Choices at 13+
Choices at 16+
Choices at 18+

Choices at 18+

Making applications to Higher Education

Web Linx

Aim Higher

AimHigher

Aim higher makes finding UK colleges and college courses simple.


Centigrade online

centigrade on-line

Centigrade matches your strongest interests and abilities with the most likely courses available


HERO

Hero

The scope of this list extends to all Further Education Institutions


support4learning

Support4learning

A signpost to relevant organisations and resources


UCAS

You can research and apply for courses


UCAS Card

Our brand new UCAS Card scheme is now open for registration to all current Year 12, S5 or equivalent students


Doing the research

What sort of course do you want? Here are some examples

  • Bachelor degrees – are first degrees and lead to qualifications like a BA, BSc. They are usually 3 – 4 years long
  • Foundation degrees – are a mix of work related and academic study, and are broadly equivalent to the first 2 years of a Bachelor degree
  • HND/HNCs – are work related courses focusing on the skills required for specific professions. They take 1 - 2 years to complete depending on the method of study.

You’ll have to consider whether you’ll get the entry grades that you’ll need, and if you want to go straight to university or have a ‘gap’ year first.

Most people apply to university at 18+ so by Year 12 you should be researching courses and going to open days. Here is a list of College and University open days to help you. Check if your college is planning any visits that you can join.

You can talk to your Personal Adviser and your college tutors about courses and you’ll also find plenty of information from the universities direct. If you’re not sure which courses might suit you could complete Centigrade OnLine as this can generate suitable course ideas for you – there is a fee to do this.

You can register for the UCAS Card - it will give you access to information about higher education, online forums as well as discounts in shops and stores.

The application system

Applications are made on line from the summer before you enter Year 13.  You use a system called Apply that’s administered by UCAS

UCAS covers the majority of Bachelor, Foundation and HND courses, and specialist courses such as Nursing and Midwifery Diplomas

CUKAS covers entry to the seven Music Conservatories – you can apply to up to six simultaneously and track the progress of your application and reply to offers on line.

These websites also give you information about higher education and what you need to think about.

2 educationYou can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away.