Higher education

Going into higher education could be one of the most valuable things your teenager ever does. It will set them up for a greater choice of jobs and a good chance of better pay.

Qualifications

Higher education doesn't just mean studying for an honours degree. There are several other qualifications available. Your teenager could take an honours degree such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc). They could also take work-related qualifications such as a Higher National Certificate or Diploma (HNC/HND) or a Foundation degree (Fd).

Courses

Your teenager has over 50,000 courses to choose from. Each course has a different mix of theory and practical learning. Some involve studying one or two subjects in detail. Others are work-related. Course length varies from two to five years.

Study

Your teenager could study full or part time at a university, a further education college or even at home. They will have to organise their own learning, as tutors and lecturers guide them rather than telling them what to do.

Costs

Costs depend on the course and the place that your teenager chooses to study - some places are cheaper than others. They will have to pay tuition fees and for things like study materials, food, accommodation (if they decide to study away from home), transport, clothes and leisure activities. There is government help available with these costs.

Applying for higher education

Encourage your teenager to spend time researching courses, providers and sources of financial help. Remind them to check if their school or college offers higher education modules as part of the curriculum, or organises other activities to give them a taste of what higher education is like. If you can, attend higher education course open days with them to get a feel for the environment and to meet staff who might play a key role in supporting your teenager's development.

Gap year

Some young people take a year out (a gap year) before entering higher education. Most universities see this as a positive move as it gives young people the opportunity to mature and broaden their horizons. There are many organisations that can help your teenager make the most of this time, be it volunteering, on a paid placement or simply travelling the world. And they can opt for deferred entry to higher education when applying through UCAS. For more information, visit www.yearoutgroup.org.