Choosing a University and a Course Andy Sherlaw, Kirsty Hutchinson and Michael Knott Intro Song

What is Higher Education? Programme of study at a higher level than A Level  3 year eg. BA, BSc also  2 year Foundation Degrees  4 year Masters courses and others You can study at University, Colleges of Higher Education or Further Education Colleges.

Choosing the Right Course  300 Universities / Higher Education Institutions  Over 50,000 courses available in Higher Education  Do you choose to study… A course which you are studying at AS/A2? A vocational course? A completely new course?

Number of Choices  Students choose up to 5 courses  Students start receiving offers from October to March  Students choose two courses to hold One FIRM Choice One FIRM Choice One INSURANCE Choice One INSURANCE Choice

Most Popular Destinations Listed here are the most popular university destinations for Year 13 students in 2012:- Listed here are the most popular university destinations for Year 13 students in 2012:-  Northumbria University41 students  Newcastle College15 students  Sunderland University 14 students  Leeds Metropolitan University13 students  Newcastle University12 students  Sheffield Hallam University10 students  Durham University9 students  Cumbria University7 students  Manchester Metropolitan University6 students  Leeds University6 students  York University4 students  Teesside University3 students  Sheffield University3 students Over 230 students have applied to University this year.

English Literature Physics Midwifery Mathematics Computer Science Engineering Law Drama Chemistry Psychology MedicineAccountancy Soil Science Wine Studies Internet Security

Types of Course  Single Honours  Joint Honours  Combined Honours  Foundation Degrees  Sandwich Course - thick or thin

Other considerations - Course Structure  Compulsory vs optional modules.  Course Assessment.  Professional Accreditation.

Other considerations – Types of University  Campus University  City Centre University  Collegiate University  Traditional or Progressive?  Old or New?  Large or Small?

Location, Location, Location  Accommodation Catered / Self catering halls? Catered / Self catering halls? Private accommodation? Private accommodation? Cost? Cost? Distance from University? Distance from University?  Distance from Home  Social Life - it’s not all work!!!  The feel of a place

Support - Useful Websites

There are also free apps to help you…  The Telegraph Course Finder – a free app which allows you to search and compare different universities.  The Student Room – A blog which discusses many issues that A Level students have – such as post 18 options.  ITunesU – An app where Universities upload lectures, podcasts and tutorials on personal statement writing and UCAS advice.

UCAS online (via YOUTUBE or UCAS website) provides many video tutorials

Other Sources of Information  University websites, videos, CD-ROMS  Visit Days / Open Days / Taster Sessions  Parents / Friends / Teachers

What do you think are common problems with students’ applications to University? Number Common Problem 1 2 3

What do you think are common problems with students’ applications to University? Number Common Problem 1 Getting offers only from Universities that students do not want to go to 2 Getting offers from Universities students have not visited. 3 Students being rejected by all of their choices

Avoiding the Problems  Check UCAS website and University Prospectuses.  Draw up a shortlist of Universities.  Contact Universities.  Visit Universities.  Look at Independent Guides e.g. Times Guide, Hotcourses & Heap’s Guide.  Be realistic!

Methods of Selection  UCAS form only or UCAS form and…  Interviews  Group Discussions  Examples of Work  Additional Testing LNAT, UKCAT  Points or Grades

How we deliver support and guidance Students have already completed sessions covering:-  Post 18 Opportunities  “What career is for me?” and CareerSoft  Personal Skills identification  Does University Pay?  Which degree and university should I pick via a large range of useful websites  The PARTNERS scheme via assembly  Useful resources in the library  Taking a GAP year

How we deliver support and guidance The following sessions are yet to come …  Higher Education Evening Fair Wednesday 17 th April 5-7pm  Finance and University  Careers Day  Writing a successful Personal Statement  Online Applications  Improving Interview technique – General Studies / Critical Thinking / Discussion Group  Accepting and Rejecting Offers

How we deliver support and guidance Further support is offered through …  Personal Statement support sessions.  Connexions.  Mock Interviews.  General Studies and Critical Thinking courses.

KEY DATES September 2013  UCAS start to accept University Applications 15 th October 2013  UCAS deadline for Oxbridge, Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Science 15 th January 2014  UCAS Deadline for all other applications Mid March 2014  Most students will have received all of their offers (offers start from October or earlier)  Students select two offers to hold (Firm and Insurance)

KEY DATES From Now:  Researching courses and Universities  Tutorial – Everyday students take part in an activity which will benefit their application  General Studies sessions devoted to preparing UCAS application Summer Term:  University Open Days  Careers Day - Wednesday 26 th June  Personal Statement drafting

September – October 2013 Each tutor completes a tutorial looking into options after Sixth Form including websites such as UCAS.co.uk January 2013Students are actively encouraged to research courses and Universities whilst conducting wider reading in their interested area. January – June 2013 Tutorial tasks help students to make decisions on their next step. Students work on their personal statements aided by tutorial activities. June – July 2013 Students attend University Open Days – in chosen establishments only! July 2013Tutor checks personal statement for the last time August 2013Personal statements and CVs to be handed in during Year 13 enrolment. September- October 2013 Remainder of the form completed and checked by tutor. Interview to be arranged and completed with a Sixth form or Leadership team member. October 15 th – Early Application Deadline (Oxbridge, Veterinary Science/Medicine, Medicine, Dentistry) December 10 th 2013 Final interviews arranged before Christmas to guarantee applications will be sent. January 15 th 2014 Deadline for all applications to UCAS. Students can still apply after this date and it is up to Universities if they look at their forms.

“APPLY” System Only 4 choices for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science Apply early for high tariff courses / Universities All references written by Senior members of staff after reference interview Expecting over 230 of present Yr 12 to make a UCAS application Nursing / UCAS

Support Is Always Available Steve WilsonAssistant Headteacher Andy Sherlaw Head of Year 12 Steve Williams Head of Year 13 Michael KnottSixth Form Enrichment Co-ordinator Adam RuleSixth Form Guidance Tutor James BransonSixth Form Guidance Tutor Richard ChambersSixth Form Guidance Tutor Kirsty HutchinsonSixth Form Guidance and Support Assistant Helen DavisonSixth Form Administrator Sheila ScoffhamSixth Form Administrator