Higher education will give you the opportunity to study for a degree or a professional qualification. Courses include foundation degrees, higher national diplomas/ diplomas in higher education, honours degrees, NVQ levels 4 & 5 and post-graduate degrees.
The courses vary in length, content, workload, opportunity and support, so it is important to think about what would suit you best. However there can be no doubt that the benefits of taking a higher education course include feeling positive about yourself and your future, and it can help with your career choices.
To help you weigh up the pros and cons of a higher education course, make sure you consider:
- Are you up to a full time course? Maybe part time would be more manageable? Consider taking a course at a further education (FE) college.
- To find out whether you enjoy and can cope with study or training, enrol in a short course at your local adult education centre or a taster course at the HE institution.
- Choose a course that really interests you, as studying will be difficult as you try and pace your lifestyle. It's vital that you find the subject stimulating and enjoyable, not boring and tedious.
- Talk to the staff running the course, as courses do vary between institutions. Don't assume that you think you know what the course will cover. Look at the course beyond the first year as there may be choices you have to make or certain modules you have to take in years two, three and four.
- Look at the workload that you will be expected to do as this can vary immensely between different institutions.
- Are you ready to move away from your support networks? Would an institution near your home be more suitable?
- Think about the financial support you are going to need and start to make enquiries about what is available. Get yourself a Connexions advisor and ask questions about any exemptions you may be entitled to.
- Do you understand your M.E. enough to be able to take responsibility for your health and lifestyle, once you are living independently? Having to look after yourself can put more strain on your health if you have been living with your family. Try living independently for a few weeks to see how you manage.
- Make sure you visit each institution before you accept a place.
- Read about other students' experiences.
Information produced March 2004
Thank you to Olivia Lakin for the first hand information in the HE pages
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