Why Higher Education?
Higher Education is the next level of study after sixth form or college (eg A levels, T levels, BTECs). Students can study a higher education course at a university or college or even as part of a degree level apprenticeship. Higher Education gives students a chance to study a subject they are really interested in and can boost their career prospects and earning potential.
There are hundreds of Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in the country offering thousands of different degrees in all different subjects. Students can choose to study one subject or even a combination. They might choose to incorporate an industry placement or study abroad for some or all of their degree.
They might choose to commute to university from home or to move away and live on a campus. They might choose to study full time or part time, do a degree apprenticeship or take a gap year between school and university. There are lots of options and decisions to make; the first step is understanding what is on offer and what fits with their ambitions and goals.
Higher Education can seem like a daunting prospect, especially to those students who might be the first in their family to go to University. Whether you are a parent who has some or no personal experience of university, you will be a source of support for your son or daughter as they begin to research the post-18 options available to them.
We have found that many students find it beneficial to gain insight as to how learning within a university environment differs to what they are used to within school/college. Understanding the degree structures and programmes, being made aware that they can select their own modules and/or areas of research and that work is predominately driven by them is a good place to start.
Perhaps one of the trickiest elements of Higher Education is the terminology and acronyms associated with it, which can be intimidating and may alienate some students from fully engaging with the opportunity. As parents and guardians, understanding the language relating to universities can help you to interpret webpages and literature and to build up a better understanding of the processes involved to help you support your child with the decisions ahead.