How to Choose your University and Degree Course Year 12 How to Choose your University and Degree Course

Where to start the research? Start now to plan half term, winter break, summer visits to universities! Attend talks given by universities visiting JC and Dubai Identify your subject of interest & potential universities  Websites – www.opendays.com www.ucas.ac.uk www.university.which.co.uk

Researching Courses Bachelors or Masters e.g. BEng 3 years or MEng 4 years Degree course titles will vary – some degrees with the same name can have very different content. Check professional accreditations. Accounting -ACCA, Psychology - BPS, Teaching - QTS, Law - LLB, Consider sandwich course/placement year which give you the opportunity to work for a year – highly recommended!

Researching Courses Bachelor of Arts BA, or Bachelor of Science BSc e.g. Psychology. BEd, BEng…. Vocational (medicine), semi-vocational (business), non vocational (history) Fast track – some universities offer full degree courses over 2 years Foundation Courses (1 year) give you the opportunity to apply to “better” universities or courses – law, engineering

Researching Courses Flexible degree courses – similar to the US system where you can choose from a variety of subjects and start to specialise from year 2. Scottish Universities offer a similar system, most degrees 4 years. Entrance tests – LNAT, BMAT, UKCAT, STEP etc.

Researching Courses Decide whether you would like to take a Single or Joint Honours degree. A huge number of combined programmes are on offer, e.g. maths and Spanish, economics and finance etc. Combined degrees can be: Joint honours 50:50 (and) or major minor 75:25 (with) Lists of subject related degree courses and unusual degree courses on the noticeboard in corridor. (website)

Completely Lost ? Which course? Which career? Not sure?? Take the online Morrisby Test www.morrisby.com 350dhs

Which Course is Right for You? When choosing your course remember one course is not better than another, it’s just different, the best course is the one that suits you. After provisionally choosing your courses, check the university website again carefully, to be sure that you understand what is included in the 3 or 4 years study.

Opportunities Abroad… Study Abroad Opportunities – you may want to study full time in a non UK university, or take advantage of UK universities which offer the chance to study abroad at a partner university e.g. UCL offers the chance to study in North and South America, Asia and Europe. Bentley University in USA gives you the chance to study at LSE. Many European Universities offer courses taught in English and are a fraction of UK costs! How many

There are over 350 universities in the UK Which University? There are over 350 universities in the UK 4000 in USA 90 in Canada 40 in Australia/NZ You can use the rankings as an initial guide and research the Ivy League and Russell Group universities, but you have to find the right course and right university for YOU and be realistic!

Considering Universities In a city? In the country? By the Sea? Campus or City based? Family close by? Cost? E.g. Medicine for International students is much more expensive at Scottish Medical Schools Supports your interests? College Environment - in the USA they look for the right FIT? Professors of Interest?

Applications to the USA www.fulbright.co.uk a website for students with British Qualifications applying to US universities www.collegeboard.com and www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org www.collegeconfidential.com Forum for asking questions on study in the US. Apply by December unless applying Early Action, Early Decision. Choose the college or university that “Fits” you – sporty, community based, political etc. Don’t apply to more than 8 universities – you have to write essays, undertake admission tests and the process does take time and money.

Applications to Canada Generally apply directly to universities, although some areas such as Ontario have their own application system www.ouac.ca Deadlines from January onwards Students need to be sure of the programme of study they wish to pursue www.educationau-incanada.ca

Applications To Australia Some Australian Universities will require an English subject at A level and others will accept GCSE or IELTS – Check with individual institutions. Entry requirements may be different than those published in their prospectuses for Australian students applying with British qualifications. Please check carefully. Deadline for application usually September before the February start – but check with universities www.studyoptions.co.uk www.studyinaustralia.gov.au useful resources online Changes for Australian Domestic students – have to be Australia Citizen to get domestic fees

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