The qualifications you’ll need will depend on the course you want to study. Some qualifications (such as A-levels and BTEC National Diplomas) are below university level and lead directly onto higher education while others (such as HNDs and Foundation Degrees), are university-level qualifications that will enable you to join a degree course in the second or third year.

You’ll find the exact entry requirements for each course explained clearly on the course profiles on this website. To give you a rough idea, the sort of qualifications you’ll need are as follows:

Courses can last for up to two years (three with a sandwich placement in industry), and you can choose from thousands of opportunities in science and technology, computing and business, art and design, social sciences, the humanities and many others. The broad range and flexible approach of the UK education system allows you to choose the course and qualifications that will suit you best.

BTEC National Award, Certificate or Diploma

BTEC Nationals are one or two-year courses in career-related subjects such as e-business, engineering, art and design, media, performing arts, agriculture, applied science, computing and health and social care. They are ideal for students hoping to progress to a career at supervisory or technician level, and also provide a foundation for higher education courses in the same subject area.

AS and A levels

AS and A levels are the UK qualifications most widely accepted for entry to university. They are available in subjects from the humanities, arts, sciences and social sciences as well as in practical subjects such as engineering and leisure and tourism. You will study up to four subjects simultaneously over two years, taking AS level examinations at the end of your first year and A level qualifications at the end of your second.  An AS level qualification is the equivalent of 50 per cent of an A level. In both AS and A level course work accounts for between 20 and 30 per cent of the marks, with the remainder being assessed by examination.

Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Diploma (HND)

Higher National Certificates and Diplomas are one- and two- year career-related higher education courses, which are equivalent to the first stages of a degree. They are available in many areas including engineering, sports studies, art and design, media and communications and music technology. Successful completion will allow you to enter a career at junior management level and from many courses you can ‘top-up’ to a degree by transferring into the second or third year of the degree course.

Foundation Degrees (FdA, FdSc etc)

Foundation Degrees are two-year career-related higher education courses, which are equivalent to the first stages of a degree. They are available in many areas, including art and design, media and communications, engineering and hospitality management, and can be used as a good foundation for a career or as a basis from which to progress on to a degree course.

University International Foundation Year

University International Foundation Year courses help to bridge any gaps between qualifications you hold already and the ones you need to begin a degree course at a UK university, whether this is because you need to improve your English language skills, your academic qualifications, or both.

UK career-based and pre-university course fees can vary considerably between institutions, but the figures below show approximately what you’ll need to pay.

You can find more details on individual education institutions’ fees on our site by checking out their profiles.

Part of the reason that UK career-based and pre-university qualifications are so highly valued across the world is the strict measures of quality imposed on them. Many of the checks and reports are available online, so you’ll never be left in any doubt about the validity and quality of the course you choose.

The Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA) maintains and develops the National Curriculum and associated assessments, tests and examinations, and accredits and monitors qualifications in colleges and at work. Further details can be found at www.qca.org.uk

You can find a list of all UK qualifications accredited by the QCA on the Open Qualifications website at www.openquals.org.uk

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) ensures that UK higher education is of a standard that’s respected and admired across the world. Further details can be found at www.qaa.ac.uk

For Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), you should apply through UCAS but for all other career-based programmes, you should apply directly to the institution which offers the course. Contact the institution and ask for a prospectus and an application form.

There is no standard closing date for applications to career-based courses but you will need to leave yourself enough time to apply for a visa, make travel arrangements and arrange accommodation.

In making a decision, the college will consider your background, interests and abilities and will treat your application on its individual merits. Once you have accepted a place, the college will send you a letter confirming this.