Post-18 Options University Foundation degrees Work Gap Year

University Different types Oxbridge Redbrick (Russell Group and 1994) “New universities” 3 year courses Scotland – 4 years Languages/ business/ engineering – 4 years Medicine/ Veterinary Science/ Dentistry – 5/6 years

UNIVERSITIES OR COLLEGES WHO USE UCAS

University Specific area of interest Entry requirements Variety of final qualifications Method of assessment Teaching style and quality City or campus? Halls or flat? Distance from home

University Tuition Fees 2011 Up to £3,375 per year 3yr course = up to £10,125 5 yr course = up to £16,875 Paid “up front” at the start of each academic year Student loan repayments start when you’re earning £15,000+ From 2012 Up to 9,000 per academic year 3 yr course = up to £27,000 5 yr course = up to £45,000 No tuition fees paid up front Only paid back once you are earning £21,000, as a proportion of your salary

University costs Living costs – accommodation, books, food... Loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries Some means tested (ie based on household income); others are available to all students Browne report – from 2012 onwards – “All students would be entitled to [...] maintenance loans of £3750 per year” – not means tested

Foundation Degrees Stepping stone to work or undergraduate degree Art Foundation Childcare, Business, Social Care, Accountancy Provides you with higher level skills than A Levels Apply through UCAS

Work Adverts: Recruitment agencies Newspaper Professional journals Connexions Training/ apprenticeship opportunities – National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) Qualifications – NVQ, Open University, BTEC, Chartered Status

Gap Year Travel Work experience Combination Additional studies Not a holiday!! “We don’t discourage gap years, but we do look very carefully as to what applicants are doing or planning to do.” (Liz Murphy, head of admissions at Exeter, 2010) Costs of “young person’s Gap Year” - £3,000-£4,000 –

UCAS “A well-structured and planned year out can set you apart from others when going to university or looking for work, so it is essential that you carefully plan and prepare for your gap year. Many employers and universities will look favourably on applicants who have used their year out to gain valuable experience. Whether it’s travel, paid work, volunteering or studying that you’re interested in, don’t waste this opportunity to try something different!‘”

Survey by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (June 2007) 88% think “a well-structured gap year helps equip you with the soft skills you may not have acquired while studying.” “Communication skills, leadership, organisation and motivation are all important. One thing that impresses employers is that graduates come back more mature and with more insight into themselves and the world. [...] They have left the security of their home looking for a new challenge and for that you need independence, motivation and confidence."

And some final words of advice... Check with the universities you are considering to ensure that they are OK with gap years If you are planning on taking a longer course eg Medicine, it may be better to get on with it straight away! Plan ahead for any Open Day visits, work experience, voluntary placements etc – LOA/ BEBP application