It's no secret that college tuition is on the rise and that the costs of a traditional university education are prohibitive for many. However, there's good news for those who may not be able or willing to pursue a degree through a traditional four-year program: getting a degree without attending university is possible in today's world.
Rising technology has opened up so many opportunities for distance learning, allowing students to study and earn qualifications from home or even through an employer. There's never been a better time to explore whether getting your degree outside of university might work for you and your career goals.
We will explore the different ways you can obtain a degree without going to university.
Degree Apprenticeship
Previously, apprenticeships could only be obtained up to Level 3 (known as an advanced apprenticeship). However, in 2010, higher apprenticeships were introduced. This includes Level 4 (equivalent to an HNC), Level 5 (equivalent to an HND), Level 6 (equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree) and Level 7 (equivalent to a Master's Degree).
They were slow to start with limited subject options. Over the years, this has increased, and there are now over 230 apprenticeship frameworks. A framework is an approved programme structured that outlines what an apprentice will cover in the workplace, as theory work and how this will be assessed.
You can now complete a Degree Apprenticeship in a range of topics, including; Law, Architecture, Accounting, Business Management and many more. To get a Degree Apprenticeship, you have to apply as you would for a job. This will require an interview and potentially other stages, such as an online assessment.
Once you have been offered a Degree Apprenticeship, you will work with the employer for 80% of your time and spend the other 20% of your time at university or at home completing your set university work. This equates to 4 days per week working and 1 day per week completing university study.
One of the big benefits of Degree Apprenticeships is that the employer pays for your degree, and you are also earning an income. The average apprentice in the UK earns £23,000. You can check out our current Degree Apprenticeship opportunities here.
Open University Degree
Another option you may wish to consider is completing a university degree via the open university. This means you can complete it from anywhere, as all your lectures are online. This often suits people who don't want to move away from home or go to a physical place of study.
70% of open university students work full or part-time during their studies, making it a good option for those who wish to earn whilst participating in their studies.
There are over 200 courses available, 120 of which are undergraduate courses. You apply directly with Open University, and there are many different funding options available. You can find out more about Open University on their website.
Degree at a local college
If you want to complete a degree, but the thought of moving away is a worry for you, many further education colleges now offer higher education courses. This means you can study closer to home and in a smaller environment. If you have a part-time job locally, you can continue with this.
The courses on offer will differ from one college to another, so you will need to check with your local establishment to see what subjects you could enrol to study. You will apply directly with the college we will discuss with you what funding options are available.
You will often find that there are a higher number of mature students in these courses, meaning there is less of a "university life" feel. This can be seen as both a negative and a positive, depending on your mindset and thought process.
How to Be Successful Without Going to University
Becoming successful without going to university is entirely possible. It may require more dedication and determination, but those are the cornerstones of achieving success. Taking advantage of internships, apprenticeships, online courses and mentorship programs are great ways to refine one's ambitions and give oneself a competitive edge in the job market.
Learning through work experience is an invaluable educational asset that can not only help you gain knowledge but also strengthen your understanding, skills and connections — all crucial ingredients for becoming a successful professional.
Focus on networking, being proactive and actively teaching yourself new skills relevant to your industry – these ingredients will help you become successful without ever stepping foot in a university.
