Yeah it's slightly different here too skip. We have HNCs (1 year), HNDs (2 years), batchelors degrees which are "standard" (3 years), masters degrees (usually 1 year after you've got a batchelors degree). But there are also foundation degrees, professional qualifications, doctorates, etc. Masters degrees don't usually excuse you from needing any relevant experience and very few jobs specify anything academically higher than a batchelors degree but insisting on professional qualifications in addition to a degree is common.
I've done loads of unpaid and paid work experience but there's no way I can afford to do another year's unpaid internship. If I'm unemployed in 4 months I'll have to get a job in McDonald's or take another course or something as my parents want rent from May onwards and I have bills to pay, food to buy, etc.
