1. Going to University HIGHER EDUCATION IN ENGLAND AND WALES

2. Universities in the UK  Approximately 100 universities  Oxford & Cambridge – the oldest universities  Oxford founded in 1116?  Red brick universities – built in the early 20th century (Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester …)  New universities – built in the 1960s  The Russell Group – the 24 leading universities  http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/our-universities/

3. Cambridge, Sheffield, Kent…

4. Why go to university? According to UCAS:  Why go to uni?  Choosing higher education has many benefits. These include:  developing valuable skills to give you wider opportunities  studying a subject you're passionate about  gaining a qualification to help you follow your chosen career  higher earning potential  http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/explore-your-options

5. Statistics  Approximately 35% of 18-year-olds apply to university  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/university-application-rate-at-record-high-for-18-year-olds https://www.gov.uk/government/news/university-application-rate-at-record-high-for-18-year-olds  Other options for school-leavers:  Professional training courses  Apprenticeships  Starting work …  Gap year…

6. Applying to university  During Year 12 at school: Choosing a course and a university (open days, visits…)  Beginning of Year 13: Applying to university via UCAS (online)  The Universities receive the applications and select the potential students  Sometimes potential students are interviewed  Universities make an offer to the students they want to accept  « Unconditional offer »  or « Conditional offer » (you can have a place if your ‘A’ Level results are BBB for example)

7. At university  Most students follow a degree course  Undergraduate studies  3 years (4 years for languages)  If successful, they obtain a degree  B.A. B.Sc  Postgraduate studies: M.A. M.Sc Ph.D

8. Financing higher education  University tuition fees – up to £9000 per year  Students don’t pay upfront  Student loans (to be paid back when students start work)  Some students receive grants or bursaries

9. Student life  Social activities organised by student societies – sports, music, culture…  Halls of Residence  Student’s Union building

10. Graduation  At the end of the degree course  Degree results:  Honours Degree  First class  Second class  Third class  Graduation ceremony  Gown and cap