When you study a higher education course at university or college, you'll work towards one of a range of qualifications such as a Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma, a honours degree - for example: a BA or BSc - a Foundation Degree, or a diploma/certificate of higher education.
If you are working, but would like to expand your skills base, a professional qualification at HE level may be the way forward for you. Or you could consider doing a work-based higher education course such as a Foundation Degree.
- Explaining the National Qualifications Framework: Where do your qualifications sit in the framework and where can you progress to?
- Qualifications: What the different levels mean. Different qualifications are grouped together into various 'levels'. This can help you (and employers) see how qualifications compare and how one qualification can lead on to another. More information here
- Vocational qualifications on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF): These are new, work-related qualifications designed to allow you to learn in a way that suits you, and give you the skills that employers are looking for. There are already lots to choose from, in a wide range of subjects. Each type of qualification on the QCF also has a level between Entry Level and Level 8, showing how difficult it is. The QCF levels are the same as the levels on the National Qualification Framework, which lists other types of qualification. For example, GCSEs are at Levels 1 and 2, A Levels are at Level 3, and a PhD is at Level 8. More information here
- If you want to go on to higher education and gain a recognised qualification to do a specific job, a BTEC, HNC or HND could be for you. HNCs and HNDs focus on 'learning by doing' and can lead into a new career, or help you progress in your current line of work. More information here
- What's the value of a Degree: Watch this video to learn more
- Foundation Degrees: These are higher education qualifications that combine academic study with work-based learning. Designed jointly by universities, colleges and employers, they are available in a range of work-related subjects. More information here or watch the video
- Search for Foundation Degrees
- Bachelors degrees are higher education qualifications that help you develop a thorough understanding of a subject. There are a vast number of subjects to choose from. More information here
- If you want to carry on your studies after a bachelors degree, or learn more about a particular subject, there are a range of postgraduate qualifications available. Some are linked to a specific profession, while others allow you to complete an original piece of research. More information here
- Find out more about applying for postgraduate courses
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