What is Higher Education?

Higher education (HE) is where you can study at an advanced level normally after you turn 18 years old.    

Higher education courses are usually studied at universities, university colleges and higher education institutions. However, they can be studied at specialist colleges, for example art and music, and some further education colleges.  

The normal progression into higher education is as follows:

  • Secondary school (up to16 years)
    Study for: GCSEs
  • Further education 
     Means: Studying at a sixth form or further education college. Local colleges include City College, Totton College, Taunton's College, Itchen College, Barton Pevril College, Eastleigh College or St Anne's Sixth Form College.
    Study for: AS, A2, AVCE, BTEC or Diploma (normally for two years).
  • Higher education
    Means: Studying at a university, university college or higher education institution, such as Southampton Solent University.
    Study for: Degree*, Sandwich Course*, HND*, Foundation Degree* etc (full-time for two to three years, or part-time for up to five or six years). *For further clarification as to what these terms mean go to our university Jargon Buster.
  • Postgraduate education
    Means: Continuing to study at a university, university college or higher education institution to an even higher level.
    Study for: Masters Degree or PhD (i.e. become a Dr of your chosen subject).

Other pathways into HE: The pathway above is not the only way into HE. There are other progression routes - see Direct Gov's 'Routes into Higher Education'| to find out more.

Remember: If you don't think higher education is for you at the moment, that's not a problem, and it doesn't mean you won't be able to change your mind in the future.

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