Alternatives to University

While many people aspire to go to university and earn a degree, university is not right for everyone. The good news is, if you are not interested in going to university but would like to continue your education to improve your career prospects, there are other training opportunities available.

University is not for everyone, so you should not feel pressured or disheartened if it’s not right for you. By taking time to explore your options fully, you can ensure you are making the best choice for your future.

In this article, we discuss the drawbacks of going to university, and the career options available without a degree. We will also look at our range of professional training courses and official qualifications.

Some drawbacks of University 

While university is an excellent way to expand your knowledge, gain your independence and earn a degree, there are some disadvantages to studying at university, including:

Cost - The cost of studying at university is now prohibitively expensive to many potential students, with course fees rising almost annually. Understandably, many students are now considering alternative training options to avoid student debt, with many working while they train.

While course fees are increasingly expensive, cost of living for students is also another major expense to bear in mind before applying for a university course, especially if you are planning on moving away from home.

Lack of flexibility - There is generally little flexibility at universities in terms of when your lectures and seminars are scheduled to take place. This can be difficult for individuals who are trying to balance studying with working.  

By contrast, online training courses can often provide an excellent level of flexibility for students, allowing you to study around your other commitments.  

Work-readiness - Many graduates report not feeling work-ready after completing their degree. While a university degree can equip you with a significant amount of subject knowledge, a practical course would make you more confident in terms of work-readiness than a traditional degree, which is more academically focused.

Time - A bachelor’s degree in the UK typically takes between three to four years to complete depending on your course. For those who are looking to retrain to enter a new career, spending approximately three years to graduate can be off-putting and so choosing another training route might be better for those with limited time.  

Earning potential – While graduates in some subjects tend to earn a higher salary than their non-graduate counterparts, many people without a degree can earn as much, or more, than those with degrees in many subject areas, by earning professional, industry-recognised qualifications. For example, taking an apprenticeship can increase your lifetime earning potential more than a university degree, especially if you’re unsure about the degree you have chosen and the future job opportunities it can open.                     

Career options without a degree

Many of the most in-demand career options are accessible without a degree, reinforcing the message that university is not your only option when it comes to training for a great career.

Examples of careers that do not typically require a degree include:

•    Digital Marketing
•    Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, IT & Networking
•    Accounting, Bookkeeping, Financial Services

Degrees are generally not essential for other options including administration, sales, and project management as relevant experience is generally seen as being more relevant to these career paths than traditional degrees.

How we can help                            

We offer a wide range of courses that can be studied online or via a Virtual Classroom.

Take your studies and career to the next level, by enrolling on one of our professional courses, which offer flexible training solutions.  

In addition to offering a range of courses, we also offer career advice articles to support job seekers, which can help you to make the best career decisions.

Read our advice on how to write a CV, and the 10 skills employers look for.

Many of our training courses and qualifications are eligible for interest-free payment options, so you can learn new skills and gain qualifications affordably, that won’t leave you with a large amount of student loan debt.

Now you know the benefits of studying with e-Careers, it’s time to start your upskilling journey!

Ready to get started? View the full range of training courses today. 

Call us on +44 (0) 20 3198 7700 to speak to one of our Career Consultants today, to discuss your career goals or get started.