You’re in Work Based Learning, probably doing an Advanced Apprenticeship or working through an NVQ.
What are your plans once you’ve finished...? Not even thought that far yet...? Never even thought of higher education...? Maybe it’s time you did!?
The fact is that through Aimhigher, Higher Education is now within the reach of everyone, so long as you have the drive and ability. It doesn't matter about your background, age, ethnic origin or how you want to learn - there are many ways into Higher Education and you can find the option that best suits you.
Higher Education courses take a lot of commitment but offer great personal and career benefits. They allow you to study a favourite subject in greater depth and allow you to specialise in areas that interest you. They can allow entry to graduate-entry schemes with major employers and open the door to more higher paid jobs than if you have a Level 3 qualification. No one is saying that it's impossible to gain a good job or get promoted without doing an Higher Education course but it does make it easier.
Studying at Higher Education level will allow you to develop skills that are very attractive to employers - research, report writing, presentation and the ability to really understand a topic. Gaining an Higher Education qualification will give you a great deal of personal satisfaction and not least will increase your earning potential over your working life.
Higher Education courses are not only Degrees, but also include HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees, vocational courses such as NVQs at Level 4 or 5 and professional qualifications such as those in accounting, management or marketing.
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What are they?
This is the most common Higher Education qualification. It is a subject based qualification and is not usually aimed at a particular career. Some are offered as 'sandwich' courses which means they include an organised work placement usually lasting a year where you have the chance to apply what you have learnt to real-life working situations.
How long do they take?
It can take between 3 and 5 years to complete an Honours Degree if studied full-time and between 4 and 6 years to complete if studied part-time or by flexible learning.
Where next?
You can progress to other professional qualifications, for example a Master's Degree or a PhD.
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What are they?
A Foundation Degree is a employment related qualification, integrating academic and work based learning. They are designed in conjunction with employers to meet skills shortages at the higher technician and associate professional levels.
How long does it take?
Foundation Degrees can take between 2 and 4 years depending on whether you study full or part time which makes them available to you if you are in work, unemployed or just want to make a career change.
Where next?
Foundation Degrees offer excellent progression options including
the opportunity to move on to the final year of an honours degree or move on to other work based learning qualifications
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What are they?
Higher National Certificates/Higher National Diplomas or HNCs and HNDs as they are better known are vocational qualifications that are available in a wide range of subjects.
How long do they take?
HNCs can take 1 year if studied full-time and 2 years if studied part-time. HNDs normally take 2 years when studied full-time and up to 5 years when studied part-time.
Where next?
You can progress onto an Honours Degree.
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What are they?
NVQs are work related, competence-based qualifications and are available relating to most jobs and industries. Both NVQ 4 and 5 are for people who have a great deal of responsibility and autonomy in their job, which may include the allocating of resources and work to others.
How long do they take?
They can take several years to complete, depending on the chosen level.
Where next?
You can progress to other professional and Higher Education courses, including in some cases post graduate level courses.
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What are they?
Professional qualifications are industry specific and highly specialised. They are usually offered by professional body related to an industry, for example the Institute of Legal Executives or the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and delivered at an approved centre.
How long do they take?
They can take several years to complete, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
Where next?
You can progress to other professional and Higher Education courses.
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What are they?
The new Diploma is an alternative to the traditional GCSE or A level route, offering a mix of classroom learning, creative thinking and hands-on experience. It can help you to develop the skills and experience that are valued by employers and which universities and colleges look for in potential students.
How long do they take?
There are three levels to the qualification, the Foundation Diploma, the Higher Diploma and the Advanced Diploma, usually tasking 2 years for each of the levels.
Where next?
Foundation and Higher Diploma students can go on to study for the next level of Diploma, take a different type of qualification such as a GCSE, A level or Apprenticeship, or go on to a job with training. An Advanced Diploma can lead on to university or into a career.
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Based on information from the ALPS website