Returning to Study Pippa Waller Routes to Higher Education

An Insight in to Higher Education What can I study? How do I choose? What do I need? What will it be like? How will I fund it? Will I….? What sort of support is there?

What can I study? Types of Qualifications Bachelors Degrees Honours Degrees (BSc, BA …) Foundation Degrees Certificate/Diploma of Higher Education Higher National Diplomas

What can I study? Subject areas Vocational/ Professional Teaching, Social Work, Health Professions, Medicine Law, Engineering, Architecture … Work-related Psychology, Business Studies, Natural and Physical Sciences, Computing… Academic History, English, Politics, Modern Languages, Criminal Justice, International Relations …

How do I choose? Career considerations Profession-specific qualifications – Ensure job profile is right for you – Get work experience, speak to people in the field – Websites: Careers and professional bodies – What happens if you change your mind? Is there a job at the other end? – Research: Labour market; graduate destinations – Be proactive about improving employability – Consider ‘sandwich’ courses

How do I choose? Subject considerations Personal fulfillment/enjoyment – What subjects interested you in the past? – Hobbies? May be a connection! In need of ideas? – Try UK Course Finder or other guidance packages Ensure the course goals match yours – look beyond the title and general perception – look at subject combinations

What do I need to get in? Academic requirements General Admissions policy ‘Ability to study at a higher level’– advanced level academic study ‘Recent’ academic study Specific subjects in some cases

What do I need to get in? Possible qualification routes Access to Higher Education ‘Year zero’ courses A and AS level BTEC/Edexcel qualifications Open University credits Foundation degree pathways Other qualifications/experience

What do I need to get in? What Admissions Tutors look for Focus, enthusiasm and commitment to choice of course Genuine interest and understanding Experience for professional qualifications Potential to benefit from the course and from higher education generally Relevant skills and qualities to succeed

How do I apply? UCAS – Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – 15 OctoberMedicine, Dentistry & Veterinary Medicine, Oxbridge – 15 JanuaryAll other applications Advisory deadlines but strongly recommend meeting them – will guarantee your application is considered

What will it be like? Common learning and teaching styles Face-to-face’ learning Lectures & tutorials Group work Presentations Lab work Placements Private study Research Directed Discussion Responsible for own learning Contact hours Operational hours

What will it be Like? Assessment methods Examination Coursework, reports & essays Practical assessment Problem-based learning Seminar presentations Group projects

How will it be funded? Student Finance England Tuition fee loan Maintenance loan (upper age limit) Maintenance or Special Support Grant Adult Dependant’s Grant Parents’ Learning Allowance Childcare grant Disabled Students’ Allowances Subject to meeting eligibility criteria and means-testing University University Access to Learning Fund Other Social Work Bursary

How are health professions courses funded? (2011) Dip HE Non means tested bursaries BSc (Hons) Means tested bursaries Reduced rate student loan Subject to meeting eligibility criteria University Access to Learning Fund Fees paid by DoH

Ah yes, loans…. Not credit scored Low interest Charged from point of borrowing Repayments start April after graduation if earnings > £21,000 pa Government writes off outstanding balance 30 years after this date or at the age of 65

Will I….. fit in? manage financially? be good enough? fit it all in? be able to study with dyslexia? ever find my way around!?

What we can do Academic support – Tutor – Learning Skills – Disability ASSIST – Careers – Library – Media workshops – Computing Practical/personal – Accommodation – Freshlings Nursery – Chaplaincy – Health & Welfare – Students Union – Funding Transitions

What it’s all about Studying something you love Personal accomplishment Meeting new people Improving your prospects Improving self-confidence Enjoying it!

Good luck and thank you for listening!

Pippa Waller