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You can go straight to university from a school sixth form or a college or work-based training after gaining qualifications such as BTEC Nationals, AS levels, A levels or NVQs. This link will tell you what other qualifications or entry requirements universities look for.
If you do not have A levels, or NVQs, you may be able to get 'accreditation of prior learning', which takes your work experience and practical knowledge into account. Whatever age you are (18+) and whatever qualifications or work experience you have, universities will consider your application.
At university or College of Higher Education you can study for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND), a diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) or an undergraduate degree (BA, BSc or BEng). If you already have an HNC or HND, you might be interested in a degree.
Where there are popular courses and a lot of people applying for limited places, entry requirements are often high, and specific qualifications and grades may be needed in these cases.
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You might go to university without any formal qualifications. This is sometimes called 'open access'. You may have relevant work experience that allows you to go into work-related study - you can discuss this possibility with the admissions staff at the university.
Another option would be to take an access course that offers a full-time or part-time route in a range of subjects. Access courses are designed for people who have not studied for some time, and you do not need any qualifications before you start. They help you with your study skills, teach you the basics of a subject, and give you a qualification that could take you on to a university course.
Many access courses do require you to have passes at GCSE level in English Language and Mathematics.
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Some universities have arrangements with local Further Education (FE) colleges (which might be near to where you live) to offer courses that will lead students on to a degree programme. This gives you the choice to study a course for a year or so (longer if you take it as a part-time student) that will give you a certificate or a diploma with the choice of going on to the university to complete a degree. It is one way of bringing university nearer to you. You could ask your local college if they offer any courses linked to university degrees.
There are also new 'foundation degrees', which are being offered by most colleges and universities. These two-year degrees provide you with work experience and relevant study so that you gain both knowledge and practical skills. Foundation Degrees are available in vocational subjects and providers are flexible about entry requirements. Look out for these if you want a qualification that will help you into a particular job and give you the chance to earn and learn at the same time.
Link to details of foundation degrees and other courses in Greater Manchester.
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