OPEN D AY SAT 1 JULY
DARE TO BE FEARLESS dmu.ac.uk/opendays
2
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
University Guide 2017 Taking a look at what’s on offer for school leavers considering the next step in education
YOUR OPEN DOOR, OUR
OPEN
Striving to ensure the very best in education W
ith so many educational options on the table these days for young people to choose from, heading to university may seem like one of the most daunting. Tuition fees may be the highest they have ever been – around £9,000 per annum – but university remains an option well worth considering because of the many advantages it can bring. It’s still true that those with a degree behind them go onto earn more in their lifetime than those without one. Universities across the country are pouring a lot of money into ensuring they have the best facilities as a way of attracting potential students,
BY FIONA DRYDEN education correspondent
from gyms, swimming pools, and other sports buildings to state of the art student unions and halls of residence with every piece of modern day kit that’s required. Some universities – Leicester included – are now offering young people a chance to study one major subject alongside a minor subject – thereby allowing them to spread their wings that little bit further and keep their options open. It also looks fantastic to prospective employers when it comes to securing a job following graduation. Not only that but universities offer a plethora of volunteering
opportunities – another great way to bolster any CV and increase employability. In addition to this, many universities also give undergraduates the chance to study abroad during their degree, whether they are learning a language or not. This provides yet another fantastic opportunity to pick up a different dialect, and again, add to that all important CV.
❝
Some employers will not consider candidates without first having a degree, so it’s well worth researching this, even then it may have to be an upper class qualification. Universities have dozens of societies to join which provide many fun and educational activities to take part in, as well as the chance to get to know like-minded people. Leaving home for university is also an amazing way to learn
new life skills as well as social skills that will stand them in good stead for later years. From learning how to live with others, balancing the bills, and even learning how to cook. Although clearly most will leave university with at least some debt to pay back, fees are only payable once a student leaves and is earning more than £21,000 per annum. Lucy Wade, senior student re-
University is also about meeting a wide range of people from different counties, countries and backgrounds, about widening your interests not only professionally but personally too.” Lucy Wade, senior student recruitment officer for the University of Leicester
cruitment officer for the University of Leicester, said: “There are lots of reasons why students of any age should consider going to university. Firstly, you are able to study a subject that you are passionate about that could then enable you to discover different career paths that might have been unknown to you or inaccessible before. A degree course opens up access to graduate professions that are not only financially rewarding but also professionally fulfilling too. “University is also about meeting a wide range of people from different counties, countries and backgrounds, about widening your interests not only professionally but personally too.”
DAY Visit us on 11 July Search NTU open days
2
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
University Guide 2017 Taking a look at what’s on offer for school leavers considering the next step in education
YOUR OPEN DOOR, OUR
OPEN
Striving to ensure the very best in education W
ith so many educational options on the table these days for young people to choose from, heading to university may seem like one of the most daunting. Tuition fees may be the highest they have ever been – around £9,000 per annum – but university remains an option well worth considering because of the many advantages it can bring. It’s still true that those with a degree behind them go onto earn more in their lifetime than those without one. Universities across the country are pouring a lot of money into ensuring they have the best facilities as a way of attracting potential students,
BY FIONA DRYDEN education correspondent
from gyms, swimming pools, and other sports buildings to state of the art student unions and halls of residence with every piece of modern day kit that’s required. Some universities – Leicester included – are now offering young people a chance to study one major subject alongside a minor subject – thereby allowing them to spread their wings that little bit further and keep their options open. It also looks fantastic to prospective employers when it comes to securing a job following graduation. Not only that but universities offer a plethora of volunteering
opportunities – another great way to bolster any CV and increase employability. In addition to this, many universities also give undergraduates the chance to study abroad during their degree, whether they are learning a language or not. This provides yet another fantastic opportunity to pick up a different dialect, and again, add to that all important CV.
❝
Some employers will not consider candidates without first having a degree, so it’s well worth researching this, even then it may have to be an upper class qualification. Universities have dozens of societies to join which provide many fun and educational activities to take part in, as well as the chance to get to know like-minded people. Leaving home for university is also an amazing way to learn
new life skills as well as social skills that will stand them in good stead for later years. From learning how to live with others, balancing the bills, and even learning how to cook. Although clearly most will leave university with at least some debt to pay back, fees are only payable once a student leaves and is earning more than £21,000 per annum. Lucy Wade, senior student re-
University is also about meeting a wide range of people from different counties, countries and backgrounds, about widening your interests not only professionally but personally too.” Lucy Wade, senior student recruitment officer for the University of Leicester
cruitment officer for the University of Leicester, said: “There are lots of reasons why students of any age should consider going to university. Firstly, you are able to study a subject that you are passionate about that could then enable you to discover different career paths that might have been unknown to you or inaccessible before. A degree course opens up access to graduate professions that are not only financially rewarding but also professionally fulfilling too. “University is also about meeting a wide range of people from different counties, countries and backgrounds, about widening your interests not only professionally but personally too.”
DAY Visit us on 11 July Search NTU open days
4
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
Like us on Facebook
UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2017
Facebook.com/leicestermercury
Living, learning and growing at the DMU A
t De Montfort University (DMU) students live, learn and grow in a community that offers great experiences and positive futures. They are based in a brilliant city and quickly become part of its great history, exciting transformation and next successes. Leicester is one of the best UK cities in which to live and work. The £136 million reimagining of the DMU campus has created the modern, inspiring environment students deserve and shows the university’s confidence in what it does and what it stands for. DMU has been named as one of the 150 best young universities in the world by the influential Times Higher Education magazine, and rated as No.1 for graduate employability, and in the top three for teaching excellence among UK universities, in a preliminary study of teaching quality by the same magazine. A true world university, the signature #DMUglobal programme aims to offer the majority of DMU students an international experience, while #loveinternational is an active commitment to tolerance, resilience, acceptance and openness. #DMUglobal also helps students and graduates stand out in today’s competitive global job market. It offers the opportunity to enjoy a valuable international experience during studies, either overseas, on campus or elsewhere in the
The right university for you is the one which helps you shape the life and career you want. That’s why choosing the right university is perhaps the most significant decision you’ll make UK. This year more than 1,000 students from many different courses visited New York City as part of the biggest-ever #DMUglobal trip, enjoying unforgettable and relevant experiences that expand on subjects covered in the classroom. It means DMU students go on to do remarkable things: they work at worldleading companies, create Oscar-winning movies, win Emmy awards, and design shoes for prominent figures such as the Duchess of
Cambridge, and clothes for celebrities such as Beyoncé. Some 95 per cent of DMU undergraduates are in full-time employment or further education within six months of graduation. It’s no surprise that DMU is now one of the top 10 most popular universities in the UK for home and EU students, as rated by UCAS. Passionate and enthusiastic lecturers have earned 18 National Teaching Fellowships - the most prestigious awards for excellence in higher education. Student life at DMU has a new home after the £3 million renovation of the Campus Centre, headquarters of De Montfort Students’ Union, or DSU. The DSU supports more than 140 societies, sports clubs and groups – with new ones being added all the time – which boast more than 4,500 members and a new base following the £1 million refurbishment of the Watershed building. Almost £1 million has also been spent in recent months on coaching and support for teams, and this commitment is
Case study: Mechanical Engineering SHARON SURESH KUMAR has fast-tracked her career by securing an exhilarating job at Ricardo, a global designer and manufacturer of high-performance sports cars. “It feels great to say that my first job after graduating is also my dream job,” said the Mechanical Engineering graduate from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), whose role as an automotive engineer will include developing her knowledge of quality analysis, manufacturing and assembly for sports cars such as the McLaren V8 and Bugatti Veyron. Sharon feels her course prepared her well for industry, saying: “Everything I learned – from manipulating different materials and using CAD design to project management and discovering thermodynamics – directly
HELPFUL: In Gujarat, students and staff are sharing their skills to help make a positive change for thousands of the poorest and most vulnerable families breeding success. DMU offers a range of high-standard accommodation, with 10 halls of residence – and around 3,000 rooms – all within easy walking distance of campus. There is also a dedicated student support team and a wide range of services available. For many, coming to university could be the first time they have lived away, which is why DMU aims to find places to live that are safe and feel good. Many courses are accredited by professional bodies and all have been carefully designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge bosses want. Experience is an invaluable asset and DMU students enjoy placements at some of the most successful organisations in the world, such as Airbus, IBM,
GCHQ and Barclays. Last year DMU tripled the number of international employers it offers placements with, which include Tommy Hilfiger, O’Neill and Bioworld. DMU has close ties with local and international communities and a long tradition of working for the public good. The multi award-winning DMU Square Mile project has made a real difference to the health and education of local people, so much so that its work has expanded across the city with #DMUlocal and across the globe with DMU Square Mile India. In Gujarat, students and staff are sharing their skills to help make a positive change for thousands of the poorest and most vulnerable families. The university is home to
many internationally renowned research groups whose innovative, life-changing work has a positive impact on our students, the wider economy and society at large. Most of DMU’s research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent research league tables. Where you study next will shape the rest of your life. Come to an undergraduate Open Day and find out why DMU is one of the fastest-growing universities in the UK, talk to current students and lecturers, see the facilities and tour the campus. The next Open Day is on Saturday July 1, and you can book on (0116) 2 50 60 70 or via enquiry@dmu.ac.uk. Find out more at dmu.ac.uk/opendays.
Award for young volunteer relates to my new job.” The opportunities Sharon took advantage of while at DMU also enabled her to stand out during her job interview. As a dedicated member of DMU Racing, Sharon based her final-year project on Formula Student – a competition run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers which challenges university students worldwide to design, build and race a single seat
racing car in one year. Sharon also impressed with the international experience she gained during a #DMUglobal trip to South India, where she learned about the importance of waste management in rural communities. She said: “There are so many opportunities offered by DMU and it’s up to students to take full advantage of them and leave uni as experienced as possible.”
THE good will of a De Montfort University (DMU) volleyball player to volunteer in local communities has been recognised by a national governing body. Sarah Booth, a third year Criminology and Criminal Justice student and Health and Safety Officer for the DMU Dragons Volleyball Team, won the coveted Young Volunteer of the Year Award from Volleyball England after being nominated for her outstanding efforts by the DMU Sports Department. The award nominations, judged by a panel of committee members from Volleyball England across nine categories
were presented at the Super 8’s National Finals on Saturday in April at the National Volleyball Centre, Kettering. Sarah said: “Its feel great to be recognised for my efforts. “I volunteer my time for coaching and set up opportunities in Leicester because I enjoy what I do and enjoy working with the people I coach. “I try as much as I can to create more and more opportunities for people to be involved with volleyball and it’s nice to have those efforts recognised by someone else.” Sarah’s volunteer work has seen her coach internally with the DMU Dragons Mixed Vol-
leyball team, but also coach local teams: the Loughborough Panthers and Leicester Athena. The latter she helped set up with the coach whilst balancing her studies with playing for DMU Women’s Team and captaining the Regional League team at Leicester Athena. Sarah has also helped two students complete their Level 1 coaching course as well as set up a refereeing course that DMU is hosting in May in which sixteen club members will learn how to referee fixtures.
5
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
Follow us on Twitter
UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2017
@Leicester_Merc
Case study: Adult Nursing
TWO Adult Nursing students who have been friends since their first day at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) are thrilled to have landed jobs together. Even better, working in Accident & Emergency at Leicester Royal Infirmary was the first-choice role for both Maria Bell and Ashleigh Whitmore. The pals took up their fulltime posts in March – and are continuing to support each other as they have done throughout their three years at university. Maria said: “We’ll have similar emotions, so will understand how each other feels. “It’s hard to explain how intense nursing is to someone else.” The pair were both attracted by the variety and fast pace of A&E and credit experience gained on placements along with bank work as healthcare assistants for
“preparing us for employment”. Both Maria and Ashleigh came to DMU as mature students and met during their first lecture. Since then they have shared many experiences but agree on the highlight – a two-week elective placement at a public hospital in Dumaguete in the Philippines. Spending time in the gynaecology and obstetrics ward, where there were was more than one patient to a bed and families had to bring in medicine for nurses to administer, the experience gave them an even greater appreciation of the NHS. Ashleigh said: “It makes you resource-aware and gives you an understanding of why it’s so important not to waste things. The staff were friendly and helpful and as interested in how we do things as we were in them.”
Research is critical CHOOSING the right degree course can be difficult. Prospective students should do their research before applying and accepting an offer. Universities hold dozens of open days for undergraduates to go along and find out what their subjects are all about and talk to tutors, as well as check out the facilities. Prospective students should familiarise themselves with all modules of the course - not just the first year but those throughout the degree. They should also enquire about employability prospects and opportunities to work with employers throughout the course which will stand them in good stead for the future. It’s also important to be realistic - are the grades required achievable? It may be wise to have an insurance offer from a university which requires lower grades than your top choice, but make sure it is a course and location you do actually want to go.
Paying the study bills THE Student Loans Company works with Student Finance England, Higher Education Institutions and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), to provide student support in the UK. It pays loans and grants to students and tuition fees to colleges and universities. SLC provides loans to students to help cover their living costs, as well as loans for their tuition fees. It pays maintenance loans directly into students’ bank accounts at the start of each term, (monthly for students in Scotland) and tuition fees direct to their college or university. For more information on the Student Loans Company visit:
GUIDE TO UNIVERSITY
2017
TODAY
slc.co.uk
Case study: Contour Fashion LUXURY lingerie designer Elissa Grainger has enjoyed a couple of incredible years since graduating from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU). Now, to cap it off, her award-winning designs are being displayed in the Vijay Patel building – the cuttingedge new home to DMU art and design courses – to mark the 70th anniversary of the university’s internationally acclaimed Contour Fashion course. Seen in ‘the shopfront’ space at the base of the Arts Tower, her striking six-piece collection includes the latex lace wedding dress which helped to earn her acclaim in the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show and a latex rope crinoline, which featured during the launch of rock legend Dr Brian May’s latest book of stereoscopic
photographs of the Victorian underwear. Elissa said: “I feel priv-
ileged to be part of the celebrations. It’s so nice to be able to give something back to a course which has given me so much. It’s also a really cool way of being a part of the amazing Vijay Patel building, which didn’t open until after I left DMU.” Since graduating in 2015 she has launched her Elissa Poppy brand in response to the high demand for her trademark latex lace designs. She was supported by The Crucible Project, DMU’s initiative helping graduates to get their business ideas off the ground. Last year Elissa was named Rising Star of the Year in the 2016 UK Lingerie Awards and also beat more than 600 other brands to win a prestigious ASOS competition, earning her a £50,000 prize and mentoring from industry professionals.
Case study: Business Management BUSINESS Management and Economics student Ben Barr has landed his ideal job months before graduating. Ben, a student at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), said it’s a “big compliment” to be offered a role with Deloitte, one of the Big Four accounting firms and the world’s largest professional services network. Securing the post – as a financial adviser for insolvent companies on the company’s three-year graduate scheme – has also given Ben “peace of mind” ahead of his finals. He said: “Deloitte is the biggest at what it does in the world. The appeal of the role is to help businesses that need it, which could save jobs.” Before he heads to Bristol in September, Ben is aiming for a First and will continue to balance his studies with his
roles as a finance partnering assistant – a position gained through DMU’s Frontrunners scheme, which offers paid internships to our students – and treasurer of two student societies. He was also among a group
of more than 1,000 students and staff who visited New York earlier this year as part of the biggest-ever trip with #DMUglobal – the university’s award-winning international experience programme – and flew the flag for global unity in Times Square, which he described as “breathtaking”. The 22-year-old said these activities, along with his placement year at Volkswagen in Milton Keynes, gave him plenty to talk about at his interview at Deloitte. If Ben was to have his interview now, he’d have even more to talk about – he volunteers as a police special constable and in February he was one of three people formally recognised by Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole for saving a life, after responding to a 999 call from a man in a car with severe breathing difficulties.
Special supplement In association with
Visit one of the most popular universities in the UK (as rated by UCAS)
4
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
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UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2017
Facebook.com/leicestermercury
Living, learning and growing at the DMU A
t De Montfort University (DMU) students live, learn and grow in a community that offers great experiences and positive futures. They are based in a brilliant city and quickly become part of its great history, exciting transformation and next successes. Leicester is one of the best UK cities in which to live and work. The £136 million reimagining of the DMU campus has created the modern, inspiring environment students deserve and shows the university’s confidence in what it does and what it stands for. DMU has been named as one of the 150 best young universities in the world by the influential Times Higher Education magazine, and rated as No.1 for graduate employability, and in the top three for teaching excellence among UK universities, in a preliminary study of teaching quality by the same magazine. A true world university, the signature #DMUglobal programme aims to offer the majority of DMU students an international experience, while #loveinternational is an active commitment to tolerance, resilience, acceptance and openness. #DMUglobal also helps students and graduates stand out in today’s competitive global job market. It offers the opportunity to enjoy a valuable international experience during studies, either overseas, on campus or elsewhere in the
The right university for you is the one which helps you shape the life and career you want. That’s why choosing the right university is perhaps the most significant decision you’ll make UK. This year more than 1,000 students from many different courses visited New York City as part of the biggest-ever #DMUglobal trip, enjoying unforgettable and relevant experiences that expand on subjects covered in the classroom. It means DMU students go on to do remarkable things: they work at worldleading companies, create Oscar-winning movies, win Emmy awards, and design shoes for prominent figures such as the Duchess of
Cambridge, and clothes for celebrities such as Beyoncé. Some 95 per cent of DMU undergraduates are in full-time employment or further education within six months of graduation. It’s no surprise that DMU is now one of the top 10 most popular universities in the UK for home and EU students, as rated by UCAS. Passionate and enthusiastic lecturers have earned 18 National Teaching Fellowships - the most prestigious awards for excellence in higher education. Student life at DMU has a new home after the £3 million renovation of the Campus Centre, headquarters of De Montfort Students’ Union, or DSU. The DSU supports more than 140 societies, sports clubs and groups – with new ones being added all the time – which boast more than 4,500 members and a new base following the £1 million refurbishment of the Watershed building. Almost £1 million has also been spent in recent months on coaching and support for teams, and this commitment is
Case study: Mechanical Engineering SHARON SURESH KUMAR has fast-tracked her career by securing an exhilarating job at Ricardo, a global designer and manufacturer of high-performance sports cars. “It feels great to say that my first job after graduating is also my dream job,” said the Mechanical Engineering graduate from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), whose role as an automotive engineer will include developing her knowledge of quality analysis, manufacturing and assembly for sports cars such as the McLaren V8 and Bugatti Veyron. Sharon feels her course prepared her well for industry, saying: “Everything I learned – from manipulating different materials and using CAD design to project management and discovering thermodynamics – directly
HELPFUL: In Gujarat, students and staff are sharing their skills to help make a positive change for thousands of the poorest and most vulnerable families breeding success. DMU offers a range of high-standard accommodation, with 10 halls of residence – and around 3,000 rooms – all within easy walking distance of campus. There is also a dedicated student support team and a wide range of services available. For many, coming to university could be the first time they have lived away, which is why DMU aims to find places to live that are safe and feel good. Many courses are accredited by professional bodies and all have been carefully designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge bosses want. Experience is an invaluable asset and DMU students enjoy placements at some of the most successful organisations in the world, such as Airbus, IBM,
GCHQ and Barclays. Last year DMU tripled the number of international employers it offers placements with, which include Tommy Hilfiger, O’Neill and Bioworld. DMU has close ties with local and international communities and a long tradition of working for the public good. The multi award-winning DMU Square Mile project has made a real difference to the health and education of local people, so much so that its work has expanded across the city with #DMUlocal and across the globe with DMU Square Mile India. In Gujarat, students and staff are sharing their skills to help make a positive change for thousands of the poorest and most vulnerable families. The university is home to
many internationally renowned research groups whose innovative, life-changing work has a positive impact on our students, the wider economy and society at large. Most of DMU’s research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent research league tables. Where you study next will shape the rest of your life. Come to an undergraduate Open Day and find out why DMU is one of the fastest-growing universities in the UK, talk to current students and lecturers, see the facilities and tour the campus. The next Open Day is on Saturday July 1, and you can book on (0116) 2 50 60 70 or via enquiry@dmu.ac.uk. Find out more at dmu.ac.uk/opendays.
Award for young volunteer relates to my new job.” The opportunities Sharon took advantage of while at DMU also enabled her to stand out during her job interview. As a dedicated member of DMU Racing, Sharon based her final-year project on Formula Student – a competition run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers which challenges university students worldwide to design, build and race a single seat
racing car in one year. Sharon also impressed with the international experience she gained during a #DMUglobal trip to South India, where she learned about the importance of waste management in rural communities. She said: “There are so many opportunities offered by DMU and it’s up to students to take full advantage of them and leave uni as experienced as possible.”
THE good will of a De Montfort University (DMU) volleyball player to volunteer in local communities has been recognised by a national governing body. Sarah Booth, a third year Criminology and Criminal Justice student and Health and Safety Officer for the DMU Dragons Volleyball Team, won the coveted Young Volunteer of the Year Award from Volleyball England after being nominated for her outstanding efforts by the DMU Sports Department. The award nominations, judged by a panel of committee members from Volleyball England across nine categories
were presented at the Super 8’s National Finals on Saturday in April at the National Volleyball Centre, Kettering. Sarah said: “Its feel great to be recognised for my efforts. “I volunteer my time for coaching and set up opportunities in Leicester because I enjoy what I do and enjoy working with the people I coach. “I try as much as I can to create more and more opportunities for people to be involved with volleyball and it’s nice to have those efforts recognised by someone else.” Sarah’s volunteer work has seen her coach internally with the DMU Dragons Mixed Vol-
leyball team, but also coach local teams: the Loughborough Panthers and Leicester Athena. The latter she helped set up with the coach whilst balancing her studies with playing for DMU Women’s Team and captaining the Regional League team at Leicester Athena. Sarah has also helped two students complete their Level 1 coaching course as well as set up a refereeing course that DMU is hosting in May in which sixteen club members will learn how to referee fixtures.
5
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
Follow us on Twitter
UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2017
@Leicester_Merc
Case study: Adult Nursing
TWO Adult Nursing students who have been friends since their first day at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) are thrilled to have landed jobs together. Even better, working in Accident & Emergency at Leicester Royal Infirmary was the first-choice role for both Maria Bell and Ashleigh Whitmore. The pals took up their fulltime posts in March – and are continuing to support each other as they have done throughout their three years at university. Maria said: “We’ll have similar emotions, so will understand how each other feels. “It’s hard to explain how intense nursing is to someone else.” The pair were both attracted by the variety and fast pace of A&E and credit experience gained on placements along with bank work as healthcare assistants for
“preparing us for employment”. Both Maria and Ashleigh came to DMU as mature students and met during their first lecture. Since then they have shared many experiences but agree on the highlight – a two-week elective placement at a public hospital in Dumaguete in the Philippines. Spending time in the gynaecology and obstetrics ward, where there were was more than one patient to a bed and families had to bring in medicine for nurses to administer, the experience gave them an even greater appreciation of the NHS. Ashleigh said: “It makes you resource-aware and gives you an understanding of why it’s so important not to waste things. The staff were friendly and helpful and as interested in how we do things as we were in them.”
Research is critical CHOOSING the right degree course can be difficult. Prospective students should do their research before applying and accepting an offer. Universities hold dozens of open days for undergraduates to go along and find out what their subjects are all about and talk to tutors, as well as check out the facilities. Prospective students should familiarise themselves with all modules of the course - not just the first year but those throughout the degree. They should also enquire about employability prospects and opportunities to work with employers throughout the course which will stand them in good stead for the future. It’s also important to be realistic - are the grades required achievable? It may be wise to have an insurance offer from a university which requires lower grades than your top choice, but make sure it is a course and location you do actually want to go.
Paying the study bills THE Student Loans Company works with Student Finance England, Higher Education Institutions and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), to provide student support in the UK. It pays loans and grants to students and tuition fees to colleges and universities. SLC provides loans to students to help cover their living costs, as well as loans for their tuition fees. It pays maintenance loans directly into students’ bank accounts at the start of each term, (monthly for students in Scotland) and tuition fees direct to their college or university. For more information on the Student Loans Company visit:
GUIDE TO UNIVERSITY
2017
TODAY
slc.co.uk
Case study: Contour Fashion LUXURY lingerie designer Elissa Grainger has enjoyed a couple of incredible years since graduating from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU). Now, to cap it off, her award-winning designs are being displayed in the Vijay Patel building – the cuttingedge new home to DMU art and design courses – to mark the 70th anniversary of the university’s internationally acclaimed Contour Fashion course. Seen in ‘the shopfront’ space at the base of the Arts Tower, her striking six-piece collection includes the latex lace wedding dress which helped to earn her acclaim in the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show and a latex rope crinoline, which featured during the launch of rock legend Dr Brian May’s latest book of stereoscopic
photographs of the Victorian underwear. Elissa said: “I feel priv-
ileged to be part of the celebrations. It’s so nice to be able to give something back to a course which has given me so much. It’s also a really cool way of being a part of the amazing Vijay Patel building, which didn’t open until after I left DMU.” Since graduating in 2015 she has launched her Elissa Poppy brand in response to the high demand for her trademark latex lace designs. She was supported by The Crucible Project, DMU’s initiative helping graduates to get their business ideas off the ground. Last year Elissa was named Rising Star of the Year in the 2016 UK Lingerie Awards and also beat more than 600 other brands to win a prestigious ASOS competition, earning her a £50,000 prize and mentoring from industry professionals.
Case study: Business Management BUSINESS Management and Economics student Ben Barr has landed his ideal job months before graduating. Ben, a student at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), said it’s a “big compliment” to be offered a role with Deloitte, one of the Big Four accounting firms and the world’s largest professional services network. Securing the post – as a financial adviser for insolvent companies on the company’s three-year graduate scheme – has also given Ben “peace of mind” ahead of his finals. He said: “Deloitte is the biggest at what it does in the world. The appeal of the role is to help businesses that need it, which could save jobs.” Before he heads to Bristol in September, Ben is aiming for a First and will continue to balance his studies with his
roles as a finance partnering assistant – a position gained through DMU’s Frontrunners scheme, which offers paid internships to our students – and treasurer of two student societies. He was also among a group
of more than 1,000 students and staff who visited New York earlier this year as part of the biggest-ever trip with #DMUglobal – the university’s award-winning international experience programme – and flew the flag for global unity in Times Square, which he described as “breathtaking”. The 22-year-old said these activities, along with his placement year at Volkswagen in Milton Keynes, gave him plenty to talk about at his interview at Deloitte. If Ben was to have his interview now, he’d have even more to talk about – he volunteers as a police special constable and in February he was one of three people formally recognised by Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole for saving a life, after responding to a 999 call from a man in a car with severe breathing difficulties.
Special supplement In association with
Visit one of the most popular universities in the UK (as rated by UCAS)
u n d e r g r a d u at e
OPEN
DAYS
2017
FRIDAY
7 JULY FRIDAY
15 SEPTEMBER SATURDAY
16 SEPTEMBER SATURDAY
21 OCTOBER
The University of Leicester has an international reputation for excellence - we’re ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide. Make the most of you and book your place at an open day.
www.le.ac.uk/opendays study@leicester.ac.uk
@uniofleicester
u n d e r g r a d u at e
OPEN
DAYS
2017
FRIDAY
7 JULY FRIDAY
15 SEPTEMBER SATURDAY
16 SEPTEMBER SATURDAY
21 OCTOBER
The University of Leicester has an international reputation for excellence - we’re ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide. Make the most of you and book your place at an open day.
www.le.ac.uk/opendays study@leicester.ac.uk
@uniofleicester
8
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
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UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2017
@Leicester_Merc
Study for an innovative degree that is designed around you A
t the University of Leicester, we want you to be able to study for a degree that’s not only innovative in its approach, but also designed and built around you. We pride ourselves on offering flexibility and choice through the variety of degrees that we offer. There are over 30 different departments across the University, all offering a diverse range of programmes.
One of the most flexible curriculums in the UK
Education inspired by world-class research A
t the University of Leicester, we have a reputation as a leading research university. We are ranked in the top one per cent of universities in the world and our academics are engaged in world-class research that changes the way we think about the past, present and future. This spirit of discovery is about imaginative new thinking and it can underpin funda-
mental advances in our understanding of the world around us. Our research expertise covers many different areas and has real-life applications to the needs of business and the community – providing solutions to global intellectual, medical, scientific, cultural, environmental and economic issues. Realise your potential As a student at the University of Leicester, this has real benefits to you. We take great pride
in our learning culture - the same passion for excellence that informs our research also informs our teaching and our support for our students. Your academic staff are innovators at the cutting-edge of their field and they can work with you to realise your potential and fulfil your big ambitions. By working with our leading academics, your learning experience can be enriched and transformed. University edu-
cation is designed to be demanding and enjoyably challenging. And by drawing on the international significance of our work, your curriculum is designed to look outwards and engage with the wider world. This ensures that you can graduate from Leicester well prepared to make your mark in the global community. The best UK university for preparing students for work As a world-leading research
university, we have the facilities that meet the needs of modern and ambitious students. For example, we invest over £7 million per year in our state-ofthe-art David Wilson Library, and our departments have the technology and resources that can enable you to make the most of your talents. As well as fantastic educational experience, studying at Leicester can prepare you for long-term success. We’ve been
rated as the best university in the UK for preparing students for the world of work. Our Career Development Service provides all kinds of opportunities and programmes designed to develop the skills and abilities you need to achieve your professional goals, whatever career you have in mind.
Discover more: www.le.ac.uk/study
Case study: Geology AT the University of Leicester, our degrees offer fantastic opportunities – whether it’s field trips, industry placements or years overseas, a degree from Leicester can provide life changing experiences, as Jo from Geology found out. “To really get a feel for how geology works, you need to see it all for yourself. At the University of Leicester, I’ve had the opportunity to study abroad and visit some spectacular places, which has given me the independence and
confidence to take my career anywhere I want. I’ve always been questioning the world around me. And that’s why I love studying geology so much – it lets me find the ‘how’s and ‘why’s for myself. So why did I choose Leicester for my Geology course? Well, for starters, the specimen collection is like nowhere else I’ve seen, and the department’s facilities and equipment are readily-accessible 24 hours a day. What’s
also great is that you get a real sense of community on a small campus like this. But because I love the outdoors and travelling, the thing that really sealed the deal for me was the opportunity to learn out in the real world. My fieldwork has taken me up and down the country, and I’ve just completed a year studying in Arizona, which was just amazing. Being at Leicester, I can feel my enthusiasm for geology growing stronger every day.”
At Leicester, we are committed to providing one of the most flexible curriculums in the UK and have recently increased the number of subject areas that can be studied together. This exciting development means that not only do we offer single subject courses, like Chemistry or English, you can choose to study a combination of two related or diverse subjects from even more areas across the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences.
How it works
Your academic journey starts by choosing whether to study one or two subjects: SINGLE DEGREES Specialise in one subject for the duration of your degree e.g. Economics. THE BENEFITS ■ Immerse yourself in a subject that you’re passionate about. ■ The focus and specialisation of these degrees are ideal if you have a specific career or academic direction in mind. ■ You may be able to gain professional accreditation and recognition to support your career path. JOINT DEGREES Study two complementary subjects equally, e.g. English and History. THE BENEFITS ■ Explore two subjects that interest you to a high level. ■ Gain an outstanding depth and breadth of knowledge to broaden your academic and professional horizons. ■ By demonstrating your abil-
ity to think differently and across disciplines, you will expand your opportunities. MAJOR/MINOR DEGREES Create your own degree. Study a core subject in depth (your Major), while also exploring an additional subject (your Minor). THE BENEFITS ■ A degree that will satisfy your own unique interests, strengths and ambitions. ■ Complement your Major with a subject that you enjoyed before, may have career-related applications. Or just try something completely new! ■ Great for your career prospects - demonstrate flexibility and versatility that will make you stand out. Whether you choose a Single, Joint or Major/Minor Degree at Leicester, you will be able to develop your own particular blend of knowledge and skills tailored to your individual interests, academic strengths and career aspirations. Find out more:
le.ac.uk/your-degree
Brexit project wins financial support THREE academics at the University of Leicester have secured funding for their research project, ‘Parties, Parliament and the Brexit Process’, which will explore how Parliament has responded to Brexit and how effective its legislative response is. Professor Adam Cygan from Leicester Law School, who is leading the project, Dr Richard Whitaker and Dr Philip Lynch
from the School of History, Politics and International Relations have secured a grant from the Economic and Social Research Council for it.
PROJECT The project will combine an institutional analysis - looking at procedures, practices, rules and structures within Parliament with an examination of the strategic behaviour of individual
CHOICE: There are more than 30 different departments across the University, all offering a diverse range of programmes
MPs, parties and the executive. Internal party divisions, emerging cross-party alliances and the differing preferences of MPs on issues arising from Brexit will affect how, and how well, Parliament scrutinises the process of leaving the EU. Professor Cygan, chair in EU Law at the university’s Law School, said: “Delivering the legislative and political changes that arise from Brexit will necessitate that Parliament and MPs work intensely to meet the Brexit deadline, as well as satisfy public expectations over the final Brexit agreement. The project will explore how Parliament has responded to Brexit in terms of its structures and procedures, and how effective is its legislative response with the return of competences to the UK. “The upcoming General Election will enable a broader public debate on Brexit, and Parliament will be expected to deliver a Brexit agreement that reflects public opinion. “Our project will be well placed to follow how Parliament and MPs react to the mandate that they have been given.”
Case study: Sociology
❝
I teach research methods and statistics in the social sciences. Some students can be quite nervous about dealing with numbers, graphs and tables.
AT the University of Leicester, we’re proud of our reputation for outstanding teaching. Dr Patrick White from our Department of Sociology talks about his take on teaching. “I teach research methods and statistics in the social sciences. Some students can be quite nervous about dealing with numbers, graphs and tables. I show them the ways in which they use numbers and research skills in everyday life – helping them realise that they already know a lot about col-
lecting and analysing data. “I have developed a series of YouTube videos to help students learn the software package they use to conduct statistical analyses. These videos allow my students to continue to develop the computer skills they need outside of the classroom but they have a much wider appeal and, in three years, have been watched over a quarter of a million times by viewers in 204 different countries. Through my teaching I encourage students to think of
statistics as ‘tools’ that can help them discover more about the exciting topics they are studying. Statistics allow us to learn things about education, health, crime, poverty and inequality that we wouldn’t otherwise know. In their assessments, my students use real data – such as the Crime Survey for England and Wales – to help them learn to conduct valuable research of their own. I hope they finish their degrees feeling confident and empowered by what they’ve learned.”
8
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
Like us on Facebook
UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2017
9
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
Follow us on Twitter
Facebook.com/leicestermercury
UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2017
@Leicester_Merc
Study for an innovative degree that is designed around you A
t the University of Leicester, we want you to be able to study for a degree that’s not only innovative in its approach, but also designed and built around you. We pride ourselves on offering flexibility and choice through the variety of degrees that we offer. There are over 30 different departments across the University, all offering a diverse range of programmes.
One of the most flexible curriculums in the UK
Education inspired by world-class research A
t the University of Leicester, we have a reputation as a leading research university. We are ranked in the top one per cent of universities in the world and our academics are engaged in world-class research that changes the way we think about the past, present and future. This spirit of discovery is about imaginative new thinking and it can underpin funda-
mental advances in our understanding of the world around us. Our research expertise covers many different areas and has real-life applications to the needs of business and the community – providing solutions to global intellectual, medical, scientific, cultural, environmental and economic issues. Realise your potential As a student at the University of Leicester, this has real benefits to you. We take great pride
in our learning culture - the same passion for excellence that informs our research also informs our teaching and our support for our students. Your academic staff are innovators at the cutting-edge of their field and they can work with you to realise your potential and fulfil your big ambitions. By working with our leading academics, your learning experience can be enriched and transformed. University edu-
cation is designed to be demanding and enjoyably challenging. And by drawing on the international significance of our work, your curriculum is designed to look outwards and engage with the wider world. This ensures that you can graduate from Leicester well prepared to make your mark in the global community. The best UK university for preparing students for work As a world-leading research
university, we have the facilities that meet the needs of modern and ambitious students. For example, we invest over £7 million per year in our state-ofthe-art David Wilson Library, and our departments have the technology and resources that can enable you to make the most of your talents. As well as fantastic educational experience, studying at Leicester can prepare you for long-term success. We’ve been
rated as the best university in the UK for preparing students for the world of work. Our Career Development Service provides all kinds of opportunities and programmes designed to develop the skills and abilities you need to achieve your professional goals, whatever career you have in mind.
Discover more: www.le.ac.uk/study
Case study: Geology AT the University of Leicester, our degrees offer fantastic opportunities – whether it’s field trips, industry placements or years overseas, a degree from Leicester can provide life changing experiences, as Jo from Geology found out. “To really get a feel for how geology works, you need to see it all for yourself. At the University of Leicester, I’ve had the opportunity to study abroad and visit some spectacular places, which has given me the independence and
confidence to take my career anywhere I want. I’ve always been questioning the world around me. And that’s why I love studying geology so much – it lets me find the ‘how’s and ‘why’s for myself. So why did I choose Leicester for my Geology course? Well, for starters, the specimen collection is like nowhere else I’ve seen, and the department’s facilities and equipment are readily-accessible 24 hours a day. What’s
also great is that you get a real sense of community on a small campus like this. But because I love the outdoors and travelling, the thing that really sealed the deal for me was the opportunity to learn out in the real world. My fieldwork has taken me up and down the country, and I’ve just completed a year studying in Arizona, which was just amazing. Being at Leicester, I can feel my enthusiasm for geology growing stronger every day.”
At Leicester, we are committed to providing one of the most flexible curriculums in the UK and have recently increased the number of subject areas that can be studied together. This exciting development means that not only do we offer single subject courses, like Chemistry or English, you can choose to study a combination of two related or diverse subjects from even more areas across the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences.
How it works
Your academic journey starts by choosing whether to study one or two subjects: SINGLE DEGREES Specialise in one subject for the duration of your degree e.g. Economics. THE BENEFITS ■ Immerse yourself in a subject that you’re passionate about. ■ The focus and specialisation of these degrees are ideal if you have a specific career or academic direction in mind. ■ You may be able to gain professional accreditation and recognition to support your career path. JOINT DEGREES Study two complementary subjects equally, e.g. English and History. THE BENEFITS ■ Explore two subjects that interest you to a high level. ■ Gain an outstanding depth and breadth of knowledge to broaden your academic and professional horizons. ■ By demonstrating your abil-
ity to think differently and across disciplines, you will expand your opportunities. MAJOR/MINOR DEGREES Create your own degree. Study a core subject in depth (your Major), while also exploring an additional subject (your Minor). THE BENEFITS ■ A degree that will satisfy your own unique interests, strengths and ambitions. ■ Complement your Major with a subject that you enjoyed before, may have career-related applications. Or just try something completely new! ■ Great for your career prospects - demonstrate flexibility and versatility that will make you stand out. Whether you choose a Single, Joint or Major/Minor Degree at Leicester, you will be able to develop your own particular blend of knowledge and skills tailored to your individual interests, academic strengths and career aspirations. Find out more:
le.ac.uk/your-degree
Brexit project wins financial support THREE academics at the University of Leicester have secured funding for their research project, ‘Parties, Parliament and the Brexit Process’, which will explore how Parliament has responded to Brexit and how effective its legislative response is. Professor Adam Cygan from Leicester Law School, who is leading the project, Dr Richard Whitaker and Dr Philip Lynch
from the School of History, Politics and International Relations have secured a grant from the Economic and Social Research Council for it.
PROJECT The project will combine an institutional analysis - looking at procedures, practices, rules and structures within Parliament with an examination of the strategic behaviour of individual
CHOICE: There are more than 30 different departments across the University, all offering a diverse range of programmes
MPs, parties and the executive. Internal party divisions, emerging cross-party alliances and the differing preferences of MPs on issues arising from Brexit will affect how, and how well, Parliament scrutinises the process of leaving the EU. Professor Cygan, chair in EU Law at the university’s Law School, said: “Delivering the legislative and political changes that arise from Brexit will necessitate that Parliament and MPs work intensely to meet the Brexit deadline, as well as satisfy public expectations over the final Brexit agreement. The project will explore how Parliament has responded to Brexit in terms of its structures and procedures, and how effective is its legislative response with the return of competences to the UK. “The upcoming General Election will enable a broader public debate on Brexit, and Parliament will be expected to deliver a Brexit agreement that reflects public opinion. “Our project will be well placed to follow how Parliament and MPs react to the mandate that they have been given.”
Case study: Sociology
❝
I teach research methods and statistics in the social sciences. Some students can be quite nervous about dealing with numbers, graphs and tables.
AT the University of Leicester, we’re proud of our reputation for outstanding teaching. Dr Patrick White from our Department of Sociology talks about his take on teaching. “I teach research methods and statistics in the social sciences. Some students can be quite nervous about dealing with numbers, graphs and tables. I show them the ways in which they use numbers and research skills in everyday life – helping them realise that they already know a lot about col-
lecting and analysing data. “I have developed a series of YouTube videos to help students learn the software package they use to conduct statistical analyses. These videos allow my students to continue to develop the computer skills they need outside of the classroom but they have a much wider appeal and, in three years, have been watched over a quarter of a million times by viewers in 204 different countries. Through my teaching I encourage students to think of
statistics as ‘tools’ that can help them discover more about the exciting topics they are studying. Statistics allow us to learn things about education, health, crime, poverty and inequality that we wouldn’t otherwise know. In their assessments, my students use real data – such as the Crime Survey for England and Wales – to help them learn to conduct valuable research of their own. I hope they finish their degrees feeling confident and empowered by what they’ve learned.”
10
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
Like us on Facebook
UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2017
Facebook.com/leicestermercury
Nottingham Trent offers a truly individual experience
11
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
Follow us on Twitter
UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2017
@Leicester_Merc
Case study: Economics
N
ottingham Trent is one of the UK’s largest universities, with over 27,000 students studying across four campuses. We’re ranked in the top 20 universities in the UK for our teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016) and have invested £421 million in estates and equipment across our campuses since 2003. We’ve given our libraries a brand new look, revamped historic buildings and facilities and built state-of-the-art new ones, including our award-winning Students’ Union, which is packed with exciting social and leisure spaces. Each of our campuses offers a truly individual student experience, and all of them are less than an hour away from Leicester, so we’re the perfect home from home. Our City Campus is right in the heart of Nottingham's city centre and is surrounded by plenty of student-friendly bars and clubs as well as great cinemas, museums, cafes, restaurants, galleries, parks and more. Located four miles from the city centre, our Clifton Campus is equipped with modern facilities and has an independent campus feel, while our Brackenhurst Campus, about 12 miles from the city in the picturesque Nottinghamshire countryside, is based around a beautiful country hall and lake, with rolling green fields and its own working farm. Our Creative Quarter Campus is the home of the Confetti Institute of Creative Technology, which delivers further education courses to the next generation of creatives. Nottingham is a world-class student destination, with a thriving arts scene and top shopping, international sports
facilities, and award-winning nightlife. According to the 2016 NatWest Student Living Index, Nottingham is also ranked in the top ten of the most cost-effective student cities in the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering courses that help prepare you for a successful career and the world of work. We want to make sure that you start your
career knowing your subject and yourself, that’s why all of our courses offer a vocational work experience opportunity, and it’s why 94 per cent of our graduates were in employment, or further study, just six months after graduating from NTU (DLHE 2014/15). As the UK’s most sustainable university, we’re also commit-
Case study: Business Management FINAL year BA (Hons) Business Management student Ellen Turnbull knew Nottingham Trent University was the university for her after she attended an open day and was wowed by the facilities, the atmosphere around the campus, and her course’s links with industry. “I’d narrowed down my choice to five universities within a four-hour radius of home, and visited my three favourites – NTU just stood out,” she says. “There was just a really friendly vibe.” The chance to get some real-world work experience as part of her course was also a big attraction. With the help of NTU’s Employab-
❝
If you find a course you love, at a university you love, you may find the benefits outweigh the costs! ility Team, Ellen found herself applying the skills she’d developed through her studies in the workplace, which meant getting paid and adding valuable experience to her CV. “In my first year I extended my course to include a work placement in my third year. I found mine in one of my NTU’s corporate departments. “I did a lot of different
things on placement – it has prepared me for the graduate workplace. I’m more confident and I got a taste of the recruitment process, too.” So after almost four years at NTU, what advice does Ellen have for anyone considering university? “Don’t just do what your friends are doing. Do what interests you as it makes your degree so much more enjoyable,” she says. “And don’t rule out university straightaway because of the cost. If you find a course you love, at a university you love, you may find the benefits outweigh the costs for you too!”
ted to helping the environment, and we’re proud to have topped the prestigious People and Planet University League 2016, the UK’s only comprehensive and independent green ranking of universities. We’re changing the world too – from cutting-edge cancer research to investigation into explosives detection in luggage,
our world-leading research impacts people’s lives, as well as what you’ll learn. Pioneering projects have recently earned us a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the highest national honour for a UK university. Our students and staff come from over 160 countries, so we’re a truly global university too, and with more than 80 stu-
dent clubs and societies to get involved with, we have a vibrant and active student community at the heart of our university. But don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourself. Visit ntu.ac.uk/opendays to book your place at one of our open days and find out more about life at NTU.
AT the University of Leicester, as well as outstanding facilities, our supportive and friendly community provides the perfect environment for you to achieve personal success. Amrit from Economics describes his Leicester experience. “Whether it’s analysing stats or plotting the history of business, I think it’s safe to say I’m economics through-and-through. The same goes for my Dad, who
did his PhD at the University of Leicester, so for me there was only ever one place to study! And now I’m here, I know I’ve got the confidence and ability to be an expert in the thing I love the most. The facilities here are fantastic and I know I can always speak to my lecturers and tutors if I need their support. That’s the thing I love the most about studying here. Everything I need is always within reach.
I’ve become much more independent since I started at Leicester. The social life, the freedom of living in halls and the support network that comes with it, has all helped me grow as a person and given me the confidence to grab onto every opportunity that comes along. I’m now well on the way to becoming the expert, and the person, I always hoped I’d be.”
University experience rated among the best STUDENTS have rated Loughborough University among the best for the overall experience it offers. The annual Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey is based on the views of students about their university experience across 21 criteria including teaching, accommodation, facilities and social activities. In the 2017 table, released in March, Loughborough was second in the country. Since the inception of the survey in 2006, Loughborough has topped the table seven times and has made 10 appearances in the top five, the best results in the country for student satisfaction. Commenting on a decade of Student Experience Survey success, Professor Robert Allison, the university’s vice chancellor, said: “To say we
have consistently offered the best student experience for a decade is an incredible achievement and underlines the unique environment we have created at Loughborough. “Along with the Students’ Union we work tirelessly to ensure all our students get the most out of their university years and reach their full potential. “A second-place ranking in this latest survey is further
confirmation from our students that we continue to get it right.” The survey is unique in that it looks beyond the usual definition of the student experience – comprised largely of teaching, learning, assessment and feedback – to a broader definition created by students themselves that includes those aspects of university life that matter most to them.
Learning the cost of living student life MONEY is one of the biggest issues students will have aside from studying for their degree. Unless the bank of mum and dad are filling a large part of this, it will usually mean serious budgeting for perhaps the first time in their lives. Not only are there accommodation costs to consider - aside from tuition fees - this will be the biggest outgoing, but there will also be bills to pay, food to buy and of course cash for the obligatory nights out. Depending on the course, there may also be considerable costs associated with buying resources for it, including books. Many students might be forgiven for wondering how it can all be paid for, but there is advice available online, from student unions and student services, among others, on how to budget.
Choosing the right bank account from the beginning is part of this. All will have various benefits to them, but some may also have parts to be wary of too. It’s important that students read the small print before embarking on this. Research is the key, along with working out what your expenses are likely to be before setting the right budget to ensure out goings are never more than incomings is important from the beginning. Working part-time at university is also an option and thousands of students manage to do this while striking the right balance between this and studying. It’s a great way of boosting income as well as learning about the world of work. If debt does become a problem, it’s important not to panic and let it get completely out of
control. Instead, sit down and decide on the best course of action to make this more manageable. For many students, repaying the student loan is a worry. The loan is only repayable once they graduate and start earning over £21,000. The student loan repayment amount is calculated as 9% of your taxable earnings (so long as your income is above the income threshold). ■ For example, if your monthly income is £1,750 before tax, you would be required to repay 9% of the difference between what you earn and the national threshold: £1,750 - £1,457 = £293 9% of £293 = £26 Therefore, if you were earning £1,750 a month, before tax, your monthly student loan repayments would be £26 a month.
Interviews are a possibility, so make sure you know your subject matter AS competition for many degree courses can be fierce, there are many that will request an interview. This need not be terrifying, but is something that is clearly best prepared for. If you are passionate about your subject it provides the perfect opportunity to show-
case just that. Interviewers will be looking for enthusiastic students with lots to offer and someone who can think independently. Be ready for questions – some about your application, as well as your chance to ask about the course. Make sure you practice mock
interview questions and be sure to cover why you chose that course and what you hope to get out of it. Importantly, if you don't understand a question – ask them to repeat or rephrase it. This will provide a little extra time to think and perhaps relate it to something you know better.
10
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
Like us on Facebook
UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2017
Facebook.com/leicestermercury
Nottingham Trent offers a truly individual experience
11
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY
Follow us on Twitter
UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2017
@Leicester_Merc
Case study: Economics
N
ottingham Trent is one of the UK’s largest universities, with over 27,000 students studying across four campuses. We’re ranked in the top 20 universities in the UK for our teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016) and have invested £421 million in estates and equipment across our campuses since 2003. We’ve given our libraries a brand new look, revamped historic buildings and facilities and built state-of-the-art new ones, including our award-winning Students’ Union, which is packed with exciting social and leisure spaces. Each of our campuses offers a truly individual student experience, and all of them are less than an hour away from Leicester, so we’re the perfect home from home. Our City Campus is right in the heart of Nottingham's city centre and is surrounded by plenty of student-friendly bars and clubs as well as great cinemas, museums, cafes, restaurants, galleries, parks and more. Located four miles from the city centre, our Clifton Campus is equipped with modern facilities and has an independent campus feel, while our Brackenhurst Campus, about 12 miles from the city in the picturesque Nottinghamshire countryside, is based around a beautiful country hall and lake, with rolling green fields and its own working farm. Our Creative Quarter Campus is the home of the Confetti Institute of Creative Technology, which delivers further education courses to the next generation of creatives. Nottingham is a world-class student destination, with a thriving arts scene and top shopping, international sports
facilities, and award-winning nightlife. According to the 2016 NatWest Student Living Index, Nottingham is also ranked in the top ten of the most cost-effective student cities in the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering courses that help prepare you for a successful career and the world of work. We want to make sure that you start your
career knowing your subject and yourself, that’s why all of our courses offer a vocational work experience opportunity, and it’s why 94 per cent of our graduates were in employment, or further study, just six months after graduating from NTU (DLHE 2014/15). As the UK’s most sustainable university, we’re also commit-
Case study: Business Management FINAL year BA (Hons) Business Management student Ellen Turnbull knew Nottingham Trent University was the university for her after she attended an open day and was wowed by the facilities, the atmosphere around the campus, and her course’s links with industry. “I’d narrowed down my choice to five universities within a four-hour radius of home, and visited my three favourites – NTU just stood out,” she says. “There was just a really friendly vibe.” The chance to get some real-world work experience as part of her course was also a big attraction. With the help of NTU’s Employab-
❝
If you find a course you love, at a university you love, you may find the benefits outweigh the costs! ility Team, Ellen found herself applying the skills she’d developed through her studies in the workplace, which meant getting paid and adding valuable experience to her CV. “In my first year I extended my course to include a work placement in my third year. I found mine in one of my NTU’s corporate departments. “I did a lot of different
things on placement – it has prepared me for the graduate workplace. I’m more confident and I got a taste of the recruitment process, too.” So after almost four years at NTU, what advice does Ellen have for anyone considering university? “Don’t just do what your friends are doing. Do what interests you as it makes your degree so much more enjoyable,” she says. “And don’t rule out university straightaway because of the cost. If you find a course you love, at a university you love, you may find the benefits outweigh the costs for you too!”
ted to helping the environment, and we’re proud to have topped the prestigious People and Planet University League 2016, the UK’s only comprehensive and independent green ranking of universities. We’re changing the world too – from cutting-edge cancer research to investigation into explosives detection in luggage,
our world-leading research impacts people’s lives, as well as what you’ll learn. Pioneering projects have recently earned us a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the highest national honour for a UK university. Our students and staff come from over 160 countries, so we’re a truly global university too, and with more than 80 stu-
dent clubs and societies to get involved with, we have a vibrant and active student community at the heart of our university. But don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourself. Visit ntu.ac.uk/opendays to book your place at one of our open days and find out more about life at NTU.
AT the University of Leicester, as well as outstanding facilities, our supportive and friendly community provides the perfect environment for you to achieve personal success. Amrit from Economics describes his Leicester experience. “Whether it’s analysing stats or plotting the history of business, I think it’s safe to say I’m economics through-and-through. The same goes for my Dad, who
did his PhD at the University of Leicester, so for me there was only ever one place to study! And now I’m here, I know I’ve got the confidence and ability to be an expert in the thing I love the most. The facilities here are fantastic and I know I can always speak to my lecturers and tutors if I need their support. That’s the thing I love the most about studying here. Everything I need is always within reach.
I’ve become much more independent since I started at Leicester. The social life, the freedom of living in halls and the support network that comes with it, has all helped me grow as a person and given me the confidence to grab onto every opportunity that comes along. I’m now well on the way to becoming the expert, and the person, I always hoped I’d be.”
University experience rated among the best STUDENTS have rated Loughborough University among the best for the overall experience it offers. The annual Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey is based on the views of students about their university experience across 21 criteria including teaching, accommodation, facilities and social activities. In the 2017 table, released in March, Loughborough was second in the country. Since the inception of the survey in 2006, Loughborough has topped the table seven times and has made 10 appearances in the top five, the best results in the country for student satisfaction. Commenting on a decade of Student Experience Survey success, Professor Robert Allison, the university’s vice chancellor, said: “To say we
have consistently offered the best student experience for a decade is an incredible achievement and underlines the unique environment we have created at Loughborough. “Along with the Students’ Union we work tirelessly to ensure all our students get the most out of their university years and reach their full potential. “A second-place ranking in this latest survey is further
confirmation from our students that we continue to get it right.” The survey is unique in that it looks beyond the usual definition of the student experience – comprised largely of teaching, learning, assessment and feedback – to a broader definition created by students themselves that includes those aspects of university life that matter most to them.
Learning the cost of living student life MONEY is one of the biggest issues students will have aside from studying for their degree. Unless the bank of mum and dad are filling a large part of this, it will usually mean serious budgeting for perhaps the first time in their lives. Not only are there accommodation costs to consider - aside from tuition fees - this will be the biggest outgoing, but there will also be bills to pay, food to buy and of course cash for the obligatory nights out. Depending on the course, there may also be considerable costs associated with buying resources for it, including books. Many students might be forgiven for wondering how it can all be paid for, but there is advice available online, from student unions and student services, among others, on how to budget.
Choosing the right bank account from the beginning is part of this. All will have various benefits to them, but some may also have parts to be wary of too. It’s important that students read the small print before embarking on this. Research is the key, along with working out what your expenses are likely to be before setting the right budget to ensure out goings are never more than incomings is important from the beginning. Working part-time at university is also an option and thousands of students manage to do this while striking the right balance between this and studying. It’s a great way of boosting income as well as learning about the world of work. If debt does become a problem, it’s important not to panic and let it get completely out of
control. Instead, sit down and decide on the best course of action to make this more manageable. For many students, repaying the student loan is a worry. The loan is only repayable once they graduate and start earning over £21,000. The student loan repayment amount is calculated as 9% of your taxable earnings (so long as your income is above the income threshold). ■ For example, if your monthly income is £1,750 before tax, you would be required to repay 9% of the difference between what you earn and the national threshold: £1,750 - £1,457 = £293 9% of £293 = £26 Therefore, if you were earning £1,750 a month, before tax, your monthly student loan repayments would be £26 a month.
Interviews are a possibility, so make sure you know your subject matter AS competition for many degree courses can be fierce, there are many that will request an interview. This need not be terrifying, but is something that is clearly best prepared for. If you are passionate about your subject it provides the perfect opportunity to show-
case just that. Interviewers will be looking for enthusiastic students with lots to offer and someone who can think independently. Be ready for questions – some about your application, as well as your chance to ask about the course. Make sure you practice mock
interview questions and be sure to cover why you chose that course and what you hope to get out of it. Importantly, if you don't understand a question – ask them to repeat or rephrase it. This will provide a little extra time to think and perhaps relate it to something you know better.
OPEN D AY SAT 1 JULY
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