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Routes into university and higher education

As well as traditional A levels, there is also a range of qualifications that can get you into higher education. Universities and colleges may also take your work experience into account.

Got a particular course in mind?

If you already have a particular full-time higher education course in mind, you can look up the entry requirements on the Universities and Colleges Admission Service website, which is more commonly known as UCAS. Universities and colleges use a points-based system called the ‘UCAS Tariff’ to set entry requirements. The tariff assigns a number value to a wide range of qualifications, so that colleges and universities can compare the achievements of different candidates.

Part-time courses and Foundation Degrees

For part-time courses, check the university or college prospectus - most are now available online. The UCAS website gives details of part-time and full-time Foundation Degrees.

Qualifications for getting into higher education

Universities and colleges set their own entry requirements for higher education courses, so they vary widely. Depending on the course, UK students may be able to get into higher education with a range of qualifications which include:

  • A levels
  • National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)
  • Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)
  • BTEC qualifications and OCR Nationals
  • Key Skills qualifications
  • Advanced Diploma qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate
  • other specialist and professional qualifications

You may also be able to get in by completing a Foundation or Access course.

What if you’ve got vocational qualifications?

Prospectuses often refer mainly to A levels when they talk about entry requirements, but don't be put off if you’ve got vocational qualifications like NVQs or a BTEC. Ask the course provider about vocational entry criteria.

What about work experience?

If you're applying to do a Foundation Degree course, you may find that work experience is taken into account alongside any qualifications you have.

What if you’ve already got a higher education qualification?

If you already have a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND), you may be able to enter a first degree course at the start of the second or third year. If you have a Foundation Degree, you may be able to enter a degree course at the start of the third or final year.

Students from outside the United Kingdom - what happens?

If you are a student from outside the UK, you may be able to get onto a higher education course if you have qualifications equivalent to A levels. These may include the International Baccalaureate (IB), European Baccalaureate (EB) and Irish Leaving Certificate. Check well in advance with the universities and colleges you’re planning to apply to if the qualifications you have meet their admissions requirements.

Foundation and Access Courses

If you are a 'mature' student, which usually means that you're aged 21 or over, and have work experience but lack traditional qualifications; you could find an alternative route into higher education through:

  • a Foundation Year or Foundation course
  • an Access to Higher Education course

Foundation Years

Some universities and colleges offer Foundation Years as preparation for certain degree courses. They generally don't result in a separate qualification as they simply qualify you to enter the degree course itself. Foundation Years aren't available for all degree courses, however.

Taking a Foundation Year may be helpful if:

  • your qualifications are a poor match with the subject you would like to study at degree level
  • you have not been in education for a while
  • you are an overseas student and your language skills don’t yet meet the demands of a degree course

Foundation courses

Foundation courses are similar to Foundation Years, but may not be held at the same university or college as the full degree or diploma, or qualify you for entry to a particular course. Overseas students with a limited command of English may find them useful.

Access to Higher Education courses

Many further education colleges and some universities provide access courses to prepare students for higher education.

Getting into higher education after a break from learning

With a range of flexible study options allowing you to learn about the subjects you want in the way you want, you shouldn’t be put off from thinking about higher education later in life.

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