Higher education

Routes into university and higher education

By continuing with full-time learning at an advanced level, work-based learning or starting an Apprenticeship, students can take important steps towards qualifying for a higher education course.

Vocational routes into higher education

Students don't have to take the traditional A level route to HE. They may be able to use vocational qualifications to apply to a university or college, including:

NB Students should always check with the relevant college or university for specific entry requirements before making any decisions on which study route they choose.

Along with vocational qualifications, students may also have considerable work experience to offer. If they are applying for a Foundation Degree course in particular, they may find that this is taken into account, alongside any qualifications they hold.

Traditional or vocational route to HE?

Although higher education prospectuses often refer mainly to A levels when they talk about entry requirements, students should not be put off - they should check with the course provider on vocational entry requirements, and whether any substantial work experience could be taken into account.

For example, a student with a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) may be able to join a first degree course at the start of the second or even third year.

For more information about university and higher education, see Directgov's university and higher education pages or visit our useful links page.