Deciding whether higher education (HE) is right for you is a big decision, sometimes quite a daunting one. There are many reasons you might feel it’s not right for you, but sometimes unbiased and up-to-date information can change this preconception – it may well be right for you after all. Many people have opinions about HE that are based on misconceptions and outdated information, there’s also a mind boggling amount of information out there.
If nobody in your family has been to university, or studied HE at college before, you won’t be as clued up as those who have parents, or family who’ve all done it. You may have been told it’s not worth the money, or that you have to be ‘academic’ to study at HE level. Some just don’t know what they want to do in the future or what kind of courses are possible to study. If any of this applies to you – how are you supposed to know whether it’s the right path for you?
That’s where we come in. We’re here to help you get the information you need, to make the choice that’s right for you.
So, why go to university?
There’s a reason why 1.75 million* people decide to pay the fees and go to university or college to get a higher education qualification, and it’s really simple: there are loads of benefits.
Some might assume that events of recent years has meant a decline in HE applications… well quite the opposite, as of 30th June 2021 UCAS reported a rise of 4% in HE applications (compared with 2020), a 10% increase in 18 year olds.
Whether it’s earning more on average during your working life (on average graduates earn £10,000 a year more than those without HE level qualifications – according to gov.uk), learning the skills employers find valuable, developing skills that could help you change career, or being seen as more employable when you’re job hunting, graduating from university can set you on a successful path forward. Find out more about the benefits university brings.
“You don’t need to study at HE to get the career you want…”
Lots of people hear stories about how people have become successful without going to uni, this can sometimes give an unhelpful view of things, whilst it’s certainly the case that it’s not always necessary, some careers do require you to study at HE level. But also studying at HE gives you an advantage in so many ways, from contacts to experience and skills that you can’t get else where.
Check out this film highlighting why studying at HE can help you get the career you want…
“HE is just like school…”
When you’ve already been in education since you were four or five years old the prospect of more of the same would make anyone think twice. We also understand that at each stage of our education the expectations of us can become greater.
HE is not necessarily the same – when you choose to to study at HE your focus is in one area, hopefully something you enjoy, the amount of lesson time can be less than school, the way you study is different, it may take more self discipline but you can do it at times that suit you.
You won’t always be in “lessons”, even in academic subjects you take part in seminars which are more of an exchange of ideas. You might study in a lab, a studio or even a gym, or outside doing field work, perhaps in even a zoo! There are also HE courses which is split between the “classroom” and a work placement (degree course also offer work placements and work experience). Studying at HE also offers you the opportunity to broaden your way of thinking, a skill that translates in to every aspect of your life and career.
You’ll also meet new people and make new friends, and might get to discover a whole new town or city with new opportunities and experiences. But don’t take our word for it, we’ve collated lots of resources with the help of people who’ve studied at HE level – discover the possibilities…
Find out more: