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Higher education explained

Higher education means studying for qualifications such as first degrees, higher national diplomas or foundation degrees, amongst others. Students taking higher education courses are usually aged 18 or over.

Many courses take place in universities, but plenty are also taught at higher education colleges, specialist art institutions and agricultural colleges. Your son or daughter can choose to study different courses depending on their preferences. There is a huge variety of courses available and it is constantly changing.

Here are some good reasons for choosing higher education.

Students in library
  • Many higher education courses offer a vocational programme that is directly related to particular work areas, such as accountancy, sports science and teaching.
  • A higher education qualification is essential for some careers like medicine, chartered engineering and architecture.
  • A degree or HND can improve your son's or daughter's chances of getting a fulfilling job and their financial potential.
  • Universities and colleges bring together students from a variety of backgrounds. This interaction can strengthen understanding of different cultures and beliefs.
  • Higher education develops important transferable skills, such as numeracy, communication and information technology, which can give your son or daughter an edge in the fast-changing world of employment.
  • Undertaking a higher education course gives applicants time to fully consider their future career.
 

Choosing what they want from higher education takes research and planning, from starting to think about what they want to study, to planning what to take with them. Read through the six steps to applying.

Higher education courses have different methods of teaching, like lectures, seminars and practical work. More about teaching methods (this will take you to the students' section)

Some universities have formed groups through which they share ideas and resources regarding issues and procedures in the higher education sector. More about university groups (this will take you to the students' section).