For UK adults 21+

Go to university without GCSEs or A‑Levels

Whether you're starting from scratch or ready for a full degree, we'll match you to the right route and guide your whole application. No upfront cost for eligible students.

Study with recognised UK university partners including Arden, Roehampton & UWTSD.

No qualifications needed at 21+

CertHE routes into university without GCSEs or A‑Levels.

Study around work and family

Evening, weekend, blended and online options available.

Student Finance covers fees

Tuition paid directly to the university for eligible students.

Join 15,000+ students already placed into university · Cardiff · Swansea · Birmingham · Manchester · London · Leeds · Leicester · Nottingham · Newcastle · plus online UK‑wide

How it works

Five steps from enquiry to enrolment

Check your eligibility

Two minutes on the form, or message us on WhatsApp.

Speak to an advisor

We talk through your options — no obligation.

Apply

We guide your full application, including Student Finance.

Interview

We set it up and help you prepare.

Start university

That's it.

Check my eligibility now

Explore your options

Find the right route for your situation

Most popular

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

CertHE · 1 year · equivalent to Year 1 of a degree

Subjects
Business · Computing · Health & Social Care
Locations
Cardiff · Swansea · Birmingham · London
Entry
21+ — no formal qualifications required
Funding
Student Finance available (tuition covered)
Intakes
September (main) · January & May (limited)
Designed for beginners

University of Suffolk

CertHE with Foundation Year · 2 years

Subjects
Business Studies · Health & Social Care
Locations
London · Manchester
Entry
21+ — no formal qualifications required
Funding
Student Finance available (tuition covered)
Intakes
September (main) · January & May (limited)
London

University of the West of Scotland

CertHE (1 yr) · CertHE with Foundation Year (2 yrs)

Subjects
Business · Computing · Health & Social Care
Locations
London
Entry
21+ — no formal qualifications required
Funding
Student Finance available for eligible students
Intakes
September (main) · January (limited)

Subjects you can study

Business & Management · Health & Social Care · Computing & IT · Psychology · Law · Criminology · Accounting & Finance · Marketing · Project Management · Public Health · Hospitality & Tourism · Fashion & Design · Engineering · Sport & Exercise — and more. Not sure which suits you? Message us and we'll help you choose.

Why apply through CareerStep UK? We match you with the right university, guide your full application, help with Student Finance, and support you throughout.

Testimonials

What our students say

I've been a care worker for 8 years and always felt stuck. I left school with no GCSEs and thought university wasn't for me… I'm now in my second term and loving it. I didn't have to pay a penny upfront.

Aisha, 31 — Birmingham

I was working warehouse shifts at £11 an hour and going nowhere… By Tuesday I had an interview booked for a Business Management foundation degree. The classes are evenings and the odd Saturday, so I'm still working.

Marcus, 35 — London

I was told I wouldn't qualify for university because I didn't have UK A‑levels. CareerStep UK showed me that wasn't true. I'm doing a Computing CertHE in Canary Wharf and Student Finance is paying my tuition.

Ahmed, 26 — London

I'm a mum of two and didn't think going back to study was possible… There are no exams for this course, all coursework, and the teachers know we've got families and jobs.

Priya, 38 — Manchester

I never had GCSEs but my work experience counted towards Arden's entry route. I'm now doing a BSc Health and Care Management via distance learning — fully online, evenings and weekends.

Yvonne, 42 — Leeds

I genuinely thought I was too old… I'm now studying Business at UWTSD two days a week. Some of my classmates are 22, some are 60. Nobody cares about my age.

Linda, 47 — Cardiff

Ready to write your own story? Check your eligibility — it takes two minutes.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Do I really not need GCSEs or A‑levels?

For most CertHE routes, if you're 21 or over you don't need formal qualifications. Under 21, you'll need Level 3 qualifications totalling around 64–80 UCAS points. Arden has its own entry rules, including a work experience route — we'll check your situation when you enquire.

How long do these courses take?

From 1 year for a standalone CertHE up to 4 years for a full BSc with Foundation Year. Master's distance learning courses are 2 years part‑time.

Can I study while working?

Yes. Weekend, evening, blended (online plus on‑campus) and fully distance learning options are available depending on the university.

Can I study fully online?

Yes, through Arden University's distance learning programmes. Blended options are also available through Roehampton — online evenings plus occasional Saturdays on campus.

What documents will I need?

Typically: a valid passport or EU ID card, your share code if applicable, an up‑to‑date CV, and proof of address. Some courses also ask for a personal statement or work reference. We'll tell you exactly what's needed for your route.

What if my qualifications are from outside the UK?

For most adult routes, formal qualifications aren't required. Where they are, the university can usually assess the equivalence of your overseas qualifications.

How do interviews work?

Depending on the university, interviews are on campus or online via Microsoft Teams. You'll need a valid ID document on the day. We tell you what to expect and how to prepare.

Can I get help with living costs, not just tuition?

Campus-based courses may qualify for a maintenance loan on top of the tuition fee loan, subject to Student Finance assessment. Fully online courses are tuition-only. If living-cost support matters to you, tell us and we'll point you towards campus options.

I already have a degree — can I still apply?

A previous degree usually blocks undergraduate funding, but postgraduate routes are a different story — Master's loans are available to graduates regardless of prior study. Message us and we'll talk through the postgraduate options.

What happens after I fill in the form?

We'll get in touch to talk through your options. There's no obligation — the form is the start of a conversation.

Apply

Check your eligibility

Takes 2 minutes. We'll be in touch via WhatsApp.

Not sure if you qualify? Skip the form — message us on WhatsApp instead. Replies within 24 hours.

Speak to our team today

📱 Phone / WhatsApp: +44 7753 831670
📧 Email: info@careerstepuk.com
🌐 Instagram: @careerstepuk · Facebook: CareerStep UK

WhatsApp Apply now