Why choose Higher Education?

There is a whole range of higher education courses to choose from, and many of them are work related. Although entry with A levels is still a popular route, your teenager will be able to apply for courses with a relevant BTEC National or 14-19 Diploma at Level 3.

Examples of higher education courses include:

Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC and HND)

These qualifications equip people with the knowledge and skills they need for a particular field of work. They can lead straight into a career and in some sectors they are a stepping stone on the route to professional qualifications. With further study, they can be converted into degrees. These courses take one year (HNC) or two years (HND) full time and can also be done part time.

Foundation degrees

These are qualifications in work-related subjects that combine study with workplace learning. There are no set entry requirements and appropriate experience as well as qualifications are taken into account when assessing suitability for the course. Because they have been designed with employers, Foundation degree courses help people to gain the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for.

A full-time Foundation degree course usually takes two years to complete and can be done part time. A Foundation degree is a useful qualification in its own right, but, with a further year's study (in most cases), it is possible to convert it into an honours degree.

Degrees

Sometimes these are called 'bachelors' degrees, 'first' degrees, 'ordinary' degrees or 'honours' degrees. Degree courses provide an in-depth understanding of a subject, including the very latest thinking or findings. Some, such as medicine or law, prepare people for a particular career. All degrees lead to the development of skills that are highly valued in the workplace, such as analysing and evaluating evidence, problem solving, making sound judgements, 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.

Most applications to degree courses have to be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Your teenager's school, college or Connexions personal adviser will help with the process, and help is also available on the UCAS website at www.ucas.com.

Before applying, it is important to research thoroughly both the courses and the institutions where they are held. All universities publish their own prospectuses, which are free, and have their own websites and open days.

The UCAS site holds information on all the courses that can be applied for through their service and many institutions provide 'Entry Profiles' for the site giving information on the qualifications and attributes that you will need to be considered for particular courses.

Connexions centres and Connexions Resource Centres in schools also have information about institutions and courses.

Taking a gap year

Some young people take a year out before moving on to the next step of their career path. They may choose to do paid or voluntary work, full or part time within the UK or abroad, or travel. It may provide an opportunity to earn some cash before going into higher education or gain confidence and experience before getting a job. Some volunteering activities even offer opportunities for accreditation. It can look good on a CV if your teenager plans it well and makes the most of their time.

Getting a job

At school or college, your teenager will be able to get help with job search skills such as selling themselves well on application forms and at interview. They can get further help at their local Connexions centre, which will also have details of local job vacancies particularly suited to young people.

Apprenticeships

Your teenager could still do an Apprenticeship so long as they are not in full-time education and they start before they are 25.

For more information on this option, see Deciding what to do next.

Starting a business

This is a fairly unusual step for school leavers. However, if your teenager has a great business idea, has done a lot of research and is prepared to work hard, this may be an option for them.

For help developing entrepreneurial skills, see Skills for life.