What is it? Higher Education (HE) provides a range of qualifications including honours degrees such as Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) courses. You can also study HE work-related qualifications for example Higher National Certificate and Diploma courses. Foundation degrees are degree level qualifications designed with employers which combine academic study with workplace learning.
There are over 50,000 different courses available in over 300 Universities and Colleges across the UK ranging from animation and astrophysics to languages, drama, engineering and zoology. Each has a different mix of theory and practical learning. Courses vary from two to five years. Sandwich courses include a placement year in a workplace or a year spent studying abroad. Some courses can be studied part-time.
Depending on the course, you can study close to home or a long distance away or even study from home through flexible and distance learning. Most higher education institutions accept a wide range of level 3 qualifications for entry including A and AS-Levels, BTEC’s and the Advanced Diplomas. It is important to check entry requirements carefully as some Universities and Colleges require certain subjects and grades.
Why choose Higher Education? Going into Higher Education can set you up for a greater choice of jobs and careers and a good chance of increased pay. There is clear evidence that investing time and effort into achieving HE qualifications will pay back over time.
Where will Higher Education lead? Careers in professional occupations usually require a degree, such as Doctor, Teacher, Solicitor, Lawyer, and many more.
Useful Links
- Search for Courses and Qualifications (http://www.ucas.com )
- Student Finance Information (http://www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance)
- The official website with information from the National Student Survey (http://www.unistats.com)