Higher Education Explained

Higher education is the name for qualifications and courses you can take after 18.

There are many different types of higher education qualifications, such as:

  • diplomas
  • bachelor degrees
  • foundation degrees and foundation years
  • HTQs
  • degree level apprenticeships

Deciding on a university

The very first step in applying to any university is choosing what course you’d like to study and which university you’d like to go to. Some students find this easy as they know exactly what future career they would like to do or what subject they are most interested in. If this is you then that is great. Others however may find this part of the process very difficult, it can be really hard to know exactly what you would like to do in the future and it’s totally fine to feel unsure.

UCAS Search Tool

If you are a little unsure of what you would like to do at University we recommend starting with UCAS The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

The UCAS Search tool allows you to search for:

  • Courses
  • Study level, selecting Undergraduate
  • Entry Year
  • Postcode, this is optional, but it is particularly helpful if you are looking to attend a local university

The Uni Guide Tool

Another great tool can be found at The Uni Guide. The Uni Guide website has information and guidance which could help you to choose a course and institution that suits you. They offer helpful advice and they even have an A-level Explorer which shows you where your Level 3 subjects could lead you!