What is UCAS?

UCAS is an independent charity providing information, advice and admissions services. We’re there to help people discover what their next step might be. 

What UCAS does: 

• provide information, advice, and support 
• process applications  
• complete fraud and verification checks 
• take part in education sector engagement 

What UCAS does not do? 

• make decisions or offers 
• set entry requirements  
• advise on finance 
• advise on immigration or visas 

Discover your options: 

Register with the UCAS Hub to:  

• explore careers, subjects, places, and apprenticeships in one place 
• find and favourite over 35,000 courses 
• search for open days, events and virtual tours  
• turn predicted grades into UCAS Tariff points  
• speak to those in the know using Unibuddy 
• try before you apply with Subject Spotlights from Springpod 
• take the UCAS Quiz to find career matches  
• start your application 

Discovery pathways: 

• Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) and Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE): first and second year of a degree course. 
• Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND): HNC is a one-year industry specific course, and the HND is a two-year industry specific course. 
• Higher apprenticeships: provide an opportunity to gain Level 4 qualifications or above, e.g. HND, or foundation degree while you work. Can take from one to five years to complete, depending on the course level.  
• Foundation degree: flexible vocational qualification, combining both academic study and workplace learning. It usually takes two years to complete. 
• Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree: a three to four-year course which can also be available as a part-time option, allowing you to study and work. 
• Degree apprenticeships: enable you to gain a full undergraduate or master’s degree while you work. Degree apprenticeships take three to six years to complete, depending on the course.

Is it right for you? 

There’s things to consider with your next step: 

• something you enjoy – you’re investing time and effort 
• whether it’s right for your career path – check with employers and professional organisations 
• location – city or rural, transport links 
• a study and assessment style that suits you 
• environment including extracurricular, clubs, and societies 
• finances