Options at 18
Further Education
Sometimes an extra year at a further education (FE) college can be an option if you want to improve or add to your grades, gain further skills or improve current ones. Sometimes there might be a charge for additional years at college – you may need to check with individual colleges to see if this applies.
Apprenticeships
At 18, work-based learning is still an option. This involves taking recognised courses such as apprenticeships. Apprenticeships usually train towards an NVQ Level 2 although with an Advanced Level Apprenticeship, it’s likely that you would work towards an NVQ Level 3 qualification. With work based learning, you would usually spend most of your time at work and some time at either a college or a training centre. Apprenticeships are available in a wide variety of sectors. For Ealing apprenticeship opportunities see Ealing Council apprenticeships.
An apprenticeship usually includes:
- a work placement with on-the-job learning
- taking part in training courses to gain a Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) qualification, in the skills area of the placement
- working towards certificates in technical skills
- working towards certificates in key or functional skills, for example Maths, English, and ICT
The different levels of apprenticeships are:
- Intermediate Level Apprenticeship (Level 2 which is the equivalent of 5 GCSEs at grade C and above)
- Advanced Level Apprenticeship (Level 3 which is the equivalent of two A levels)
- Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4 – 7; usually starting at Foundation Degree level)
- Degree Apprenticeships (Level 5 – 7; they will involve a degree as an integral part of the apprenticeship)
To find out more about apprenticeships and vacancies around Ealing, click here.
Higher Education (HE)
If you’re thinking about higher education, you will probably be looking to go on to attend either an HE college or a university. There are a range of HE qualifications in 100s of different subjects and subject combinations.
HE could be for you if you need a degree for the career you want to enter or if you want to study a subject, or set of subjects, in more depth. It could also be a route to consider if you’re unsure about your future career and want to keep your options open. Higher education can help develop personal skills and give you a wider understanding of the world. Please read our guide to Higher Education at the bottom of the page for more useful information and then explore the useful websites listed below.
During this time of the year students receive their results and can complete the UCAS process. If you require support with your options, please speak to your advisor in school or speak to an advisor at Westside Young People’s Centre.
More information on what to do on Results day can be found on the UCAS webite, please click the image below.
There are many useful websites that can help you choose Higher Education courses and where to study them. Here are a few that can help you to find out more:
UCAS – help students find out about and apply to higher education in the UK. Use this site to help you get into universities and colleges.
Which? University – a free & independent website to help you make informed decisions about higher education. Search by course, typical offer and success rates. Click here
bestCourse4me lets you compare information on university courses and possible career paths, showing you what you need to go into these fields and also what you can expect as a result of your choices. Click here
Uni Stats – the official website for comparing UK higher education course data. It includes official data for undergraduate courses on each university and college’s satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey, jobs and salaries after study and other key information for prospective students. Click here
The graph below shows the trends in first year of first degree students by subject area.
- The two largest subjects within biological sciences are psychology and sport & exercise science, which saw increases in first degree entrant numbers of 26% and 34% respectively over the seven years.
- Subjects allied to medicine and biological sciences saw the highest percentage growth in entrants over the seven years of the time series.
- Subjects allied to medicine is dominated by nursing, which saw a 73% rise in first degree entrants since 2007/08. This reflects the sector-wide change of nursing qualifications from DipHE to first degree level.
HE could be for you if you need a degree for the career you want to enter or if you want to study a subject, or set of subjects, in more depth. It could also be a route to consider if you’re unsure about your future career and want to keep your options open. Higher education can help develop personal skills and give you a wider understanding of the world. Please read our guide to Higher Education at the bottom of the page for more useful information and then explore the useful websites listed below.
During this time of the year students receive their results and can complete the UCAS process. If you require support with with your options, please speak to your adviser in school or speak to an adviser at Westside Young People’s Centre.
More information on what to do on Results day can be found on the UCAS website, please click the image below.
There are many useful websites that can help you choose Higher Education courses and where to study them. Here are a few that can help you to find out more:
UCAS – help students find out about and apply to higher education in the UK. Use this site to help you get into universities and colleges.
Which? University – a free & independent website to help you make informed decisions about higher education. Search by course, typical offer and success rates. Click here
bestCourse4me lets you compare information on university courses and possible career paths, showing you what you need to go into these fields and also what you can expect as a result of your choices. Click here
Uni Stats – the official website for comparing UK higher education course data. It includes official data for undergraduate courses on each university and college’s satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey, jobs and salaries after study and other key information for prospective students. Click here
The graph below shows the trends in first year of first degree students by subject area.
- The two largest subjects within biological sciences are psychology and sport & exercise science, which saw increases in first degree entrant numbers of 26% and 34% respectively over the seven years.
- Subjects allied to medicine and biological sciences saw the highest percentage growth in entrants over the seven years of the time series.
- Subjects allied to medicine is dominated by nursing, which saw a 73% rise in first degree entrants since 2007/08. This reflects the sector-wide change of nursing qualifications from DipHE to first degree level.
Employment
Jobs for 18 year olds vary depending on where you live and the type and level of work you’re looking for. The wider and more flexible your search for employment, the more likely you are to find something suitable. Some companies advertise management or other trainee schemes for school or college leavers.
GAP Year
Did you know that you are able to take a year out between completing your A levels (or equivalent) and starting a degree? It’s called a GAP year and many people believe that students who do this find the transition to university life much easier. In addition the experiences you gain from a GAP year will stand you in good stead for your future career; so it’s worth considering. It’ll develop your skills and confidence as well as helping your CV.
There’s a range of things that you could do during a GAP year such as travelling, volunteering or paid employment. GAP years can be a good option if you want to travel before entering higher education or need a bit of time before you decide what to do next. It could also be an option if you need to earn some money or get some work experience before you enter higher education. If you plan on taking a GAP year before entering higher education you will need to decide whether or not to apply for a higher education course this year and defer entry until next year.
Find out more about what you can do in your GAP year.
A guide to Higher Education (HE)
If you’re considering applying for Higher Education (HE) you’ll need to do some research into:
- the type of course you want to do
- where you can do it
- whether you’ll get the entry grades
- if you want to have a ‘gap’ year first
- the course fees.
Most people go to university after Year 13, so you should start your research in Year 12, and go to open days too. You can ask your college if they’ve got any open day visits planned that you could join or find out when open days are.
Doing your research
What sort of course do you want to do? Here are some examples:
- Bachelor degrees – are first degrees and lead to qualifications like a BA, BSc. They are usually 3-4 years long
- Foundation degrees – are a mix of work related and academic study, and are broadly equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor degree
- Higher National Diplomas/Higher National Certificates – are work-related courses focusing on the skills required for specific professions. They take 1-2 years to complete depending on the method of study.
There is usually an entry requirement for university, for example A Levels, BTECs and other vocational qualifications. For some university courses you need to have taken certain qualifications in specific subjects. You’ll have to consider whether you’ll get the entry grades that you’ll need, and if you want to go straight to university or have a ‘GAP’ year first.
You can talk to an Ealing Connexions Adviser and your college tutors about courses and you’ll also find plenty of information directly from the universities.
Visit UCAS or higher education information by subject, by university and by region.
The application system
Applications are made online from the summer before you enter Year 13. You use a system called Apply that is administered by UCAS. UCAStv explains what you need to do. As part of the application process you’ll need to write a personal statement – this must be in your own words. UCAS and the universities use a Similarity Detection Service to compare statements and will spot if you’ve copied your statement from another source!
Whatever your age and background, you can go to university to study a course such as a degree, higher national diploma, or foundation degree. Some Higher Education courses can also be studied at colleges.
Most full time degree courses take 3-4 years to complete but if you are taking a part-time qualification it will take longer. If you get your degree you will be known as a ‘graduate’.
Studying at university will be different to school or college and you will need to be prepared to work hard. There will be lots of discussions, practical work and lectures. You will be expected to work both by yourself and as part of a group.
Download the UCAS application flow chart to get a better idea of the timescale for Higher Education applications.
Going to University – what does it cost?
You will need to cover your tuition fees, accommodation and living costs. Find out more about the funding and benefits that might be available to you as a higher education student.