What are they and why do I need them?
Qualifications prove you've acquired knowledge or developed skills. They're documents that prove your achievements. For some careers like medicine and law, it's essential you have specific qualifications. For others, such as journalism, it helps to have a particular qualification.
You'll need qualifications to get onto certain courses. Most universities set entry requirements for degree courses. Mature entrants don't always need formal qualifications, but need evidence of recent study, relevant work experience or professional qualifications.
What type of course should I do?
There are work-related (vocational) and academic courses; and practical and theoretical courses. Further education colleges offer academic courses and work-related courses. Universities offer higher education qualifications, such as academic first degrees, and higher degrees, and the more vocational BTEC Higher National Diplomas.
For plumbing, a vocational course is essential. For teaching you need a degree. However, for many jobs, you have a choice between academic and vocational courses. A vocational course is better if you like doing things and learning practical skills. You might prefer an academic course if you like researching, analyzing and presenting arguments.
Which type of study would suit me best?
Do you prefer on-the-job training - or do you prefer to research and gather facts? Do you like working in a group covering the same topics and working towards the same goal?
If you want to work on your own, at your own pace, an open or distance learning course might suit you. You study from home, with the help of tuition packs, computers and tutor support via telephone or e-mail. You can speed through the course or take your time. But you do need self-discipline and motivation.
What about my financial circumstances?
Be realistic about the costs. Can you afford to give up work and study full-time? Full-time study will usually affect your financial and personal circumstances the most. Investigate sources of funding. Funding for adult, further and higher education is complicated. It depends on the type of course and your personal circumstances. Work out your outgoings - mortgage, rent, bills etc. Review your assets and income, (house, savings, partner's income) and see what your budget is.
There are hidden costs too such as daily travel, books, equipment, and money for trips. Think about equipment - will you need a computer for example?
How can I be sure I'm making the right choice?
Be realistic about your chances of success. It's easy to make snap decisions about wanting to change career. If you've not been in education for a while think about a course to ease you back in. Be clear of your goal. If you've decided on a particular job, get an idea of what the job's about and if you'll like it. Read careers information, buy trade magazines, and speak to people currently working in the job.
This research is well worth it. It's better to take your time rather than doing a course that leads to a job you might not really want. You'll ensure that you don't waste any time or money.
Qualifications prove you've acquired knowledge or developed skills. They're documents that prove your achievements. For some careers like medicine and law, it's essential you have specific qualifications. For others, such as journalism, it helps to have a particular qualification.
You'll need qualifications to get onto certain courses. Most universities set entry requirements for degree courses. Mature entrants don't always need formal qualifications, but need evidence of recent study, relevant work experience or professional qualifications.
What type of course should I do?
There are work-related (vocational) and academic courses; and practical and theoretical courses. Further education colleges offer academic courses and work-related courses. Universities offer higher education qualifications, such as academic first degrees, and higher degrees, and the more vocational BTEC Higher National Diplomas.
For plumbing, a vocational course is essential. For teaching you need a degree. However, for many jobs, you have a choice between academic and vocational courses. A vocational course is better if you like doing things and learning practical skills. You might prefer an academic course if you like researching, analyzing and presenting arguments.
Which type of study would suit me best?
Do you prefer on-the-job training - or do you prefer to research and gather facts? Do you like working in a group covering the same topics and working towards the same goal?
If you want to work on your own, at your own pace, an open or distance learning course might suit you. You study from home, with the help of tuition packs, computers and tutor support via telephone or e-mail. You can speed through the course or take your time. But you do need self-discipline and motivation.
What about my financial circumstances?
Be realistic about the costs. Can you afford to give up work and study full-time? Full-time study will usually affect your financial and personal circumstances the most. Investigate sources of funding. Funding for adult, further and higher education is complicated. It depends on the type of course and your personal circumstances. Work out your outgoings - mortgage, rent, bills etc. Review your assets and income, (house, savings, partner's income) and see what your budget is.
There are hidden costs too such as daily travel, books, equipment, and money for trips. Think about equipment - will you need a computer for example?
How can I be sure I'm making the right choice?
Be realistic about your chances of success. It's easy to make snap decisions about wanting to change career. If you've not been in education for a while think about a course to ease you back in. Be clear of your goal. If you've decided on a particular job, get an idea of what the job's about and if you'll like it. Read careers information, buy trade magazines, and speak to people currently working in the job.
This research is well worth it. It's better to take your time rather than doing a course that leads to a job you might not really want. You'll ensure that you don't waste any time or money.
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