Mature Students

Undergraduate study is the first higher-level qualification offered at university and often takes the form of a Bachelor of Arts or Science. It usually takes 2-4 years to complete a degree of this nature.  

Our Undergraduate courses can be studied full time on campus, with some courses also available part-time. We also offer options which are 100% online through our partner international colleges.  

A Level 7 qualification, PG Diplomas & Certificates take less time to complete than a traditional Master's. 

A PG Certificate is equivalent to one-third of a Master’s, whilst a PG Diploma is valued at two-thirds. Some courses may offer the opportunity to top-up PG Certificates and Diplomas to a Master's level qualification at a later date. 

A Master's Degree is a complete Level 7 qualification and can be an opportunity to explore an area of interest in further detail or take the next step towards a Doctorate.  

While at the same level as a PG Diploma or Certificate, this qualification requires an intensive period of study and the completion of a dissertation.  

A Master's can take one to two years to complete through full-time study. Students can focus on a taught or research course that will increase employability. 

If you already have an Undergraduate degree, a great next step is training to teach. A Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is equivalent to 60 credits of a Master’s degree and is available in a number of specialisms. 

A PGCE course gives you the skills you need to teach your passion in a classroom setting. Typically lasting one year, students undertake school placements, supported by one-to-one academic support in preparation for their teaching career. 

The highest level of qualification, a PhD offers the opportunity for students to make a significant contribution to their field of study. As a research based qualification, with potential taught components, a full-time PhD typically takes three to four years. 

Students will become experts in their field, collaborating with others to conduct and publish a piece of research. 

Challenge yourself, enhance your career prospects and transform your future with a CPD course at the University of Cumbria. Choose from flexible online courses, accredited CPD courses and degree top-ups, apprenticeships, university-based short courses and bespoke training options. Our CPD and short university courses focus on thought leadership based learning and qualifications across three exceptional career paths: Health, Business and Education.