Where Next? Who applies for Level 4 and 5 qualifications?

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).

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