Higher education (HE) may be an option from age 18 if you have already achieved A Levels or a Level 3 qualification.
If you want to get into higher education, there are different options available. It’s not necessarily about getting A levels – you can study full time for work-related qualifications or for an apprenticeship. You may also be able to take an Advanced Diploma qualification.
Living in Devon, Exeter and Plymouth are the closest universities. However, there are universities across the United Kingdom or even overseas where you could apply to study.
You can also study some higher education courses at further education colleges or you may want to investigate what the Open University can offer you. Take a look at their websites.
What this option could do for you
Higher education can open up new career options, and research shows that people with higher education qualifications typically earn more money than those without. They may also offer more job security.
Higher education isn’t necessarily about getting a traditional degree. You could choose to do a Foundation Degree, combining academic study with workplace learning.
Another option is a work-related qualification, like a Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma.
Whatever your interests, the chances are you’ll find a course you’ll enjoy – the choice of subjects is much wider than at school.
What you need to do now
Universities and colleges set their own entry requirements, so they vary from course to course. When you’re choosing what you need to do at 16, it’s important to find out what qualifications and grades you’re likely to need for the type of higher education course you want to do.
For full time courses, you can look up entry requirements on the UCAS website.
For part-time courses, get the university or college prospectus – most are available online.
Depending on the course you want to do, there are two main routes that could potentially get you into higher education:
- Staying in full-time education.
- Learning while you work.
If you decide to stay in full time education after year 11, there are a range of academic, work-related and skills-based qualifications you can potentially use to get into higher education.
Generally, you’ll need qualifications at Level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework, this usually means:
- A Levels
- an Advanced Diploma
- NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications)
- BTEC National Diplomas and Certificates
- GCSEs in applied subjects
You can also count Functional Skills qualification towards your application.
If you want to start work after year 11, an apprenticeship can be a route into higher education.
If you need any extra help or advice
If you are still at school then your school must provide you with access to independent advice and guidance on all your post 16 options. If you are already in post 16 then your school or College will be able to help you find out more. You can make a start by looking at directories, prospectuses and careers software in your school’s careers library or resource centre.
If you need more help or are not at school, the Post-16 Learning Participation Team provides advice and support to young people.
Additional information regarding your choices and what financial and other help is available can be found at GOV.UK: Education and learning.
You can find out about foundation degrees on the UCAS website.
Support you could get if you choose this option
See GOV.UK: Student finance for undergraduates for more information.
For young people who have a disability, there is more information on the GOV.UK website about the help available for students with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability. Alternatively, you should contact your chosen university for more information.