The latest higher education entry statistics show that this year large numbers of well-qualified students won't win university places because of the huge number of applicants combined with cuts in the number of university places available. On top of that, universities and colleges are setting their offers higher for places on courses in 2012 so it'll be even tougher to beat the other applicants.

You need an independent, reliable guide to selecting the university degree course of your choice.

Now in its 42nd edition, HEAP 2012 is the definitive guide to university entrance offers in the UK and could help you win one of those fought-for places. Written by Brian Heap, the UK's leading expert on higher education, HEAP 2012: University Degree Course Offers contains all the essential information you need to choose and apply to your ideal university degree course. It lists degree courses available at universities and colleges throughout the UK and the grades, UCAS points or equivalent that you need to achieve to get on to each course listed.

With HEAP 2012, you can find out how to begin choosing your course, criteria to base your choice on, whether you are suited to a sandwich course or a course with a year abroad and how to apply for funding. With HEAP 2012 you can be sure you'll make informed choices of degree course and university and be one step closer to making a great university application and studying a great course at your ideal university.

Frequently dubbed 'the guru of university choice' by national newspapers, Brian Heap is a highly respected careers adviser and author who has been helping students get into university for over 40 years. He has written several bestselling higher education publications, and regularly writes for the national press.