However, tertiary education is an aspiration for many young people globally. Many industries make it a critical requirement to gain employment. It is one of the tools that drive global knowledge education. Tertiary education provides you with opportunities when attained. It also allows you to develop your skills and individuality. Another important thing it is vital for the economy and the future. It provides people with vital skills to apply immediately. Tertiary education also helps you build up stages of learning complexities. It achieves this while offering you avenues for social mobility and economic progression. There are various examples of tertiary education programs. Below, we’ll explore some of them. We’ll be dividing the various tertiary education examples into three different categories; let’s dig in.
Here is what we will cover in this article:
- Certificate programs
- Undergraduate programs
- Graduate programs
- Difference between high school and tertiary education
Certificate Programs: Most Known Tertiary Education Program
One of the tertiary education examples is the certificate programs. They’re the shortest and most straightforward of all tertiary education programs. Students that go for certificate programs want career training. It allows them to start off a career in a short while. It is the fastest type of tertiary education you can pursue. You can usually complete many certificate programs within six months or a year. They also typically cover entry-level jobs, which you can then build upon over time. Suppose you ever want to become an automobile mechanic. In that case, you can easily find a certificate program. The program will teach you the vital basics to land an entry-level job in the automobile industry.
Undergraduate Programs
These are one of the most extended types of tertiary education you can pursue. They are usually the next step after high school. Higher education institutions like universities provide them. An undergraduate program usually takes two to five years to complete. It offers an organized curriculum that generally includes core courses, electives, and general education. You can take many lessons, and the curriculum will reflect your chosen area of study. Some of the undergraduate programs you can explore includes:
Higher National Diploma and Certificate (HND/HNC)
These undergraduate programs are work-related and provided by higher colleges. They focus on practical lessons and provide students with work skills. Typically, a Higher National Certificate takes a year to complete. Suppose you want to further; that’s where the Higher National Diploma (HND) comes into the picture. This tertiary education program takes two to three years to complete. Also, you can use it as a stepping stone to a university degree.
Certificate and Diploma of Higher Education
This tertiary education covers different levels within a degree course. A Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) equals a year in the university while a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) equals two full-time. Most people that pursue this tertiary education would go for it if they left their degree course early. You can also take it as an individual qualification. If you don’t want to commit to a complete undergraduate degree program, you can choose a certificate or diploma. They are ideal for those who have been out of education for a long time. These programs are also pursued by those who do not have their previous qualifications documented.
Foundation Degree
This tertiary education is quite similar to the Higher National Diploma. They serve to educate people on a specific vocation. It does this by combining work-based learning with academic studies. However, the goal is to train you in a particular industry or job role. Most people that pursue this type of tertiary education do it because they want to work and study. Once you complete your foundation degree, you can jump right into the job market. Alternatively, you can choose to advance your study with a full degree.
Bachelor’s Degree
This tertiary education is the most popular and prominent of all undergraduate programs. You can simply refer to them as first honors degrees or undergraduate degrees. Traditionally, this is the qualification students embark on after high school. There are numerous courses available that students can embark on to earn a Bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete. However, it can take much longer if it is a professional course. It could also include a work placement or require additional years abroad. The qualifications gotten from these tertiary education programs differ. It can be in the sciences, arts, or even in the legal sector. It is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of a subject or industry. The requirement varies from course to course. It also depends on the institution you apply to.
Graduate Degree Programs
Another example of tertiary education is the graduate degree program. You can embark on them after the undergraduate program. The graduate degree program helps to build on your undergraduate academic experience. It usually consists of advanced courses and research opportunities. Most graduate degree programs require a level of professional experience before you can be accepted. Here are some of the available graduate degree programs you can explore.
Masters Degree
A Master’s degree usually follows an undergraduate’s degree. Students typically choose to continue their studies using a Master’s degree. This tertiary education is a famous postgraduate study. It usually requires more research and independent learning. A master’s degree program can either be taught or research-based. The taught courses are the most popular. It typically follows a structure similar to an undergraduate degree program. The lecturers teach students in the same pattern of scheduled classes. They could also be in different categories like the sciences and arts.
Research Masters, on the other hand, is learning through research. They are research-based. It requires the student to specifically focus on a specific topic and produce an original research piece. The best part about a Master’s degree is that you can choose to continue on a particular subject area from your undergraduate program so you can specialize your knowledge. Alternatively, you can explore a conversion course and study a new subject. Masters programs usually take a year or two to complete.
Graduate Certificate Programs
This program is another form of tertiary education that you can take after your undergraduate degree. It s pursued by those with an undergraduate degree and work experience. It allows students to widen their knowledge and skillset in a specific field. Sometimes, people use it to prepare for a graduate degree program. A graduate certificate program can grant you entry into a Master’s degree program.
Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate
The postgraduate diploma and certificate are levels within a Master’s degree. However, you can study them as separate qualifications. Most people who pursue a postgraduate certificate or diploma look to test new subjects and see if it is the right fit. This tertiary education program doesn’t require you to commit to a complete program. They’re also considerably cheaper than a Master’s program.
Doctorate Program (Ph.D.)
A Doctorate is the highest tertiary education you can receive. Usually, it comes after successful completion of the Master’s degree program. It only includes coursework and more research than other programs. This program requires students to work independently to produce meaningful and original pieces of research. This research piece sometimes takes years to complete. The qualification for this program is highly regarded. Once you’ve completed your Doctorate, you will become a Dr.
Difference between a High School and Tertiary Education
Once you finish high school, the idea of starting a tertiary education can be scary. Starting tertiary education usually requires leaving your family and friends, high school teachers, and sometimes your surroundings. It will introduce you to a new environment, and all these can be overwhelming but exciting at the same time. One thing you can count on from the unique experience is that it would be rewarding. Below are some of the distinct differences between a high school and tertiary education to help you along and give you an idea of what this transition holds for you.
Tertiary Education Comes With More Freedom
When you start tertiary education, one salient difference you will notice is the higher level of freedom you will experience. There would no longer be a reason for uniforms. There are no bells to dictate when you come and go; that’s entirely up to you. In addition, you can pick your preferred course and only what interests you. However, this heightened independence usually comes with more responsibilities. You have to stay on top of assessments and show up for classes when it’s time. When taking a tertiary education, no one’s going to follow up if you miss a class. You’re left responsible for managing your priority, and you also have to create and manage your new social circle.
Tertiary Education Has New Teaching and Learning Method
This part is where the difference becomes apparent. The class structure at the tertiary level is very different from that of high school. You have to deal with lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratories, fieldwork, and more. A lecture hall would be teeming with hundreds of students. Tutorials are more interactive and personal. Also, workshops and fieldworks allow you to acquire practical knowledge and skill. You don’t get to study the same subject throughout the year with tertiary education. Every study period, the subject change, and a higher level of independent study and research gets carried out.
Tertiary Education Assessment is Different in Many Ways
There are so many forms of assessments in tertiary education. It usually depends on your course. However, one vital thing you can count on is that it will be very different from what you’re used to in high school. For many study fields like business and science, assessment is carried out mid-semester. It also takes place at the end of the semester through examinations. You would also have to carry out an assignment or more within the semester. These assessments also count as your assignment. Study fields like media and design usually consist of more group works, presentations, and projects used as assessments. With the different types of evaluation, you might take some time to get used to it.
Fewer Contact Hours
Unlike high school, where the study breaks into terms, tertiary education gets broken into semesters or trimesters. The semesters typically consist of 12 weeks of classes plus exams. There are only a few subjects to study every semester when it comes to tertiary education. The contact hours usually depend on the course. However, you will find yourself spending less time in classes than you did in high school. Sometimes, you may only have to attend classes two or three days at school. The rest of the study takes place at home, where you study for exams and carry out assignments. You could also use the extra time to work or gain relevant experience through programs like internships or externships.
You’ll Find Yourself Surrounding by Different People from Different Scores of Life.
In high school, you could count on your classmates being the same age and background as you. However, when you embark on tertiary education, it’s a whole different ballgame. You’ll come across people of different ages and backgrounds in your peer group. There will be people of your age grade who might have just finished high school as well. However, you will also find people of mature age who might return to study or transferred from a different course or institution. It’s a chance to learn more about people. You also get to interact with people of different beliefs, backgrounds, and different mentality.
What Are The Various Tertiary Education Examples? – Final Thoughts
Tertiary education can be confusing sometimes; there are so many levels to it and different types. If you just finished high school and wondering about the options open to you, we’ve reviewed the various tertiary education examples. Some of the tertiary education programs require a previous certificate, while some accept your high school cert. We have also explained the difference between high school and tertiary education to give you an idea of what to expect when your tertiary education begins.
