Upon reaching the age of 16 and completing their GCSEs, UK students will enter a two-year GCE A-Level course or an equivalent qualification such as the IB or Pre-Cambridge U Diploma, or a career-oriented diploma such as the BTEC National Diploma. Successful completion of the course with the required grades will lead to entry into a university degree programme. During these two years, schools generally provide students with a choice of subjects and help them develop the self-discipline, independent thinking and problem-solving skills they need to prepare for university life and learning.