1. The Right Course and the Right University – How to Choose? Gemma Smith Head of International Recruitment & Admissions Edge Hill University

2. We’re here to help! Ask as many questions as you like! Know what you are willing to be flexible about and know what is absolutely non-negotiable Be realistic Liverpool Skyline by Night

3. The Location Where do you want to go? Country Region / City University Can you be flexible as to where you study your course? Some courses very limited e.g veterinary medicine Does location matter, or could you study anywhere? Can the institution guarantee accommodation? Big City? Campus? Leisure activities? Cost of living?

4. What sort of University? As you might expect, universities are not all the same… Old or new? Large or small? Average UK University size is 15 – 18,000 One campus or multi-site? Quality and reputation; league tables, subject tables, national student survey Cost of degree

5. Which course? Subject – area of study What do you want to study!? Is the subject you have chosen realistic with your predicted results? Take a look at how courses are delivered, search for different courses in the subject you want to do and check out the details: What are the modules like? Which are most interesting, or most relevant to your career direction? How's the course assessed? Exams, coursework, presentations – what do you prefer? What are the tutors like? Are they experts in areas you want to learn about?

6. Entry Criteria IB GradeUCAS Tariff Points 45720 40611 38567 36523 34479 32435 28348

7. Entry Criteria BTEC GradeUCAS Tariff Points D*D*D*420 D*DD380 DDD360 DDM320 DMM280 MMM240 PPP120

8. Making the Decision Compile a shortlist of possible universities For some students location will be critical Others may be keen to go to a prestigious university and will have to consider whether they can meet the entry criteria For most students, it is a combination of factors Good idea to use a grid approach University AUniversity BUniversity C Course435 Location524 Cost443

9. We’re here to help! Sources of Information Universities represented here; websites and prospectuses ucas.com Guidance Counsellors at your School/College British Council

10. www.ucas.com

11. Unofficial university league tables The Complete University Guide - free www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk The Guardian University Guide - free www.theguardian.com/education/ng- interactive/2015/may/25/university-league-tables-2016 Times Higher Education www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings Rating based on student satisfaction, research quality, entry standards, student-staff ratio, prospects, etc.

12. We’re here to help! Any Questions? Gemma Smith Head of International Recruitment & Admissions Edge Hill University E: gemma.smith@edgehill.ac.ukgemma.smith@edgehill.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1695 657122 W: edgehill.ac.uk/international