Choosing the right university or college can make all the difference

There are many different kinds of universities and colleges, each with its own distinctive character and merits. Some are centuries old; others have come into being more recently. Most are large institutions, but the student numbers vary considerably from one to another.

Many offer a wide range of courses, but some may have a focus on, for example, technology or vocational courses.

Higher education courses are offered by:

  • universities and colleges of higher education
  • single-discipline higher education institutions, such as medical schools, agricultural colleges, colleges of art and design
  • colleges within the further education sector, which increasingly offer some courses at higher education level - they provide opportunities for students to take higher education courses within their local area.

Facilities

The settings of universities and colleges vary enormously, ranging from large, multi-site, city-centre institutions to campus universities or small colleges in attractive countryside. While most universities and colleges have excellent facilities, there will often be significant differences between institutions in:

  • the provision of sports and recreational facilities
  • the provision of support for mature students, for example,childcare facilities
  • opportunities for extra-curricular activities
  • learning support.

More information is available in the where to study section.