THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE
FOR 2015/16 APPLICATIONS
S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 | W W W.G O O D U N I G U I D E .CO.U K
HOW TO CHOOSE A UNIVERSITY CAMBRIDGE BIRMINGHAM BRISTOL WALES CARDIFF DURHAM ACADEMY OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC KING’S COLLEGE LONDON EDINBURGH OXFORD SOUTHAMPTON IMPERIAL LEEDS LIVERPOOL LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS BELFAST GLASGOW NEWCASTLE NOTTINGHAM YORK UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON MANCHESTER SHEFFIELD EXETER OXFORD BROOKES WARWICK … AND HUNDREDS MORE
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Over 600 Universities and Higher Education Colleges
CONTENTS
CLAUDIA DUDMAN editor
WELCOME…
WHAT’S INSIDE?
It’s never too early to begin planning your life
5
beyond school, such is the competition for jobs. universities and higher education colleges, it’s
option, writes James Durant of UCAS
Your timeline of crucial milestones
9
important to take into account that whatever
Off to Uni…
subject you choose, it will have a different focus
Russell Group Universities Angela Milln explains why this set of
at different institutions – so research is key,
universities stands out from the rest
14
(Spot the Difference, page 24). We’ve got lots of first-hand experience from
The Future’s Yours
16
Choosing a University Your go-to guide. Eleanor Doughty
Tom Witherow, who has just secured his dream
helps you pick the right uni for you
shares what she wishes she’d known when she
18 22
embarked on student life at Bristol.
Do that, and the world’s your oyster!
Natalie Milner shares what to expect
Take the Long View
58
Spot the Difference
Spotlight on King’s
back on her first year as a student
62
Open Days
their chosen careers
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, MMU ALL SAINTS
CNP Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Tel (020) 7349 3700 Fax (020) 7349 3701 Email editor@independentschoolparent.com EDITORIAL Editor Claudia Dudman Senior Sub Editor Natalie Milner Editorial Assistant Eleanor Doughty Senior Art Editor Chloë Collyer Senior Designer Emily Weller Designer Maria Sagun PUBLISHING Publisher & Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Commercial Director Vicki Gavin Publisher Simon Temlett Media Manager James Dobson Associate Publisher Stephanie Organ
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Personal Statement
Marketing Manager Will Delmont will.delmont@chelseamagazines.com 020 7349 3710 Production www.allpointsmedia.co.uk Printed in England by Southernprint, Dorset ADVERTISING Sales Manager Lesley McDiarmid Sales Executives Coco Strunck, William Bernard DISTRIBUTION The Guide to Independent Schools is a directory of independent schools brought to you by the publishers of Independent School Parent, the magazine for parents of children in prep and senior independent schools. The Independent School Parent magazine in Prep and Senior issues is published termly. Parents can subscribe for a free issue at: independentschoolparent.com/register © CNP Ltd 2015. All rights reserved. Text and pictures are copyright restricted and must not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The information contained in The Guide to Independent Schools has been published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its
Uni Memories Freelance drummer, Joe Yoshida looks back at his time at ACM
67
Listings The complete list of higher education
Richard Morgan offers advice
THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE
My Uni, My Career Five graduates tell us how they got into
navigating university open days
38
One Year On Bristol undergraduate Tildy Ellis looks
Katie Hughes’ tips and tricks for
gooduniguide.co.uk
Student Union Explained Eleanor Doughty investigates
61
importance of arts and humanities
35
What to Pack? The ultimate packing list for first year
Russell Goulbourne explains the
The Good Universities Guide
Countdown
What is it and how should you use it?
compares courses across universities
33
Student Finance
the most of your 1,000 days at uni
56
Charlotte Phillips chats to students and
x... anxxxxxxx Claudia Dudman, editor
What is a Collegiate University?
a journalist’s life was for her
24
improve your CV, says Louise Prior
and repay, your student loans
52
Eleanor Doughty always knew that
One thing’s clear – in order to get what you want there’s an element of planning involved.
48
Dr Paul Redmond shares how to make
pack for university (page 56); trainee journalist
it (page 14); and first-year student Tildy Ellis
Let the Adventure Begin Use travel to broaden your skill set and
Nichola Malton explains how to apply for,
fresher to Daily Mail trainee journalist
an indispensible shopping guide on what to
job on the Daily Mail, writes about how he did
45
Tom Witherow’s journey from undecided
students and graduates: Eleanor Doughty has
Clearing and UCAS Going through clearing is always a valid
Sam Haysom has the low-down
6
When you first start looking at different
42
Why Uni?
colleges and universities in the UK
accuracy. All liability for loss, negligence or damage caused by reliance on the information contained within this publication is hereby excluded. EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Chairman, David Moncrieff Parent, Tor Down UCAS, James Durant Sedbergh School, Andrew Fleck AMDIS, Tory Gillingham Girls’ Schools Association, Rachel Kerr Education journalist, Glynis Kozma Teacher, Zoe MacDougall The Headmasters’ & Headmistresses’ Conference, Heidi Salmons Wellington College, Sir Anthony Seldon Elaine Stallard Consulting, Elaine Stallard Chairman of the Education Select Committee, The Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP Boarding Schools’ Association, Sheila Thompson Canford School, Ben Vessey Independent Schools Show, David Wellesley-Wesley Marketing/Brand Consultant, Peter Young For website and subscriptions, please visit: independentschoolparent.com/register
COVER University of St Andrews, Rhona Rutherford
SPRING 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 3
OFF TO UNI... Like the best hotels in high season, open days at top universities get filled up well in advance!
1
PLANNING YOUR FUTURE
University – which one will suit you? This question’s a biggie, but Chapter One gives you a starting point from which to narrow your search. We explain what all the fuss is about with the so-called Russell Group set of universities. And learn from those that have been there and done it – even if they didn’t know what they wanted at the time. And don’t forget to take our quiz! Enjoy the ride, this bit is exciting, we promise.
Whatever societies you join at uni, you’ll be passionate about them - be it Quidditch or the Nicolas Cage Society!
2 CHOOSING A COURSE
Courses vary from uni to uni, sometimes in a small way, other times dramatically, so it’s time to gather your prospectuses and make a diagram to figure out which one is for you. Luckily, we’ve done a little bit of the work for you by gathering advice from students. And we make sure you’re prepped for the all-important open days – so get set for a grand tour of the UK, parents in tow, as you put your future in your own hands.
3
APPLYING TO UNI
It’s time to confront the UCAS application. Plan ahead with some “super-curricular” activities directly related to your course of choice and you’ll be halfway to writing your personal statement. Now all you have to do is make yourself sound interesting! Then there’s Clearing (it isn’t a dirty word), we look at how it’s actually a really good option to prepare yourself for if you’re not sure what to do next on results day.
S POT D I F F E
CHOOSING A COURSE
TH E R E NC E Your chosen degree course can vary widely depending on where you study it, so make sure you do your research, writes Charlotte Phillips
gooduniguide.com
NICHOLA MALTON assessment services manager, Student Finance England
ASSESS, PAY AND REPAY
Nichola Malton explains the key steps when applying for, and repaying, your tuition fees and maintenance loans
48 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | SPRING 2015
gooduniguide.co.uk
STRATEGIC PLANNING
O
nce you’re studying you’ll have two main costs – tuition fees and living costs and there is a range of student finance that can help you with both. Whether you are a new or continuing student, the Student Loans Company (SLC) has some useful hints and tips to help get your student finances in shape. When the time comes, you are advised to apply as soon as possible to ensure that your finances are in place for the start of the first academic year.
WHO QUALIFIES?
There are a number of factors that affect whether you are eligible to receive student finance, including your residency status, chosen course, university or college you wish to attend, and if you have received funding for any previous study you have undertaken. You can find out quickly if you are likely to be eligible by checking: gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies and if you live in Wales you can check at: studentfinancewales.co.uk.
TUITION FEES AND MAINTENANCE LOANS
Universities and colleges can charge up to £9,000 (or £6,000 at private institutions) per year in fees depending on the course. Tuition Fee Loans are available to cover the cost of the fees and are paid directly to the university or college once they have confirmed your attendance on the course. There is also funding available to help you meet living costs, such as rent and bills. The amount of the Maintenance Loan is dependent on your household income, where you live and where you study. For
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example, the amounts differ if you choose to study away from home. You can check out the rates at: gov.uk/student-finance/ loans-and-grants. Depending on your circumstances and your household income, you may be eligible to receive a Maintenance Grant, which does not have to be paid back. Extra support for those with children and dependants may also be available, based on your household income. When applying for a grant you may be asked to supply evidence to support your application. If so, the Student Loans Company will write to you to advise and you should supply it as soon as possible so as not to delay the process.
HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR STUDENT LOAN
The quickest way to apply is online. Students in England should go to: gov.uk/ student-finance and students in Wales should apply at: studentfinancewales.co.uk. When completing the online application form it is best to have your National Insurance Number and UK Passport details handy as you will be asked for this information as part of the application process. Sometimes you or your “sponsor” (normally a parent or partner) will be asked to send in evidence to support your loan application. If we need it, we’ll write to you and you must send this to us as soon as you can otherwise your application will be delayed. For first-time students: • You do not need a confirmed place on a course to be able to apply for student finance – you can use your first choice of course and update your application later if this does indeed change. • Keep a note of the email address you use when applying for student finance and
SPRING 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 49
LOOKING TO GET AHEAD WITH HIGHER EDUCATION? Then look no further than The Good Universities Guide… Available in print and online versions, The Good Universities Guide is a multi-media directory of all the universities and higher education colleges across the UK – an invaluable resource for students planning the next step in their educational career.
THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE
FOR 2015/16 APPLICANTS
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Deciding on the perfect course, city and campus is no mean feat. Our Good Universities Guide offers top tips and expert advice to help you make the right choices.
Download your FREE digital copy of The Good Universities Guide for your phone or tablet.
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You can read more on choosing the right university and course, plus find tips on funding and living expenses online at: www.independentschoolparent.com
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