Graduating with a designated degree
At the University of Glasgow, ordinary degrees studied full time over three years are classified as “designated”. The terms 'ordinary' and 'designated' are largely synonymous but Glasgow offers more detail within the degree classification than is often the case with ordinary degrees, designating the main area of study.
Understand your qualification
A designated or ordinary degree from Glasgow, or from any other Scottish university, is not a failed honours degree. It is a qualification in its own right. If you will be awarded a designated degree, either through choice, or due to not meeting progression requirements for honours, make sure you understand the award, credits and SCQF level you attain. This will enable you to explain these to potential employers or further study providers. Your Adviser of Studies should be able to explain this to you.
Think about your skills and strengths
You have a qualification and three years of university to evidence knowledge and skills when talking to employers or further study providers. Using Prospects what can I do with my degree can help you identify skills you have gained.
Explore our advice on how to build up relevant work experience to help you get to where you want to go in your career. You may want to consider graduate internships, volunteering or short-term contract roles.
Be flexible in your job hunt
While many large corporates require an honours degree for their graduate schemes, some do not, and most graduates go on to work in roles outside of these schemes. These are often much more flexible on entry requirements and can sometimes respond well to speculative applications for graduate roles. See the ‘Consider different roles or organisations’ sections of the Graduating with a 2:2 or 3rd page.
Further study?
There are many options for further study. We have outlined some key points below but recommend exploring Prospects Postgraduate Study for more detailed information and advice.
- Further academic study: whilst the standard entry requirements for most Masters, PhDs, or equivalents, in the UK require an honours degree, many programmes have alternative admissions routes, or can be more flexible. Contact the institutions in which you are interested to explore possibilities.
It may also be possible to undertake ‘top up’ courses, or conversion courses. Try searching for opportunities related to your subject area or interests.
- Professional & other qualifications: An honours degree is not required for many professional qualifications. For example, teaching training, and many postgraduate certificates and diplomas. Explore professional qualifications related to your career interests to identify entry requirements.
Additionally, there are growing numbers of short courses, micro-credentials and other further study opportunities you can explore. See Prospects for further information.
Our support
Keep in touch with us at Careers. You can use our portal, Glasgow Careers, as a recent graduate where you can access careers education, information, events and opportunities. You can connect with us and your professional alumni community on LinkedIn.