Built for careers that don’t fit one box
Most degrees revolve around a single subject. Applied and general studies programs revolve around you. They usually pair a core of required modules with a generous block of electives or concentrations, and that open space is where credit from varied experience fits best.
This route suits career changers, people with unfinished degrees, veterans and anyone whose skills span several fields. Credit from different jobs, courses and earlier study can sit side by side in one program.
The degrees, by name and level
Each country uses different names for these programs. Typical examples:
| Stage | UK examples | US examples | Australian examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | FdA or FdSc Professional Practice | Associate of General Studies (AGS); Associate of Arts | Diploma of Arts; Associate Degree in Arts |
| Bachelor’s | BA (Hons) Professional Practice; BA (Hons) Combined Studies; BA (Hons) Liberal Arts | Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS); Bachelor of General Studies (BGS); Bachelor of Interdisciplinary or Liberal Studies | Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Liberal Arts |
| Master’s | MA Professional Practice; MA Professional Studies | Master of Liberal Studies (MLS); Master of Professional Studies (MPS) | Master of Arts; Master of Professional Practice |
| Doctorate | Doctor of Professional Studies (DProf) | PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies; Doctor of Professional Studies | PhD; professional doctorate |
In the UK, some of these are negotiated work-based learning degrees, where you help shape the modules around your role. In the US, the BAS often builds on technical or associate-level training, while the BGS gathers credit from many subjects. Our degree title decoder covers more titles.
Experience that counts, wherever it came from
Breadth is your strength here. Experience like this often contributes:
- Supervisor, team leader or office manager roles in any sector
- Military service, including leadership and technical training
- Small business owner, franchisee or sole trader
- Technical posts such as IT support technician, paralegal or laboratory technician
- Sales, customer service and account management
- Volunteer leadership in charities, clubs or faith groups
- Credits from a degree you started earlier
Modules your record can fill
Because electives make up a large share of these programs, your evidence can map to modules from several departments at once. Common matches include:
- Leadership and team management
- Professional communication
- Project planning and problem solving
- Business and finance fundamentals
- Technology in the workplace
- Reflective practice and work-based learning
Many programs finish with a capstone or work-based project, a chance to turn a real challenge from your job into assessed work.
Pull your evidence into one place
With varied experience, organisation matters most. Build a simple timeline of every role, course and qualification, then attach proof to each line:
- Transcripts from any earlier college or university study
- Military records, such as a Joint Services Transcript for US service members
- Certificates from workplace training, trade qualifications and licences
- References from managers across two or three different roles
Start with our readiness check to see which parts of your history look strongest, then use the reference letter builder to request references that fill the gaps.
Order old transcripts first. Records from colleges you attended years ago can take a few weeks to arrive, so an early request keeps everything moving.
What graduates go on to do
A general or applied studies degree meets the “bachelor’s required” line in many job adverts, which can unlock promotions you’re already doing the work for. Graduates move into roles such as operations manager, program coordinator, project manager, public sector officer and training coordinator. It also opens the way to master’s study, including MBAs and public administration degrees.