Further study – university

University can be a way of boosting your career prospects and studying a subject you love.

As well as offering a huge variety of degree courses, university can be a place where you can build your independence, gain confidence, and take part in all sorts of extra-curricular activities.

Most degree courses take between two and four years to complete and they can be the key to pursuing your career aspirations – especially if you want to go into a career like medicine, architecture or law, for which a degree is essential.

University can also be a good choice if you have a passion for a particular subject and want to dedicate your time to learning more.

University students are expected to study much more independently than you may have done at school or college, and you will also need to think about whether you need to take out a loan to cover tuition fees (which can be up to £9,250 a year) and living costs. But the investment can pay off, as government data shows that, on average, graduates earn more than non-graduates, and are less likely to be unemployed.

Some degree courses include time spent studying abroad, or you might choose to study your entire degree at a university overseas – opening up the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture.

Depending on which course you choose, universities usually require certain A-Level (or equivalent level three qualification) grades. But if you don’t achieve the results that you need, or if you didn’t apply for a place earlier in the year, you can still get a university place through clearing.


Find out more

UCAS offers guidance on studying abroad and in the UK, and you can also research different universities through their individual websites. Visit UCAS.