What do we mean by higher education? 

When we talk about higher education, we are referring to all courses at Level 4 and above that progress up to Level 8. These can be studied at colleges and universities. 

Higher education qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degrees, either Bachelor of Arts – BA or Bachelor of Science – BSc
• Foundation degrees, either Foundation Arts – FdA or Foundation Science – FdSc
• Master’s degrees
• Higher National Certificate – HNC
• Higher National Diploma – HND
• Higher Apprenticeships
• Higher Technical Qualifications

When studying a higher education qualification at college or university, you gain a higher level of knowledge and skills in a particular subject, which is different to studying a GCSEs or A Levels.  

Higher education qualifications can open more doors for you in terms of employment because many careers now require applicants to hold a higher education qualification, for example, to work as a nurse, police officer or teacher. 

On average, those who successfully complete a higher education qualification earn more than those who don’t over their lifetime.