Education

Finding the right course for you

There are almost a million courses available in the UK, so there’s bound to be one to suit your needs. Many courses are aimed at complete beginners and have no entry requirements other than a willingness to learn.

You can search for a course by using the Directgov course search:

• use the quick or advanced search options
• browse courses by subject for inspiration
• search for a college or learning provider

Routes into university and higher education

As well as traditional academic qualifications like GCE A levels, there are work-related (vocational) qualifications acceptable for entry into higher education. Work experience may also be taken into account.

Qualifications for getting into university

The exact qualifications and grades needed for different higher education courses vary widely.

In general, though, you can apply for a degree course with:

• A levels, Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)
• vocational qualifications
• Foundation or Access Course qualifications

If you already have a particular full-time degree or HND course in mind, you can look up the entry requirements on the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) website. For part-time courses, find the university or college prospectus – most are now available online. The UCAS website also gives details of both part and full-time Foundation Degrees.

Routes into higher education: vocational qualifications

If you don’t have the equivalent of A levels, you may be able to use vocational qualifications to apply to a university or college, including:

• NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications)
• SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications)
• VCEs (Vocational Certificates of Education)
• Key skills qualifications

Along with vocational qualifications, you may also have considerable work experience to offer. If you're applying for a Foundation Degree course in particular, you may find that this is taken into account, alongside any qualifications you hold. Although prospectuses often refer mainly to A levels when they talk about entry requirements, don’t be put off – check with the course provider on vocational entry requirements, and if any substantial work experience could be taken into account.
More about adult learning read on http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/subjects/adult_learning.shtml

English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) these courses are for those who want to improve their English language skills in order to get better job or continue studying. For EU citizens courses are free of charge. If you want to find ESOL courses, please check: www.migrantworker.co.uk/esol.asp

• Unlimited access to full online course library http://www.beginners.co.uk/-
• Free TOEFL Test Preparation Exercises http://www.learn4good.com/languages/spec_english_toefl.htm
• The National Academic Recognition Information Centre for the UK to find out the UK equivalent of your foreign qualification www.naric.co.uk -
• Information for all foreign and British students studying in the UK www.ukstudentlife.com
• All about learning English, studying in England, taking exams www.britishcouncil.com

learndirect - Learning through Work is an exciting opportunity for individuals and work-based groups to get university qualifications without leaving the workplace. Customised programmes build on existing skills and knowledge and focus on work-related learning.
Participating universities University College Chester; University of Derby; University of Central Lancashire; Northumbria University; University College Northampton and University of the West of England, Bristol; Thames Valley University http://catalogue.learndirect.co.uk/courses/100025