Higher education

In higher education, your teenager will learn new skills, and the independent learning style expected at university will teach them to be responsible, manage their time and encourage them to work to deadlines.

Examples of higher education courses include:

Higher National Certificate and Diploma (HNC and HND)

These are work-related qualifications designed to equip people with the skills and knowledge needed in a particular job. The HNC course takes a year, and an HND takes two years and can usually be topped up with a final year to gain a Bachelor's degree.

Foundation degrees

These combine academic study with work-based learning. A full-time Foundation degree course takes two years to complete and is broadly equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor's degree. On graduation, students can convert their degree to a Bachelor's degree with an extra year of study.

Degrees

Degree courses provide an in-depth understanding of a subject. All degrees lead to the development of skills that are highly valued in the workplace, such as analysing and evaluating evidence, problem solving, report writing and presentation.

Most full-time degree courses last for three years, or four if the course includes a year out in industry or abroad. Courses in some subjects, such as veterinary science and architecture, last longer. It is also possible to study for a degree part time and by distance learning.

Applying to university

Whether to go to university could be one of the most important decisions your teenager makes, so it is worth investing time in researching this option.

Prospectuses and brochures should be available in schools, colleges and libraries and from the universities. All institutions have websites with information about specific degrees on offer, insight into campus life and contact details for a range of advisers.

Nearer the time, attend open days, not only to get a feel of the university environment, but also to meet staff who might play a key role in supporting your teenager's development.