Going to University HIGHER EDUCATION IN ENGLAND AND WALES
Universities in the UK Approximately 100 universities Oxford & Cambridge – the oldest universities Oxford founded in 1116? Red brick universities – built in the early 20th century (Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester …) New universities – built in the 1960s The Russell Group – the 24 leading universities
Cambridge, Sheffield, Kent…
Why go to university? According to UCAS: Why go to uni? Choosing higher education has many benefits. These include: developing valuable skills to give you wider opportunities studying a subject you're passionate about gaining a qualification to help you follow your chosen career higher earning potential
Statistics Approximately 35% of 18-year-olds apply to university Other options for school-leavers: Professional training courses Apprenticeships Starting work … Gap year…
Applying to university During Year 12 at school: Choosing a course and a university (open days, visits…) Beginning of Year 13: Applying to university via UCAS (online) The Universities receive the applications and select the potential students Sometimes potential students are interviewed Universities make an offer to the students they want to accept « Unconditional offer » or « Conditional offer » (you can have a place if your ‘A’ Level results are BBB for example)
At university Most students follow a degree course Undergraduate studies 3 years (4 years for languages) If successful, they obtain a degree B.A. B.Sc Postgraduate studies: M.A. M.Sc Ph.D
Financing higher education University tuition fees – up to £9000 per year Students don’t pay upfront Student loans (to be paid back when students start work) Some students receive grants or bursaries
Student life Social activities organised by student societies – sports, music, culture… Halls of Residence Student’s Union building
Graduation At the end of the degree course Degree results: Honours Degree First class Second class Third class Graduation ceremony Gown and cap