Higher education courses: find and apply
You usually have to be 18 or older to take a higher education course. They’re usually taught in:
- universities
- colleges
- specialist institutions like art schools or agricultural colleges
Higher education qualifications include:
- diplomas
- bachelor degrees
- foundation degrees
- post-graduate degrees
Full-time and part-time courses
You can search for full-time and part-time courses at:
- Discover Uni - compare information on courses, including student satisfaction and jobs after study
- UCAS - search by course name, provider name or location
- National Careers Service - search by location, type, learning method, hours and qualification level
You can apply for most courses through Discover Uni and UCAS. You’ll need to apply directly to the college or university for part-time courses.
Open University courses
The Open University - search and apply for distance learning courses.
Specialist music, dance and drama courses
UCAS conservatoires - search and apply for performance-based undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Teacher training
How you apply depends on the level of the course and where you are.
Undergraduate teacher training
Check the UCAS teacher training website to find and apply for undergraduate courses.
Postgraduate teacher training
Find postgraduate teacher training in England.
Check the UCAS teacher training website to find and apply for postgraduate courses in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Postgraduate courses
Search for postgraduate study on:
Courses at private institutions
Courses are also available at private institutions. Apply for these directly with the university or college. You can search for some through UCAS.
Help and advice
Contact UCAS for advice if your exam results were higher or lower than you expected.