Vocational Routes into Higher Education

How to use this module

  • If this is your first time using the module, click this link to find out how it works.
  • If at any point during the module you are unsure of any words or terms being used, try looking in the glossary available from the bottom left of your screen.

Who is this module for?

Are you doing one of the following courses?

  • NVQ3
  • BTEC National
  • Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Work Based Learning
  • CACHE
  • Other vocational courses that have not been mentioned

If so, this module is designed for you. You will also find this module useful if you are a parent or tutor of a student on one of the above courses.

As a vocational student, you chose a route that allowed you to gain work experience whilst studying for qualifications that show an employer and the industry that you have the skills to work competently. But what if you want more than that, does your education and career development have to stop there?

  • Today, there is no reason why you should stop! Moving into HE can be exciting and stimulating and can help you to carry on developing more varied, new and interesting skills in your vocational area.
  • Today, you don’t have to give up your career to study a HE course – there are many different ways in which you can study.
  • Today, there are a range of qualifications that have been specially written with you in mind.

Artistic image of students having fun

This information in the module has been put together to provide you with a guide to HE from a vocational perspective. It covers such topics as:

  • Choosing the right course for you.
  • Preparing for Higher Education, where and how to fit in study.
  • Study skills for HE, how they are different and how they can be developed.
  • On-line learning and how it can be used to help you.

You wil have the opportunity to:

  • Listen to current students' experiences.
  • Try out some activities that will help you to make decisions.
  • Visit useful websites that can provide help and guidance.