Quick Diploma Programmes

In England, the fastest route to a full degree is often a 2-year accelerated programme—same qualification as a 3-year degree, with summer terms used to compress the curriculum. Below we outline leading options and short postgraduate diplomas.

Accelerated degree programmes

Full BSc/BA or LLB in 2 years instead of 3.

• University of Buckingham

  England's leading provider of 2-year full undergraduate degrees; uses summer terms to deliver the standard curriculum in a shorter time.

  Examples: Economics (BSc, 2 years), Psychology (BSc, 2 years), Law (LLB, 2 years), English Literature (BA, 2 years), History (BA, 2 years).

• London Metropolitan University

  Offers 2-year accelerated BA/BSc programmes in subjects such as Medical Sciences and Primary Education.

• UA92

  2-year accelerated Computer Science and other degrees; worth considering if your focus is tech.

Short postgraduate diplomas

1–2 year options for working professionals.

• Birkbeck, University of London

  Evening and part-time focused; 1-year PG Diploma options ideal for professionals in London.

  Examples: Postgraduate Diploma in Management (1 year), Economics (1 year), Language Teaching (1 year).

• Bloomsbury Institute

  2-year accelerated business and IT programmes in London.

Tips and considerations

What to keep in mind when choosing.

• •If you are in London, London Met, Birkbeck or Bloomsbury are practical choices; Buckingham is best for a full accelerated degree but its campus is in Buckingham.
• •Accelerated programmes are intensive (typically 18+ hours of classes per week) but carry full degree value.
• •They can save cost (e.g. 2 years of tuition instead of 3).
• •Check UCAS for 2026 entry and application deadlines.
• •For Computer Science, consider UA92 (2-year accelerated) or Coventry; we can help you compare options.