Yr 14 Slemish Applying to University 2015

True or False? BA Adventure recreation BA Surf Science and Technology BA Viticulture and oenology BA Special effects BSc Dairy herd management BA Packaging design BA Football studies BSc Business economics with gambling studies BSc Disaster management BA Viking studies

Is University worth it? Approx cost of a 3 year degree outside NI = £40,000 Approx cost of 3 year degree in NI = £20, 000

Is University worth it? YES / NO

Is University worth it? Earning opportunity - The average lifetime earnings of a graduate are £227,000 more than those of a non-graduate with two A-levels. Learning Opportunity - The opportunity to learn, develop and think where you want to go. YES / NO

Is University worth it? Lack of self motivation Irrelevant course Poor quality course YES / NO

ONS – 2013 Headline Figures In April to June 2013 graduates were more likely to be employed than those who left education with qualifications of a lower standard. Non-graduates aged 21 to 30 have consistently higher unemployment rates than all other groups. Non-graduates aged 21 to 30 have much higher inactivity rates than recent graduates. Graduates were more likely to work in high skilled posts than non- graduates. Graduates from the top UK universities earned more than graduates from other UK universities.

1. IT 2. Engineering 3. Accountancy & Finance 4. Pharmaceutical & Science 5. Public Sector 6. Manufacturing 7. Sales 8. Banking, Financial Services & Insurance 9. Secretarial & Administration 10. Construction & Architecture Top 10 recruited for Industries in NI 2013 (as per survey by Manpower Recruitment)

Trend in Qualifications Demand by Employers ( ) Forecast

Choose wisely?

Who’s in the Russell Group? University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Cambridge Cardiff University Durham University University of Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Glasgow Imperial College London King's College London University of Leeds University of Liverpool London School of Economics & Political Science University of Manchester Newcastle University University of Nottingham University of Oxford Queen Mary, University of London Queen's University Belfast University of Sheffield University of Southampton University College London University of Warwick University of York

How do you apply? UCAS ( ) CAO ( A few institutions are direct entry ( belfast.ac.uk) belfast.ac.uk Many European countries charge lower tuition fees than the UK (

UCAS (Scottish /NI /English Universities) Step 1 – Choose 5 courses/universities Quality/relevance of courses. (Times good uni guide) Selection of similar courses. Quality of the university. Places they want to live. Realistic and spread of grades.

UCAS (Scottish /NI /English Universities) Step 2 – Craft a Personal Statement Justify course choice (very important for a vocational course) Work experience. Activities inside & outside school. Positions of responsibility. Concluding statement.

UCAS (Scottish /NI /English Universities) Step 3 – Complete online form, pay and send. ( - £23 paid online) The forms will be checked by a member of staff. References and predicted grades added. Students finalise forms before being sent to universities.

UCAS (Scottish /NI /English Universities) Step 4 – Offers received Universities will make offers either BBB or 300 UCAS points. High demand courses may request portfolios or interviews. Students choose a 1 st Choice (Firm), 2 nd Choice (Insurance). (A*= 140 A=120, B=100,C=80, D=60, E=40)

UCAS (Scottish /NI /English Universities) Step 5 – Paying for University All university must provide additional financial support – see individual Universities. Scholarships are available (particularly in engineering and IT). Health Professional Degrees (S&LT, OT, Radiography etc) can have fees paid if pupil is accepted on NHS funded place.

A UU 3 year degree costs… A full fee UK 3 year degree costs….. £3805 per year for tuition fees Approx £63 pw accommodation £1890 pa £4,840 for 3 years £9000 per year for tuition fees £ pw for accommodation approx Total Approx £25,345 Total £47,340

Placement years are partially funded to cover cost of tutor visits.

UCAS (Scottish /NI /English Universities) Step 5 – Paying for University Tuition Fees * £3,805 if you study in Northern Ireland. £9,000 max if you study elsewhere in the UK * ( All students will be eligible for a non-means tested loan to pay for tuition fees. Paid back when students earns over £17,335 at a rate of 9% of income

UCAS (Scottish /NI /English Universities) Step 5 – Paying for University Maintenance Loan * £3,750 Living at home. £4,840 Living away from home £6,780 Living away from home in London £5,770 Studying Overseas * ( Paid back when students earns over £17,335 at a rate of 9% above this amount.

UCAS (Scottish /NI /English Universities) Step 5 – Paying for University Maintenance Grant* Total house hold income Amount available £19,203Full grant (£3475) £19,204-£41,064Partial Grant Over £41,065No Grant * ( This does not need to be paid back.

You can calculate projected earnings Student Finance NI - Loan repayment

UCAS application Timetable (£23) September  Research courses and universities  Subject mentors to be assigned October  Finalise 5 courses.  Write personal statement.  Complete online UCAS form.  UCAS forms checked by Slemish College staff.  UCAS forms electronically sent to universities December  Students begin to receive offers January  UCAS late application closes. (Jan 15 th ) March/April  Students choose one offer as a 1 st choice (firm) and a backup offer (insurance)

CAO (Irish Universities) Advantages Tuition fees are not charged in the ROI. All students pay a contribution charge. For the academic year 2015/2016 this is €3,000. Students will receive sterling value of £2, No personal statement or reference. Closing date of early February No conditional offers – selection by order of preference and results in August.

European Universities Standard tuition fees in 2015/16 are €1,951 for most courses. There are some exceptions and private universities will almost always be more expensive. However, these fees are correct for the majority of courses taught in English in the Netherlands. Fees are set by the government and every year they increase in line with inflation. Maintenance Grant = dependant on each member state

How can I help? Talk to your son / daughter about their choices Check the form is completed correctly Discuss the content of the personal statement and ask to read it Try to remind them of key dates Encourage, encourage, encourage!!

What if I need help?? www ucas.com/parents (sign up to receive the UCAS parent guide and quarterly bulletins) Contact Mrs Mitchell, Mrs Anderson or Mr Cranston

QUESTIONS????

Applying to University Choosing Courses/Universities Graduate Employment Information (What do graduates do? Section) Student Finance DEL – “Financial Support for Higher Education Students” (Apply in February/March) DEL – Student Finance Branch