Routes to University

Find Your Path

There's more than one route to a university degree in Northern Ireland.

Start your journey by exploring the wide range of Further Education and Higher Education courses available at colleges across Northern Ireland.

These courses are closely aligned with industry demand and can lead to university progression.

Explore Subjects

Built Environment

Find out about the routes to studying Built Environment at Ulster University.

Entry routes to University

Business, Accounting & Marketing

Find out about the routes to studying Business, Accounting & Marketing at Ulster University.

Entry routes to University

Computing

Find out about the routes to studying Computing at Ulster University.

Entry routes to University

Counselling

Find out about the routes to studying Counselling at Ulster University.

Entry routes to University

Engineering

Find out about the routes to studying Engineering at Ulster University.

Entry routes to University

Hospitality and Tourism

Find out about the routes to studying Hospitality and Tourism at Ulster University. Courses whose year of entry to Ulster...

Entry routes to University

Life and Health Sciences

Find out about the routes to studying Life and Health Sciences at Ulster University.

Entry routes to University

Nursing

Find out about the routes to studying Nursing at Ulster University.

Entry routes to University

Sociology

Find out about the routes to studying Sociology at Ulster University.

Entry routes to University

Sport

Find out about the routes to studying Sport at Ulster University.

Entry routes to University

Pathways to Higher Education

With multiple options available, you can find the path to Higher Education that works for you.

Find examples below for some of the many ways to progress from level 3 education to securing a university degree.

Pathway Examples

Pathway Example One

Study a two-year foundation degree in FdEng Civil Engineering at Belfast Metropolitan College.
Meet the eligibility to enter UU at Level 5 (year two) of a BEng Hons Civil Engineering at our Belfast campus or go straight into employment.
Graduate with an Honours degree after two years of study at Ulster University.

Pathway Example Two

Study a two-year foundation degree in FdSc Business and Enterprise at North West College.
Meet the eligibility to enter UU, complete summer bridging successfully and enter final year of a BSc Hons Business programme at our Derry~Londonderry Campus
Graduate with an Honours degree after one further year of study at Ulster University

Pathway Example Three

Study a two-year foundation degree in FdSc Tourism, Hospitality and Events (with a specialism in Tourism) at South West College
Meet the eligibility to enter UU, complete summer bridging successfully and enter final year of BSc Hons International Tourism Management at Coleraine
Graduate with an Honours degree after one further year of study at Ulster University.

Benefits of Further Education

There are lots of benefits to studying a Higher Education course:

Choose a career-focused route
Study employer-led qualifications
Option for university progression
Practical and applied qualifications

The types of courses available to you include Degrees, Foundation Degrees, HNDs, HNCs and Higher Level Apprenticeships, across a wide range of subjects.