What is Higher Education?

Higher education consists of advanced level courses carried out in universities and also in colleges of higher education, art and agriculture and further education colleges. These institutions are known as Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). There are more than 325 in the UK. They range from very small institutions with only about 1,000 students to those with more than 30,000 students. Most students at higher education are 18 or older.
Higher education courses lead to three main types of qualifications:

• Diplomas and certificates
• Degrees
• Professional qualifications

These qualifications can be at different levels and can take between one and six years to complete, depending on the subject or area of study and also on the qualification awarded. The two main levels in higher education are undergraduate (first degree or below) and postgraduate (above first degree level).
In the UK, all universities are governed by an act of parliament and enjoy academic freedom. They appoint their own staff, decide which students to admit, provide their own courses and award their own degrees. Since 1992, when polytechnics were given their own degree-awarding powers and allowed to call themselves universities, the number of universities has increased considerably. Most HE and FE providers are state-run, but there is a small independent sector.

Jobs in Higher Education

	HE Lecturer
	Researcher
	HE Teaching Assistant