Understanding Academic Degrees and Education Terminology

Degrees

Degree

A degree is a grant given by a school or college, signifying that the beneficiary has successfully completed a course of study.

Doctorate

A doctorate degree is the highest level of academic degree. You can earn a doctorate in almost any subject area. Typically, a doctorate degree takes four years to complete after a bachelor's degree. You can complete it in three years if you already hold a master's degree, with additional full-time study.

Master's Degree

A master's degree is an academic qualification granted at the postgraduate level to individuals who have successfully undergone study demonstrating a high level of expertise in a specific field of study or area of professional practice.

Honours Degree

Most commonly, it is an award given in conjunction with an undergraduate bachelor's degree variation. In the UK, it is a first university degree, based especially on one subject.

Higher Degree

A higher degree is an award beyond the basic-level higher education qualification. In the UK, a higher degree is any degree above a bachelor's degree. In Europe, a higher degree may imply a degree beyond the master's level. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (2011) defines a higher degree as: Degree above bachelor's level such as a master's degree or doctorate.

Student Status

Graduate

Someone who has received a degree from a school. A person who has successfully completed a course of study or training, especially a person who has been awarded an undergraduate or first academic degree.

Undergraduate

Someone who is studying for his/her first degree.

Post-graduate

A student who is studying a subject beyond the college level when he/she already has a college degree.

Other Terms

Graduated

Successfully complete an academic degree, course of training, or (in North America) high school.

To Graduate

To graduate means to successfully complete your schooling, to become "a graduate." When you graduate from high school, you become a high school graduate and congratulations are in order.

Passed

To be successful in an exam or something.

Trainee

A person who is learning and practicing the skills of a particular job.

Apply

To make an official request for a job or a place in a college or university, or for permission to do or have something.

Job

Work that you do regularly to earn money. A piece of work, especially a specific task done as part of the routine of one's occupation or for an agreed price.

Primary School

In the UK, a school for children below the age of 11. It is usually divided into an infant and a junior section. In the US, a school usually covering the first three or four years of elementary school and sometimes kindergarten.

Grant/Scholarship

Grant: Financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Generally, grants are for undergraduate students, and the grant amount is based on need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.

Scholarship: Money for college that you will not be expected to repay. Scholarships sponsored by colleges are often designated for students who fit a particular profile; holding a specified grade average, enrolling in a particular major, or bringing special talent in athletics.