Whether you're leaving school, returning to education or looking to gain new skills, discover the range of college courses available in the UK and where they can lead
Key facts about college courses
- Courses are available from entry level to higher education (HE) qualifications.
- Popular options include A-levels, T Levels, BTEC diplomas, Higher National Certificates (HNCs), and foundation degrees.
- Many courses lead to university, apprenticeships or employment.
- Both full-time and part-time study options are available.
- Many providers offer online college courses.
- Adult learners can study alongside school leavers.
How many college courses do students usually take?
This depends on the qualification. Most students study three A-levels, whereas T Levels and many BTEC diplomas are taken as single programmes.
Adult learners and part-time students may study one course at a time alongside work or family commitments.
What courses and subjects can I study at college?
Further education (FE) colleges deliver a variety of courses for school leavers aged 16 and over, through to adults of all ages. With a range of academic and vocational qualifications available, there are options for people at different stages in their careers.
The following Level 3 qualifications are among the most popular choices for those looking to move from secondary school to further study or to learn skills for their first job. However, many can also be studied by those who've already gained some work experience.
College courses are available across almost every subject area, including:
- business
- construction
- creative arts
- engineering
- health and social care
- IT
- languages
- science
- sport.
Whether you're planning to go to university, start an apprenticeship or enter employment, there's likely to be a course that matches your interests and career goals.
Which qualification would be right for me?
Choosing the right college qualification depends on your:
- age
- current level of study
- future plans
- preferred learning style.
A-levels
Usually taken after your GCSEs, although there's no age limit to studying A-levels, these academic courses are the most common route to university.
You'll typically choose three subjects to study full time over two years, with popular options including:
- biology
- business studies
- chemistry
- mathematics
- psychology.
Read more about studying A-levels.
T Levels
These two-year qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds in England have been created in collaboration with employers.
Equivalent to achieving three A-levels, T Levels are practical courses that combine classroom learning with an extended industry placement.
Some examples of courses include:
- digital production, design and development
- health
- onsite construction.
Explore T Level courses.
BTEC diplomas
BTEC National diplomas are a popular alternative to A-levels and can be studied by learners of all ages.
These specialist work-related qualifications combine subject and theory content with practical learning.
More than 2,000 courses are available across many areas, such as:
- business
- childcare
- media
- sport.
They're ideal if you're interested in a particular industry but aren't sure what job you'd like to do.
Discover more about BTEC diplomas.
Find out how to apply for college in the UK.
Can you study HE courses at college?
According to the Association of Colleges (AoC) College Key Facts 2025/26 report, FE institutions in England are responsible for delivering:
- 79% of HNCs
- 60% of foundation degrees
- 46% of Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).
In addition, the AoC has revealed that 92,000 people are studying HE courses at colleges, with 145 institutions currently registered with the Office for Students (OfS) to provide undergraduate and/or postgraduate courses.
While Level 6 Bachelors degrees are the most popular undergraduate option overall, you can study other qualifications at HE level, including courses at Levels 4 and 5.
Discover how these courses compare by viewing our comprehensive guide to undergraduate qualifications.
HNC qualifications
Equivalent to the first year of a Bachelors degree, these short-term vocational courses can be completed within one year.
They allow you to specialise in a particular subject area, preparing you for the workplace or further study. HNCs can be topped up to an HND or may be used to gain entry onto the second year of a Bachelors degree.
Popular subjects include:
- building and construction
- business
- computing
- electrical and electronic engineering
- health and social care.
Consider studying an HNC course.
Foundation degrees
Focused on building essential skills for a particular profession, and equivalent to two-thirds of a full undergraduate degree, these courses usually last two years.
You can gain credit by having commercial/industrial experience rather than formal qualifications.
They can lead to careers in:
- education
- nursing
- social work
- sport.
Find out more about foundation degrees.
HND courses
A vocational two-year qualification equivalent to the second year of a university degree. They give you the hands-on skills needed for certain professions, such as:
- accounting
- business
- computer science
- design
- hospitality.
If you decide you want to achieve a full Bachelors degree, completing an HND can often provide a pathway into the final year of a university programme.
Read more about HNDs.
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
These Level 4 and 5 technical qualifications focus on developing the specialist skills employers look for in fast-growing industries.
They are available in areas such as:
- business
- construction
- digital
- health.
HTQs can lead to:
- a higher apprenticeship
- employment
- further study at university.
Read more about HTQs.
What about apprenticeships at college?
For programmes below degree level, it's common for apprentices to study at an FE college while benefitting from the training that's provided by their employer.
The AoC's report showed that, in 2023/24, colleges in England were responsible for:
- 43,400 apprentices studying at intermediate level
- 83,000 at advanced level
- 19,600 at higher level.
In terms of apprentice ages, this was split into:
- 16 to 18 - 49,200
- 19 to 24 - 59,200
- 25-plus - 37,600.
The research also found that colleges are responsible for training nearly two-thirds (58%) of all construction apprentices and over a third (37%) of engineering and manufacturing apprentices.
If you're interested in doing an apprenticeship, explore opportunities in your preferred job sector and see what's available at each level.
Get the lowdown on apprenticeships and discover how to apply.
Can I still go on to study at university?
Yes, many of those who study college qualifications choose to continue their education at university.
If you decide to go down this route, get help choosing the right degree.
You can also explore what careers you can do with your degree.
If you don't meet the entry requirements for undergraduate study, which typically include A-levels, you could complete an Access to HE Diploma at college.
Even if you plan to study an undergraduate course at college rather than university, you'll still need to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Familiarise yourself with the application process at how to apply for university.
UCAS Tariff points for popular Level 3 qualifications
Many Level 3 qualifications are attributed UCAS Tariff points, which universities use when considering applications. The table below shows the maximum points available for some of the most popular further education qualifications.
| Qualification | Maximum UCAS Tariff points |
|---|---|
| A-level (per subject) | 56 (A*) |
| T Level | 168 (Distinction*) |
| BTEC National Extended Diploma | 168 (D*D*D*) |
| Access to HE Diploma | Up to 144 (45 credits at Distinction) |
|
International Baccalaureate (IB) |
Up to 276 (45 points) |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate | 56 (A*) |
Are adult learning courses available at FE colleges?
Yes. From skills bootcamps to studying a new language or taking your GCSEs as a mature student, there are plenty of options for adults looking to continue their education or change careers.
To get the full picture of the range of courses available and discover whether you're eligible for financial support, see adult education.
Can I study an online college course?
Yes. Many colleges offer online and distance-learning courses alongside classroom-based study.
Types of online college courses
Most FE colleges offer a selection of online programmes, from short, bite-sized courses to full qualifications.
You can study the following:
- Certificate programmes - develop in-demand skills and learn at your own pace with courses accredited by universities and industry bodies. Read about online IT courses.
- Practical vocational courses - young people and adults can gain skills in key areas such as accounting, business, health, digital and personal development.
Online college courses aren't just for career development. You can also study for personal interest and enjoy subjects such as:
- art
- creative writing
- photography
- video editing.
How to find an online college course
In addition to the websites of local colleges, online courses are also offered by dedicated learning providers, such as:
- FutureLearn
- Kaplan (banking and finance)
- Online Learning College
- Open Study College
You can search for both in-person and online college courses at the National Careers Service (NCS) - Find a course.
If you're interested in studying for an online degree, you can do this through The Open University.
Read more about online learning in general and explore microcredentials.
Free online college courses
As well as qualifications you'll have to pay for, you can also find free courses paid for by the government by visiting Skills for Careers - Free courses for jobs.
Short online courses are also available from Coursera and FutureLearn.
Find out more
- Get an overview of the UK's FE sector.
- Consider all your post-16 options.
- Explore alternatives to university.