What is a Bachelor’s Degree? Essential Information for Aspiring Students

As students enter grade 12, they begin to explore future options. Some might choose to enter the workforce, but most will enter TVET colleges or universities. Those who receive a bachelor pass can choose to further their education in various undergraduate programmes in public and private universities.

An undergraduate programme, also known as a bachelor’s degree, can take three to five years to complete and help develop skills in the chosen field. In this article, we will gain an in-depth understanding of what is a bachelor’s degree, admission requirements and its structure.

What is a Bachelor’s Degree? 

A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate programme that students can choose after they pass their matric exams in South Africa. However, they must receive a bachelor’s pass in the matric to be eligible for a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the field of study, a bachelor’s degree can take three to five years to complete.

If you are wondering what does a bachelor degree mean, it introduces students to their field of study and provides a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Individuals can apply for industry-specific jobs after completing this degree programme.

To be eligible for graduation, students must select courses worth 120 credit points for each year of study. Therefore, a three-year bachelor’s degree will include 360 credits of courses. Those who complete this degree receive a qualification such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), etc. In South Africa, students achieve NQF Level 7 after completeing their bachelor’s.

What are the Types of Bachelor’s Degrees?

Now that we have covered what is a bachelor’s degree, it is important to learn more about the types of degrees and why they are important.

When students complete a bachelor’s degree, they receive a qualification specific to their field of study. Each degree type has specific admission requirements, curriculum structure, and study duration. The programmes are designed to provide theoretical knowledge and teach skills to enable students to succeed in their chosen profession. 

Since the type of bachelor’s degree a student holds helps to determine their future educational paths and career goals, students must research educational requirements before applying for an undergraduate degree.

Prospective employers will always hire undergraduate students based on their qualifying degree. These are some of the most common types of bachelor’s degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): When students think of what is a bachelor’s degree, this is one of the most common. These include but are not limited to language, philosophy, and political science. The degree usually takes three years to complete and can serve as a foundation for various careers in fields such as education, media, social services, and more. 
• Bachelor of Science (BS): Students with strong science and mathematics backgrounds excel in this field, which covers zoology, mathematics, and computer science. Graduates with a BSc can work in healthcare, technology, research, and the environment. 
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): This degree teaches students how businesses work and how to manage resources efficiently. Students can specialise in finance, marketing, or human resources. 
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng): This professional qualification is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in engineering. Students can choose from fields such as civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. It includes core engineering subjects along with electives for their specialisation. 
• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB): This is another professional degree that prepares students for a life-changing career in medicine. This programme is designed to teach students all the aspects of the human body and includes training in several specialities.

Bachelor’s Degrees Admission Requirements

Before students can begin their bachelor’s degree programme, they must meet the admission requirements. When students wish to know what is a bachelor’s degrees requirements, the simple answer is that it can vary.

However, to be eligible to study for a bachelors degree, students need to achieve a bachelor’s pass in the matric. Additional requirements will depend on the university and the field of study.

Students need to do their research before finalising their undergraduate field of study. They can gain an understanding of the various specialisations that are available, the duration of the programme, and specific requirements. This allows students to be prepared for the next steps to take after their complete their matric exams.

These are the basic bachelor’s degree requirements in South Africa:

• Receive a bachelor’s pass in the matric exams

OR

• A relevant NQF Level 5 qualification from an accredited institute

In addition, certain programmes require a minimum Admission Point Score (APS) along with subject-specific scores. Some universities also require students to appear for the National Benchmark Test (NBT).

What is the Structure of a Bachelor’s Degree Program?

After students have gained clarity on what is a bachelor’s degree, they must learn how it is structured. These are designed to impart a comprehensive education experience. While each university offers some variation in the subjects it offers, it usually offers general requirement courses in the first year of study before students pick subjects for their undergraduate major. 

Students must complete 120 credits each year to complete their programme and meet the graduation requirements. The program is structured to offer students general education, introduce them to their field of study and then allow them to focus on their undergraduate major. 

• General requirements: These courses help form a broad foundation and could include general science, maths, and English. 
• Institutional requirements: Certain universities expect all students to opt for certain subjects irrespective of their major. 
• Core Courses: These are specialisation-specific subjects that students are required to study to qualify for graduation.
• Electives: These can be degree-specific or free electives that students choose to meet their credit requirements for graduation.

If students are unsure of how to obtain a bachelor’s degree, they must understand that selecting classes is just the first step. They are expected to complete the assignments and projects for all subjects and pass the exams to gain credit for each subject. Some first-year subjects might be prerequisites for subjects that students must study in year 2.

Bachelor’s Degrees – Duration and Study Mode

When students think about how to obtain a bachelor’s degree, they are presented with numerous options. Traditionally, students were required to attend physical classes to complete their degree requirements.

However, with technological advances, students can opt for interactive online programmes. These offer flexibility in education while covering the same curriculum and assessment requirements.

A bachelor’s programme can take three to five years to complete. In South Africa, BA, BBA, and BSC programmes generally take three years, while BEng takes four years.

We have covered what is a bachelor’s degree, its types, and admission requirements. Let us now examine the different study modes students can choose from.

• Full-time: Students who enrol in full-time study complete their degree within the allotted period if they meet the yearly credit requirements and pass all their classes.
• Part-time: While this option is available in South Africa, it is rare. Students who opt for part-time study have a limited number of degree programmes, and part-time degrees take longer to complete.
• Online classes: Several institutes, including Regenesys, offer online programmes. These are flexible and suited to those with busy schedules or other constraints. If students opt for full-time online classes, these can be completed in the same duration as an offline full-time programme.

Career Opportunities after Bachelor’s Degrees

The term “bachelor degree meaning” refers to an undergraduate academic qualification and indicates that a student has completed a prescribed course of study. It also determines that an individual has gained foundational knowledge and skills for their chosen field.

The career paths that students can choose depend on the qualification that they receive and their major. With a bachelor’s degree, students can apply to entry-level positions. Once they gain experience, they can apply for leadership roles.

• Bachelor of Arts (BA):
  • Journalism
  • Public Relations
  • Community Organiser
• Bachelor of Science (BS):
  • Data Analyst
  • Research Scientist
  • Laboratory Technician
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA):
  • Marketing
  • Banker
  • Consultant
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng):
  • Project Manager
  • Consultant
  • Aerospace Engineer
• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB):
  • General Physician
  • Community Doctor
  • Public Health Worker

Pathways After a Bachelor’s Degree

We have covered what is a bachelor’s degree, but when students complete the programme, they often wonder about the next steps. A bachelor’s degree offers students foundational knowledge in their specialised field of study and allows students to apply for professional roles. Under a manager or a mentor, they apply their conceptual learning to real-life situations.

After gaining work experience, students can opt for a postgraduate diploma or degree to further their education. This will allow them to become experts in their chosen field and focus on a particular area. Many opt to begin their post-graduate studies immediately after completing their bachelor’s degree.

What is the Importance of Accreditation?

The cost of higher education has increased significantly over the years, so it is important for students to choose programmes and institutes that help make them employable. Students must only apply to accredited programmes and universities, which ensures quality education. 

These institutes undergo regular evaluations and upgrade their curriculums to help prepare students for the changing environment. 

While most students are searching for what is a bachelor’s degree or the top places for a degree, they must not overlook the quality, credibility, and recognition that is guaranteed when they choose a particular programme or institute.

• Credibility: Accredited institutions offer strong support and credibility to the resume. It helps convince the employer that the candidate is equipped with the required knowledge and skills.
• Financial Aid: Students who choose accredited institutes recognised by various professional bodies can more easily secure bursaries and student loans.
• Professional Licences: Certain professions, such as accounting, require students to receive their degree from SAQA-recognized programmes to be eligible for jobs and higher education and to obtain a license to practice. 

Conclusion

Grade 12 students in South Africa who are thinking of what is a bachelor’s degree is and whether it serves any benefit must have understood the importance of the degree. It helps provide knowledge and prepares students to work in fields where they are interested. 

However, to meet the qualifications of an undergraduate programme, students need to perform well during their matric exams and pass with high scores.

Regenesys offers various undergraduate programmes that can be studied offline or online.

What is a Bachelor’s Degree? – FAQs