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To go to university, or to not go to university – that is the question. While university has long been the traditional route to a STEM career, many STEM industries now recognise alternative career paths. This has opened up various options, from different educational avenues to direct entry into the workplace, all of which can lead to a successful STEM career.
Whether you do not wish to go to university or simply want to explore alternative options, this ‘Other post-18 routes into STEM’ section will provide the information you need to make an informed choice about your future. Introducing you to the idea of a university alternative, this article will explain why you may want to consider an alternative route into STEM instead of going to university.
Is university worth it?
The question of whether to attend university is more complex than ever. With rising tuition fees, the time commitment involved, and the increasing availability of alternative pathways, there are many factors to consider. Certainly for those entering STEM fields, where practical experience and hands-on skills are highly valued, university may not always be the best option.
There are numerous routes into STEM, with each pathway offering distinct advantages. However, to determine which option is best suited for you, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of both university and alternative routes. The table below provides a brief summary of these pros and cons, with further details available in the following discussion section.
| University pros | University cons |
|---|---|
| Earn a widely recognised qualification, which can be essential for advanced roles | Can be expensive, leading to significant student debt |
| Could increase earning potential | Takes 3+ years, delaying entry into the workforce |
| Learn from people who are at the top of their field, becoming an expert in a subject you love | Practical experience, certifications, or apprenticeships can sometimes provide quicker, more affordable entry into the workforce |
| Connect with peers and academics which can lead to internships and job opportunities | Transition from school to university can be challenging, requiring self-motivation and discipline |
| Open doors to a variety of career paths, including research, academia, and industry | Not all degrees guarantee a high-paying job, and the financial payoff might take years to achieve. |
| Gain independence and develop as a person through new experiences with new friends | Often have to move away from home |
| Access to clubs and societies as well as student support post-graduation | Unlike some options, you are not guaranteed a job upon graduation |
| Receive student loans, grants, and bursaries to support you during your studies | Contact time is less than some alternative options |
The pros and cons of university – A discussion
Cost and debt
University education is expensive and, although student loans exist to help with this, the 2023/2024 university cohort is expected to accumulate an average of £45,600 in debt by the time they graduate.
In contrast, many alternative pathways allow you to earn while you learn, significantly reducing or even eliminating the need for student loans. This means you can start your career without the burden of debt.
Learning style
Everyone has a unique learning style, and the availability of alternative routes into STEM accommodates these differences. University courses have traditionally been theory-based, with a greater focus on content rather than practical skill development. For individuals who thrive in hands-on learning environments, alternative STEM pathways offer more practical approaches, combining on-the-job training with earning qualifications while working.
Career certainty
The route you take into STEM may largely depend on the STEM career you wish to pursue. If you are unsure of which roles interest you but know you enjoy studying STEM, a university course could help keep your options open while you decide.
Alternatively, you might prefer to pursue a different path without the financial burden, allowing you more flexibility if you change your mind later. If you’re confident about a specific STEM career, an alternative route can be an excellent choice. These pathways provide direct, hands-on experience in your field, often preparing you for the workforce more effectively than a purely academic route.
Career opportunity
A key consideration when comparing a university degree with alternative routes is the employment prospects. Only 66% of graduates felt their degrees were necessary for their current job, and a significant number of young people with degrees feel overqualified for their roles. While our dedicated university article notes that STEM graduates have a higher employment rate than non-graduates, it’s worth examining how some of the alternative routes fare.
Alternative routes into STEM often involve guaranteed employment from the outset. Those who choose this path can have great success finding work and get a head start in the workplace, allowing them to progress up the career ladder at a similar rate to new university graduates. It is likely that many non-graduates who are employed immediately after secondary school have undertaken an entry-level role.
If you’re considering an alternative route into STEM that offers a qualification, its employability prospects will vary based on the level of the qualification. Our article on diploma courses explores popular options at level 4 and above (post-school).
Social and cultural benefits
University is often viewed as a highly social period, where you can meet thousands of peers, develop cultural awareness within a diverse community, and form lifelong friendships. While alternative routes into STEM may not provide the same level of social interaction, you will still have opportunities to connect with others who share your interests through work. To experience a similar level of engagement with diverse groups, you might consider attending conferences, industry events, and participating in hobbies during your free time.
Alternative STEM pathways to university
Due to the practical nature of many STEM jobs, vocational qualifications can be an excellent option. For specialist careers that require a degree, there are often other ways to obtain the necessary qualifications besides going to university.
PMT Education has dedicated articles for each option:
- Entry-level jobs: Designed for individuals just starting their careers, often requiring minimal experience and providing on-the-job training in various STEM fields
- School leaver programmes: Structured programmes offered by companies or institutions aimed at recent secondary school leavers, combining work experience with additional training or education in a specific industry
- Degree apprenticeships: Work-based learning opportunities where individuals gain a degree while gaining practical experience and earning a wage
- Diploma courses: Educational programmes that provide specialised knowledge and skills in a specific area of STEM, typically completed in a shorter time frame than a degree and sometimes leading to a professional qualification
- Online STEM certification courses: Web-based programmes that offer specialised training and certifications in various STEM subjects, allowing learners to gain skills and credentials at their own pace
- Coding bootcamps: Intensive, short-term training programmes focused on programming skills and practical coding experience, designed to quickly prepare individuals for careers in technology-related fields
Important considerations for those not going to university
Making the final decision between attending university or pursuing an alternative route requires careful consideration. Once you’ve identified alternative STEM pathways that interest you, use the following questions to guide your decision-making:
Does the STEM career you want accept alternative routes?
Some professionals, such as hospital doctors or teachers, may require a university degree. However, many others, like those in IT or digital marketing, may be well-suited to alternative pathways. Research the qualifications required for your desired career to determine if a degree is essential.
How do you learn best?
Reflect on your learning style. Did you enjoy the structure of A Levels, or do you prefer hands-on, practical learning? If you thrive in a more interactive environment, a vocational course might be a better fit.
Do you need to decide now?
It’s important to remember that choosing to not attend university right after secondary school doesn’t mean you can’t pursue higher education later. You could take an alternative route, start working, gain experience, and then return to study in the future.
Are you ready to start work?
Many alternative routes require you to work while studying or training, with a transition into a full-time position shortly after completing your education.
Choosing between going to university or exploring alternative routes into STEM is a significant decision that should be based on your personal goals, learning style, and financial situation. It’s essential to gather as much information as possible about all available options.
Depending on whether university or an alternative route feels like the best fit for your STEM career aspirations, explore ‘STEM at university’ or ‘Other post-18 routes into STEM’ guide – or both! Feel free to join or start the conversation in the comment section, where you can seek advice from fellow readers. A great way to start is by sharing your STEM career goals, the pathways that interest you, and any questions you have.
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