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If you’re thinking about higher education but not quite ready to commit to a full bachelor’s degree, you’re not alone. Many learners out there aspire to gain a recognised qualification that builds confidence, develops practical skills, and keeps future options open.
That’s where a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) comes in. Often seen as a starting point in higher education, a CertHE can play an important role in helping learners progress academically and professionally at a pace that feels manageable.
So, what exactly is a Certificate of Higher Education and how does it help with your education goals? Let’s find out.
What Is a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)?
A Certificate of Higher Education is an undergraduate qualification awarded in the UK after successful completion of the first year of degree-level study.
It sits at Level 4 on the UK qualifications framework and is designed to introduce learners to higher education while building academic confidence and core subject knowledge. A CertHE can be taken as a standalone qualification or used as a stepping stone towards further study.
Understanding the CertHE
A CertHE is designed to help you adjust to higher education expectations while gaining a recognised academic qualification. It focuses on subject knowledge, academic skills, and practical application, depending on the course area.
For many learners, the value of a CertHE lies in its flexibility. It allows you to test whether higher education is right for you, without the pressure of committing to a multi-year degree from the outset.
Types of Higher Education Qualifications
Higher education in the UK includes different qualifications designed for different stages of study.
Undergraduate Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree is the most widely recognised undergraduate qualification in the UK. It usually takes three years to complete and has specific entry requirements.
For learners who do not yet meet these requirements, there are alternative undergraduate qualifications that support progression:
- Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE): typically equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree and designed to build academic confidence and UK higher education experience
- Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE): usually equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree and may support progression to degree completion
These qualifications can be taken on their own or used as stepping stones towards a full bachelor’s degree.
Postgraduate Qualifications
Postgraduate qualifications like master’s degrees and postgraduate certifications are taken after completing a full undergraduate degree and focus on further specialisation.
Understanding how these qualifications fit together can help you choose a route that matches your current experience and long-term goals.
Why International Students Often Choose a CertHE in the UK
Education systems vary between countries, and not all overseas qualifications align directly with UK higher education entry requirements. This does not reflect the quality of prior study, but rather differences in academic frameworks, assessment methods, and qualification recognition.
A CertHE can help bridge this gap. As a recognised UK undergraduate qualification, it demonstrates readiness for study within the UK system and provides academic credits that support progression.
For international students, a CertHE can help align previous study with UK expectations, build confidence with academic requirements, and support progression to further study in the UK. Rather than being a step backwards, it is often a practical way to move forward with clarity and confidence.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a CertHE?
A Certificate of Higher Education typically takes one academic year to complete when studied full time. Some providers also offer part-time or online options, which allow learners to balance study with work or other commitments.
How Is a CertHE Assessed?
Assessment methods vary by course but usually include a mix of coursework, practical projects, presentations, and written assignments. Exams are not always the focus.
This approach helps learners develop skills such as research, communication, and critical thinking, all of which are important for further study or professional environments.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Higher Education
Application processes depend on the provider, but entry requirements are often more accessible than those for a full degree. Many CertHE courses consider a range of academic backgrounds, making them suitable for learners returning to education or taking a new direction.
4 Key Benefits of a Certificate of Higher Education
- Career Advancement Opportunities
A CertHE can strengthen your CV by demonstrating commitment to higher education and the ability to work at undergraduate level. It may support progression into junior roles or career advancement opportunities, depending on your field.
- Industry-Specific Employment Pathways
Some certificate of higher education courses are designed with specific industries in mind, helping learners develop relevant knowledge and workplace skills.
- Essential Workplace Skills
Alongside subject content, learners build transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving – all skills valued across various industries.
- A Professional Development Foundation
Perhaps most importantly, a CertHE provides a foundation for future learning. Many learners use it to progress to further qualifications, including a diploma or bachelor’s degree.
Learning Opportunities: CertHE Online and Part-Time Options
Online and part-time CertHE options have become increasingly common, making higher education more accessible. These formats can suit students who are working, caring for family, or studying alongside other important commitments.
Study a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) at TLG in the UK
At TLG, our CertHE courses are specially designed to support progression, confidence, and employability. With us, you can gain recognised academic qualifications in the UK while developing practical skills that can support both further study and career development.
You can find out more about our Certificate of Higher Education by clicking the link here.
FAQs
CertHE vs Bachelor’s Degree: What’s the Difference?
A CertHE represents the first year of undergraduate study, while a bachelor’s degree usually takes three years to complete. A CertHE can be a standalone qualification or a stepping stone towards a degree.
Is a CertHE a Recognised Qualification in the UK?
Yes. A Certificate of Higher Education is a recognised undergraduate qualification within the UK’s academic qualifications framework.
How Many Credits Is a Certificate of Higher Education Worth?
A CertHE is typically worth 120 academic credits, equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree.
Is the CertHE suitable for international students?
Yes. A Certificate of Higher Education is suitable for many international students, particularly those whose previous qualifications do not fully meet UK higher education entry requirements. It provides a recognised UK undergraduate qualification and helps prepare students for further study within the UK education system.
