Careers, Higher Education and Progression
THINKING OF GOING TO UNIVERSITY?
If you want to apply to university or a university level course you normally apply through the University and College Application System also known as UCAS. www.ucas.ac.uk
For more information on how it works you can also look at a series of short video guides that link from the site. See the link below for answers to questions such as: How to apply, How to choose your course, How to write a Personal Statement, Starting Uni, Freshers Week and many more. The site also includes areas for parents to find out more about University.
Click on the site below for more information on student finance. Find out what loans and grants you may be eligible for with the online calculator and there are step by step instructions on how to apply for student finance.
www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk
A great website below which lets you find out about the pockets of funding available to you depending on the course/subject area you are interested in, your financial circumstances, the University of choice and even where your family work!
An online directory of University open days within the UK. Also contains a helpful Advice section on questions to ask and what to consider when looking for the university that suits you.
Find out which University is right for you, compare different universities by UCAS points, student satisfaction, Graduate employment prospects.
An imaginative and relevant independent guide to UK Universities, student life, student open days, student finance etc at:
WHERE TO START . . . IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY!
www.ucas.ac.uk To understand more about the application process go to ‘Six steps to applying’
To start looking at what courses are available go to ‘Course search’ then look at ‘Home and EU students’. You will then find an alphabetical list of the courses to look through. Remember, courses may be worded differently eg ICT related courses will be under IT, Computing and Computer Science.
When looking at the courses make sure you look at the ‘course specific requirements’ - this will tell you what UCAS points and qualifications will be accepted. Remember to double check that the GCSE and also which BTEC courses will be considered.
All courses on UCAS will have a link through to the university website so you can look at what the course involves, the course modules and details of industry placements. There will also be a link to email the Admissions tutors directly to ask questions such as ‘Would you accept BTEC Science Level 2 rather than GCSE Science?’
THINGS TO CONSIDER . . .
What is important to you? How far away from home you want to be? Getting a degree from the best possible university for that course? Going to a university with good industry links for work experience and graduate opportunities? Relatively low cost of living?
How are the courses assessed-exams/test or coursework? Which suits you best?
What does the course involve? What are the modules - are these flexible?
Is the course a three year degree or a four year sandwich course? Do you want to do a year in industry in the UK or abroad? That year’s experience in business could really help you find a good job once you have graduated.
What bursaries or scholarships do the university and/or the department offer? On the university website look at the ‘Fees and Bursaries’ section. You must apply for these yourself from the university - they will not just offer it to you.
LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVES TO GOING TO UNIVERSITY?
If you are looking at alternatives to university or ways to reduce the cost of going, look out for sponsored degree courses and apprenticeships:
- www.notgoingtouni.co.uk
- www.purepotential.org/recruitment/
- www.directions.org.uk/ for information and links to careers in financial sector
You may want to spread your wings and see the world? For information on reputable Gap Year and volunteering companies:
For more information on working abroad and Camp America
There are now a number companies that offer school leaver programmes so you can learn on the job or do a part-time university course alongside full time employment, rather than going to university.
- www.cimaglobal.com (finance)
- www.santanderflyingstart.co.uk
- www.icaew.com
- www.cipr.co.uk (public relations)
- www.siemens.co.uk (Finance and IT)
- www.kpmgcareers.co.uk or www.ey.com/UK (risk consultancy)
Or if you are looking for a job or an apprenticeship, you can look in local papers and also most company websites now have a careers section and largely recruit through these. You can also search on: