Higher Education

What is Higher Education? Higher level qualifications Usually studied post 18 Over 65,000 courses nationwide Almost 300 Higher Education Institutions across the UK Higher education courses are offered by colleges, specialist art institutions and colleges of agriculture, as well as universities Includes a wide range of courses, not just degrees.

Types of qualifications Bachelor degrees (BA, BSc, BEng) –BA: Bachelor of Arts –BSc: Bachelor of Science –BEng: Bachelor of Engineering Usually 3 years full time Option of doing a work placement year (sandwich course) Single/Joint/Combined.

Types of qualifications Foundation degrees (FdA, FdSc, FdEng) and higher national diplomas (HNDs) –FdA: Foundation degree Arts –FdSc: Foundation degree Science –FdEng: Foundation degree Engineering 2 years full time in vocational subjects Often includes work placements Top-up courses of one year to qualify to degree level Often lower and more flexible entry requirements.

UCAS Tariff System *Please see NTU website for full table. * Progression Diplomas BTEC AwardBTEC CertificateBTEC DiplomaAS A Level/Applied A Level GCE & AVCE Double award Points Score DDD360 A*350 DDM320 A300 DMMA*A*280 A*A260 B250 DDMMMAA240 AB220 CDMMMPBB200 BC180 MMMPPCC160 D150 A*CD140 DMPPPPADD120 EBDE100 MPPCEE80 AD60 B50 PCE40 D30 E20

Higher Education – is it worth it? Long term benefits Less chance of unemployment Greater choice of careers Higher salaries Earning power increases at a greater rate Transferable skills Immediate benefits Academic interest Independence Friends and socialising Travel.

Choosing a course Talk to your tutors and careers advisors Career Entry requirements Academic or vocational courses Single/joint/combined degrees Assessment Placements.

Choosing an institution Type of institution Courses Location Statistics Facilities Atmosphere Graduate contribution Bursaries and other financial support.

Main costs Graduate Contribution –Up to £9,000 –Cover cost of course –Paid for each year of your course Living Costs –Approximately £7,150 – Accommodation (based on halls): £4,000 – Food: £1,000 – Course costs: £100 - £400 – Socialising: £1,000 – TV licence: £ – Bills (e.g. phone and internet): £350 – Travel: £400.

Income and support Student Loans Graduate contribution: No upfront fees The Student Maintenance Loan: Major way of financing higher education Exact amount to be decided All loans are: None obligatory Low rate of interest.

Repayments Repayable after graduation and only if you are earning £21,000 per year No pressure to pay back loans if you can’t get a job If higher education has not be worth it for you, you don’t pay for it You pay it back in small increments depending on your salary The repayments come out of your wages like tax and national insurance for the most up to date information about interest rates.

Repayments Comparison between the new and old repayment system. This table is for guidance only and is subject to the approval of parliament. Annual earnings Gross monthly income (before tax) Old system monthly repayment (25 years) New system monthly repayment (30 years) £15,000 £1,250 £0 £21,000 £1,750 £45£0 £25,000 £2,083 £75£30 £30,000 £2,500 £112£68 £40,000 £3,333 £187£143 £50,000 £4,167 £262£218

National Scholarship Scheme £150m per year Still to be confirmed Universities and colleges may offer additional bursaries to help you financially Some universities offer more than others and can offer different kinds of bursaries To check what is on offer – – NHS Grants information and Approved Social Work Courses –

Other financial support Maintenance Grant – amount to be confirmed but approx £3,000 per year Special Support Grant –replaces the Maintenance Grant for some people e.g. those receiving income related benefits. This does not reduce the amount of loan entitlement. Gap year and/or placement year Employment – term time and/or holidays Scholarships – Sponsorship Access to Learning funds Overdrafts.

What should I do next? February – September 2011: research courses and institutions June – December 2011: start UCAS, write personal statement, start online finance application July 2011: attend summer schools July – November 2011: attend open days December 2011 – April 2012: get offers from universities March 2012: finalise finance application April 2012– make final courses choices May 2012– exams/finishing coursework August 2012– results day and Clearing begins September/October 2012– start your new course!

Useful sources of information Ruthlessly independent guide to Universities Helping you with student finance and University life General information on going to University University & Colleges Admissions Service Applying for student finance

Contact details Schools, Colleges & Community Outreach Team