What is an accelerated Bachelor’s degree?

21 May 2020

If you want to study an undergraduate degree, but you don’t have the time or patience for a full three to four years, why not try an accelerated Bachelor’s degree?

Not only will this type of undergraduate degree save you a year or two of your time, but accelerated Bachelor’s degrees can also help you to cut down on financial costs as you won’t have to fork out more money for housing and administrative fees.

Some accelerated Bachelor’s degrees have flexible schedules too.

For instance, some universities offer these fast-track degrees online and on campus, and some fit entirely around your personal schedule.

Even though an accelerated Bachelor’s degree is faster, it may require longer study hours. Source: Frederick Florin/AFP

Accelerated Bachelor’s degrees: Still gaining traction

These are relatively new and are still gaining traction as they’re overshadowed by the more popular traditional Bachelor’s.

In fact, it was only two years ago when a call to expand accelerated degree offerings in the UK was made by the UK’s Department of Education and Sam Gyimah, the former UK Minister for Universities.

Gyimah said in a press release, “Accelerated degrees not only make it possible for the next generation of students to access higher education and the undeniable financial, academic and personal benefits it has to offer but drives the sector to offer dynamic choices that serve students’ needs.”

The former Head of Education and Skills Policy at Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) Verity Davidge agrees with the advantages that an accelerated study path can bring.

“These degrees will also be attractive to learners, who will find themselves with less student debt- resulting in a much needed boost in supply to industry,” she said.

Receive your Bachelor’s degree results in just two years. Source: Charly Triballeau/ AFP

Why you should study an accelerated Bachelor’s degree

If you’re reading this and wondering if an accelerated Bachelor’s course is for you, first ask yourself these questions:

Will this degree lead me to the exact career role that I’m hoping to secure?
Can I work continuously without seasonal study breaks?
Will I be able to take one or two years out of my life to focus on my career goals?
Can I financially sustain myself throughout the accelerated Bachelor’s degree? Or do I need to search for a scholarship?

Remember, an accelerated undergraduate degree requires your full focus, even if it suits your personalised study schedule.

And there will be twice as much information crammed into your degree since you’re opting out of a three to four-year study journey, so make sure you’re self-reliant and can keep up with the coursework demands.

If not, you may risk falling behind and can expect to repeat a year, which could delay your career goals and bring you right back to square one.