What types of courses are there and what qualifications do I need?
Students enter higher education with a variety of different qualifications. It is important to seek advice about your particular combination of qualifications and experience in relation to your chosen course.
Below are some examples of different courses and entry requirements. Click on the ones that interest you to find out more.
Degree
- Degrees usually specify a minimum number of GCSE passes at A–C and will often specify particular subjects such as maths, English language and science.
- You will also normally need a minimum of two full A levels or their equivalent such as a BTEC National Diploma, a double AVCE or the International Baccalaureate (IB).
- Courses usually require a minimum number of units, 12, 18 or 21; with a certain number (12 or 18) being required at A2. The AVCE single or full award count as one or two full A levels. Students with an IB need a minimum of 24 points with the more competitive courses asking for 30 points or more.
- Use www.ucas.com to check the specific subject and tariff points requirements.
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BTEC Higher National Diploma/Certificate
- Awarded in vocational subjects (eg engineering, hotel and catering management, business studies).
- Certificates are normally studied on a part-time basis. Diplomas are studied full time and take two years or three years if taken as a sandwich courses.
- Minimum entry requirements are usually four GCSE passes at A–C and one A level, a pass, merit or distinction in a BTEC National Diploma, an AVCE (six units) or NVQ level 3.
- Many further education colleges now offer HNDs, so that you can study locally rather than moving away.
- It is sometimes possible to transfer to a degree course at the end of the first year if you gain sufficient marks.
- For students successfully completing an HND, there are ‘top up’ courses available to convert the qualification into a degree.
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Foundation Degree
- These new qualifications offer a mix of work-related skills and academic study.
- They are offered in a range of vocational subjects.
- The foundation degree is a two-year full-time course with the possibility of progressing onto an honours degree course.
- Entry varies from place to place as there are no nationally set entry grades. You need to check on individual courses for entry requirements.
- Visit www.foundationdegree.org.uk for further details.
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Specialist courses and other diploma courses
- These can be post A level, AVCE, BTEC National, IB or graduate entry level – entry requirements vary – work experience is often an advantage.
- Most specialist art and design degrees will require A level students to have completed a one- year arts foundation course (see Insight into foundation art courses).
- Drama, performing arts and dance courses may be offered as degrees or alternatively as diplomas run by private dance or drama colleges. The non-degree courses often require direct applications and involve auditions that you pay for. These courses are seldom approved for financial help. The Dance and Drama Awards Scheme offers awards for certain courses - please refer to the DFES leaflet Dance and Drama Awards on 0114 259 3612. You could also visit the conference of Drama School site www.drama.ac.uk.
- A number of non-degree higher education courses provide entry into specific careers. These include accountancy foundation, pre journalism and the diploma and advanced diploma in nursing. Some may require previous work experience.
- Access courses are an alternative to A levels or other qualifications at this level of study. They are offered to mature students over age of 19 and are aimed at students who want to study at HND or degree level. Access courses are offered at most local colleges, but are not accepted by all higher education institutions.
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Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE)
- A DipHE is award is the equivalent of two years of degree study. These are mainly offered at colleges of higher education. They tend to be non-vocational in subjects such as English, but also include the diploma in nursing.
- Students are often encouraged to complete a third year to gain degree level status.
- Entry requirements are broadly similar to degrees with the equivalent to two A level passes acceptable for entry.
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Top Tips!
You need to seek advice if you are unsure about the status of a college, the acceptability of a qualification, or the level of fees charged.
- Always check the actual subjects/grades/points required for specific courses. These are sometimes higher than the minimum requirements.
- Always consult individual prospectuses. If in doubt, admissions and departmental tutors will be pleased to answer your query. It is possible that you will be able to contact them by email.
- Those with non-standard entry requirements – particularly mature students – should consult prospectuses and admissions tutors, who may be more flexible than you expect.
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