They appoint their own staff, decide which students to admit, provide their own courses and award their own degrees. The number of universities has increased considerably since 1992, when polytechnics were given their own degree-awarding powers and were allowed to take the university title. First degree courses are mainly full time and usually last three years. However, there are some four-year courses, and medical and veterinary courses normally require five years. Universities offer courses in a wide range of subjects, including traditional arts subjects and science and technology.
Many universities have close links with commerce and industry.
In practice, most offers of places require qualifications in excess of this - higher requirements usually reflecting the popularity if a course. For admission to a degree, Dip HE or HND, potential students apply through a central clearing house. An application form and a Ucas handbook are available from schools, colleges and careers offices or direct from Ucas. Students may apply to a maximum of six institutions or courses on the Ucas form. The application is completed in the final year of A-levels and must be submitted by no later than the 15 December.