Going on to higher education (HE)

Whether or not you go to university is a big decision. There seems to be so much pressure on young people to go into HE, but is it right for you?

• Are you really interested in a subject so much that you want to study it for the next three years or more?
• What job do you want to do? Is the degree essential for that job?
• Will the cost of going to university be outweighed by future earning potential as a result of getting a degree?

Remember, it’s your choice and there are a number of things you’ll need to consider when making your final decision:

• What are the benefits?
• What employability skills will I gain?
• How do I choose a course?
• How do I choose a place of study?
• What funding is available?

The benefits

• It can take your education to the next level – you will learn new things and get to where you want to be.
• It can take charge of your future by building skills and confidence, and open up new opportunities.
• It will let you experience a rich, cultural and social scene, meeting a variety of people while studying something you enjoy.
• You can learn to live independently.
• A HE qualification can lead to increased earning potential, a wide range of opportunities, and a more rewarding career.

Even if no one else you know is thinking about going into HE, it could still be the right choice for you.

Employability skills

HE develops skills and qualities that are valued by employers:

• Problem solving.
• Communication.
• Analytical.
• Self-management.
• Enthusiasm for learning.
• Specialist skills – a degree is necessary in some careers such as medicine, dentistry, chartered engineering, law, and architecture.

Making choices

Make sure you choose your course wisely. Around 20% of students drop out of HE each year – one of the most common reasons is that they did not think through their choice of subject. Your course subject should be decided first – before you even think about where or how you are going to study.

Choosing where to study, just like choosing a course, is very much down to personal preference. If you don’t have a university near you, you might be able to study a HE course at a local FE college. You may also want to consider distance learning whilst living at home – could studying with the Open University be an option for you?

Still unsure? Speak to your Connexions personal adviser, or try the Pathfinder HE programme in our centres to help you decide.

Funding

For information on funding for your course and living expenses, check out the following:

• DirectGov.
• Our Money to learn section.

More information

For more information on higher education, have a look at our Your Way Forward booklet, or visit DirectGov.

To find out about HE courses and how to apply, go to UCAS.

If you have a learning difficulty or disability and are considering HE, visit the Skill website.