Higher Education

Emily Cooper is two months into her university course - she tell you what to expect, how the course is set up, and how important it is to visit the unis before deciding where to go.

There are many benefits from going on to university or college. You’ll meet a wide variety of interesting people and the opportunity to enjoy a lively social life. A higher education qualification can provide you with greater career opportunities as well as increased earning potential. It is also essential for some careers such as doctor, architect or vet.

Once you’ve decided that higher education is for you, you will need to consider the type of course you would like to do. You’ll need to think about the level, which subject or subjects and where you want to study. Don't forget to think about money for higher education too.

There are 3 levels of higher education to consider depending on which stage you are at now.

Honours degree - takes 3 - 4 years* and is available in a wide range of subjects. You will need at least 2 A levels (or equivalent). Leads to employment or postgraduate study.

Higher National Diploma (HND) or Higher National Certificate (HNC) - takes 2-3 years* and is usually vocational. you need at least 1 A level or equivalent. Can lead to employment or you can do further study to top it up to a degree

Foundation Degree- takes about 2 years* and combines study with workplace learning. Usually need lower qualifications to start, or relevant work experience. Can lead to employment or further study.

* part time study will take longer

Useful links:

UCAS
University and Colleges Admissions Service, information about courses and how to apply

Fetch!
Lots of useful websites

Watch this video - Choosing a course (how to)
There's a lot to consider when choosing a course so this UCAS guide gives you hints on the key things you should be thinking about.

When considering what you want to study, ask yourself:

Which subjects do you enjoy at school?
Which ones are you good at?
Are there subjects you don’t do at school that interest you?
Do you already have a career in mind?

Academic or vocational?

Academic

Unsure about the career you want?

Choose something that interests you and that you’ll enjoy.
Consider subjects you may not have come across before.
Many graduate jobs out there that have no specific degree subject requirements.
The skills you’ll gain from doing a degree, such as team work, problem solving and using your initiative are all highly prized by employers.

Vocational

Do you have a good idea which career you’d like in the future?

A vocational course could be the best option. You’d gain the knowledge and skills necessary for your chosen profession.
You could do a degree, an HND, HNC or a Foundation degree.
Subjects range from medicine, law and accountancy to marketing and tourism.
Some courses are sandwich courses where you may spend a year in a work place. In some cases you may spend part of each year with an employer, rather than a whole year.

Unsure about what you want to study?

Try the Stamford Test This will help you match your skills, interests and strengths with possible higher education courses.

You could also try other software such as Pathfinder HE, Kudos or Higher Ideas, which may be available in your local Connexions centre or in school or college.

Your Connexions Personal Adviser is also there to help you!

Watch this video - Apply 2012 (how to)
This video explains how to complete a UCAS application using Apply. Learn about the different sections and what happens after sending it to us.

UCAS stands for University and College Admissions Service and is your route into higher education.

Important UCAS dates and deadlines

15 October	Deadline for receipt atUCAS of applications for Oxford, Cambridge, veterinary science and veterinary medicine, dentistry and medicine.
15 January	Deadline for receipt at UCAS of applications for all courses except those with a 15 October deadline and some art and design courses with a 14 March deadline.
15 January – 30 June Late February	Universities and colleges may still consider applications received after their deadlines. Start of ‘Extra’ applications (if you have no offers at this stage 'extra' allows you another choice without having to wait for clearing)
01 July	All applications received after 30 June will be automatically entered through Clearing (this is a system for people who apply late or have no offers after results day, don't panic lots of people still get a place through this system)
Mid-August onwards	Your results will be forwarded to UCAS and you will be told whether your conditional offer has been confirmed.

Here are some useful UCAS links:

Year 12 Autumn term	Research possible careers and courses. Check entry and course requirements.
Year 12 Spring term	Visit the Higher Education Fair at Nottingham Trent University on the 6th and 7th April. Visit university and college open days. Continue researching higher education options. Check out university and college websites and prospectuses. Go to www.ucas.com to research courses. Check out alternative university and college guides.
Year 12 Summer term	Start short-listing courses and universities and colleges. Visit university and college open days. Your school or college should have a copy of the UCAS Open Days booklet. This also gives details of university and college taster courses. If you hope to go to Oxford or Cambridge or study medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine or veterinary science, your application will need to be in by 15 October, so start thinking about your personal statement and get application details.
Year 13 Autumn term	Apply to UCAS and make sure you know the UCAS closing dates. These can be found on www.ucas.com Your applications for Oxford, Cambridge, all medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses need to be with UCAS by 15 October.
Year 13 Spring term	Make sure your application has reached UCAS no later than 15 January, except for courses with a 15 October deadline and those art and design courses with a 24 March deadline. Apply for financial support from Student Finance England. Late February – start of ‘Extra’. If you have no offers, ‘Extra’ allows you another choice without having to wait for clearing. Go to www.ucas.com Make sure that your ‘insurance place’ requires lower grades or points than your first choice. Make sure you have a back-up plan in case your results are not what you’d hoped for. You may even have done better than expected.
Year 13 Summer term	Make sure you know how to contact a Personal Adviser in case you need support after your exam results are through. Where possible try to collect your exam results in person in case you have to make quick decisions.