A-levels no longer dovetail neatly into the intensive three-year degree course that is still British universities' main offering.

ECONOMIST: Exams

Consider doing an HND at college: many universities accept these as entrance qualifications - and will let you straight into the second year of a degree course.

BBC: After the results, where now?

"I was awarded a scholarship during the second year of my degree course at Manchester to go to the west coast of America for a month, which was inspirational, " he said.

BBC: Dome wheels in street culture

There are several institutions offering surf-related courses - including a three-year surf science and technology degree at the University of Plymouth and a three-year course in surf and beach management at Swansea Institute of Higher Education.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Education | Teachers attack 'hobby degrees'

The Design and Technology Secondary Education degree is a three-year course and qualifies students as secondary school Design and Technology teachers.

BBC: Wheelchair 'walks' down stairs