Routes into higher education

There are so many different ways to get into a higher education course.

The exact qualifications, grades and experience you need depends on the course that you want to do and remember, it is not just A levels that count.

Although prospectuses often refer mainly to A levels when they talk about entry requirements, don’t be put off. Check with the university or college that you are interested in on vocational entry requirements and if any substantial work experience could be taken into account.

Study South West Qualifications Route Map outlines some of the main routes you could take to higher education.

What qualifications do I need?

There are many different qualifications at many different levels and although it can be confusing it does mean that you have the choice to find the right qualification and the right route to higher education for you.

The following qualifications can allow entry into a higher education course:

• Academic qualifications like A levels or the International Baccalaureate

• Vocational qualifications like NVQs or BTEC National Diplomas and Certificates

• Foundation or Access Course qualifications

• Key Skills qualifications

APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)

APEL is a process that enables you to receive formal recognition for skills and knowledge that you already have. Your past learning and experience can be taken into account to gain entry into a higher education course. If you think you could benefit from APEL, you should start by talking to the university or college that you are interested in. You might find it useful to prepare some information about yourself and your background (for example, a current CV) before you speak to someone.

The National Qualification Framework (NQF) was designed to show the different level of qualifications available and to help you make a choice on the qualifications you need and the route you can take to your chosen career.

Entry requirements for full-time courses

If you already have a particular full-time higher education course in mind, you can look up the entry requirements on the UCAS website.

Entry requirements for part-time courses

For part-time courses, find the university or college prospectus – most are now available online on the university or college website or you can order them through Aimhigher Prospectus Order.

The UCAS website also gives details of full-time courses and both part and full-time Foundation degrees.

Vocational Pathways

Don't have your A levels and not planning to do them? You can still do a higher education course.

Other level 3 qualifications such as BTEC National Diplomas, NVQ Level 3 qualifications and Advanced Apprenticeships can get you into a higher education course like a HNC, HND or a Foundation degree.

If you decide you would like to do more study you can then use your HNC, HND or Foundation degree to top up to an Honours degree usually with one or two years extra study.

More information on vocational pathways

www.learnandwork.org/vocationalpathways

Study SouthWest Vocational Pathways

Vocational Pathways Course Information 2007

Access  to HE course

Usually a one year intensive programme, these courses prepare adults aged 19 and over for entry to higher education through a programme of study skills, tutorial activities, maths and I.T., combined with options in a variety of subjects to suit the individual.

Often there are no formal entry requirements but skills assessments are taken place at interviews.