Learning Highway - Routes into Higher Education
There are many ways into higher education!
AVCEs, A2s, NVQs and BTECs can all be accepted as a direct route to a degree. But you will need to check this with the College or University you are applying to. You can do an HNC/HND, Foundation Degree or DipHE degree, or you can go directly onto a degree course. There is no 'right' way into higher education - get advice from your Connexions Personal Adviser or your teacher to choose a route that suits you.
For more information on Connexions take a look at http://www.connexions.gov.uk
There are many different routes into higher education and a wide range of higher education options to choose from - academic or job-related(vocational). if you want to go to university through a vocational route - such as NVQs or BTEC - you will need to check this with the college or university you are applying to. The most important thing is to find a route that suits you.
Degrees tend to be full-time and most last three years - although courses such as medicine can take up to six years to complete. Some degrees, for example in science or engineering, last four years and include a year doing a work placement. If you do a degree in languages you are likely to spend a year abroad. You can choose to do a subject that you are already studying or you can do something new.
OTHER HE QUALIFICATIONS
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHEs) last two years and can be combined with professional or vocational qualifications. They tend to be more work related.
Foundation Degrees cover work-related subjects and take two years of full-time study to complete. You can also do them part-time, whilst working.
HND courses cover a variety of work-related subjects, such as travel and tourism, or business studies. Courses last two years - or three if you include a sandwich year in industry.