Prince Henry’s High School Sixth Form Higher Education Parents’ Information Evening 2015

Options for students at 18+ Continue studying – Higher Education Gap year - work related – volunteering – travel Employment Apprenticeship or training schemes

Destinations of PHHS students 67% in 2014 went on to Higher Education 16% deferred entry – gap year – university in 2015 7% apprenticeships 10% employment / training / other

What is Higher Education? Wide range of courses: first degrees, diplomas and masters. Different levels of study, course duration, teaching styles and assessment methods. Usually taught in universities, colleges and specialist institutions such as art schools, music conservatoires or agricultural colleges.  

A traditional 3 year first degree Usually a three or four year course – also known as a bachelor’s, undergraduate or first degree. These are delivered in academic environments with lectures and seminars, usually made up of different modules adding up to the full degree. You might get to choose some of the modules you take, so you'll be able to study the parts of your subject you're most interested in.

Shorter Undergraduate Courses Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) and Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE): one year (certificate) and two years (diploma) of a degree course – usually academic rather than vocational qualifications. Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) : one year (certificate) and two years (diploma) of work related study. Foundation degree: completed full time (over two years) or part time over a longer period. This is a flexible vocational course combining academic study and workplace learning. These are qualifications in their own right but students can go into the second or third year of a full degree after completing the original qualification.

What are the benefits?

Why Choose Higher Education Students gain transferable higher level skills. Career prospects and future financial success can be enhanced. Some vocational careers require a higher education qualification. Over their period of study students may gain clearer insights into their future career path. Some students proceed onto postgraduate vocational courses (e.g. PGCE or LPC). Students gain more independence, self-confidence and responsibility. Students will broaden their interests and knowledge Wider life experience ...!

The Process Students will be guided through the process by the Sixth Form Team. This term and in the autumn term, the focus will be on choosing courses and institutions and preparing the personal statement.

What is UCAS? The organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK. https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting-started Their services provide a centralised application service for prospective undergraduates. UCCA formally merged with its partner organisations PCAS (Polytechnics Central Admissions System) and SCUE (Standing Conference on University Entrance) in 1993 to create one independent service.

What is UCAS? For performance based courses in music, dance or drama studying at a Conservatoire students there is a slightly different system, the details of which can also be found through the UCAS website: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/conservatoires Also look at http://www.dramauk.co.uk/ for drama courses. UCCA formally merged with its partner organisations PCAS (Polytechnics Central Admissions System) and SCUE (Standing Conference on University Entrance) in 1993 to create one independent service.

Key features of the UCAS scheme Your son or daughter can make up to five choices in one application. The 2015 applicant fee was: £12 for one choice £23 for up to five choices. Applications received by the key deadlines are given equal consideration. ‘Invisibility’ – universities cannot see where else students have applied. In 2012... UCAS received 653,637 applications 464,910 were accepted The only exception where students can not make five choices is for medicine, veterinary science/medicine and dentistry courses, where students can only make 4 choices. Students can also only apply to study one course at either Oxford and Cambridge – not both.

How to apply through UCAS The UCAS website : www.ucas.com The UCAS parent page : https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting-started/parents-and-guardians The UCAS parent advice sheet : https://www.ucas.com/sites/default/files/ucas-parent-guide-2016-entry_0.pdf

Filling in the UCAS form Personal details Education Work Course choices Personal statement School reference

How are students supported in their application at PHHS? Students enjoy an extensive careers’ programme delivered primarily by tutors during tutor time. Over the next few weeks students will discuss Higher Education and other career paths with tutors and work through the tutor programme study pack. Further support from Mrs Webb & Mrs Tozer. Subject teachers will advise on subject specific courses. One-to-one advice from Sixth Form Team and Chris Brewster, Independent Careers Adviser based at PHHS.

Next Step Conference June 17th students will be taken off timetable for a series of lectures and workshops delivered by visiting speakers on a range of topics : Student Finance Completing the UCAS application / CV workshop HNDs (Higher National Diplomas) Subject specific talks on such subjects as medicine, psychology, teaching Choosing a course and Open Days Apprenticeships and other alternatives to university Student Life Applying for Oxbridge

The UCAS journey The steps all applicants will take to get to uni. 1 – Research, what are you looking for and do you have what the universities/colleges are looking for? 2 – Making your application 3 – Starting uni – enrolment, finance, life at uni. More detail on ucas.com, and in Parent Guides if you have given them these.

Choosing a subject In 2015 there were around 37,000 different courses at 370 universities and colleges. Therefore, students will need to do a lot of research. They will need to consider:- Ability Interest Methods of assessment Employment opportunities

How to choose UCAS course finder search.ucas.com/ University websites Tutors/teachers/peers LRC and Sixth Form Office resources The Heap guide www.heaponline.co.uk/ every student will have their own log-in

What courses do students apply for? Top ten most popular subjects nationally 2014 Top ten most popular subjects for PHHS students 2014 Computer Science Physical Sciences Law Engineering Social sciences Biological sciences Creative and Performing Arts Business related Nursing/midwifery /medical Education Business related Creative Media and Journalism Psychology History / Politics Engineering Nursing/midwifery/medical Biological science Physical sciences Creative and Performing arts Education

Choosing an Institution Course Number of students Tuition and assessment methods Location Accommodation Fees/bursaries League tables/unistats http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/

UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS National top ten universities 2013 PHHS top ten universities 2014 Nottingham University Leeds University Manchester University Edinburgh University Manchester Metropolitan Sheffield Hallam Birmingham University Bristol University Coventry University University of the West of England Cardiff University Worcester University Nottingham University Swansea University Oxford Brookes University Birmingham University Coventry University Birmingham City University University of Gloucestershire

Entry Requirements The UCAS Tariff: Entrance to University is based upon AS/A2 level grades or points which are converted to a tariff system as below:- GRADE A Level AS Level A* A B C D E 140 120 100 80 60 40 50 30 20

Admissions Tests Some of the most competitive courses now have additional entrance tests. These include: Medicine / Veterinary / Dentistry (BMAT) or UKCAT Law (LNAT) Some subject specific tests at Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities.

What is the Russell Group? The Russell Group is a collection of 24 British public universities that are committed to the highest standards of academic excellence in both teaching and research which receive around two thirds of all university research grant and contract income in the UK.  A majority of the members are leading universities, making applications to these particular institutions more competitive.

19 members are from England, 2 from Scotland, 2 from Wales and 1 from Northern Ireland. The current members of the Russell Group are: University of Birmingham University of Liverpool University of Bristol London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London) University of Cambridge Cardiff University University of Manchester University of Durham Newcastle University University of Edinburgh University of Nottingham University of Exeter University of Oxford University of Glasgow Queen Mary, University of London Imperial College London Queen's University Belfast King's College London (University of London) University of Sheffield University of Southampton University College London (University of London) University of Warwick University of York University of Leeds

Entry to Russell Group Universities 2011 2012 2013 2014 University of Birmingham 5 4 12 University of Bristol 2 6 University of Cambridge Cardiff University 3 8 University of Edinburgh University of Glasgow 1 Imperial College London King’s College London University of Leeds 7 University of Liverpool London School of Economics and Political Science University of Manchester Newcastle University University of Nottingham University of Oxford Queen’s University Belfast University of Sheffield University of Southampton University College London University of Warwick Durham University Exeter University Queen Mary, London University of York Total Russell Group Entries 25 34 36 38 Total University Entries for Year 135 121 101 98 % Russell Group 18% 26% 35% 39%

After the Application UCAS will send an acknowledgement email- check that they have recorded the application correctly. Note the SERIAL NUMBER and use it in all correspondence with UCAS and Universities. Note the password, enabling you to use the Applicant Enquiry Service on the UCAS Website (24hrs a day!) Applicants will also receive NOTES FOR CANDIDATES: keep this in a safe place as it should answer most queries UCAS EXTRA (March to June)

Offers - ultimately students can hold TWO offers. CONDITIONAL FIRM - first choice CONDITIONAL INSURANCE - back up If you gain the grades for your CF you must go there or drop out of the scheme.

Student Finance Going to university is potentially one of the biggest investments your son or daughter will make. You should visit www.ucas.com/parents/studentfinance http://www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk/ And student finance matters at http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/ www.studentcalculator.org

Money, money, money While at university or college your son or daughter will have two main expenses:- tuition fees- £9000 a year living costs (such as rent / food / books / clothing / transport) £5-6000 a year

Financial Support Your son/daughter may be eligible for:- Tuition fee loan – a repayable loan to cover the cost of their tuition fees. The student will only start repaying this loan after they leave university and are earning above a threshold level= £21,000 A Maintenance Loan – a repayable loan to cover some or all of their living expenses, the amount received depends on factors such as where they live when they are studying. Maintenance Grant – a non-repayable grant to help students from lower income households with their living costs. Bursaries and scholarships from universities and colleges – non-repayable cash support. Bursaries are usually linked to household income, where scholarships are usually given to students because of achievement and excellence. All of this is detailed on the formerly mentioned websites.

Gap Year – Why? Students should analyse their main purpose in taking a Gap Year as it will be then easier to research ideas. Gain experience in industry / business Improve ability in a language Volunteering at home or abroad in the charity sector Gain extra qualifications Work with young people Travel Earn money To have a rest – this is not a good idea!

Gap Year Disadvantages Advantages Time to think Experience Self reliance/confidence Enjoyment Enhance CV Finance Best Opportunity Requires planning Lose academic motivation Cost

7 things your son/daughter should do now Start research early Know the deadlines Register for a UCAS card Search for courses and institutions Check entry requirements Visit course providers on Open Days Gather material for the personal statement

Parents’ Checklist Check application deadlines Encourage them to attend Open Days - go with them Check through their application form Advise on, and read, their personal statement early Ensure they have checked tuition fees and researched student finance options - you will have to fill in financial details Make sure they reply to offers by the reply by date When they receive their UCAS confirmation letter, ensure they follow the instructions for replying to the university.

Key dates for 2015 applications * 1st October 2015 Deadline for receipt at CUKAS of applications for music courses – they may consider you after this time but not all courses or colleges will be available * 15th October 2015 Deadline for receipt at UCAS of applications for all medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine courses and all Oxbridge courses * 15th January 2016 Deadline for receipt at UCAS of applications for all courses except those listed above and Art and Design courses with 24th March deadline Spring 2016 Apply for student finance 25th February 2016 UCAS Extra starts for eligible applicants * 24th March 2016 Deadline for receipt at UCAS of applications for art and design courses except those listed with a 15th January deadline

Key dates continued ... March – May 2016 Final decisions made about firm and insurance choices 30th June 2016 Applications received at UCAS by this date will be sent to the applicant’s chosen universities and colleges. Applications sent later will be entered into Clearing 18th August 2016 GCE A level, As and Advanced Diploma results are published and full Clearing vacancy information starts 31st August 2016 Adjustment closes 20th September 2016 Final date to submit 2016 applications * STUDENTS WILL NEED TO PAY AND SEND THEIR APPLICATIONS WELL BEFORE THESE DEADLINES SO THAT STAFF HAVE TIME TO WRITE REFERENCES AND PROCESS THE APPLICATIONS.

Useful Websites http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/ http://www.opendays.com/ http://www.ucas.com/ http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/ http://www.studential.com/university/applying  http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/doctors/training-to-become-a-doctor/undergraduate-medical-education/how-to-apply-for-medical-school/ Also note finance sites listed in money section

Opportunity for Questions Mrs Clare Webb – Head of Sixth Form Mrs Jane Tozer – Head of Year 12 Mrs Helen Wood – Deputy Head