INTRODUCTION TO HIGHER EDUCATION

CEDARS SIXTH FORM

Why do people go to University? 

Ø To gain a degree to prepare for a specific vocation or profession.Ø To gain a degree in a subject that will improve their intellectual ability.Ø To study to a higher level a subject they really enjoy.Ø To study something new.Ø To experience a new and diverse range of activities.Ø To meet and work alongside like-minded individuals from a

diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.Ø To learn to become increasingly independent.Ø Graduates generally have a much greater earning potential than non-graduates – but this is not guaranteed!Ø Because they don’t know what else to do – and everyone else seems to be going.

Ask yourself whether you really want to go to university.Do I want to study for another three or more years?Will a degree help me in the future?Financial implicationsGo now? Defer? Gap Year?

What do I/We need to do now?

DECIDING WHAT TO STUDY?. A traditional subject – continuing subjects studied at

school. What am I good at? What do I enjoy? Move on to study something new or different. Move towards a vocational subject – Medicine,

Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy Will I gain professional recognition? Does my chosen career require a specific

pathway? Will I need to undertake additional training after my

degree?

Foundation degree Single Honours Combined/Dual Honours Modular Degrees Sandwich Degree Four Year Courses Study Abroad Open University Art and Design Foundation Courses

TYPES OF COURSE

• Course finder• Occupations Book• Course Discover• Talk to Subject Teachers• Form Tutors• Talk to KS5 Coordinator

WHERE TO RESEARCH

Do I want to study away from home? How far am I prepared to go? Do I want to be within easy/affordable distance of home? Do I want to study and live at home? Do I want to be in a city? Do I want to be on a campus? Are other facilities important? Do I want to be in a specific region? Which universities offer my course? Which places are considered to be the best? Where is it on the map? ‘Old’ university? New university? College?

There is no such thing as a typical university!

WHERE DO I WANT TO STUDY?

The major variations between Universities

•The entry requirements•The prestige•The size•The location•The style of teaching•The length of terms•The type of courses offered

•The employment record•The value of the degree•The level & quality of the work•The expectations•The gender balance•The cost of accommodation•The expectations

Universities all have specific entry requirements – these will vary within and between departments.

Some courses are more competitive than others. E.g. English, Veterinary Science, Medicine, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Law

Some courses will ask for specific grades, others will make a points offer.

Others will be looking for particular experiences (e.g. work experience) alongside your academic qualifications.

Entry Tests - BMAT, LNAT, UKCAT

Think about which universities are accessible to you….

GAP YEARS…..

Travel Volunteering Employment The Year in Industry Deferred entry?

‘If you don’t know already …you soon will!’

University &Colleges AdmissionsService

www.ucas.com

What is UCAS ?

Involves a huge amount of researchAsking a lot of questionsMaking important decisions – up to five possible choicesRequires important deadlines being metUCAS deadline: 15 January 2014(Medicine/Dentistry/Pharmacy/Oxbridge: 15 October 2013)Cedars internal deadline: 5 November to get forms away by Christmas

The UCAS Process…

The UCAS Tariff(Points are also available for other qualifications – See UCAS website for details)

Grade AS Level A2 Level/AGCEA* N/A 140 points

A 60 points 120 points

B 50 points 100 points

C 40 points 80 points

D 30 points 60 points

E 20 points 40 points

ProspectusesUCAS & University websiteshttp://www.ukcoursefinder.com/

FINDING OUT ABOUT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

OXBRIDGE

Application to Oxford or Cambridge

Collegiate universities

‘The interviews’

WHAT IS IT GOING TO COST?

Loans Fees Grants Bursaries Scholarships Additional funds Paying it back www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk/

The Application Process

http://www.cedarsupper.org.uk http://www.ucas.com/ The personal statement is a very important part

of their application. It MUST be exactly right. NO spelling errors Good grammar and punctuation It must be coherent You must not come across as arrogant. No more than 4000 characters (including

spaces)

The Personal Statement

What you should be doing NOW...10 June – 5 November:• Ask your form tutors to check your personal

statement.• You will have a 1:1 session with your tutor before the

end of this term to discuss your future plans. • Complete application

Register first week in September• Check information very carefully!!• Hand in a printed off copy to your form tutor – they

will then write your reference.• Wait for information from UCAS and universitiesJanuary 15 2014 • Last day for receipt of applications by UCAS

March 2013 UCAS Extra

End of May 2013 You should be holding ONE conditional Firm offer

and ONE insurance offer (this must ALWAYS be lower offer than the conditional Firm)

Mid August 2013 A Level/AGCE results published Clearing if necessary

Books Websites – www.ucas.com University websites Course finder http://www.ukcoursefinder.com/ ‘You Can’ Magazine Open Days – www.opendays.com League tables Information about the quality of courses: WW.TQI.AC.UK Prospectuses Talk to the universities Assemblies Come and talk to us..

Where can I find out more?