Introduction to this guide

If you’re thinking about continuing your studies, then your head is probably full of questions. What course should I do? Where shall I go? How much will it cost? This guide will help you look into Higher Education (HE). It’ll prompt you about what to consider, show you where to find more information, and encourage you to weigh things up and make choices that are right for you.

HE isn’t just another word for university. You can study one of 50,000 HE courses at a university, a Higher Education college or a Further Education (FE) college, either locally or further afield. HE is all about furthering your education, learning new things, being in charge of your choices and getting to where you want to be in the future - whatever stage you’re at, whatever age you are.

Throughout this guide, you’ll be directed to the Aimhigher website at www.aimhigher.ac.uk, which is a great place to start when you’re searching for information about any aspect of HE. Get started now because before you know it, it’ll be time to apply!

This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision about Higher Education and what is right for you.

• You need to consider all the sections
• Work through the lists of bullet points
• Print off pages you want to add notes to
• Consider all the questions
• Use the websites suggested in the ‘find out more’ sections

Glossary of terms used in this guide:

Connexions offers a broad range of information, guidance and support, including careers advice for 13-19 year olds and for young people with disabilities up to the age of 25: www.connexions.gov.uk

Learndirect is the national information and advice service that supports adults in making appropriate decisions on learning and work opportunities. If you’re older than 25, and want to discuss careers, contact Learndirect at www.learndirect.co.uk

HNC/HND stands for Higher National Certificate/Higher National Diploma

A credit recognises that a person has undertaken a chunk of HE. Credits can accumulate and count towards other courses or transfer to institutions.

Entry requirements are the grades, prior learning, work or life experience you need to get onto an HE course.

A prospectus is a book of information about what an institution offers (course, accommodation, activities) produced by the institution to market itself to potential students.

Access courses provide opportunities for entry into HE for mature students without formal qualifications

HEFCE stands for Higher Education Funding Council for England

HEFCE Performance Indicators area a ange of statistical indicators intended to offer an objective measure of how a higher education institution is performing

Feedback

Use the feedback button at www.aimhigher.ac.uk/heguide to log your opinions about this guide.