Book excerpt: Now in its 42nd edition, British Qualifications is the definitive one-volume guide to every qualification on offer in the United Kingdom. With full details of all institutions and organizations involved in the provision of further and higher education, this publication is an essential reference source for careers advisors, students and employers. It also includes a comprehensive and up-to-date description of the structure of further and higher education in the UK. The book includes information on awards provided by over 350 professional institutions and accrediting bodies, details of academic universities and colleges and a full description of the current framework of academic and vocational educational. It is compiled and checked annually to ensure accuracy of information.