Higher education at 18+

What is Higher Education & what are the benefits?

There are lots of different types of higher education level courses available. 

Higher education means any sort of nationally recognised qualification which is at Level 4 or above (A Levels, BTEC Diploma and Extended Diploma, Advanced Apprenticeships are all Level 3). See our qualifications ladder to find out more.

A degree starts at Level 4 and progresses to Level 6, in the third year. 

Although in the past higher education courses were delivered at universities, they are now offered by universities, colleges and also by some training providers.

So, if you have Level 3 qualifications like A Levels, BTECs, a T Level or equivalent then you could explore higher level study at 18/19, or later.

If you haven't, but would be interested in higher level study, there are lots of ways in, through Access Courses and through study alongside work.

Benefits of higher education:

There are lots of benefits of higher education, here are some examples:

Employment benefits

The skills you can gain from a higher education course can give you an edge in the job market and help you progress in your career. Employers are often looking for people with graduate level skills - irrespective of the degree subject studied.

• People with higher level skills are less likely to be unemployed, partly because their higher-level skills allow them to do a range of jobs. And with new jobs being developed all the time, a higher level qualification will put you in a stronger position. 
• Many professional jobs require a university degree - architecture, dentistry, physiotherapy and lots more.
• Many professions only employ graduates and many of the opportunities they offer can be open to graduates with any degree subject.
• Even if you have no career in mind you can, through a degree, develop skills employers want such as team working, communication skills, research skills.
• Many universities will give students the opportunity to do work experience or a placement as part of their course, either in this country or abroad, where you work which will add to your CV. You can find out more about a 'sandwich course' (with a placement).
• You will meet new people and build a network of contacts that can really help with your future career.

Financial benefits

• Recent research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) shows that going to university is a very good investment for most students.
• Graduates will earn on average 20% more over their working life than those who did not go to university.
• Women’s earnings increase by £100k on average with a degree and £130k for men over the course of their working life – after student loan payments and taxes are factored in.
• Graduates and postgraduates often have higher employment rates, with a greater proportion in high-skilled employment. 

Personal benefits

• Graduates enjoy better health outcomes by being less likely to smoke, more likely to exercise, and less prone to depression. 
• Graduates’ children also benefit from the educational success of their parents: graduates tend to have a greater involvement with their child’s education. 
• Graduates are more influential in the community by being active citizens who are more likely to vote and participate in voluntary activities.
• Graduates show positive attitudes towards diversity and equal opportunities, such as on race and gender equality issues.
• Graduates, with their higher levels of skill, are a source of wider innovation and economic growth

Lifepilot website for 19+

If you are over 19 and looking for a higher education course, check out the Lifepilot website which has information for adults about progressing to higher level education.