UCAS uses application, acceptance and survey data to offer unparalleled understanding into applicants to Level 4 and 5 courses. It also sets out how, with enhanced information, more people could benefit from Level 4 and 5 qualifications, including commitments from UCAS and tangible recommendations for schools, colleges, and universities.
Key findings include:
- Applications for Level 4 and 5 qualifications are highest in regions where progression to Level 6+ (traditional undergraduate degrees) is lowest, and among mature students who are twice as likely to apply for a Level 4 or 5 qualification than 18-year-olds.
- Subjects allied to medicine were the most popular choice in 2023 – this has increased by 21% since 2019.
- One third (33%) picked the Level 4 or 5 course over Level 6+ when they received an offer from both. The majority (79%) of applicants to Level 4 or 5 courses also applied to a Level 6+ course.
- The number of applications to Level 4 and 5 courses has decreased by 12% from 46,725 in 2019 to 40,920 in 2023. However, this decline is driven by Level 5, where applications decreased by 21% (from 37,195 in 2019 to 29,250 in 2023).
- Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents were unfamiliar with the term Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).
View the 
report (4.9 MB)
Vew the 
applicant analysis data files (25.41 KB).
View the survey analysis data files (17.47 KB).