A short guide to what two-year degrees are all about

University isn’t easy. Many challenges come with it. From chasing deadlines, completing assignments and worrying about your finances, these three or four years will test what you’re made of.

What if there was a faster way for you to achieve that degree?

Enter two-year degrees.

While UK universities usually offer three-year degrees, several institutions offer accelerated versions, turning the typical three-year degree into just two-years.

But first, is this really the best option for you? 

Why should you choose a two-year degree?

1. A two-year degree is cheaper

While your annual tuition fee will be higher than that of a three- or four-year degree, you still pay a lot less at the end of the day. 

This is because you will save on tuition fees and living costs for a year. 

A two-year accounting and finance degree at the University of Buckingham costs around 44,400 pounds (US$56,046). In comparison, the same programme — this time three years long — at the University of Bedfordshire will cost around 50,700 pounds (US$63,998).

2. A two-year degree is just as impactful

By covering the same modules and materials, this option equips you just as well with the necessary expertise in a field.

But while you’ll still have three semesters per academic year, you’ll have either no or shorter breaks in between. It’s likely you’ll be studying through summer while your friends go on a three-month vacation.

3. You get to start working faster

Choosing this shorter route means you start earning money sooner, and you’ll naturally be a year ahead of your peers. 

It’s a matter of getting your foot in the game and being a step ahead of everyone else — while they’re settling into the new world of work, you’ll be easing into the job and processes. The benefits will snowball, as will your salary.

Two-year degrees typically include little to no time for summer holidays. Source: AFP

Five best two-year degrees in the UK for international students

1. The University of Buckingham 

The University of Buckingham believes in delivering high-quality education while giving students the autonomy to design their own academic pathways. 

Here, students can choose to complete the range of two-year degrees offered to give them a headstart to success. The courses offered include accounting and finance, business, computing, economics, English literature, law, psychology and many more.

The other option is to complete a two-year flexible honours degree, where students can customise their programme by combining different subjects across a few areas, from history to economics. 

A two-year degree lets you start work earlier, a headstart which is likely to increase your earning potential. Source: AFP

2. Staffordshire University 

Staffordshire University offers excellent facilities, a rigorous curriculum, a diverse student population, and a range of two-year accelerated degrees in accounting and finance and law to get a fast-tracked route to your careers. 

To ensure that you complete the programme in two years, you will not get summer holidays and will instead continue your course from home with the flexible learning and support programmes offered. 

While you will have to work harder to complete your course in a shorter amount of time, you will graduate with the same qualification and be able to further your studies after. 

In fact, many students choose to complete a master’s degree, which means they would earn both qualifications in just three years. 

Students choosing these courses will save up to 10,000 pounds on tuition fees and living costs. A three-year degree costs 53,040 pounds (US$66,993), inclusive of tuition fees and living costs, while a two-year degree costs 39,060 pounds (US$49,335). This saves you a total of 13,980 pounds (US$17,657). 

Some two-year degrees even include a placement where you get to apply theory to practice in a real work setting. Source: AFP

3. University of Greenwich 

The University of Greenwich offers an intensive two-year accelerated degree focused on preparing aspiring teachers.

The primary education studies degree will equip students with the current practices in primary schools and early-year settings.

This programme combines theory and practice. For the theory portion, all subjects in this course will be taught by specialists with experience in primary education. For practice, students will be taking on school-based placements. 

4. CU Coventry

Pursuing your two-year degree at CU Coventry means undergoing 18 hours of weekly teaching and a two-hour tutorial. Here, it’s all about coursework-based assignments, meaning there are no end-of-year exams.

The Cloud Computing BSc (Hons) programme is offered at CU Coventry. The curriculum incorporates contemporary issues and approaches in computing and emphasises fundamental skills in networking, software design, data science, coding, computer hardware, and physical infrastructure.

Typically, this three-year programme costs 18,300 pounds (US$23,110) per year and totals around 54,900 pounds (US$69,331). However, the accelerated route costs only 27,400 pounds (US$34,602) per year, totalling 54,800 pounds (US$69,205).

While that might not feel like much, note that you’ll save a year on your cost of living!

5. University of Plymouth

Fast-track your way to a successful career with the University of Plymouth‘s two-year version of the BSc (Hons) Business Management programme.

It’s specially designed with concentrated learning periods, allowing you to gain the same skills and experience in managing people, projects, and resources as in the three-year programme. You’ll even have the option to extend your studies a little longer to complete a work placement.

Even better, the university’s Business School, where the programme is based, attained a significant milestone by becoming the first business school in the UK to receive specialised accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

The three-year programme costs 17,600 pounds (US$22,226) per year, totalling 52,800 pounds (US$66,679) for the entire degree. Meanwhile, the fast-track programme costs 21,500 pounds (US$27,151) per year, totalling 43,000 pounds (US$54,303).

Why wait three years to receive your degree when these best two-year degrees are cheaper and better for your career?  Source: AFP

Frequently asked questions about two-year degree courses: 

1. What is the easiest two-year degree to get?

How easy or how hard something is depends on each individual. However, it’s widely considered that the easiest two-year degree is a Liberal Arts degree. 

Much of this could be because it’s flexible, allowing student to pick modules they’re strong in. 

A Liberal Arts degree typically covers a wide range of topics, including history, arts, sciences and business. 

2. What are the disadvantages of a two-year degree?

Though the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, there are several drawbacks to a two-year degree course. That includes:

• Missing out on the university experience: University is much more than a place to get a degree. This is where you’ll meet friends for life and important connections. Missing out on a year could mean you won’t meet and socialise with as many people to build these relationships.
• Limited course offerings: The number of two-year degree programmes offered is limited. If you want to pursue a career in medicine or engineering, a three-year bachelor’s programme is your only option.

Most two-year degrees exclude internships, placements, or research opportunities. This is a disadvantage as you could miss out on meeting important people in your career or study abroad journey. Source: AFP

3. What is the difference between a two-year degree and a traditional degree?

The biggest difference between a two-year degree and a traditional degree is the time taken to complete the programme. 

A two-year degree is a shorter route to earning the necessary skills and knowledge needed. A traditional degree, on the other hand, can take up to three or four years to complete. 

4. Can I do my master’s after a two-year degree?

Once you complete your two-year degree, you can choose to immediately join the workforce or further your education.

For those who choose to further their education, completion of a two-year degree does allow you to enrol in a master’s programme.

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on December 13, 2024.