Formation Continue du Supérieur

If you want to continue your studies after a bachelor's degree, or learn more about a particular subject, there are a range of postgraduate qualifications available. Some are linked to a specific profession, while others allow you to complete an original piece of research.
What is a postgraduate qualification?
There are four main types of postgraduate qualifications:

• postgraduate certificates
• postgraduate diplomas
• master's degrees
• doctorates

Most types of postgraduate qualification will include taught and research elements. More...

Vocational qualifications on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) are work-related qualifications. They are designed to allow you to learn in a way that suits you, and give you the skills that employers are looking for. There are lots to choose from, in a wide range of subjects. More...

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are work-related, or vocational, higher education qualifications. They are Level 5 qualifications.
What are HNCs and HNDs?
HNCs and HNDs focus on 'learning  by doing' and give skills that you can use in a particular job. They are highly valued by employers and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations. More...

If you want to gain a qualification that is recognised across the UK, but don't feel ready for GCSEs or equal qualifications, or you haven't studied in a long time, an Entry Level qualification could be for you. They are available in a wide range of subjects. More...

Qualifications: what the different levels mean
Different types of qualifications are grouped together into various 'levels'. This can help you and employers to see how different qualifications compare and how one type can lead on to another. More …
Essential Skills
If you need help with reading, writing, working with numbers or using a computer an Essential Skills course may help you. More …
Entry level qualifications
If you want to gain a qualification that is recognised across the UK, but don't feel ready for GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, an Entry Level Certificate could be for you. They are available in a wide range of subjects. More …
GCSEs
GCSEs are the main qualification taken by 14 to 16-year-olds, but are available to anyone who would like to study a subject that interests them. You can take GCSEs in a wide range of academic and 'applied' or work-related subjects. More …
Key Skills qualifications
If you want to acquire or develop the skills to help you get on at school, FE college, work or home, or show what you already know, a Key Skills qualification could be for you. More …
AS and A levels
If you want to study a particular subject in detail, AS and A level qualifications may be for you. They are highly valued by schools, colleges and employers. More …
BTECs, OCR Nationals and other vocational qualifications
If you want to learn more about a particular job or area of work, there are many vocational qualifications you can choose from, like BTEC qualifications and OCR Nationals. More …
Higher National Certificates and Diplomas
Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are work-related, or vocational, higher education qualifications. They are Level 5 qualifications. More …
Foundation Degrees
A Foundation degree is a higher education qualification which combines academic and work related learning and offers a route into employment or university and is a way to improve your skills. More …
Postgraduate qualifications
If you want to continue your studies after a bachelor's degree, or learn more about a particular subject, there are a range of postgraduate qualifications available. Some are linked to a specific profession, while others allow you to complete an original piece of research. More …
NVQs
If you want to get a recognised qualification related to a particular industry or sector, a National Vocational Qualification, or NVQ, may be for you. You can study NVQs at work, FE college, or as part of an apprenticeship. More …
Qualification and Credit Framework
Vocational qualifications on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) are work-related qualifications. They are designed to allow you to learn in a way that suits you, and give you the skills that employers are looking for. There are lots to choose from, in a wide range of subjects. More...

As well as traditional A levels, there are other qualifications that can get you into higher education. Universities and colleges may also take your work experience into account.
Part-time courses and Foundation degrees
For part-time courses, check the university or college prospectus - most are now available online. The UCAS website gives details of part-time and full-time Foundation degrees.

• Foundation degrees
• University prospectuses and open days
• Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design Media (UCAS website).
  

Many courses in literacy and numeracy are free, and you may not have to pay for tuition if you’re going for your first qualification equivalent to GCSEs or A levels. There’s a wider range of free courses available if you’re on income-related benefits, and there are opportunities for everyone to learn for free online.
Learning for free at work
Many employers are keen for their staff to develop new skills, and may offer free training relevant to your job - for example through an Apprenticeship, Training for Success scheme or Bridge to Employment. If you’re looking to get back into work, you may be able to take part in the Steps 2 Success or other programmes for unemployed people.

• Training and learning for work
• Apprenticeships
• Training for Success
• Bridge to Employment for Jobseekers
• Steps 2 Success. More...
  

Need career inspiration? Get free, impartial advice from the Careers Service

• Careers Service Northern Ireland

Your skills, your future

Need career inspiration? Get free, impartial advice from the Careers Service

• Careers Service Northern Ireland

Your skills, your future

The strategy seeks to effectively join up actions being taken across the Executive to ensure that our young people’s needs are identified and matched with opportunities to meet those needs. It was developed to help those young people who face barriers to participation and introduces a number of new initiatives within the context of wider existing and developing programmes of intervention to tackle youth unemployment.
A NEET Advisory Group has been established to improve the co-ordination of activity across the stakeholders involved in implementing the ‘Pathways to Success’ Strategy. 

Further information on the Strategy, the new initiatives and the NEET Advisory Group can be accessed using the links below:

• Pathways to Success Strategy (PDF 1.11MB)
• Collaboration and Innovation Fund
• Community Family Support Programme
• Pathways for Young People - Education Maintenance Allowance (nidirect website) 
• NEET Advisory Group (Press Release NI Executive website) . More...