Choosing your next steps can be extremely stressful and challenging. There are so many different options available to you and you may just not know which one is right for you.
That’s why I’ve decided to write this blog post, explaining all your different options, their entry requirements, and any useful information that you may need to know.
Before we begin, I think it’s important to explain two key terms that we will be using in this post:
- Further Education [FE]: This includes level 3 qualifications that are taken after the age of 16. Typically carried out during years 12 & 13 at a sixth form or years 1 & 2 at college.
- Higher Education [HE]: This is post-18 education, which you undertake after you have completed sixth form, college, and certain apprenticeships. These qualifications range from levels 4 to level 6.
Now that you know what FE and HE are, click on the drop-down boxes to reveal what’s available to you for depending on what your next steps are.
What are my options for Further Education?
*Level 3 qualifications starting when you’re 16*
- A levels
- BTEC National Level 3
- Advanced Apprenticeship
- T-Levels
What are my options for Higher Education?
*HE qualifications range from levels 4-6, and they are completed after you turn 18*
- Undergraduate degree courses
- Higher & degree apprenticeships [link to previous blog post]
- Higher National Diploma (HND) & Higher National Certificate (HNC)
- Foundation degrees
Now that you are aware of what there is available in both FE and HE, why not have a look at some of the specific details for your options. Click on the drop-down boxes below to reveal key information relating to each of your possible options.
A Levels (16+)
- Completed over two years at a sixth form of your choice.
- Common to study 3 subjects, but you can choose to study more if you wish.
- You need 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 to get into sixth form.
- You also need grade 6 in the subjects you wish to study at A level.
BTEC National Level 3 (16+)
- There are 3 types of BTEC level 3, each equivalent to a different number of A levels.
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate = 1 A-level
- BTEC Level 3 National Diploma = 2 A-levels
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma = 3 A-levels
- BTECs are great for those who are interested in a particular sector but aren’t sure on a particular job i.e. healthcare.
Advanced Apprenticeship (16+)
- Takes between 1.5 and 2 years if studied full-time.
- It’s the equivalent of 2 A-level passes.
- If you don’t have GCSEs in English and Maths, you will need to take a functional skills test.
- Work and study, all whilst earing a decent salary.
T Levels (16+)
- Equivalent to 3 A-levels.
- Takes 2 years to complete.
- Split your time between the classroom & on the job placements.
- 80% classroom study & 20% industry placement.
- Gain specialist skills and learn the theory of a particular industry or sector.
Now let’s take a look at some options for higher education.
Undergraduate degree courses (18+)
- Over 50,000 courses available at nearly 400 locations.
- Takes 3-4 years depending on your course.
- Opportunities for studying abroad & industry placement years.
- Specialise in one or more areas through single or joint degrees.
Higher and Degree apprenticeships (18+)
- Popular alternatives to university degrees.
- Allows you to gain university level qualifications whilst working and earning a full-time salary.
- For more information on the difference between these two options, please see our recent blog post linked here or visit our website for further information.
Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (18+)
- These are both work related courses that can lead both into a career, or into further study in the form of a university degree.
- The HNC is a 1-year (full-time) course which gives you a level 4 qualification.
- The HND is a 2-year (full-time) course, giving you a level 5 qualification.
Foundation degrees (18+)
- A foundation degree allows you to combine both academic and workplace skills.
- They are usually 2-year courses.
- You are often able to continue for an additional 3rd year and gain a full undergraduate degree from this qualification.
- Ideal for those who aren’t quite ready for university or for those who are looking for lower entry requirements to specific courses.
Subject Specific Progression Routes: Healthcare
If you’re interested in healthcare, then you may be interested in some of the following HE courses and apprenticeships:
- University of Cumbria: BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science / BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science / BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography.
- Edge Hill University: BSc (Hons) Nutrition & Health / BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
- NHS: Nursing / Ambulance Practitioner / Healthcare Science
Subject specific progression routes: Forensics
If you’re interested in forensics or perhaps a career in the police, then you may be interested in some of these:
- University of Cumbria: BSc (Hons) Criminology with Forensic Investigation
- UCLan: BSc (Hons) Forensic Science (Foundation Entry)
- Edge Hill University: BSc (Hons) Genetics
- Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (level 6 qualification)
- Digital Forensic Technician (level 4 qualification)
- Advanced Forensic Practitioner (level 7 qualification)
I’m sure that all this information is still quite overwhelming, so here is a nice graphic to help you see your options in a different form.
Higher Education Opportunities Grant
At Hello Future we also have a Higher Education Opportunities Grant. It is designed to help support learners trying to access higher education. This grant can help cover travel costs to and from HE campuses, overnight accommodation, apprenticeship, experience days, and more. If you would like to find more information about this grant, you can find a dedicated page
here on our website.
Feel free to get in touch with us via email if you have any questions at all regarding any of these options. We’d be more than happy to give you some help.
Alternatively, you can find more information on our website; we even have a dedicated progression routes e-course to help summarise things for you, the link to which can be found here. Alternatively you can have a look at our choices guide for information on your possible routes.
