Overview
If you have few or no qualifications but want to get back into learning, a wide range of options are open to you.
Listen here for starting with few qualifications
Adults often have all sorts of valuable skills and knowledge gained through their experiences in life and work. That's why having few (or no) qualifications is not necessarily a barrier to getting on a course. All you need is plenty of motivation and the ability to cope with the level of study.
To find out whether you already have some of the skills, qualities and experiences that will be valued in higher education level study, complete the Higher Skills Map tool.
Before you start exploring your options, think carefully about the type of course that will best suit your current learning needs and your ambitions.
If you are interested in doing a higher education level course, either now or in the future, get advice from the university or college where you are thinking of applying – contact admissions tutors or staff in student services. General careers advice is also available through the National Careers Service.
Some of the ways you can get started on the journey to higher-level study with few or no qualifications include:
- taking a course just for leisure
- improving your basic skills including numeracy, literacy and IT
- taking a programme specifically to prepare you for higher education
- using your learning from previous work and life experiences