Degree Top-up Courses

A top-up degree is the final year (Level 6) of an undergraduate degree course. Completion of a top-up degree allows you to 'convert' your existing HND qualification (Level 5) to a full (Level 6) Bachelor's degree.

Reasons to choose a top up course:

• Fast track your studies and achieve a full honours degree without starting from scratch.

• Build on your existing skills to help progress your career and to help secure the role you’re looking for.

• Take your studies even further and benefit from our alumni discount (terms and conditions apply) on eligible postgraduate courses.

Top-up degree courses are offered by Universities across the UK and in a range of subjects. 

You can search for a top-up degree through the UCAS website or via a university's own website. You can filter your search for top-up degrees to see a list of courses and providers. 

You may also be able to apply for entry into the 2nd or 3rd year of a degree course with a relevant Level 4 or 5 qualification. You will need to check the entry requirements and/or liaise with admissions departments to ensure you meet the requirements for the course, with the qualification you hold. 

You will usually need to apply via UCAS before the deadline at the end of Jan, however some universities may allow you to apply directly. Always check how they would like you to apply. You will need to write a personal statement if you are applying through UCAS. See the Careers Hub for more information on applying to university through UCAS.

Have a look below for more information about the providers currently offering top-up degree courses, and the subjects they are available in.

UK Top-up Degree Providers

• University of Central Lancashire (25 miles) - business management; professional practice; engineering; fire safety; public services; leadership; nursing; children, school and families studies and health & social care.

More information available from: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/search?term=top-up&facet=siteSearch-All 

• Sheffield Hallam University (45 miles) - accounting, finance and business management; engineering facilities management; food and nutrition; health and social care; marketing; nursing studies; real estate; teaching and education; tourism and hospitality. 

More information available at: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/top-up-degrees

• University of Derby (56 miles) - accounting and finance; business management; computing & IT; education studies; marketing and nursing studies.

More information available at: https://www.derby.ac.uk/search/?query=top+up&collection=uod-meta 

• Coventry University (83 miles) - accounting and finance; business management; marketing and media/PR; engineering; nursing and healthcare; computing and hospitality. 

More information available at: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/top-up-degree/ 

• Northumbria University London Campus (190 miles) - accounting and finance; business management; international banking and tourism, hospitality and events.

More information available at: https://london.northumbria.ac.uk/blog/what-is-a-top-up-degree/ 

• Plus many more, including: Arden University, University of Kent, Swansea University and London Metropolitan University.

* Distances are measures from the Warrington Campus.