Go Higher West Yorkshire brings together information about higher education providers in our local area, to help people like you explore what's available.
Few people stick to one career path these days. A higher-skills qualification from a good quality provider can equip your teen to move between roles and progress throughout their career.
Below, you'll find what higher-level skills are, what qualifications support them, what's available across West Yorkshire, and the financial, wellbeing and career-related support on offer. There might even be something for you, too.
The basics
What are higher-level skills qualifications?
Higher-level skills are the advanced abilities employers look for as people progress to more senior positions. HE is the next step up after A Levels, T Levels and BTECs — at colleges and universities alike.
Technical
Focused on a specific skillset — cyber security, data science, engineering.
Vocational
Focused on a job role or industry — healthcare, design, construction.
Academic
In-depth subject study building transferable skills like critical thinking.
Which qualifications will my teen be looking at?
Usually at a college. One year full time or two years part time — a practical first step into higher-level skills.
College or university. One to two years full time. Foundation Degrees can often be topped up to a full bachelor's in one extra year.
Usually three years full time at university or college. Degree apprenticeships are employer-funded — your teen earns a salary throughout while working towards a full degree.
Many institutions also offer Access to HE courses for students who don't quite have the required Level 3 qualifications yet. Entry isn't as narrow as you might think.
Where to study
Where can your teen develop these skills?
Both colleges and universities offer higher-level skills qualifications — and each one in West Yorkshire offers a unique experience. There really is something to suit anyone.
HE-in-FE colleges
- Bradford College
- University Centre Calderdale
- Kirklees College
- University Centre Leeds
- Wakefield College (Heart of Yorkshire Education Group)
Practical, vocational qualifications with strong industry links.
Universities
- University of Bradford
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Leeds
- Leeds Arts University
- Leeds Beckett University
- Leeds Trinity University
Wider subject range, research-led teaching, broader campus life.
Specialist
- Leeds Conservatoire
- Leeds College of Building
Focused on specific industries — deep expertise in a single field.
Degree apprenticeships are jobs first — your teen applies to an employer, not a university. Apprenticeship advice · Find one on GOV.UK ↗
Money & wellbeing
What support would be available?
Student fees are spent on a wide range of support. Make sure your teen knows these services are included at no extra cost — so they should take full advantage.
- Help finding part-time work alongside studies
- Financial wellbeing programme: 1-1 appointments and budgeting advice
- Grants, bursaries and scholarships — none need to be repaid
- Hardship funds so no one falls through the gaps
- Dedicated teams to help students settle in and thrive
- Proactive outreach — staff reach out before issues escalate
- Confidential counselling: online, by phone, or face-to-face
- Disability and learning support services
- Academic skills teams: writing, referencing, time management
- Personal tutors who can flag concerns early
- Careers services from day one — CV support, interview prep, employer connections
- Library, learning resources and study spaces included
Find what's out there
The only way to find out is to look.
Every course from West Yorkshire universities and colleges, in one place. Search by subject or filter by qualification type.
or pick a qualification type above to browse
All West Yorkshire institutions · Updated regularly