to graduate with a full Business Enterprise BA (Hons).
What top-up courses do we offer?
An extensive range of top-up courses is available at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, with curriculums developed to provide the academic and practical skills needed to advance your career or learning journey. You can choose from:
- Adult Nursing BSc (Hons) Top-up
- Aesthetics BA (Hons) Top-up
- Aviation and Airport Management BA (Hons) Top-up
- Bakery and Patisserie Technology BSc (Hons) Top-up
- Business Enterprise BA (Hons) Top-up
- Business Management BA (Hons) Top-up
- Childhood and Education Studies BA (Hons) Top-up (Online)
- Computer Science BSc (Hons) Top-up
- Culinary Arts Management BA (Hons) Top-up
- Cyber Security BSc (Hons) Top-up
- Digital Marketing BA (Hons) Top-up
- Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) Top-up
- Events Management BA (Hons) Top-up
- Finance and Accounting BSc (Hons) Top-up
- Food and Nutrition BSc (Hons) Top-up
- Health and Social Care BSc (Hons) Top-up
- International Hospitality and Tourism Management BA (Hons) Top-up
- International Tourism Management BA (Hons) Top-up
- Marketing Management BA (Hons) Top-up
- Mental Health Nursing BSc (Hons) Top-up
- Sport, Coaching and Fitness BSc (Hons) Top-up
- Sports Management BA (Hons) Top-up
- Sports Therapy BSc (Hons) Top-up
- Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition BSc (Hons) Top-up
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