Higher Education (HE)
What is Higher Education?
Higher Education (HE) is the level of study that comes after Further Education (FE). It includes any qualification at Level 4 or above, such as foundation degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and other advanced qualifications. These programmes are delivered by universities, specialist colleges, and some Further Education colleges.
HE gives students the opportunity to study a subject in depth, develop higher‑level skills, and gain qualifications that can open doors to a wide range of careers.
What Does Higher Education Offer?
A Range of Qualifications
Higher Education includes:
- Higher National Certificates (HNCs) – Level 4
- Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) – Level 5
- Foundation Degrees – Level 5
- Undergraduate Degrees (BA, BSc, etc.) – Level 6
- Postgraduate Qualifications (Master’s degrees, PhDs, PGCEs) – Levels 7–8
These qualifications can be academic, vocational, or professional, depending on the pathway a student chooses.
Flexible Study Options
Students can study in ways that suit their needs, including:
- Full‑time or part‑time study
- Studying at university or at a local FE college offering HE courses
- Taking a degree apprenticeship, which combines paid work with degree‑level study
- Choosing courses with industry placements or study abroad opportunities
Who is Higher Education For?
HE is suitable for learners who:
- Have completed Further Education (A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, etc.)
- Want to specialise in a particular subject area
- Are aiming for careers that require degree‑level qualifications
- Prefer academic study, professional qualifications, or advanced vocational pathways
Students can enter HE at any age, and many mature learners choose to return to study later in life.
Why Choose Higher Education?
- Study a subject in depth and gain specialist knowledge.
- Increase employability and access careers that require degree‑level qualifications.
- Boost long‑term earning potential—graduates often benefit from higher lifetime earnings.
- Access placement opportunities, industry links, and international experiences.
- Gain independence, new experiences and transferable skills.