Scotland has its own qualification structure that is discrete from that in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. After seven years of primary education and four years of compulsory secondary education, students aged 15 to 16 may take the Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE). The Scottish Certificate of Education is recognized throughout UK as the equivalent to GCE A-levels and is usually the entry qualification for university.

SQA :Scottish Qualifications Authority is the national body in Scotland responsible for the development, accreditation, assessment, and certification of qualifications (or degrees) other than college and university degrees.

Undergraduate Degrees

Students in Scotland like in other parts of UK spend 3 years to gain an Ordinary or General degree however to attain Honours degree they study for four years.

Postgraduate Degrees

A Master's degree takes one year (12 months) full time study to complete. Postgraduate diplomas and Certificates generally take 9 months to complete. While research degrees such as PhD's take up to three years study to complete.