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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 years of studying that a more traditional undergraduate degree takes, two-year degrees condense the time spent studying for your degree, meaning you’ll graduate a year earlier. You’ll gain the same knowledge and gain the same qualification – just in a shorter period of time.
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.
In 2017, the former 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.”
Many universities have been offering two-year degrees for a number of years. The University of Buckingham first introduced two-year degrees in the UK in the 1970s and offers the widest range of courses in the two-year format.
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.
Professor Harriet Dunbar-Morris, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic and Provost at The University of Buckingham explains: “Students study across four terms, with the same amount of teaching weeks you’d see in a three-year degree. The difference is we teach through the summer months. Students who are concerned about having enough breaks can be reassured that even with the accelerated teaching time they will have twelve weeks off in the first year and ten in the second. Many employers look on this favourably when it comes to recruitment, as it’s closer to working life than the traditional three-year path.”
Two-year degrees are proving to be a popular choice amongst students at Buckingham, and applications have grown steadily in the last couple of years, amid a general downturn in student numbers in the sector.
Harriet explains: “We ran a survey of 125 prospective students and parents and found over 30% of students have considered a two-year degree and over 60% of parents understand the benefits and would encourage their child to undertake a two-year degree. They are growing in popularity.”
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 before the spring and autumn term – just before the holidays start, so students can enjoy a proper break. This means there isn’t a gap between learning the information and being tested on it, as there is in other degrees. Harriet believes this helps students retain the learning gained from lectures, as well as fostering a more continuous relationship with tutors and classmates.
Lower cost
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. A master's qualification is said to boost earnings by on average £5,000 a year according to the Graduate Labour Study (2023).
Employability
Not only will you graduate an entire year before your peers, but two-year degrees are more comparable to a real work environment as you don’t have two to three months off studying each year.
Harriet explains: “Employers can see that you’ve worked in a pattern with a work/life balance that is very similar to a real working environment.”
Same standard of education
Accelerated degrees must offer students the same high level quality teaching as traditional degrees.
At The University of Buckingham Harriet explains: “We have very robust requirements to structure our degrees. We’re consistent with the sector and our standards are the same as the three-year degrees that we offer. We offer strong support mechanisms, academic and pastoral care as well as a high level of teaching and contact hours. At Buckingham we pride ourselves on small group teaching and were shortlisted for the ‘University of the Year’ by The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.”
Harriet continues: “Most students now have to take out loans, which means they have expectations of what they can achieve through their study, and many have an eye on the return they will get for their investment.”
What are the cons of two-year degrees?
Too much, too soon?
There are concerns from some that two-year degrees condense so much information into such a short space of time, the intensity puts unnecessary pressure on students.
Harriet disagrees and explains: “Whilst a two-year degree can be a little more demanding, there is a high level of academic support and pastoral care at Buckingham. The academic year is similar to a school year, which most students are used to. It is about making a choice that works for you, your circumstances and career goals.”
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, as the main compromise is forgoing the long summer holiday (term time teaching hours are the same as three-year degrees.)
The University of Buckingham offers a micro-internship to students, allowing them to undertake meaningful work experience on a part-time, flexible basis, to fit around their studies.
Less engagement with campus life
Students may worry that a two-year degree will mean their studies take up more of their time, leaving them less free time to engage with campus life and participate in societies.
Harriet explains: “This is something of a myth. There are the same number of teaching weeks as a three-year degree, the main difference is the absence of the long summer break as we have a summer term.”
Not great for students who struggle?
Another question raised against two-year degrees is what happens to students who fall behind.
Universities offering these courses will 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 three-year degree, part-time studying, 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 can do their research at other points in the academic year. At The University of Buckingham, research-active lecturers are offered a term off a year, or equivalent, to carry out their own research.
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. Many also now offer the chance to talk to student ambassadors directly at any time via platforms such as the Whatuni App or Unibuddy.
Ready to take the next step in your uni search? Book your open day on Whatuni today.
