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What Are The Options?
Degree - usually 3 years, sometimes more. Courses can be single subject or a combination; academic (History, English) or vocational (Engineering, Law); full-time or sandwich (with an additional year spent in industry.)
HND (Higher National Diploma) - usually 2 or 3 years, full time or sandwich. Geared towards specific vocational areas. Can be converted to a degree, normally by entering year two of the degree course.
Dip.HE. (Diploma in Higher Education) - usually 2 years. Equivalent to the first two years of a degree. Can normally transfer to a degree after year 2.
Other Further Study
Professional - courses vary in length, usually 1-4 years. Orientated to specific careers e.g. Nursing, Social Work. Often studied alongside Dip.HE.
Other Course in Further Education - e.g. Administration Procedures Higher Diploma.
Retakes - usually 1 year if taking the same subjects, 2 years for new subjects. (If aiming at Higher Education always check whether the institution expects higher grades/points than normal from retakes.)
Foundation Degree - A new qualification, combining work related and academic study. Can be taken in a various ways e.g. at a college or over the Internet, full or part time. Over 70 subjects offered. Designed to lead to further study e.g. an Honours Degree. Institutions set the entry requirements.
Visit the Higher Education page.
Employment or Training
Direct entry into a job - always check if training is offered. Can you study towards Degree/HND/professional qualifications part-time e.g. via day-release?
Advanced Apprenticeship - Usually 2/3 years employment with training in a specific vocational area. Leads to qualifications at NVQ 3 or higher. You can enter an Apprenticeship between the ages of 16 and 24, although preference is generally given to Y11 school leavers.
Visit the Opportunities section for current vacancies.
Year Out/Voluntary Work - Sometimes chosen by students wanting to take a break from study before Higher Education. It could also be useful if you plan to look for work as it means you can gain experience or try out a job without committing yourself. Visit the Year Out page.
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