What is the Difference Between Further and Higher Education?

The main difference between further and higher education lies in the level of study and the institutions that provide these educations.

Further Education:

• Occurs after secondary school (high school) but before higher education.
• Typically takes place at colleges, sixth forms, or technical colleges.
• Includes A-levels, T-levels, apprenticeships, and technical and professional courses.
• Offers various vocational qualifications, such as awards, certificates, diplomas, and other competency-based qualifications.
• Levels 2 and 3 courses are available to specialize in specific technical jobs.

Higher Education:

• Occurs after further education and is the final stage of formal learning.
• Primarily provided by universities, but also by academies, colleges, seminaries, conservatories, and institutes of technology.
• Leads to the award of academic degrees, such as bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees.
• Requires learners to be 18 or older, although in some cases, it can be accessed by younger students.

In summary, further education is a step above secondary school and offers a variety of vocational qualifications, while higher education is the final stage of formal learning and leads to the award of academic degrees. Higher education is typically provided by universities and requires students to be at least 18 years old, whereas further education is available to students of varying ages and is offered by a range of institutions.

Comparative Table: Further vs Higher Education

The main differences between further and higher education are the level of study, the institutions that provide them, and the type of qualifications offered. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

Further education is commonly associated with the development of vocational skills and takes place after secondary school, usually lasting for 2 years. Examples of further education qualifications include A-levels, BTECs, and City & Guilds qualifications. On the other hand, higher education is tertiary education leading to the award of an academic degree and takes place at universities and Further Education colleges. Higher education qualifications include bachelor's degrees, postgraduate degrees, and other academic awards granted by a university or higher education college.