Higher Education (HE) may seem like the automatic next step after A Level, Vocational A levels or a National Diploma. But, you should have a clear idea why you want to go onto HE before applying. Students give many reasons e.g. to get a better job; because their parents want them to; they need a degree for the career they're interested in; because of the great social life. What reasons would you give?

	Which subject?
	You could carry on with an existing subject such as Maths or History, or take a completely new subject like Philosophy or Architecture. Vocational courses leading to a specific career e.g. Physiotherapy or Medicine are also an option.

	Which course?
	Consider the different qualifications available and the different methods of study e.g. exams or continuous assessment, thick or thin sandwich courses. You need to choose the option that suits you best:

Degree   Most take 3 or 4 years, although courses like medicine and veterinary science, can take up to 5 years. Entry requirements are usually at least 2 full A Levels, a 12 unit Vocational A Level (AVCE) or equivalent. You may also need specific subjects and grades		HND (Higher National Diploma)   Generally two year courses in vocational subjects like Business, IT and Engineering. Often possible to transfer to the 2nd or 3rd year of a related degree course after the HND. Entry requirements vary, but usually ask for 1 A Level or equivalent

Foundation Degree   A new work based qualification, which takes about 2 years to complete. You could then progress onto a related degree course.		Conversion Course   If you haven't studied the particular subject(s) essential to your intended degree course or if you didn't do well enough initially to enter your chosen course at degree level then think about a conversion course. Most common in science and engineering subjects.

	Which university?
	Once you've decided what sort of course you want to take, you will need to think about which universities and colleges you want to apply to. Below are the things you need to think about. Which are imporant to you? - The type of university or college: They come in all shapes and sizes, because they were formed at different times e.g. ancient; redbrick universities; campus; technological; new universities and colleges of higher education. - Size of the college or university. - Make-up of the students - different universities have different mixes of students e.g. ratio of males to females, number of mature or foreign students, ratio of public school to state school applicants. - Location: North, South, Wales, City Centre, Town, Campus. How far is it from your home? Is there enough going on? Would it be too hectic for you? - Cost of living: a simple guide is that the cost of living is higher further south, especially in the South East of England including London. - Academic reputation: Look at the university league tables. This varies for each subject. - Facilities e.g. libraries, computer labs, labs, sports etc. - Social life: student clubs and societies, students union, art galleries, cinemas, local pubs and clubs etc. - Accomodation: Think about cost, availability of places in halls, amount of private rented accomodation available.

	Other things to think about
	- Does your course offer the opportunity to work or study abroad? - Does your course offer any work experience e.g. a sandwhich year or work experience built in. How else could you gain relevant experience? - What are the destinations of past students? Does the course have a good reputation with employers in your chosen field? - Many students drop out of university because they chose the wrong course or university, so don't be a mug, do your research now! - Check entry requirements on individual university websites or in prospectuses before applying for any course. Ask your Careers Adviser for a copy of Choices Higher Education - a guide for entry in 2006