Further education is not necessary to employment, especially if you are after a job that does not require high levels of skill, intelligence or qualifications, but it is sometimes essential. In the case of law, for example, it is almost unheard of that a lawyer does not have some form of qualification gained from further education, simply because the level of their work means that they would not be able to do the job properly without the additional training. Therefore, in some cases, not continuing on to further education is simply not an option.

The definition of further education does not necessarily always mean university, though this is often the way in which people continue their educations. There are a great deal to choose from, and people choose a university based on several aspects: course content, location, course fees, even the type of people who go to the university can all factor in a decision.

There are other options, of course. The Open University is a good way for someone who does not either have the desire or means to travel to gain qualifications that are as recognised as a university degree, but within the comfort of their own home and the opportunity to take as much time as they need. This type of arrangement may be preferable to people who are disabled, or are frequently ill, and as such would find attending seminars and lectures at a university difficult.