Higher Education

Q. What is Higher Education?
A. Higher Education refers to anything that is at Level 4 or above on the National Qualifications Framework (which is a fancy way of listing the different levels of courses that you can take in the UK). HE qualifications refer to anything that is at Level 4 and above for example Foundation degrees, Bachelors degrees, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas. Also postgraduate study like Masters degrees.

Q. What is a BA?
A. A BA (Bachelor of Arts) is one of the kinds of qualifications that you can study at university. When you do an undergraduate degree you may do it in one of the following areas: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering and a few more.

Q. What are Foundation degrees?
A. They are a new type of qualification introduced in 2002-3. They were created in response to sector shortages in different areas. They were designed in conjunction with employers and universities or further education colleges. They give you an understanding of the subject within a vocational area. They are a good way to enter higher education because they always provide a bridging course to the third year of a bachelors degree. They are quite a good option for those who aren't sure if they want to study at that higher level for the whole time. They are also a good introduction for people who want to have flexible study because they have been designed to be offered as part-time as well as full-time courses.

Q. What are the benefits of entering Higher Education?
A. It gives you many more opportunities in your life. It is a lot easier for you to "sell yourself" in order to get a proper job. Also it is a way for you to have a cultural background as well. It's very important, personally speaking.

Q. What is a lecture?
A. A lecture is a type of university experience, it is how you learn in one way. A traditional lecture is one person, who is very knowledgable in their subject area, standing at the front and everyone sitting and listening to what they have to say. Lectures are generally about an hour long although that varies. They can be interactive, so you could ask that person questions, or that person gives you information and you take it down.

Q. What factors influenced your decision to enter Higher Education?
A. I have been doing a lot of small jobs; catering, labouring. I was missing high qualified jobs. I thought that I could do better and go through university in order to suceed and get good jobs.

Q. What is a seminar?
A. A seminar is another way of learning that occurs at university. Generally they take place in smaller groups of five to twenty students depending on your course and university. There is usually a teacher in the seminar who prompts you with questions and as a group you respond individually. Its all about working with your peers to come to different answers and conclusions.

Q. Have you always wanted to enter higher education?
A. I have always wanted to go into higher education because I knew that I had the potental to succeed. It took me a while to go to university as I didn't know what I really wanted to do. As soon as I knew I went to university and have been doing quite well so far.

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