Higher Education information and Post 18 Options
The world of work is changing exponentially and young people will require higher level knowledge, skills, experiences and career management expertise to ensure they are flexible, able to adapt and manage change to thrive in the future world of work.
There has never been greater choice in relation to higher education (HE) opportunities spanning academic, technical and apprenticeships and with many having no upper age limit they offer exciting opportunities for all age 18+ and open our minds to the concept of Learning for Life!
Academic:
Most are familiar with the traditional academic route, moving onto university to study as an undergraduate following completion of sixth form or college courses such as A level, T Level or BTECs.
You can explore university courses.
Russel Group Universities
There are 24 Russel Group universities across the UK renowned for excellent teaching and learning and links to real research and employers.
What is the TEF for universities?
The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a UK-wide scheme run by the OfS that aims to encourage universities and colleges to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.
Find out more here:
University ranking
https://www.thetimes.com/uk-university-rankings
Unifrog (logo) tools to support students to search, shortlist and apply to university include:
UK Universities
Oxbridge
UK Personal Statement
Talent Pool: students can use to network with universities
Events: Webinars live and on demand covering a range inspirational information
Apprenticeships
Higher and degree apprenticeships offer a work-based route to a high-level qualification (Levels 4-7) while being a full-time, paid employee. They combine practical on-the-job training (around 80% of time) with academic study at a college or university (around 20% of time), with tuition fees covered by the employer and government funding.
Summary of Key Features
- Earn While You Learn: Apprentices receive a salary and employee benefits (e.g., paid holidays, sick pay) from their employer, avoiding student debt.
- High-Level Qualifications: They lead to nationally recognized qualifications, including Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), foundation degrees, and full Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees.
- Real-World Experience: Apprentices gain significant industry experience and job-specific skills, often giving them a head start over traditional graduates.
- Employer-Led and Job-Focused: Programmes are designed by employers to meet specific industry skill needs, and many lead to professional body accreditation.
- Competitive but Aspirational: Positions can be competitive, and the workload is demanding, requiring a balance between work and study.
Levels and Equivalents
Want to know more
The Sixth Formers Guide to Degree Apprenticeships 2025 https://youtu.be/QN7GWVwuJB8?si=TVAErG7BVefTVWJM
Useful websites
National Apprenticeship Service: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Get my first job: https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/
Not going to university: https://notgoingtouni.co.uk/
Rate my apprenticeship: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Target Careers: https://targetcareers.co.uk/
UCAS Careers Finder https://careerfinder.ucas.com/
Unifrog: https://www.unifrog.org/ Log in using your school email and password and visit the Apprenticeships Tool or Know How library for more information about apprenticeships and to search for apprentice vacancies.
Higher/degree apprenticeship vacancy listings https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/higher-degree-listing/
Additional apprentice information
Once an apprentice you can also join the https://associationofapprentices.org.uk/ FREE. This online community is available to any apprentice, lifelong, and is a great way to access future training and link with other apprentices.
TOTUM Apprentice! The only discount card for apprentices in the UK. A TOTUM Apprentice membership has loads of new benefits with hundreds of new discounts, brand new app, new and improved website!
https://totum.com/campaigns/apprentice-extra-is-now-totum-apprentice
Higher Technical Qualifications
As part of the governments higher technical education reforms, they have created approved HTQs as an alternative to apprenticeships or degrees.
These qualifications are new or existing level 4 and 5 qualifications such as higher national certificates (HNCs), higher national diplomas (HNDs) and foundation degrees. They sit between A levels or T Levels and degrees, and can be taught at a further education college, an independent training provider or a university. These qualifications have been developed by awarding bodies in collaboration with employers so students can develop the skills that employers want.
Skills England will approve each new HTQ as meeting the knowledge and skills needed by the sector. Approved courses show the HTQ quality mark logo. Watch our video to get an introduction to the HTQ.
Available subjects
HTQ courses are currently being taught in a variety of digital occupations. By 2025, they will be available across a wide range of sectors.
From September 2023, students will also be able to take HTQs in the following sectors: construction, design and build and health and science.
From September 2024, students will also be able to take HTQs in the following sectors: business and administration, education and early years, engineering and manufacturing, legal, finance and accounting.
From September 2025, students will also be able to take HTQs in the following sectors: agriculture, environmental and animal care, catering and hospitality, creative and design, care services, protective services and sales, marketing and procurement.
Two occupational routes do not currently have level 4 and 5 occupational standards in scope for HTQ approvals. These are: hair and beauty and transport and logistics. This will remain under review with the aim of launching these routes once relevant standards are available.
You can find our more information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-technical-qualification-overview/higher-technical-qualification-an-introduction
Search for HTQ courses here:
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course
https://www.ucas.com/explore/search
Direct Contact with Providers: contact local universities, colleges, or independent training providers directly to ask about their HTQ offerings. Many institutions, such as Nottingham College, Lincoln College, and Derby College, offer specific HTQ programmes and list them on their websites.