Higher education
University
Whatever your age and background, you can go to university to study a course such as a degree, higher national diploma (HND) or foundation degree. Some Higher Education courses can also be studied at colleges.
Most full time degree courses take 3-4 years to complete but if you are taking a part-time qualification it will take longer. If you get your degree you will be known as a 'graduate'.
Studying at university will be different to school or college and you will need to be prepared to work hard. There will be lots of discussions, practical work and lectures. You will be expected to work both by yourself and as part of a group.
Entry requirements
There is usually an entry requirement for university - for example A Levels, BTECs and other vocational qualifications. For some university courses you need to have taken these qualifications in specific subjects.
Informed Choices 2012 is a guide to choosing which A levels or other courses to study post 16 for entry to some of the UK's top universities.
Students with Disabilities
If you are thinking about higher education check out our info for students with a disability or dyslexia.
Money
If you are thinking of going into higher education you need to consider the costs involved. Look at our student finance page for the information you need.
Where to go and what to study
The GOV.UK website has lots of useful information to help you compare different courses and institutions, studying part-time or full-time, and about studying abroad.
Don't forget that the Open University is also an option if you want to study from home in your own time.
Open Days
If you are not sure which university to choose, open days give you the chance to see the university, get a feel of what the place is like and ask questions. You can take a parent, carer or friend with you. Find details about dates and locations of open days on the Open Days website.
What can I do after university?
To see the range of career options each degree subject can lead to, and find out what skills you will need to succeed in your chosen career go to the Prospects website
Go to What do Graduates Do? to find out what graduates from particular courses go on to do. Find out how many had jobs, the types of jobs they went into, and how many went on to further study.
Page last updated 19/10/12
