The term 'HIGH DEGREE' can refer to three different academic qualifications. A DOCTORATE is a postgraduate degree awarded by universities, typically after completing a dissertation and other coursework. It is the highest academic degree available and usually requires at least four years of study. A Masters is a postgraduate degree that usually requires two years of study and is often a prerequisite for a DOCTORATE. Finally, an NTH is a degree awarded by a technical college or university, typically requiring two to four years of study. All three of these qualifications represent a high degree of academic achievement.