To receive a degree or certificate from a higher education institution, students must take courses from the program’s curriculum. The curriculum is developed by the institution to cover a variety of topics that are relevant to the program’s topic.

An advanced certificate is awarded after completion of an academic program that is specially designed to help those who already have a career but want or need to increase their field-specific knowledge. By earning this certificate, students may be able to increase their earning potential.

Part-time learning allows one to obtain a degree or qualification even if one cannot attend school on a full-time basis. One can learn at one's own pace, gradually accumulating credits that count towards a final qualification.