How to choose a course
With so many courses on offer – and not just in the subject areas you would expect – there will be courses in subjects and subject combinations you’ve never even considered, so it’s important you explore the different options thoroughly.
Here’s how to get started:
- Choose a subject – the important thing is to choose a subject you enjoy that will help you reach your goals. Think about what you’re aiming to get out of the course – career progression, career change, or the chance to study a subject you love in more depth.
- Look at our subject guides to understand what the different subject areas have to offer – including graduate destinations, entry requirements, and personal statement tips.
- Browse the UCAS search tool for inspiration on the types of courses you can study – don’t forget to use the subject filters to narrow your search.
Search for undergraduate courses
Search for undergraduate courses from the search bar at the top of this page.
- If it isn't selected already, select ‘Courses’ from the first drop-down menu.
- Select the application scheme you'd like to search under – e.g. 'Undergraduate'.
- Enter the subject you’re interested in studying.
- Click the search icon.
By entering these details, you’ll only see relevant courses for the application scheme, year, and subject you’re interested in. You can also browse by subject in the search tool.
This search tool also includes performing arts courses at conservatoires – these are more performance-based than their academic equivalents, and they’re applied to through UCAS Conservatoires.
-
International and EU students
-
Flexible and part-time courses
Search for degree apprenticeships
Combine a job with a degree – you’ll be paid and your tuition fees will be covered.
- Find out if a degree apprenticeship is for you.
- Head to Career Finder and create an account. You'll be able to:
- search for all apprenticeship roles
- filter by subject area, role type, location, and level of apprenticeship
- shortlist jobs
- sign up for alerts
- keep tabs on applications you've made
The Teaching Excellence Framework
The new Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is designed to help you decide where to study. The framework, introduced by Government, includes a gold, silver, and bronze award system that is decided by several criteria, including continuation rates, student satisfaction, and employment outcomes for undergraduate students.
It is important to note that universities and colleges in England that achieve TEF awards have been able to increase their fees in line with inflation, up to a maximum of £9.250. In October 2017, the Government confirmed tuition fees would remain capped at £9,250 for the 2018 entry cycle.
Know your rights!
It's important to understand your rights as a consumer when choosing a course and university or college – you’ll be investing a lot of time, money, and effort, and it can be difficult to change if you’re not satisfied. Knowing your rights under consumer law will help you make sure you get all the information you need, and are treated fairly during your studies.