Study a Certificate of higher education

Courses include aviation, hospitality and tourism, events, marketing and graphic design.

Build specialist knowledge and academic confidence through industry-focused, university-level study

Guaranteed progression to a full degree upon successful completion of your CertHE

A CertHE is a one-year recognised higher education qualification equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree. Ideal for learners looking to upskill, retrain or return to education, it provides a strong foundation in your chosen subject area.

Our CertHE courses in aviation, hospitality and tourism, events, marketing, and graphic design combine academic study with industry-focused learning, helping you develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in your chosen sector.

Whether you're looking to progress in your current role, explore a new career path or continue onto further study, a CertHE can help you build valuable professional and transferable skills, while gaining a recognised higher education qualification.

Guaranteed progression onto the full degree upon successful completion.

Apply now

Students at University College Birmingham working on laptops in the cafeteria in McIntyre House

Benefits of CertHEs

CertHEs are designed to provide a strong foundation for higher education and professional development, helping students build the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Some benefits of a CertHE are:

Gain a recognised higher education qualification in just one year
Develop industry-relevant knowledge and practical skills in your chosen subject area
Enhance your career prospects and support progression in the workplace
Build confidence in university-level study and develop valuable transferable skills
Use your CertHE as a standalone qualification or progress onto further study, including a full degree

CertHE courses

Aviation and Airport Management (CertHE)

Ready for a career in one of the world's most dynamic industries? Global passenger traffic is forecast to exceed 12 billion passengers by 2030.

This one-year recognised higher education qualification provides an introduction to airport operations, airline management and the wider aviation sector. Ideal for those looking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills or progress on to our Aviation and Airport Management BA (Hons).

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International Tourism Management (CertHE)

Tourism is one of the world's largest industries, with 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals recorded globally in 2024.

This one-year recognised higher education qualification explores the global tourism industry, visitor behaviour, destination management and sustainable tourism. Develop the knowledge and skills needed to progress into the visitor economy or continue your studies on our International Tourism Management BA (Hons) / FdA.

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International Hospitality and Tourism Management (CertHE)

The global travel and tourism sector is expected to support almost 348 million jobs worldwide.

This one-year recognised higher education qualification introduces the principles of hospitality, tourism and customer experience management. Develop industry-relevant knowledge and practical skills while preparing for progression to our International Hospitality and Tourism Management BA (Hons).

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Events Management (CertHE)

The UK events industry contributes more than £61 billion to the economy each year.

This one-year recognised higher education qualification provides an introduction to event planning, event operations and business management. Build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the events industry or continue your studies on our Events Management BA (Hons).

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Marketing (CertHE)

The UK digital advertising market reached £35.5 billion in 2024, highlighting growing demand for digital marketing expertise.

This one-year recognised higher education qualification introduces the fundamentals of modern marketing, including content creation, SEO, digital marketing, data analytics and AI. Develop practical skills and industry knowledge before progressing to our Marketing BA (Hons).

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Graphic Design (CertHE)

The UK design economy contributes £97 billion to the economy and employs more than 1.6 million people.

This one-year recognised higher education qualification provides an introduction to contemporary graphic design, visual communication and creative technologies. Develop practical design skills, build your creative confidence and prepare for progression to our Graphic Design BA (Hons).

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Up to £3k Cost of Living Allowance

At University College Birmingham, we believe the cost of living shouldn’t hold you back from achieving your goals. That’s why we’re providing UK full-time undergraduate students starting in September 2026 with £3,000 each to support expenses like food, bills, and transport - completely free, with no need to pay it back.

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“A Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) empowers learners to take their next step with confidence. In just one year, students can gain a recognised higher education qualification, develop industry-relevant knowledge and build the practical and professional skills valued by employers. At University College Birmingham, our CertHE programmes combine industry-focused learning with academic study, helping students prepare for future career opportunities or progress onto further higher education."

Richard Behan Deputy Dean for Curriculum Development and Student Recruitment

How to apply

If you aren't sure what you need or how to apply for your undergraduate course at University College Birmingham, you'll find more information here.

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FAQs on CertHE courses

What is a CertHE?

A Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) is a recognised higher education qualification that is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree. It is ideal for learners looking to gain university-level knowledge and skills in a specific subject area without committing to a full degree. A CertHE can be studied as a standalone qualification or used as a pathway to further study.

What are the CertHE entry requirements?

Applicants must be aged 19 years or over at the start of the course.

Formal academic qualifications are not required. Instead, applicants need to be able to demonstrate relevant experience and a strong commitment to learning. Typically, this will include at least three years of work, voluntary, caring or other significant life experience.

All applications are considered individually, and applicants may be asked to attend an interview to assess their suitability for Level 4 study and discuss their goals for the course.

How long will a CertHE take to complete and what options do I have after?

A CertHE typically takes one year to complete when studied full time. After completing your CertHE, you can:

Progress to further study, including a related degree programme
Enhance your career prospects within your chosen industry
Use your qualification to support career progression or a change in career direction

What are the benefits of CertHEs?

A CertHE provides a recognised higher education qualification, while helping you develop subject-specific and transferable skills. It offers a flexible route into higher education, supports professional development and can open doors to further study and career opportunities.

Successfully complete your CertHE and secure a guaranteed place on the corresponding full degree programme with us.

Do you have to pay tuition fees to do a CertHE?

If a CertHE is undertaken as a standalone qualification, tuition fees will apply, which will vary depending on the course. Click here for more information on tuition fees.

Do CertHEs lead to employment?

A CertHE can help improve your employability by developing industry-relevant knowledge, practical skills and professional confidence. It can support career progression, entry into new roles and advancement within your chosen sector.

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