What are my higher education options?
Higher education refers to qualifications and courses that you can take from the age of 18+, after finishing your Level 3 study.
Examples of Level 3 study include:
- A-levels
- BTECs or other Diplomas
- T-levels
- An Advanced Apprenticeship
You can find out more about making your next steps towards higher education and university by reading our University and Me Guide.
Alternatively, visit ucas.com to review all your options.
A-levels
A-levels are academic qualifications.
Studied full time over 2 years.
Many choose to study 3 A-level subjects. Alternatively, you may be able to take a mix of A-levels and BTECs or other Diplomas.
Assessed by a series of exams. A small number of A-levels may include coursework and practical assessments.
Accepted by all universities.
BTECs and other Diplomas
BTECs and Diplomas take a practical or hands-on approach to learning.
(The Government has recently announced its intention to phase out most BTECs and other Diplomas from 2023 onwards)
A BTEC Extended Diploma is studied full-time over 2 years and is equivalent to 3 A-Levels.
BTECs are assessed via a combination of written assignments, exams, coursework, and practical assessments.
Other types of Level 3 BTECs can be studied in combination with one or two A-levels.
BTECs are accepted by most UK universities. However, if you’re planning to study for a degree in science, technology, engineering, or maths (STEM), make sure you look carefully at the course entry requirements.
T-Levels
T-Levels are new two-year courses that are designed by employers and address skills shortages across different occupations. By September 2023, T-Levels will be available in 23 different subject areas. To find out more, visit: tlevels.gov.uk/students/subjects.
T-Levels are also equivalent to 3 A-levels and include a 45-day work placement. This means they are suited to those students who know what occupation or industry they want to move into.
T-Levels include a technical qualification which includes core skills, theory, and concepts for the industry area.
T-Levels support students who want to progress into higher education.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience, and get paid.
Designed to help you develop the skills you need for a specific job.
Study alongside work for a qualification related to the job you are doing. The exact qualification will vary depending on the apprenticeship.
Apprentices will be in work for at least 30 hours a week - the remaining 20% of your working hours will be spent at college or with a training provider.
Vary in length – Advanced Apprenticeships (Level 3) typically take 2 years to complete.
You will complete assessments during and at the end of the apprenticeship. If you wish to go to university after completing an apprenticeship, make sure you contact universities and colleges before you apply to discuss your plans.
Level 2 apprenticeships are the equivalent to GCSE and are called Intermediate Apprenticeships.
Level 3 apprenticeships are the equivalent of A-Level and are called Advanced Apprenticeships.
Levels 4 and 5 are the equivalent of Foundation degree and are called Higher Apprenticeships.
Levels 6 and 7 are the equivalent to Bachelors or Masters degree and are called Degree Apprenticeships.
Degree Level or Higher Level Apprenticeships are options at age 18 and are an alternative to full-time higher education study. They combine employment with off-the-job training. There are no tuition fees to pay and you will receive a salary.
Which Uni 4 me?
You can apply for higher education courses at university or college, or a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship when you are in Year 13 (your final year of college or sixth form). It is important to do your research and explore all the options available to you.
There are plenty of important factors to consider when making your choice. The more time you put in to research your options, the more confident you will be in your final choices.
In Year 12, try to attend University or College Open Days to speak to staff and students. Look around the university campus, halls of residence, and support services. After you apply, you’ll get another chance to visit those universities and colleges that make you an offer.
Top Tips
Year 12 or Year 1 of a Level 3 FE College Course
This is the time to start your research around higher education choices.
- Get to grips with your Level 3 subjects (A-Level or equivalent) and keep on top of your learning.
- Get familiar with the UCAS website. You’ll eventually make your university application through UCAS but for now, the website is a rich source of impartial advice about all your options.
- Explore online platforms such as The Uni Guide and Discover Uni. These often provide fresh ideas and allow you to compare courses and universities across a range of different criteria.
- Talk to your teachers, parents, or carers, about your plans as well as friends or relatives who have recently been to university. What can they tell you about their experiences?
- Visit Open Days and UCAS events. Some universities offer ‘taster days’ and other events where you can sample learning and student life before you apply.
- Ask about the non-repayable sources of financial support that universities and colleges offer (e.g., bursaries and scholarships).
- Undertake some work experience or volunteering, especially if it relates to the higher education course that you are interested in. This will help you to build a strong application.
Thinking about a Degree Apprenticeship?
These can be very competitive to secure. People who apply for a degree apprenticeship also apply for full-time university courses at the same time.
The UCAS Guide to Higher and Degree Apprenticeships will tell you more.
Year 13 or Year 2 of a Level 3 FE College Course
Your final year at sixth form or college and you could be completing your higher education application early in the year – so be prepared!
- Register on ucas.com and be aware of the internal deadlines, set by your sixth form or college, to complete your application.
- You can make up to five course choices on UCAS. Make sure you use them all.
- Double-check the content of each course and how it is assessed. Ask questions about the entry requirements for each course if you need to.
- Discuss your intentions with parents/carers, teachers, siblings, friends, etc. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Once you have applied, keep an eye on your email. Make sure you don’t miss any communications.
- Respond to offers within the deadlines provided by UCAS.
- Apply for your Student Finance on time. You don’t need to wait for your exam results nor wait until you have responded to your university offers.
For degree or higher apprenticeships, expect vacancies to appear from Autumn onwards (for starts in the following September).
Applications for degree or higher apprenticeships are made directly to the employer. They are NOT made via UCAS.
Be prepared for interviews and assessments to secure a degree apprenticeship.
Do I have to apply through UCAS?
Universities only accept applications to their higher education courses via UCAS.
You can use UCAS to apply for a maximum of five higher education courses. These can all be for the same subjects at different institutions, or you might choose to apply for multiple courses at one or two institutions – the choice is yours.
You will need to complete a UCAS form online: www.ucas.com
Student Finance
Studying a higher education course involves taking out loans to cover the cost of tuition fees and living/maintenance costs. This is money that does not have to be repaid upfront.
Always refer to the most up-to-date information at gov.uk/student-finance.
There are NO tuition fees for Degree Apprenticeships but also no student finance for living costs.
Key Facts
- 01You can have a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees – you do not pay them upfront.
- 02You will be entitled to a maintenance loan to help you with living costs.
- 03You might qualify for grants, bursaries or scholarships that do not need to be paid back.
- 04You do not start repaying the loan until you are earning a good wage - £27,295 per year. The current repayment rate on a salary of £30,000 is around £20 per month.
- 05After 30 years, your student loan is wiped regardless of how much you have left to pay.
- 06Your loan does not affect your credit rating, ability to apply for a mortgage or any future bank loan applications.