Higher Education Evening Mrs Gray – Applying to University Mr Alexander & Sejal Modasia – Student Life Sian Hiskey UCS – Student Finance

Applying to University Applying to University Mrs Gray – Head of Careers

Why go to Higher Education ? 40 % of the UK population go to HE, 1.8 million students 40 % of the UK population go to HE, 1.8 million students 30% of under 21 year olds progress on to HE 30% of under 21 year olds progress on to HE 80% of graduates are employed in graduate-entry jobs 80% of graduates are employed in graduate-entry jobs 70% of graduates are not using their subjects directly in their work 70% of graduates are not using their subjects directly in their work Graduates earn on average 65% more than non-graduates during their working life (up from 44% in 2001) Graduates earn on average 65% more than non-graduates during their working life (up from 44% in 2001) Net financial gain from A Levels £47,000, from a degree £227,000 Net financial gain from A Levels £47,000, from a degree £227,000 Graduates enjoy more fulfilling and enjoyable jobs, better health, less likely to smoke and enjoy more successful relationships Graduates enjoy more fulfilling and enjoyable jobs, better health, less likely to smoke and enjoy more successful relationships 84.2% of graduates are happy with their careers 84.2% of graduates are happy with their careers

Why read for a degree? Transferable skills – knowledge, communication, team work, analysis, problem solving, numeracy, IT Transferable skills – knowledge, communication, team work, analysis, problem solving, numeracy, IT Greatly improved career prospects, graduates are highly valued by employers Greatly improved career prospects, graduates are highly valued by employers Essential for some careers Essential for some careers Academic and social experience of university life Academic and social experience of university life Three million fewer lower skilled jobs in the UK by 2020 Three million fewer lower skilled jobs in the UK by % of available jobs by 2020 will require a degree 40% of available jobs by 2020 will require a degree

UCAS The University and College Admissions System The University and College Admissions System An independent charity An independent charity One of most popular websites in the UK One of most popular websites in the UK The most popular educational website in the UK The most popular educational website in the UK UCAS website is updated hourly UCAS website is updated hourly UCAS card offered to all students – advice/ discounts UCAS card offered to all students – advice/ discounts Process is totally electronic and on-line at Process is totally electronic and on-line at Parents section – - free e - newsletters and a parents blog Parents section – - free e - newsletters and a parents blog

Applications % rise in applications on 2012 (558,898) the highest number of 18 and 19 year old applicants ever. 10% increase in applications from outside the EU 2.8% rise in applications on 2012 (558,898) the highest number of 18 and 19 year old applicants ever. 10% increase in applications from outside the EU Applicant numbers have dramatically increased over the past five years with a small dip last year after fees increased. 180,000 not placed in Applicant numbers have dramatically increased over the past five years with a small dip last year after fees increased. 180,000 not placed in University places are very competitive with certain courses very heavily oversubscribed. October 15 th deadline up 2% to the highest number ever 56,753 University places are very competitive with certain courses very heavily oversubscribed. October 15 th deadline up 2% to the highest number ever 56,753 27% drop in the number of undergraduate degree courses in the last six years due to government cuts 27% drop in the number of undergraduate degree courses in the last six years due to government cuts

Researching Options In the UK 35,000+ courses are available at more than 320 institutions (125 universities and 195 HE colleges) In the UK 35,000+ courses are available at more than 320 institutions (125 universities and 195 HE colleges) Open days start in March and continue in April, June, July and the Autumn Term Open days start in March and continue in April, June, July and the Autumn Term Best to visit two institutions if possible Best to visit two institutions if possible Taster courses available – Taster courses available – Course search for 2014 opens May, registering for 2014 application opens in mid June Course search for 2014 opens May, registering for 2014 application opens in mid June

Finding the Right Course Research thoroughly – 10% who start university do not finish their degree Research thoroughly – 10% who start university do not finish their degree Course search via UCAS – grades and points Course search via UCAS – grades and points Entry profiles – 80% of courses have these Entry profiles – 80% of courses have these Entry requirements Entry requirements Relevant work experience for vocational courses Relevant work experience for vocational courses Location Location Type of institution – campus or city? Type of institution – campus or city? Employability activities offered Employability activities offered

Top Ten Degree Courses Nursing 2. Business Management 3. Design Studies 4. Law 5. Psychology 6. Medicine 7. Computer Science 8. English 9. Social Work 10. Sports science

The Application Process 5 choices of course 5 choices of course 4 choices for medicine, veterinary, dentistry plus one other choice if required 4 choices for medicine, veterinary, dentistry plus one other choice if required Personal statement Personal statement Length – 4,000 characters Length – 4,000 characters Content – 60-80% about subject, 20-40% about individual Content – 60-80% about subject, 20-40% about individual Plagiarism – Three times higher in 2012 up to 8,500 cases Plagiarism – Three times higher in 2012 up to 8,500 cases Contextual data/Academic reference from Northgate Contextual data/Academic reference from Northgate

Deadlines Northgate internal deadline Northgate internal deadline Oxbridge & Medical – 23 September 2013 Oxbridge & Medical – 23 September 2013 All others – 4 November 2013 All others – 4 November 2013 Final UCAS deadline 15 January 2014 Final UCAS deadline 15 January 2014 Some Art and Design Courses – 24 March 2014 Some Art and Design Courses – 24 March 2014

Additional Tests UK CAT – Clinical Aptitude Test UK CAT – Clinical Aptitude Test BMAT – Bio-Medical Assessment Test BMAT – Bio-Medical Assessment Test LNAT – National Admissions Test for Law LNAT – National Admissions Test for Law CUKAS – Musical Conservatoires CUKAS – Musical Conservatoires Oxbridge additional tests – History, Modern Language, Maths, English and Thinking Skills, Physics Oxbridge additional tests – History, Modern Language, Maths, English and Thinking Skills, Physics

Gap Year? Two Options Two Options Deferred entry – 2015 Deferred entry – 2015 Apply Sept 2014 through Northgate with final results – usually leads to an unconditional offer Apply Sept 2014 through Northgate with final results – usually leads to an unconditional offer Gap Year students 2012 – Where did they go? 1. Employment to earn money for university 1. Employment to earn money for university 2. Work experience relevant to degree/career choice 2. Work experience relevant to degree/career choice 3. Doing something close to home 3. Doing something close to home

Finalising the Choice Institutions must make offers by 31 March 2014 Institutions must make offers by 31 March 2014 Students must make their decision by 9 May 2014 Students must make their decision by 9 May 2014 Students should not make any decision until all five offers are in Students should not make any decision until all five offers are in Students choose one firm offer - first choice Students choose one firm offer - first choice Students choose one insurance offer with a lower entry requirement as a second choice (at least 40 points below) Students choose one insurance offer with a lower entry requirement as a second choice (at least 40 points below) Clearing – July onwards – up 9% to 55,721 Clearing – July onwards – up 9% to 55,721 Adjustment period – post results – up 140% to 1,329 Adjustment period – post results – up 140% to 1,329

Important Dates Oxbridge Conference – 16 April 2013 Oxbridge Conference – 16 April 2013 Higher Education Fair – 12 June 2013 Higher Education Fair – 12 June 2013 Medics Course- 1 July 2013 Medics Course- 1 July 2013 Oxbridge preparation course – October 2013 Oxbridge preparation course – October 2013 Oxbridge/Medical mock interviews – November 2013 Oxbridge/Medical mock interviews – November 2013

Student profiles GCSE grades are used as a major part of the decision making process. Some competitive courses are now openly asking for 8A* grades GCSE grades are used as a major part of the decision making process. Some competitive courses are now openly asking for 8A* grades Some degree courses are asking for specific GCSE grades e.g. a B in Maths for many Psychology and Business courses, B grades in Maths, English and Science for Primary teaching courses Some degree courses are asking for specific GCSE grades e.g. a B in Maths for many Psychology and Business courses, B grades in Maths, English and Science for Primary teaching courses Very competitive courses, for example Medicine and Oxbridge, need a high number of A* grades at GCSE, at least 3 A grades at AS and one or more A* grades predicted at A2 Very competitive courses, for example Medicine and Oxbridge, need a high number of A* grades at GCSE, at least 3 A grades at AS and one or more A* grades predicted at A2

Support at Northgate Careers Department, Mrs Gray, Post 16 Adviser Mrs Hunt/Mrs Smith, Careers Adviser Mrs Young Tutors Sixth form team Subject teachers Head of Sixth Form, Mr Elmy Deputy Head, Mr Trench

Student Life Mr Alexander – Assistant Head of Sixth Form Sejal Modasia – Ex Northgate Student, 4th year medical student at Kings College London

My Mum Said….. Finance Finance Accommodation- Halls, Flats and Houses Accommodation- Halls, Flats and Houses Emotion Emotion Preparation Preparation Keep their room as it is Keep their room as it is Washing Washing

Workload Not 9-5 Not 9-5 Independent study Independent study Range of lectures, seminars, tutorials, lab time Range of lectures, seminars, tutorials, lab time Different assessment methods Different assessment methods

Life Skills Independence Independence Ability to manage money Ability to manage money Cooking, cleaning, washing? Cooking, cleaning, washing?

Social Life Meet lots of new people Meet lots of new people Students’ Union - represents students Students’ Union - represents students Students’ Union also runs all of the clubs and societies Students’ Union also runs all of the clubs and societies Sports Sports Part Time Job? Part Time Job?

Student Support University Student Support teams offer a range of information, advice and guidance services including: University Student Support teams offer a range of information, advice and guidance services including: Accommodation Accommodation Finance Finance Counselling Counselling Careers Guidance Careers Guidance Disability Support Disability Support Health and Wellbeing Health and Wellbeing

Sejal Modasia What did you study at Northgate? What did you study at Northgate? What and where do you study now? What and where do you study now? How have you enjoyed being a student? How have you enjoyed being a student? What has been difficult? Any initial problems? What has been difficult? Any initial problems? What do you wish you had known then that you know now? What do you wish you had known then that you know now? How has the experience been for your parents? How has the experience been for your parents?

Student Finance: A Parents’ Guide Sian Hiskey Widening Participation Officer

The UCS Ipswich Campus

UCS Degrees

Student Life and Employment Prospects

Expenses at university fall broadly into two categories: Tuition costs Tuition costs Access to lecturers and academics Access to lecturers and academics Library and IT facilities Library and IT facilities Lab and practical activities and facilities Lab and practical activities and facilities Does not usually cover fieldtrips Does not usually cover fieldtrips Living costs Living costs Accommodation and food Accommodation and food Travel Travel Course books and stationary Course books and stationary Overview

Tuition Fees: 2013 Entry Universities can charge up to £9000 per year if they meet criteria on access UCS fees: £8000 BA/BSc £7500 Foundation degrees Students can take a non-means tested tuition fee loan Tuition fee loans are paid directly to the University from the Student Loans Company Loans are repaid from the April after graduation, over 30 years Some courses are funded by the NHS

NHS Funded Courses The NHS will pay the tuition fees for some courses, and provide a means-tested bursary. These courses are: Dental Hygiene Nursing and Midwifery Physiotherapy Radiography/Radiotherapy Speech and Language Therapy Social Work students pay tuition fees but can also access a bursary from the GSCC

Support for NHS students Household income per year (£) Estimated Bursary Home (£) Estimated Bursary Away from home (£) Below 25,0003,6914,455 30,0003,1643,928 35,0002,6383,402 40,0002,1122,876 45,0001,5852,349 50,0001,0591,823 55,0001,0001,297 60,000+1,000

Living Costs: Maintenance Loans Most students take a maintenance loan to help with living costs Maximum maintenance loans for students starting University in 2013: Student living at home: £4375 Student living away from home: £5500 Student living away from home and in London: £7675 All students have to apply for their maintenance loan and grant, and tuition fee loan each year of study All students are entitled to 65% of the loan. The remaining 35% is means-tested

Living Costs: Maintenance Grants The Maintenance Grant is a non-repayable means-tested grant to help with living costs. It is paid to students for each year of study. Students must apply EVERY year. Household IncomeMaintenance Grant Up to £25,000Full grant: £3354 £30,000£2415 £35,000£1477 £40,000£540 £42,600£51 More than £42,601No grant

Total Support 2013 Entry Household Income Maintenance LoanMaintenance Grant Total HomeAwayHomeAway <£25,000£3065£3875£3354£6419£7229 £30,000£3456£4330£2415£5871£6745 £35,000£3806£4784£1477£5283£6261 £40,000£4156£5239£540£4696£5779 £45,000£4200£5288£0£4200£5288 £50,000£3800£4788£0£3800£4788 £55,000£3400£4288£0£3400£4288 £60,000£2900£3788£0£2900£3788 Over £62,500 £2800£3575£0£2800£3575 All students are also entitled to a tuition fee loan

Other Support Parental contribution: Assessed by Student Finance England Disabled Students’ Allowance: Available for full-time students, or students studying 50% of a course Childcare Grant: Based on household income, and grant is calculated as 85% of actual childcare costs Adult Dependent’s Grant: For students with an adult member of the family who is financially dependent on them Access to Learning Fund: Available from UCS if students get into financial difficulty while studying

How to Apply Students apply on-line on Applications are normally available from December The information provided will be used to assess the means-tested support Students who do not provide all the information requested will be assessed for the minimum support: tuition fee loan and 65% of the maintenance loan Students will not therefore be assessed for the maintenance grant

Repayment of Loans Tuition fee loans and maintenance loans are combined into a single monthly payment Graduates start repaying the loans from the April after graduation, but only if they are earning over £21,000 per year The repayment is 9% of earnings above £21,000 and payments are taken directly from the salary via the tax system. Any remaining loan is written-off after 30 years Annual SalaryMonthly salary after tax*Monthly Repayments £21,000£12250 £23,000£1342£15 £25,000£1458£30 £30,000£1750£67.50 * Tax/NI is calculated as 30% of earnings above £6000

Interest Rates Interest rates will be applied to the loans: While studying: RPI + 3% After graduation, salary up to £21,000: RPI Salary of £21,000 - £42,000: RPI + up to 3% Salary of >£42,000: RPI + 3% No early repayment charge Repayments (and interest) change with individual circumstances

Old System vs New System Example 1 (old system): Old system student borrows £21,000 at end of studies (£3,000 per year fees loan x 3 + £4,000 living cost loan per year x 3) Old system student borrows £21,000 at end of studies (£3,000 per year fees loan x 3 + £4,000 living cost loan per year x 3) Plus interest owes approx. £23,000 after studies Plus interest owes approx. £23,000 after studies Starting salary of £24,000 Starting salary of £24,000 Total repayments = £35,500 (repaying full balance in approx years) Total repayments = £35,500 (repaying full balance in approx years) Assumptions: 2% salary growth, 3% average inflation/interest

Example 2 (new system): New system student owes £40,000 at end of studies (£9,000 per year fees loan x 3 + £4,300 per year living cost loan x 3) New system student owes £40,000 at end of studies (£9,000 per year fees loan x 3 + £4,300 per year living cost loan x 3) Plus interest owes approx. £45,000 after studies Plus interest owes approx. £45,000 after studies Starting salary of £24,000 Starting salary of £24,000 Total repayments = £22,000 (balance written off after 30 years) Total repayments = £22,000 (balance written off after 30 years) Assumptions: 2% salary growth, 3% average inflation/interest Old System vs New System

Other Sources of Income Part-time and vacation jobs Bursaries and scholarships Access to Learning Fund Savings Overdraft Credit card Supplementary grants

To Sum Up “A degree remains a good investment in the long term and is one of the best pathways to a good job and a rewarding career. Graduates, like everybody else, are facing tough times but the evidence shows they fare better than non- graduates and their prospects tend to pick up quicker during the recovery” David Willetts – Minister of State for Universities and Science 2012