Lana Oconnell
Higher education (HE) is any course at a level 4 or above, typically pursued after completing post-16 studies. It includes a wide range of options, from universities to University Centres, further education colleges, and online providers. Students can choose from various subjects, including traditional ones like English, History, and Geography, as well as more specialised fields like Robotic Engineering, Film and Television Production, and Genetics. HE students in the UK can apply for financial support through the Student Loans Company (SLC), and their data is recorded on the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record, which covers all students across various fields and modes of study.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Higher education (HE) is any course at a level 4 or above. |
| Institutions | Universities, colleges, professional schools, technical schools, University Centres |
| Age | There is no age limit. The oldest HE student in the UK was 90 when he graduated. |
| Subjects | English, History, Geography, Languages, Sciences, Maths, technology subjects, Genetics, Film and Television Production, Social Policy, Criminology, Nursing, Midwifery, Robotic Engineering, etc. |
| Qualifications | Degree, diploma, certificate (e.g. Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)) |
| Financial Support | Student Loans Company (SLC), scholarships, low-interest loans, work-study programs |
| Diversity | Sex, age, entry information, mode of study, level of study, qualification, permanent address, term-time accommodation |
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What You'll Learn
- Higher education (HE) is any course at level 4 or above
- HE students can apply for financial support through the Student Loans Company (SLC)
- The college or university determines the size of the loan and other financial assistance
- Students starting an HE course are recorded on the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record
- HE courses can be studied at universities, colleges, or with online providers
Higher education (HE) is any course at level 4 or above
Higher education (HE) is any nationally recognised qualification undertaken after completing post-16 studies, at level 4 or above. This includes a wide range of options, not just at universities, but also at University Centres, colleges, or with online providers. There are over 50,000 courses available in the UK at over 395 higher education institutions.
Students can choose from a range of subjects, including those they may have studied at school, such as English, History, Geography, Languages, Maths, and Technology. They can also explore new subjects in-depth, such as Genetics, Film and Television Production, Social Policy, Criminology, Nursing, and Robotic Engineering.
HE qualifications include Foundation Years, Honours Degrees, Honours Degrees with a placement year, and postgraduate degrees. Level 4 qualifications include the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) and the Level 4 practical-based qualifications, which are the vocational equivalent to the CertHE. Level 6 is a degree level, and Level 7 and above are postgraduate qualifications.
Access to HE courses provides a good foundation for university-level study, with some courses offering a specific subject focus, while others provide a broader preparation across multiple subjects. These courses can be completed in a year and are offered at further education colleges or universities, with some available in the evenings or by distance learning.
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HE students can apply for financial support through the Student Loans Company (SLC)
Higher education (HE) is any course at level 4 or above, which includes a wide range of options at universities, University Centres, further education colleges, or online providers. There are over 50,000 courses available in the UK at over 395 higher education institutions.
Students can apply for funding through the SLC website. New students starting a full-time or part-time Master's course in the 2022/23 academic year may be eligible to apply for a postgraduate loan from the SLC. Undergraduate Student Finance applications for the 2024/25 academic year are also open. Students can also apply for Part-time undergraduate student finance for 2025 to 2026.
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The college or university determines the size of the loan and other financial assistance
Higher education (HE) is any course at level 4 or above. This includes a wide range of options, not just at universities—you can also study HE qualifications at University Centres and colleges. There are over 50,000 courses available in the UK at over 395 higher education institutions.
The cost of higher education can be a concern for many students. There are several ways to get financial aid to help pay for college or university. The college or university may offer financial assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, or work-study programs. Grants are sources of financial aid that generally do not have to be repaid unless your educational or financial situation changes. Scholarships are a type of free money from nonprofit and private organizations that may be based on academic merit, talent, financial need, or a particular area of study. The Federal Work-Study Program allows students to pay for school by earning money at a part-time job.
In addition to financial aid from the college or university, students may also be eligible for federal loans. Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are available for undergraduate students with financial needs, as determined by the cost of attendance minus the expected family contribution and other financial aid. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available for undergraduate and graduate students and are not based on financial need. Eligibility for these loans is determined by the cost of attendance minus other financial aid. The maximum amount that can be borrowed each academic year depends on grade level and dependency status.
The college or university may also offer other types of financial assistance, such as tuition waivers or discounts, or work-study programs where students can work on campus to help pay for their education. Ultimately, the college or university will determine the size of the loan and other financial assistance offered to students based on their individual circumstances and the availability of funds. Students are encouraged to reach out to their school's financial aid office to discuss their options and explore all available avenues for funding their education.
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Students starting an HE course are recorded on the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record
Higher education (HE) is any course at level 4 or above, which includes a wide range of options, not just at universities. Students can also study HE qualifications at University Centres such as Askham Bryan and York College. Some courses are more practical, while others require more studying in classrooms, and some combine both aspects and can even include time spent working for companies. There are over 50,000 courses available in the UK at over 395 higher education institutions.
The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) is the official agency for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of quantitative information about higher education in the United Kingdom. HESA collects data from all publicly funded higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UK, as well as a small number of private providers. The data collected includes information about students, courses, and qualifications at HEIs and alternative providers of higher education.
The HESA data provides insights into a range of areas, including the number of postgraduate qualifications, subject popularity, and degree classifications obtained. This data can be compared across institutions and over time, with some data going back as far as 2000. HESA data has shown an overall increase in HE qualifications obtained, driven by the rise in postgraduate qualifications, particularly taught postgraduate awards to international students. Additionally, HESA data has highlighted an increase in the number of students starting university with a disability, particularly mental health concerns, and an increase in HE qualifications obtained by Black, Asian, Mixed, and Other ethnicity students, indicating widening diversity and improved engagement and belonging.
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HE courses can be studied at universities, colleges, or with online providers
Higher Education (HE) courses are available at universities, colleges, or with online providers. There are over 50,000 courses available across more than 395 higher education institutions in the UK. These institutions include universities, University Centres, and further education colleges.
University Centres, such as Askham Bryan and York College, offer a range of HE courses. Some courses are more practical, while others are classroom-based, and some combine both aspects and may include time working for companies. For example, a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) usually involves a year of study combined with a work placement in a relevant industry.
Colleges and universities offer a wide range of subjects, including those that students may have studied at school, such as English, History, Geography, Languages, Maths, and Technology. They also offer courses in more specialised subjects, such as Genetics, Film and Television Production, Social Policy, Criminology, Nursing, and Robotic Engineering.
Online providers also offer a wide range of HE courses. Online programs are available at public universities and colleges, as well as private institutions. The curriculum for an online bachelor's degree typically matches the on-campus curriculum at the same school, and the diploma does not usually indicate whether the degree was earned online or in person. Online programs can offer flexibility and the opportunity to save money on accommodation and commuting costs. However, online courses may not offer the same access to resources and campus facilities as in-person programs.
It is important to note that HE providers may have different quality standards, and it is worth considering factors such as research, resources, reputation, accreditation, tuition fees, and flexibility when choosing a course.
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Frequently asked questions
A university student is a person enrolled in a university.
In the United Kingdom and most Commonwealth countries, a "student" attends a secondary school or higher (e.g. college or university). Those in primary or elementary schools are "pupils".
The length of a university education varies depending on the course of study and the institution. In general, a bachelor's degree program at a higher education institution normally lasts for four years, but some courses may be longer or shorter.
The requirements for enrolling in a university vary depending on the country and the specific university. In some countries, students must take a university entrance exam after graduating from high school. In other countries, students may be required to have a certain number of years of education or specific qualifications before they can enroll in a university.
