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What is the journey to a million?

UCAS projects that by the end of the decade, we could see up to a million students apply for higher education (HE) across the full range of Level 4 and above opportunities. In collaboration with Unite Students and Knight Frank, we examine those projections in more detail below.

What is UCAS?

UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service is an independent charity and the UK's shared admissions service for higher education.

Why are we obsessed with the Journey to a Million applicants?

Clare Marchant, Chief Executive of UCAS, introduces our collection of essays, created in collaboration with Unite Students and Knight Frank, highlighting the challenges and opportunities the Journey to a Million higher education applicants poses both to the education sector and UK PLC.

Why exhibit with UCAS?

Our events provide education providers, commercial organisations and employers with the opportunity to meet, inspire and connect with potential applicants, parents and advisers early in their decision-making process.

Why I chose an apprenticeship instead of A levels

Instead of taking A levels after school, Santina started her Level 3 apprenticeship at civil engineering company, Arup, aged 16. Here she speaks about her experience, including why she chose an apprenticeship, what makes a good apprentice, and how she manages working and studying at the same time.

Why I knew I wanted to do an apprenticeship

We spoke to Hannah Rashidi, a Chartered Management Degree Apprentice at BT who knew she wanted to do an apprenticeship since secondary school. Here, she talks about how she made the decision, making friends, and her advice to future apprentices.

Why UCAS?

If you want to reach students in the UK, there's no one who knows them better.

Zoology 2026 personal statement guide

A degree in zoology opens up numerous career options working with or studying animals, or could be a stepping stone into a graduate veterinary medicine course. If it's your degree of choice, here are some personal statement pointers.