UCAS’ report, ‘Where Next? Who applies for Level 4 and 5 qualifications?’, published in partnership with Gatsby Charitable Foundation explores the behaviour and experiences of Levels 4 and 5 qualification applicants. Level 4 and 5 qualifications (or SCQF Level 7 and 8 in Scotland) sit between qualifications like A levels, T Levels, BTECs, and Scottish Highers (at Level 3 or SCQF 6), and an undergraduate degree (Level 6+ or SCQF 9–10).
In 2023, UCAS saw 34,175 UK applicants apply to study at least one Level 4 or 5 course, representing 5.7% of all applicants. Of those, nearly half were placed onto a Level 4 or 5 course by the end of the cycle. The majority (79%) of applicants to Level 4 and 5 courses also applied to a Level 6+ course, and of those who received an offer for both, one third (33%) picked the Level 4 or 5 course over Level 6+.
Level 4 and 5 qualifications also provide a critical pathway in places where progression to higher education is relatively low. Regions with the lowest higher education participation rates have the highest application rate to Level 4 and 5 qualifications. 7.7% of applicants in the South West and 7.6% of applicants in the North East are the most likely to apply to a Level 4 or 5 choice out of all regions in England. In comparison, just 3% of applicants in London and the South East, where progression to higher education is generally strongest, applied to a Level 4 or 5 choice. Level 4 and 5 qualifications also see greater interest from mature students, with applicants over 35 twice as likely to apply to Level 4 and 5 course choices than 18-year-olds (8.9% and 4.4% of total applicants respectively).
The most popular choice of Level 4–5 subjects are those allied to medicine, particularly among applicants over 35 (32% of over 35s applied to this subject). This shows a promising path for the further contribution that Level 4–5 education might make to the pipeline for the health and care workforce.
Other main findings from today’s report include:
- 49% of Level 4-5 applicants felt that the greatest advantages of these qualifications were that it would help in getting them a job they were interested in, and 20% also intend to continue their studies to Level 6 and above.
- Level 4–5 applicants are often exploring other routes simultaneously. 35% of Level 4–5 applicants that were surveyed said they are considering an apprenticeship and 49% said they were considering full or part-time employment.
- Overall, the number of applications to Level 4 and 5 courses (one applicant can make up to five applications) has decreased by 12% from 46,725 in 2019 to 40,920 in 2023. However, this decline is mostly at Level 5, where applications decreased by 21% (from 37,195 in 2019 to 29,250 in 2023).
- There is a mixed level of awareness about Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) amongst English applicants – nearly two-thirds of survey respondents were unfamiliar with the term Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and low levels of understanding about their entitlement to student finance.
Dr Jo Saxton CBE, Chief Executive, UCAS said: “Level 4 and 5 qualifications provide an important pathway to higher education, especially for those who may not have otherwise considered it. The door to higher education should remain open for all students, regardless of their background, age or career aspirations.
“Ensuring students are provided with the right guidance and diverse learning experiences at an early stage is crucial in helping them make informed decisions about their future pathways, whether in higher education or the world of work.
“UCAS has made several recommendations in the report to ensure, as a sector, we equip students with the information, resources, and opportunities they need to make the right choices for their future success.”
Ginny Page, Director of Programmes at Gatsby Charitable Foundation said: “Efforts to increase participation in Level 4 and 5 qualifications must be based on an understanding of what learners want from these courses. This valuable research from UCAS challenges the belief that Level 4-5 courses are just a back-up option for young people in the event of failing to meet the entry criteria for an undergraduate degree.
“Instead, this research shows that many Level 4-5 applicants are more work-orientated and want to study closer to home. While league table position is of much less interest to them than the average HE applicant, they clearly need more information about options such as Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), and the financial support available to them.”
