higher degree
noun /ˌhaɪə dɪˈɡriː/
/ˌhaɪər dɪˈɡriː/
- a degree taken after a first degree, at a more advanced level. Examples are an MA (Master of Arts), an MSc (Master of Science) or a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)Culture higher educationhigher educationIn Britain, higher education refers to courses at universities that lead to a degree. British students apply to several universities through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service) and receive offers of a place on condition they receive certain grades in their A levels. A first degree, which is usually an honours degree, generally takes three years or four years. Most courses end with exams called finals, and results are given as classes (= grades): a first is the highest class, most students get a second which is often divided into upper second, also called a 2:1 (two one), and lower second, called a 2:2 (two two), and below that is a third. Graduates can add the letters BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science), B Mus (Bachelor of Music), etc. after their name. Some graduates go on to study for a further degree, often a master's degree (MA) or a doctorate (PhD). Most students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have to pay tuition fees and can get student loans for these. All British students can also get loans towards their living expenses but their parents may also have to make a contribution.At most British universities the academic year starts in September or October and is divided into three terms or two semesters. Students study a main subject throughout their degree course, which is usually a mix of compulsory courses and optional courses, often called electives. Most students go to lectures and seminars (= discussion groups) and there are practicals for those doing science subjects. A professor is a person in charge of a department or a senior member of staff, and other teaching and research staff are called lecturers.In the US, students talk about 'going to college' even if the institution they attend is a university. The word 'school' is also used to refer to college or university. Most colleges offer classes only for undergraduate students studying for a bachelor's degree. Community colleges offer two-year courses leading to an associate's degree, and afterwards students transfer to a different college or university to continue their studies. Universities are larger and also offer courses for graduate students who study in graduate school. American high school students who want to study at a university or college usually have to take a standardized test, such as a SAT or the ACT and then apply directly to colleges in their last year of high school. There are many private colleges and universities but most students choose a public institution because the costs are lower. All universities charge tuition, and students pay extra for room and board. Students whose families cannot afford the full amount apply for financial aid and many students receive a financial aid package which may be a combination of grants from the government, a scholarship, a student loan and work-study (= a part-time job at college). In both the US and Britain most students leave higher education with large debts.The US academic year may be divided into two semesters of about 15 weeks or into three quarters of about 10 weeks. Students take courses in a variety of subjects, some of which may not be related to their main subject, as part of a liberal arts curriculum. Usually at the end of their sophomore (= second) year students choose a major (= main subject) and sometimes a minor (= additional subject) which they study for the next two years. Students usually take four or five courses each semester from the course catalog, which may consist mainly of lectures or may include discussion sections or lab sessions. At the end of each course they are given a grade which will be used to calculate a grade point average (GPA) to check their overall progress. Most people who teach at US colleges or universities and have a doctorate are addressed as ' professor'. Full professors are senior to associate professors, assistant professors and instructors.