Higher education jargon buster
The University of Exeter Jargon Buster is your essential guide to understanding UCAS terminology and university application language, helping you apply for undergraduate study with confidence. You can download this as a PDF tip sheet here: Higher education jargon buster (PDF).
Application and admissions
UCAS
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. This is the organisation that handles nearly all university applications. The application process is all done online via UCAS.
UCAS Extra
Allows you to add another university choice to help you gain a place before Clearing begins. You will be automatically eligible if all five university choices have been used but you hold no offers. UCAS Extra usually runs from February to July. Find out more here.
Clearing
The process by which universities and Higher Education colleges fill remaining places on their courses. It is managed by UCAS, usually runs between July and October, and you can apply for a course through Clearing if you are not holding any offers or if you did not meet the conditions of your Firm and Insurance choice. Find out more here.
Contextual offer
When universities review an application, they may take into consideration the context in which applicants have achieved their academic qualifications. If candidates meet certain eligibility criteria, they may be made an offer lower than typical entry requirements. Universities use different eligibility criteria, check their website for details.
Firm choice
Your firm choice is your first choice university – this is your preferred choice out of all the offers you have received.
Insurance choice
Your insurance choice acts as a back-up, so if you don’t meet the conditions of your firm choice, you will be committed to attend your insurance choice university as long as you have met the conditions of the insurance offer.
Open days
This is when the university is open to students who are considering applying. They often include activities such as campus tours, subject talks, accommodation tours, and finance talks. These are often in person, but they may also take place online.
Courses and modules
Module
A unit of study that explores a specific area within a degree subject. Each module has a set number of credits which will vary from course to course. Look at course details online and in prospectuses to see the modules on offer. These will vary across different universities.
Seminar
Small group teaching where you engage in discussion with other students and a member of staff.
Lecture
A lecturer (teacher) stands at the front of a large room, usually with tiered seating, and talks whilst students make notes.
Dissertation
An extended piece of writing (typically between 8,000- 12,000 words) investigating a single clear question, project, or thesis of personal interest to the learner. This would be completed in the last year of study of an Undergraduate degree.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
This is a Level 3 course which may be taken alongside A Levels. It prepares students for a successful higher education experience through an extended piece of independent work on a topic of their choice.
Combined or joint honours degree
A type of degree where you study more than one subject, for example, ‘History and Politics’ or ‘Mathematics and Physics’. Options vary between different universities.
Foundation degree
This is a degree that usually takes two years to complete and is a combination of academic and vocational study, designed to train you towards a specific job or career path. You may be able to progress from a foundation degree to an Honours degree at university or college in the same subject.
Undergraduate masters.
Four year degrees such as Masters of Engineering (MEng), Masters of Science (MSci), etc, which comprise three years of undergraduate level study, with a further year to gain a Masters qualification.
Study abroad
Lets you spend some time studying your subject at another university overseas. It’s a great way to learn all about a new country.
Work placement
Also known as a ‘Year in Industry’. A work placement lets students spend up to a year working for a company whilst gaining skills and experience which will help them to get a job after graduating. Not all universities and courses offer this, check their website for details.
University life
Campus university
A university situated on one dedicated site, with student accommodation, teaching and research facilities, and leisure activities all together. The University of Exeter is a campus university with three campuses.
City university
A university situated within a city with facilities, accommodation and leisure activities spread across the local area.
Catered halls
Accommodation where meals are included in your rent.
Self-catered halls
Accommodation where you cook for yourself using the facilities in a communal kitchen.
Societies
Clubs of likeminded students who regularly meet up because they share a common interest in something such as acting, singing, computer gaming, watching films, and so on.
Students’ Union or Students’ Guild
An organisation found in all universities that is run by students and is dedicated to the representation and support of the students at the university.
Fresher
An informal name for a first year student.
Gap year
A year away from education that some students take before going to university. Often students will use their gap year to travel or to gain work experience and additional qualifications.
Finance and funding
Bursary
This is extra financial help provided by a university or college for students from households on lower incomes. It does not have to be paid back. Amounts and eligibility criteria vary according to different universities.
Scholarship
A financial award made on the basis of a range of criteria such as household income, excellent academic, sporting, or musical achievement. It does not have to be paid back. Amounts and eligibility criteria vary according to different universities.
Student Loans Company (SLC)
The SLC provide financial assistance in the form of loans to pay your tuition fees and living costs. They also manage your repayments once you’ve graduated. Find out more here.
Qualifications and degrees
Bachelor’s degree
A degree awarded by a college or university to a person who has completed undergraduate studies.
BA (Bachelor of Arts)
The qualification most associated with undergraduate arts, humanities and some social science degrees
BSc (Bachelor of Science)
The qualification commonly associated with undergraduate science and some social science degrees.
LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
The accreditation given to Law degrees which allows for progression onto further training to become a barrister or solicitor.
Masters
A higher level taught degree typically taken after completing an undergraduate degree.
PhD
Also known as a doctorate, this is the highest form of degree awarded and involves you carrying out research with little or no teaching. You need to have completed at least an undergraduate degree to study at this level.
Undergraduate
A student usually studying for their first degree on a programme which normally lasts for three or four years. You could be based either at a university or a Further Education college.
Postgraduate
A student who has completed an undergraduate degree and is studying for a higher degree, such as a Masters or PhD.
Higher Education (HE)
The level of education that involves undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Further Education (FE)
The level of education after GCSEs.
