Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences

This type of degree programme offers you the flexibility to study several subjects before focusing on the area in which you’d like to specialise. The range of knowledge you gain often appeals to potential employers as it shows you've been stretched intellectually.

During an Honours degree programme you'll usually study:

• three subjects in first year
• two or three subjects in second year (two are usually continued from first year)
• up to two subjects at Honours level (third and fourth years). Specialism in one subject results in Single Honours qualification and in two subjects Joint Honours qualification.

Honours degrees are usually completed in four years apart from degrees that involve a language, which usually require an additional year studying abroad.

You should indicate in your UCAS choices the subject(s) that interest you the most, but you’ll be able to try at least three subjects during the first two years, before you pick your Honours options.

About Honours

In most cases a decision will be made at the end of the second (or sometimes third) year about whether or not you will progress to Honours level. Entry is not automatic, but based on your academic performance during your first two years of study. Being admitted on a particular UCAS code does not mean that you’re automatically accepted to Honours-level study in that subject.

While many of our students go on to Honours, some entry levels can be demanding. If you don’t achieve the required grades for Honours, you can complete a general degree at the end of your third year, which follows a broader programme of study.

For more information about how our Honours degree programmes work, see:

• Studying for a degree in Arts
• Studying for a degree in Social Sciences
• Studying for a degree in Science

Advanced entry

If you have exceptional A-level or Advanced Higher grades it’s possible to gain exemption from Year 1 study and enter directly into Year 2 or follow a faster route advanced entry programme, both of which allow you to complete your degree in one year less than usual. This would allow the completion of a standard Honours degree (MA, MA (SocSci) and BSc) within three years and a standard MSci or MEng degree within four years. This does not apply to all degree programmes or subjects. See individual programme entries for more information.

If you're interested in this route, you should contact the appropriate admissions office (see Contacts) in the first instance to discuss the options.