UCAS - Other options

Other options

If you haven't found the place you're looking for, or you've changed your mind about going to university or college this year, there are plenty of options that can help you improve your knowledge and learn new skills or just give you a well-deserved break.

There are more courses available than just full-time higher education courses, so you could consider studying something or somewhere different. We've broken down the options into five career paths - click the links below.

Further study & reapplying
Taking a gap year
Apprenticeships
Finding a job
Starting a business

Further study and reapplying

Part-time courses

Part-time courses could be a good option - you could get a part-time job alongside it. For these courses, you apply direct to the university or college where you'd be studying. Part-time students can now apply online for student finance. Find out more.

Foundation degrees

Foundation degrees are another option - you can study full-time or part-time and might find a similar subject to what you originally wanted to study. Search for full-time courses in Course Search or use the foundation degree course search to see what other study options are on offer.

Get some experience

If you're planning to reapply for higher education it's worth taking part in something that will help you get accepted onto a course. For example, if you're hoping to study medicine, try to get some work experience at a local surgery or hospital. If you would like to study a language, visit the country and practice your skills.

Having some experience to put on your UCAS application will help you get ahead of the competition.

Study in another country

You could consider studying in a different country.

For the USA, a good place to start is the Fulbright Commission.
For Australia or New Zealand, a useful site to visit is www.studyoptions.com.
For Ireland, go to the Central Applications Office at www.cao.ie.
Another useful lead is the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
The British Council also offers advice, visit www.britishcouncil.org.
The embassies of other countries will usually be happy to provide guidance.

Reapply to university or college

If you'd like to start university or college next year, you'll need to reapply (we can't reuse an application from a previous year). Go to the Apply page to register.

Taking a gap year

Taking a gap year can be a great experience and one which helps you get the skills you need for higher education. Gap years cover loads of options, from travelling abroad to work or volunteer, retaking qualifications, or learning something new that hasn't been an option before.

Whatever you choose, check that you can afford it and get plenty of advice before you decide. There are lots of sites to help you choose your gap year so search for what you're interested in.

Year Out Group - to help you find a suitable and worthwhile project. Year Out Group provides references and resources to help you make the most of a year out.
Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel & Living Abroad - provides travel advice by country, guidance to travellers before embarking on their trip, tips on staying safe and healthy and travel news.
Voluntary Services Overseas - an independent international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries. A volunteering search is also available.
vinspired - connects 16-25 year olds with volunteering opportunities in England.
You can search for volunteer opportunities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland at the following sites:

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are available for lots of different careers. With an Apprenticeship you can earn money while you're learning and gain recognised qualifications.

National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) - the National Apprenticeship Service has responsibility for Apprenticeships in the UK. They also have a vacancy search on their website that links apprentices to vacancies.

Finding a job

Whether you're looking for some work experience before going to university or a permanent job, you can get advice from these companies.

GOV.UK - hosts a range of information on finding a job including a job search function, skills and careers advice and information on volunteering.
National Careers Service - provides information, advice and support on a range of issues for 13-19 year olds living in England.

Starting a business

If you decide to start your own business, these organisations may be able to help you:

Prince's Trust - a UK charity helping young people aged 18-30 start a business; the Prince's Trust provides advice, training courses, development awards and enterprise schemes.
Business Link - the official government website for businesses of all sizes. Business Link provides free business advice and support services through online and local advisers.

Need more information?

Get some advice

Learndirect - for information and advice about different career paths, courses, qualifications and training for business.
GOV.UK - can tell you about courses available in your local area.

Find out what others say

Student Stories - this website features students talking honestly about their own university experiences, taking a gap year, finding a job and getting experience for their chosen career.