Higher Education Evening

1. Higher Education Evening Choosing a course and a university Mr T Fletcher

2. Going to university or not? • Going to university is the choice of the majority of Wilson’s students. • There are advantages and disadvantages of going to university. • Why do you want to go on to higher education? • Take a gap year?

3. The main objective for continuing with higher education is to obtain a degree. A bachelors or first degree will require 3, 4 or 5 years of study and you will need to select a subject or course that will keep your interest and motivation over that time. The choice of what to study would therefore take priority over deciding where to study.

4. Which degree subject? • Subject where you have a genuine aptitude, interest, level of enjoyment. • Career aspirations. What do you see your self doing after your degree.

5. Choosing a subject that is similar to one or more of your current subjects • You are more likely to succeed at what you are good at and are interested in. • You’re paying – do the degree that you want to study. • A degree course isn’t necessarily training for a job – training for career often start once you have a degree. • Having a degree will give you access to graduate employment and graduate training. • Consider also disciplines related to your preferred subject (e.g geography/ geology. Philosophy/theology). • Think about your experience of the EPQ.

6. Choosing a subject by career interests • If you have set your mind on a particular career then relevant degrees should be easier to select. • Be aware for some careers it is not necessary (or indeed preferable) to do a degree in that field. • Be aware of similar related careers and jobs, related to your degree that you could change to; Accountancy, actuarial science, banking, economics, financial services, insurance. Biochemistry, biology, ecology, environmental health, genetics, medicine, medical research, microbiology, pharmacy, physiology.

7. Choosing a degree course • Identify the course and subject requirements or preferences, including GCSE (these frequently differ between universities). • Identify the type of degree: single honours, joint honours, subject X with subject B (major – minor degree), modularised degree (with maximum flexibility), degree with a year in industry or commercial placements (sandwich courses) • Carefully research the degree content from specific universities.

8. Choosing a degree course • Take account of the teaching styles offered, traditional, tutorial focused, problem based learning. • Consider the methods of assessment (unseen examinations, continuous assessment, dissertations and project work). Practicals, field work. • Structure of the course. How much contact time with staff? How much free study time? Frequency of lectures and seminars. • Facilities that at a particular department has to offer – laboratories, studios, libraries etc.

9. Which university? • Which university is best for your course? (National League tables: Employment rates on graduation / Student satisfaction / Research quality / Student-staff ratio etc.) • Degree courses on offer – note that these differ significantly between universities and change over time. • Character, reputation and size of the institution – old, red-brick or new. Number of students. • University facilities. Sports, libraries, social, IT etc. • Costs – accommodation (Halls of residence or private). Travel to and from university.

10. Which university? • Location – city or town centred or self-contained campus. Close to home or far away. • Cultural, social and leisure opportunities in the town/city. • Bursaries, scholarships and awards for undergraduates in your subject area. • Entry requirements for your course – be realistic and do think about ‘insurance’ choices.

11. Admission tests, portfolios and interviews • LNAT – national admissions test for law • UKCAT – UK clinical aptitude test • BMAT – biomedical admissions test • Portfolios of work for arts courses including architecture • Other courses may also require samples of work before interview (e.g many Oxbridge courses) • Even if you are not required to attend an interview you ensure that you visit institutions before confirming them on you UCAS application. • It is up to you to be absolutely sure of the admissions requirements for your course.

12. Sources of information • Degree course guides – Heap’s Guide, The Times Good University Guide; The Student Book • Prospectuses and websites (alternative prospectuses, online student reviews). • Visits – can you see your self in this environment? • Open days – book early and take advantage of weekends and school holidays. • Recommendations. Ask everyone! Parents, siblings, family friends, staff (esp. subject teachers) etc. • Careers Interviews

13. Oxbridge & Medicine information • Oxbridge evening Thursday 6 February. Speaker from Oxford and Cambridge. • Medical information evening on Monday 17 March will cover specific information about applications to read medicine, dentistry, veterinary science – first point of contact is Mr Phillips

14. Websites www.notgoingtouni.co.uk www.allaboutcareers.com www.apprenticeships.org www.ucas.ac.uk www.ukcoursefinder.com www.russellgroup.ac.uk www.unistats