Higher education isn't just for high achievers and can open up doors for everybody

BRITISH UNIVERSITIES and colleges offer a range of 'higher education' courses.

Higher education refers to studying for qualifications such as Diplomas of Higher Education (DipHEs), bachelor's degrees (at undergraduate level) and Master's degrees, MBAs and PhDs (at postgraduate level). See our pages on education and qualifications in the UK for more details.

Students taking higher education courses are usually aged 18 and over (17 in Scotland).

Courses last from one to four years and students may choose to stay on as postgraduates into their early 20s. An increasing number of 'mature' students are also choosing to start their undergraduate studies post-21, usually after having worked for a few years.

A wide-range of courses are on offer, with content and modes of study (full-time, part-time, flexibly, or via distance learning) varying from institution to institution.

The main purposes of higher education are:

• to enable people to develop their capabilities and fulfil their potential, both personally and at work;

• to advance knowledge and understanding through scholarship and research;

• to contribute to an economically successful and culturally diverse nation.

UK Higher Education Institutions will work with students, the higher education funding bodies and a wide range of other national, regional and local bodies to achieve these aims.

On an individual basis, studying a higher education course can bring a great many benefits - not least in terms of getting a future job. To help you decide whether higher education is right for you, some of the benefits are outlined on our why study a higher education course? page.

We welcome your comments and feedback on this article.