What you will learn on this page:

Can I still do a degree?

Yes. All of the pathways you can choose at 16 offer a way on to higher-level study when you are 18. You do not have to decide about university now.

How each pathway can lead to a degree

A Levels

The academic pathway

A Level grades earn UCAS points towards entry to higher education. Some degree courses ask for specific A Level subjects. About A Levels.

Vocational qualifications

For example BTECs and Cambridge Technicals

Lots of higher education courses accept vocational qualifications, especially if the course is related to the one you have done. About vocational qualifications.

T Levels

Equivalent to three A Levels

T Levels earn UCAS points and are accepted as an entry qualification by many UK universities and colleges. About T Levels.

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn

You can work your way up to a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship and gain a degree while you work. About apprenticeships.

Why carry on learning?

With more qualifications you will have more choice about what job you want to do, so you are more likely to find a job you enjoy. Research also shows that better qualifications can give you a chance to earn more money.

Gaining good qualifications will help you:

Things to think about now

I have a degree or subject in mind

Now is the time to check the entry requirements on the UCAS site, so your choices at 16 get you where you want to go after 18.

I really don’t know yet

That is OK! If you think higher education might be of interest, choose a broad range of subjects at 16 so you have maximum choice of university subjects later.

Degrees for a specific job

Some careers require a specific degree, such as medicine or architecture. You will need the right qualifications to get onto that degree course – sometimes this can be specific A Levels. Check the course entry requirements on university websites, and look at the job profiles in Explore Jobs.

Degrees for general employment

Many employers welcome people with the higher-level skills that degrees develop, whatever subject they studied. So going on to university can be a good way to carry on learning, even if you are not sure what job or career you want in the future. Try Start with a Subject to get ideas about where a subject you like might lead.

Subjects that universities accept widely

Some A Level subjects are regarded by virtually all universities as being acceptable. These are sometimes known as ‘facilitating’ subjects:

Some universities are stricter than others about this. The Informed Choices website, from the Russell Group universities, may help.

Not sure? Talk to a careers adviser, or get advice from people who know you well, like parents, carers and teachers.

Find out more

Other choices at 16