What is an Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)?

What is a Certificate of Higher Education?

A Certificate of Higher Education, or CertHE, is a level 4 qualification. It gives you foundational knowledge in a specific subject that can be a standalone qualification or the stepping stone to completing your Bachelor's degree.

By completing your CertHE, you can progress towards higher-level qualifications such as a full Bachelor's degree or DipHE.

Equivalent qualifications

A Certificate of Higher Education is a level 4 qualification which is equivalent to the first year of a Bachelor's degree. It's similar to a Level 4 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and Higher National Certificate (HNC).

CertHE subjects available

There is quite a range of options for CertHE! The offering will depend on the course provider you choose but you can expect a great selection of courses across all subjects and disciplines. STEM subjects tend to be a popular choice to give students a broad range of knowledge.

What studying a CertHE looks like

How long does it take to complete a CertHE?

Typically a CertHE takes one year to complete, though some places will offer a six-month fast-track option, while many others will offer part-time course options for you to complete over two years.

How is a CertHE assessed?

Assessments will vary depending on the subject but you can expect a mix of assignments - essays, written work and projects. Some CertHE courses will have practical elements too where you'll be assessed.

How these assessments are graded will be based on the course provider's internal measurement. This is unlike other education levels that have external accreditation.

Who can take a CertHE?

A CertHE is an accessible option for many, with entry requirements being lower than other higher education qualifications. There is also a range of distance learning options which means you can work towards your CertHE online with more flexibility to your schedule. Some distance learning courses offer occasional face-to-face tutorials too. If this is an option you're interested in, research the different providers to find the right one that fits your learning style.

How to apply

To apply for a CertHE, you'll go to the course provider directly. They will have their own procedures which could include writing a personal statement or attending an interview.

You can find out more about CertHE courses online. Research, order prospectuses, and maybe visit the college or university to get a real sense of what it'll be like before you apply.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements vary by course. Candidates may need one A-Level, or 80 UCAS points to apply. Some courses also ask that you have a grade of a 4 or 5 (equivalent to a grade C) or above in GCSE English, or ask you to have a portfolio of work if you're applying for an art certificate.

Many major universities don't stipulate any requirements at all. For instance, the Open University, the University of Oxford and University College London (UCL) all have an inclusive admissions policy for their CertHE, asking students to demonstrate passion and commitment over previous educational achievements.

Student finance for a CertHE

As a higher education qualification, you'll be eligible to receive student finance in the UK to cover your tuition fees if you are:

• Studying in the UK
• A UK national or Irish citizen with ‘settled status'
• Studying full time
• Studying part-time with a course intensity of 25% or more
• This is your first higher education qualification

Maintenance loans to support your studies aren't typically available for level 4 and 5 qualifications. However, if your course has Higher Technical Qualification approval, you may be able to receive some maintenance loan.

What can I do after completing my CertHE?

After completing your CertHE, you can choose whether to go onto a Bachelor's degree, HNC or HND. You could also use your knowledge to support you in finding a job in an industry you're interested in. Your course will not only increase your knowledge of a subject but also improve your skills in organisation, decision making and so much more that can be applied to your career!

Postgraduate Certificate of Higher Education

If you landed here looking for something else, it might be you were searching for a Postgraduate Certificate of Higher Education. This postgraduate certificate (also known as a ‘graduate certificate' in the US) is worth the same amount of time and credits as a CertHE but is only available for graduates. This option is available to those who have completed a first degree and looking to continue their study at a postgraduate level.