UK Universities Application Handbook by Haberdashers' Boys' School

UK Universities Application Handbook

November 2020

Table of Contents Page

Content

Introduction

Classics

Computer Science

Dentistry

Economics

Engineering

English Language

English Literature

Finance, Business, Management and Accountancy

Geography

History

Human, Social and Political Sciences

Law

Liberal Arts

Mathematics

Medical Sciences

Modern Languages

Natural Sciences

Philosophy

Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Politics

Theology

Veterinary Science

Welcome Welcome to the University Applications Handbook for 2022 Entry which provides an overview of the UCAS process and explains how to make an outstanding application for university courses of your choice. You will apply to study the subject(s) that you love, or pursue a vocation, and nothing is more thrilling. You will be comprehensively supported by your Form Tutor, Subject Adviser and the Careers Office. Mrs Wheeler is the University Applications Coordinator and will be your first point of contact. This is the first year that you will have access to the Unifrog platform to help you with the application process. We also offer support to boys hoping to make Conservatoire applications, applications to American Universities or for Degree Apprenticeships. If you have any questions or queries about the process, just ask me or Mrs Wheeler and we will be happy to help. Mrs Turbett Head of University Applications

Key Dates for the University Application Process 2020 - 2022 November 2020 The Parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Evening in late November is an ideal opportunity to start thinking about university applications. Your teachers will be able to answer any questions you might have about your suitability to study certain subjects at degree level. More broadly, the key message is to engage fully with your academic endeavours and the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Co-Curricular programme. This will help you have a competitive UCAS application. You should also think about ways in which you can make your application stand out. Attending additional webinars, editing a school journal and reading widely are three excellent starting points. This is particularly pertinent for any boy hoping to apply to Oxbridge. January 2021 In January, Subject Advisers host drop-in meetings during form time. This will help you to identify the course(s) you might like to study at university. Between now and June, you have time to research and discover different subject and course options. You will have the opportunity to use Unifrog in your research.

June - July 2021 In the second half of the summer term, the UCAS process begins in earnest. Following the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UCAS Conference, you will register for UCAS. You will draft your personal statement with the help of your Subject Advisor. Form Tutors will begin the process of writing your UCAS reference. American applicants will be supported by the Aske-Princeton Fellow. Autumn 2021 Oxbridge and Medics submit their UCAS forms at the start of the Autumn term to allow time for the final checks to take place. This includes a final reference check by the Form Tutor and final meeting with your Subject Adviser. UCAS forms are signed off by a member of the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SLT. Other applications are handled on a rolling-basis and all applications must be with the Careers Office immediately after October half-term at the latest. You must allow approximately three weeks between handing your form in for it to be send to UCAS. Some of you will sit University Admissions tests during the Autumn Term and you will need to register for these with the Exams Office. Some preparation takes place during Enhancement although the onus is on the individual student to prepare for these tests. Some of you will be called to interview. The School will help you prepare for these interviews by providing some mock interview experience as well as extensive provision in Enhancement classes. Spring 2022 By the Spring of 2022 you will be able to select your Firm and Insurance Offers on UCAS Track. Subject Advisers can help you make these decisions if you are unsure. August 2022 On Results Day, you will receive your A Level Results. More than 80 % of our Sixth Formers achieve their firm offer with a few taking up their Insurance offer. Every year a number of boys reapply after their results and we are happy to support these OH applications. A handful of boys take a place through clearing.

University Destinations 2020 University Places Aberystwyth University 1 Cardiff University 1 Durham University 8 Guildhall School of Music 1 Imperial College London 11 King's College London, University of London 3 London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London 7 Nottingham Trent University 1 Queen Mary, University of London 4 The University of Edinburgh 2 The University of Law 1 Trinity College London 1 University College London 17 University of Birmingham 7 University of Bristol 24 University of Cambridge 12 University of Exeter 5 University of Leeds 7 University of Liverpool 1 University of Manchester 2 University of Nottingham 9 University of Oxford 7 University of Southampton 3 University of St Andrews 3 University of Warwick 8 University of York 2 University degree course choices 2020 Economics, Economics and Management, Business Studies or Land Economy PPE, Philosophy, International Relations, Politics and Theology Medicine, Dentistry, Biomedical Science or Allied subjects Engineering History or History Joint Honours Maths or Maths related Law Natural Sciences English and English and Linguistics Physics, Biology, Biochemistry Geography Modern Foreign Languages Music Other single subjects

35 18 17 15 15 9 8 6 5 4 2 2 2 7

UCAS overview The UCAS process is important because it allows you to study at University. It is, however, critical that you do not allow the application process to become more important than your academic work. The most up to date place to find information about the process is the UCAS website. The School will run sessions in June and July 2021 to help you register for UCAS and start to complete your form. You will need to enter personal details as well as your qualifications. You will then write a draft personal statement by the end of the Summer Term. Your personal statement supports your application to study at a university or college. It is a chance for you to articulate why you would like to study a particular course or subject, and what skills and experience you possess that show your passion for your chosen field. The school will also write a reference in support of you. Subject Advisors Head of University Applications University Applications Coordinator Biomedical/Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Natural Sciences - Biology Classics Economics English, Linguistics, Theatre Studies, Liberal Arts Geography and Land Economy History Law Maths and Accountancy and Finance, Accountancy and Management Computer Science Medicine Modern Languages Philosophy, Politics and Economics Philosophy Theology, Religious Studies Politics and HSPS Science and Engineering, Architecture, Chemistry Physics, Natural Sciences - Physics American Universities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aske Princeton Fellow

Mrs C Turbett Mrs K Wheeler Mr C Glanville Mr C Joyce Mrs J Wolfson, Mr C Raatz, Mr G Hall Mr I Wheeler Mr Mr Mr Mr

R Cooper A Simm A Lawrence B Brown

Mr D Franks Dr R Randall Mr N Geering Mr S Clark Dr O Tromans Mr R Davis Mr A McLarin Mr R Kingdon Dr C Gannarelli Mr A Gray

Why go to university? The benefits of further education are clear. You get to study the subject(s) you love and gain a qualification that is internationally recognised. You develop soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and time management, all of which make you more employable. You increase your earning potential and get your first taste of independence. Where to study? There are a lot of questions to consider when thinking about what university to choose. Unifrog has an excellent tool to help you narrow down your options and you Subject Adviser will also be able to share their expertise with you. You will need to consider how far from home you want to travel, if you want to study on a campus or in a town and whether a Red Brick or modern setting is where you want to study. Many boys will consider making an application to study at Oxford or Cambridge. All universities now offer virtual open days and we strongly encourage you to sign up for a wide range of these. Many universities use Unibuddy which allows you to live chat with current students and ask them questions about the university where they are studying. What about Oxbridge? The School provides excellent support for any boy who wishes to make an Oxbridge application. Successful applicants need outstanding academic results as well as significant academic potential. Oxbridge are looking for students who will enjoy the academic rigours of their highly competitive courses. To make a successful application, you must be highly engaged in the academic debate that surrounds your subject. You must think deeply, be prepared to question ideas and read continuously to help develop your broad understanding of the subject. What to study? The School will provide expert guidance to help you narrow down your course choices. Subject Advisers will be able to explain to you the differences between the courses offered by different universities. You will also be able to use Unifrog to help you compare different courses. You will select five different courses to apply for via UCAS using your school predictions as a guide. What are Degree Apprenticeships? For career-focused students who have advanced communication, teamwork, leadership and inter-personal skills, degree apprenticeships are well worth consideration. There are some outstanding opportunities available with organisations such as JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Eversheds Sutherland, EY, Capgemini, UBS, Jaguar LandRover and many more. Students still gain a degree and/or a professional qualification but will also gain invaluable work experience 5

and graduate debt-free. The majority of apprentices go on to permanent roles within the same organisation. www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/ is the best place to search for degree apprenticeship opportunities. Please note â&#x20AC;&#x201C; applications are made directly to the company, not to UCAS, and all have their own deadlines. www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk is an excellent resource for anyone seeking information about apprenticeships. Students can search for opportunities, look at industry guides, and browse through top employers based on reviews. www.notgoingtouni.co.uk provides advice and alternatives to the traditional route into university. Admissions Tests Some universities require you to sit an admissions test as part of the application process. You must register for the relevant tests either via the Schools Exams Office or externally. Interviews Some universities including Oxford and Cambridge interview prospective students. All applicants for medicine, veterinary and dentistry are interviewed. The School offers comprehensive support in preparing for interviews. Much of this preparation takes place in Enhancement lessons that run in Years 12 and 13. We also offer mock interview preparation. Finance The best place to find out about university finance is on the UCAS website or on the Gov website. This guidance changes quite frequently and id very much dependant on individual family circumstances Gap Years There are two main considerations when making plans for a Gap Year. First, does the course that you want to study generally support Gap Years. You can discover this by looking at the specific courses on the university websites or calling Admissions Tutors. Second, Gap Years need careful planning to make them a success. American Applications The Aske-Princeton Fellow supports American applicants, and a specific American University Applications Handbook is available for anyone wanting to apply to the US. Unifrog is also very useful for boys considering an application to America.

Classics What would I study and how do courses differ? Generally speaking, a BA in Classics will take three years or four, if you have not studied Latin before. St Andrews offer a four-year MA course for all students. Cambridge offers a three-year course with an ‘intensive Greek’ stream to get you up to speed on Classical Greek. You can also study a degree which combines either Greek or Latin with a modern language on the Modern and Medieval Languages Course. King’s offers similar courses and Durham has three Single Honours degrees: Ancient History, Classical Past and Classics. It also offers Joint Honours in Ancient History and Archaeology, and Ancient, Medieval and Modern History. The Oxford course is divided into the two sub-faculties of Classical Languages and Literature, and Ancient History and Classical Archaeology. What are typical entry requirements? Previous study in Greek or Latin will obviously help, although it is not compulsory at most universities. For example, Oxford has two pathways for Classics students: one for those with a prior knowledge of the language and one for those without. Classics is offered at more traditional universities and grade requirements are as follows: Cambridge A*AA, Oxford and Durham AAA, St Andrews ask for AAB. In addition to interview, Oxford sets an aptitude test. Cambridge colleges have different entry requirements with most, but not all colleges, setting a written test. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? Any subject which calls for the capacities needed in a Classics degree, such as writing essays, criticising literature, learning languages, and handling historical evidence are useful preparation. Latin, English, History, Philosophy and Modern Languages are ideal. Nonetheless, depending on which course you choose, Latin is not compulsory. Universities stress that what matters is that you show a real desire to study the subject (whether it be reading beyond your set texts in the original language or in translation, or volunteering on a local archaeological dig!). Which are the best universities for Classics? Classics at the more traditional universities Cambridge, Oxford, and Durham are particularly competitive. However, there are very good degree courses offered at UCL, Warwick, St Andrews, Exeter and Bristol. Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? See above. Oxford and most Cambridge Colleges set a written test as part of the interview process.

What is important for my personal statement or interview? Admissions tutors will need evidence of a genuine interest in Classics, Ancient History and/or Ancient Civilisation, and one which has not just started a few weeks before the writing of your personal statement. Your reading around the subject(s) and active involvement in, for example, an archaeological dig or a trip to a site of ancient historical interest and your reflections on your experiences, should form an important part of your personal statement. Show an intelligent interest in the literature you have studied and/or discuss your enthusiasm for the study of a classical language and the insight it has provided into modern English, and/or the ancient culture from which it derives. It is particularly impressive to have an area of interest, such as a specific writer or philosopher, an aspect of ancient warfare or politics, or even an interest in ancient art, which you have undertaken to study independently, and about which you can write and discuss with confidence. Be prepared to discuss whatever you have written about in your personal statement in an Oxbridge interview. Your personal statement should also make reference to relevant work experience and you are likely to be asked about this. Do I need to do work experience? Ideally, you should try to get voluntary work in a museum or find a way of participating in an archaeological dig. However, evidence of any work which demands responsibility, reliability and an ability to work with others is acceptable. Which jobs can I do with Classics? Despite what one might think, people graduating from classical studies are highly valued by employers. Thanks to their studies, they learn to think logically, to compile and evaluate evidence and to express themselves clearly and succinctly both orally and in writing. Classicists can make their way into careers as diverse as the civil service, insurance, journalism, law, accountancy, public relations, computing and the wine trade. Further study is common, and according to The Timesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Good University Guide, over one third of graduates choose to pursue a postgraduate degree. You will gain invaluable â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;soft skillsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; such as commitment, leadership, communication, teamwork from a degree in Classics and that will put you in a good position for just about anything.

Computer Science What would I study and how do courses differ? Computer Science at degree level varies in content and may include software engineering, programming languages, artificial intelligence, data processing and graphics. All students follow broadly the same programme for the first year and then in subsequent years tailor their degree according to their own interests. There are many related degrees which can be studied, for example, Business Systems Engineering, Computing, European Computer Science, Information Systems and Information Technology, to name a few. You must do your own research by looking at the individual university websites for details as well as www.ucas.ac.uk where there is a very useful tool called Course Search which gives a great deal of information on courses. What are the typical entry requirements? IGCSE Maths and English are obviously required. GCSE Physics is preferred. Highly competitive universities will demand A*AA with the A* in Maths. It must be mentioned here that when a university says “Further Maths (FM) is recommended or encouraged” then it really means “if your school offers FM, you must take it”. Imperial is very highly rated. It is seen as a balanced course with emphasis on both theory and practical applications. The degree leads to a B/MEng. The employment rates are high. They will want A Level Maths (A*) and would ‘encourage’ you to take FM. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? At highly competitive universities it is a definite advantage to be able to offer Further Maths. You do not need to have studied Computer Science at sixth form level, but Maths or a Science A Level is essential. Without one of these your choice of Universities will be severely restricted. You must speak to your Maths teacher/ Head of Maths to ask about your suitability to study FM. Which are the best universities for Computer Studies? Go to www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk to find the top ranked universities for Computer Science. Currently they are Cambridge, Imperial, Oxford, St Andrews and Durham. However, the top ranked universities may not necessarily be the most suitable for you. You must do your research; visit them on special open days and so on. Do you like a Campus or a City University? Does their course content appeal to you? There are lots of factors involved – think about all of them.

Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? The Cambridge course is very much theory based and fiercely competitive. A Level Maths is essential and FM is highly desirable. Again, this means, ‘if your school offers it you must do it’. STEP or AEA Maths may be required. Computer Science A Level is not necessary. There is also a ‘Thinking Skills Assessment’ on the day of the interview. The Oxford course is also very theory based, with Maths A Level essential and FM highly desirable. This is also a competitive course. Prospective CS students have to take the Maths Aptitude test, which have extra questions added on Logic. At interview, you will be expected to know certain topics (such as Algorithmic thinking, binary representation of numbers and state machines) which are not taught at A Level. You will need to have read around Computing if you are to succeed at interview. What is important for my personal statement or interview? You have to demonstrate a real passion for Computing/Computers. Questions asked in interviews are on Computing and Mathematics and are designed to test creative thinking in problem solving and aptitude for understanding new ideas. Interview practice is vital and you must speak to the Head of ICT/Maths about this. Interview questions and personal statements should also reflect a personal interest in Computing, often in the form of discussion on a personal project or work you have undertaken. Do I need to do work experience? Yes, it is essential. Do some relevant work in a field which interests and enhances your subject knowledge and write about it. This can be in or out of school. Anything related to your passion for the subject is worth mentioning. In any case, being able to say that you worked in a team shows that you do not just sit in front of a computer unable to interact with other people. Which jobs can I do with Computer Science? Computing graduates have a unique range of skills to offer, combining in-depth knowledge of computer systems, programming and applications, with a solid grounding in logical reasoning, design, problem solving and communication. They have an understanding of the user requirements and can offer solutions. Graduates can get jobs in computing and communications companies, software houses, accountancy, banking and finance institutions, management and computing consultancies, government departments, research laboratories, and the media industry. Within each industrial or commercial sector, the job opportunities are wide. For example, the media industry has offered graduates employment in publishing, games software, virtual reality, multimedia applications for film and video, computer animation, robotics and internet hardware and software support and development.

Dentistry What would I study and how do courses differ? Dentistry is the branch of Medicine that is involved in the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is widely considered necessary for complete overall health. Most dental schools adopt a similar structure in their courses but key differences have begun to emerge in the teaching methodology and delivery of course content. It is therefore important for students to research the details of each course carefully and appreciate the key features and differences via university websites. A dental course lasts five years and most dental schools offer one or two years of pre-clinical study, often taught outside the school covering the following: Anatomy, Biomedical Sciences, Physiology, Biochemistry, Oral Biology, Pharmacology, First aid and Introduction to Clinical Skills. In addition, students cover the effects of anaesthetics and other components common to Medicine and Dentistry such as Psychology. As the course progresses the amount of clinical work carried out increases and most universities offer meaningful contact with patients after the third year. Oral Biology, Disease and Pathology are taught alongside the clinical work, as well as social and psychological aspects of patient care. During the clinical years students are given the opportunity to study some of the following courses: Behavioural Science, Computing and Statistics, Dental Materials, Dental Public Health, Dental Prosthetics, Haematology, Operative Techniques, Children’s Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Oral and Medicine Surgery, Orthodontics, Forensic Dentistry, Sedation, Radiology and Pain and Anxiety Management. The final year consists of a common core of academic work and clinical dental practice and is designed to consolidate and enhance all the work and experience of the previous years of study. Near the end of the clinical course a personal study (an elective) is carried out on a topic of interest. At the end of the five years a professional examination is taken to qualify. What are typical entry requirements? There is fierce competition to secure a place at any of the 13 dental schools in the United Kingdom. From Haberdashers’ students most dental schools prefer A and A* grades at GCSE, (particularly in English, Maths, Biology and Chemistry) and again A grades at A Level. It is probable that over the next few years offers for dentistry will include at least one A* at A Level. In addition, a number of dental schools require applicants to sit the pre-admissions test, the UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test), full details of which are given in the most recent edition of the book ‘Getting Into Dental School’, published by Mander Portman Woodward.

Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? All dental schools expect you to study A Level Chemistry and most want A Level Biology as well. A Level requirements do vary and it is important to carry out your own research. AS Level Results You must gain the highest marks you can in the AS/Lower Sixth examinations. A very high equivalent grade A average across your subjects will be needed for us to make strong A Level predictions, i.e. A*. The School will quote exceptional marks in the academic reference. As many schools do not offer the option of taking AS Level in the new linear A Level examinations, many universities will not use your AS grade as part of their selection process. However, they will be used as the basis of your predictions, which will be used to process your application. Do your research. Poor AS grades might mean you have to rethink, study Bio Med Sciences, for example, then think about applying for Dentistry either as post graduate or as an undergraduate. Which is the best university for Dentistry? All 13 universities in the UK are very good. There is no such thing as a bad dental school in the UK. Information in league tables which is based on a range of variables only tells you a small part of the whole story. League tables should only be used as a guide: they are not substitutes for visiting the dental schools, looking at the course content in detail, reading the university prospectus and speaking to those involved with the course. Several Haberdashersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; students have also gone abroad to study dentistry at private universities in Spain and the Czech Republic. The entry requirements for such institutions tend to be lower and the application procedure is entirely separate from UCAS. Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? Neither Oxford nor Cambridge offers a Dentistry course. What is important for my personal statement or interview? As Dentistry is essentially a science, your interest in the science subjects is important. This includes reading scientific journals, writing articles for school publications or carrying out a piece of scientific research. Dentistry involves working in confined spaces, where fine motor skills are important. Your personal statement should include examples of your manual dexterity. Your personal statement should also give details of teamwork activities you have been involved in. A variety of work experience in the dental field is very important for interview. VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: When preparing your statement, you much access the Dentistry schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; websites to ensure you cover what they are looking for e.g. proof of manual dexterity, specified number of work experience weeks, lab work, etc. Do I need to do work experience? As Dentistry is a vocational subject, most dental schools will be looking for four to five weeks of work experience in a dental field, the more the better and the more diverse the better. We recommend having experience in both NHS and private settings, as well as dental surgeries and hospital dental departments. Orthodontics,

maxillofacial surgery and dental labs are also areas worth investigating for work experience. Which jobs can I do with Dentistry? As a qualified dentist you can specialise in any of the following: Restorative Dentistry, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Dental Public Health, Oral Medicine, Oral Microbiology, Oral Pathology, Forensic Odontology, Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, Cosmetic Dentistry and Prosthetics. Additional information: • Am I likely to be called for interview? Yes. • Is there any particular reading I should do? Scientific journals (e.g. the British Dental Journal) and be aware of key developments regarding health issues as they appear in the media. • Useful websites www.dentistry.co.uk www.bda.org www.gdc-uk.org Related degrees: Biomedical Sciences, Medicine

Economics What would I study and how do courses differ? Undergraduate degrees in Economics seek to explain the way people and businesses react to economic events and provide policy solutions for governments to deal with the increasingly critical economic issues which shape the world in which we live. Many topics in Economics are controversial. What caused the economic crisis of 2008 and were the policies used to respond to the crisis appropriate? Is globalisation increasing inequality? How should government deal with underemployment? Should the railways be re-nationalised? Is the housing market broken and how can we fix it? Using a wide range of analytical techniques, Economics degrees tackle a broad range of problems such as those set out above. The method of study is usually focused around formal modelling of economic relationships and testing hypotheses against data. Aspiring undergraduates should therefore have excellent problem-solving skills, including mathematical and statistical abilities. Equally, economists need to be able to explain their ideas clearly, to non-specialists, meaning you will also require the ability to interpret complex theoretical models and communicate the impact of real-world events with clarity. The majority of Economics degrees use the first year to teach students the essential foundations of Economics, covering core microeconomic and macroeconomic theory. The second year is then often used to apply this knowledge to a wide range of topic areas, from International Economics to Political Economy. It is usually the case that third year courses give students the opportunity to specialise in areas of the subject which interest them, which tends to include writing a dissertation. You should explore university websites to get more detail about the courses in which you are interested, as each institution has its own particular approach to the study of Economics. An increasingly important field of Economics is Econometrics. Economics must be tested against empirical data and applied to the real world; Econometrics is the statistical branch of Economics which develops and applies mathematical techniques and is an essential tool for modern economists. Again, different institutions put a different emphasis on this area of the subject, and you need to decide how mathematical an Economics degree you want to study. Broadly, BSc Economics courses are more technical in nature than BA Economics courses, although you should look at individual websites for a more accurate picture. What are typical entry requirements? Economics courses are highly competitive: the majority of Russell group universities will require you to achieve A*AA. It is difficult to find a straight Economics course at a competitive university with a standard offer of less than AAA.

Joint Honours courses (e.g. Economics & Management, Economics & Finance) often have a lower offer, requiring you to achieve AAA-AAB at most Russell group universities. Standard offers made for the three Oxbridge courses are: • • •

Cambridge Economics: Cambridge Land Economy: Oxford Economics & Management:

A*A*A A*AA A*AA

Do be aware that these are subject to change and some exceptions apply. The full range of degree course offers can be found by consulting HEAP 2020 in the Careers library. Note that as Haberdashers’ students you should expect to be offered at the top of the grade range some universities display – for example, whilst Bristol states a grade range of A*AA-AAB for Economics in order to meet access targets, Haberdashers’ students are unlikely to be made offers below A*AA. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? All Russell group universities require you to study Maths to A Level for pure Economics courses. Studying Economics to A Level is recommended by most universities. Whilst not an official entry requirement, studying Further Maths to A Level is highly recommended if applying to Cambridge or LSE for Economics. BSc courses are more likely to require Maths than BA courses. The precise entry requirements can be found by consulting www.ucas.ac.uk and clicking Course Search, or researching individual university websites. Which are the best universities for Economics? The top ranked, and among the most competitive, courses can be found at Cambridge, Oxford, Warwick, St Andrews, LSE and UCL (The Complete University Guide, 2020). Whilst this may help guide your choices, be careful to consider other factors as well. The courses offered at different universities often vary hugely, with different levels of mathematical content and different option papers in the second and third years. You should choose the courses which look most interesting to you and should not base your choices solely on a rankings list which changes each year anyway! Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? Cambridge Economics applicants should be aware that there is a strong correlation between high GCSE and AS marks and receiving an offer – very broadly, successful applicants tend to have scored at least eight A*/equivalent at GCSE and above 90% in their top three AS Levels. 2016/17 saw the introduction of an admissions test for Economics. This comprises an 80-minute paper split equally between problem solving and Advanced Mathematics and a 40-minute essay paper based on an unseen extract. Additional assessment generally occurs at the time of interview while the interviews themselves focus on discussion of a wide range of topics and sometimes 15

have a mathematical component. All Haberdashersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; students who have received offers in recent years have studied Further Maths to A2 Level. Much of the same advice holds for the Cambridge Land Economy course. Many Land Economy applicants will have studied Economics, Geography and Maths in the 6th Form. Land Economy and Oxford Economics & Management applicants will be required to take the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) which tests a range of problemsolving skills and is used to screen applicants prior to interview. Practice papers are available online and support is offered through the Enhancement and Enrichment programme in school. At interview it is particularly important to have considered why you want to study Management alongside Economics. Please note that E&M at Oxford is an extremely competitive course with less than 100 offers made in total and over 18 applicants per place according to the most recent statistics. Enhancement classes are run by the Economics Department in preparation for rigorous academic interviews. In all cases, wider reading and a passion for Economics is essential to a successful application. What is important for my personal statement or interview? University admissions tutors are looking for students who have researched the course they are applying for and have a genuine passion for the subject. Regular reading of a quality newspaper and The Economist can help you develop a more informed understanding of the current global macroeconomic climate and may stimulate questions which you can demonstrate in your personal statement that you have sought the answers to. Successful applicants also need to be able to show strong technical skills and should not be surprised if they are faced with difficult Economics or Maths questions at interview. Most importantly, do your best to stand out from the thousands of applicants who say they are passionate about studying Economics by reading widely around the subject, attending external events and demonstrating what you have learnt from your academic subjects and your reading in your personal statement. Showing that you have conducted personal research through wider reading, delivering a presentation, working on an original topic for your Aske Project, an essay competition entry and writing an article for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Equilibriumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stand you in a strong position and provide inspiring material for interviews. Do I need to do work experience? Economics is an academic degree, so work experience is not an entry requirement for undergraduate courses. Applicants should not make the mistake of reeling off a list of work experience placements at financial institutions under the assumption that this will impress admissions tutors. This, if anything, will harm your application, as it sends a signal that you are studying Economics because of its potentially lucrative career prospects upon graduation rather than a love for the subject. Instead, you should use work experience placements to highlight any skills or areas of interest you have developed which, crucially, will make you a better or more inquisitive economist at university. It is therefore what you have learnt from your work experience placement which is significantly more important than where you did it. After all, even the smallest firms are presented with the decision making and external challenges with which the study of Economics can help.

Which jobs can I do with Economics? Economics degrees provide students with decision making, research and analytical skills which are highly valued by employers. As such, Economics graduates find themselves with a wide range of career options open to them upon leaving university, which may or may not be related to the discipline they studied. Many go on to work in financial services, but it is equally possible that you could go onto work in education, communications, government agencies, consulting or charitable organisations. Additional information The following website, funded by the Royal Economics Society and developed by academics and students from Bristol and other leading universities, provides further detail on many of the issues outlined above: http://whystudyeconomics.ac.uk/ You should also log onto The Economistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, from which you can access a range of topical articles which will broaden your understanding of the subject and may stimulate areas of interest for you to investigate: http://www.economist.com/ (Unlimited access is available via the Library section of Habsnet) Related degrees Because Economics is a social science, it relates closely to and overlaps with a wide range of subjects. As such it is not uncommon for Haberdashersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; students to study a Joint Honours course which combines theoretical and practical interests, such as Economics and Finance or Economics and Management. Equally, degrees combining Economics with a modern language or History are becoming increasingly popular, alongside the prestigious combination of PPE offered by many leading universities. Many students choose to study Finance, Business or Management related degrees without Economics. These courses are generally less competitive. You should also look out for opportunities to spend a year abroad. Such alternative options are too numerous to list here, but you should research these possibilities further using the Course Search function on the UCAS website. Do also consider there are an increasing number of attractive higher level and degree apprenticeship opportunities available as an alternative to going to university. See Mrs Nash for further details.

Engineering What would I study and how do courses differ? Engineering courses have five main branches, General, Electrical, Mechanical, Aeronautical, Civil and Structural. Within some of these you can also choose management or business and finance options. See related degrees for more specialist courses. Generally speaking, you will be signing up for either a three-year BEng or a fouryear MEng degree. Most universities allow you to change during the course but may insist on a good performance in your first year exams for you to step up from a BEng to the MEng course (check individual web sites for detailed information). The MEng is particularly useful if you are interested in becoming a Chartered Engineer. There is a multitude of different Engineering courses on offer through UCAS. It is vital you consider each course carefully and do not assume for example that Mech Eng courses are the same all over the country. Oxbridge is a prime example; their courses are entirely different from each other and from other universities. Have a look at the module options available for you to select in your third and fourth years – does the university have options that are of particular interest to you? An important point to consider is if you want to include a year’s work experience as part of your degree. Does the course you are applying for offer this as an option? Remember that this will extend your degree by another year. Adding practical experience to your degree is highly valuable to your career. If you are keen to continue a language you should also consider this as part of your short-listing process. Universities on the UCAS website use entry profiles to help them select students – they also help you select the correct course for you. Look for the letters ‘EP’ after course codes. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has an Accredited Degree list of courses which fulfil the requirements for membership IMechE and chartered status CEng. What are typical entry requirements? Top universities are asking for A*AA. Some will require the A* in Maths rather than Physics. Their thinking here is that they want students who are not going to struggle with the high maths content of the course. Imperial Aeronautical Eng was the first course in the country to ask for A*A*A and they have a 30-minute maths test! Courses which ask for AAB will still insist that the AA grades are Physics and Maths. Many universities do not accept UCAS points: A*AC is not the same as AAB. Foundation degree courses are not aimed at students who have underperformed in their A Level Physics and Maths. They are aimed at students who achieved high grades in the wrong A Levels. 18

The precise entry requirements can be found by consulting www.ucas.ac.uk and clicking two. Find a Course Search or researching individual university websites. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? Universities generally do not say that Design and Technology is essential. But, for example, if you are interested in product design then AS Level D&T may well add depth to your application. The top universities like students to have Further Maths A Level; if you do not, then an offer including an A* in Single Maths is highly likely. Which is the best university for Engineering? It is important that you research the courses carefully, making sure that you are able to select the courses/options that interest you. The question “which is the best university?” is really asking “which is the best university for XXX student?” and that is up to you! Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? If you are considering Oxbridge you must research the courses carefully and choose the one which most interests you. You must consider what is going to help you stand out from the crowd. Oxbridge is inundated with students with very high module scores – what will make you special? Work experience and wider reading will help. For Engineering most of the Cambridge colleges ask you to take a test at interview or take the Thinking Skills Assessment which assesses critical thinking and problemsolving skills. All candidates who wish to study Engineering at Oxford need to register for the Physics Aptitude Test as part of their application. The PAT is very tough and results of the test will be combined with your personal statement and school reference to draw up a short list for interview. Have a look at the many ‘problem solving’ books in the library. Isaac Physics and I want to Study Engineering have good problems to help with interview preparation. Oxford use the PAT. What is important for my personal statement or interview? “A good personal statement should make it clear why the candidate wants to read their particular subject and supply concrete evidence of that enthusiasm. It should reflect the distinctive style and characteristics of its author”, Nicholas Shrimpton Vice-Principal Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. An engineering related hobby will help demonstrate an interest in engineering beyond the confines of an A Level specification. It is important that you read widely outside your A Level specifications. Your reading should demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding for the specialism you are considering and help make you stand out from the crowd. Enthusiastic students are also members of a professional society e.g. The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Institution of Mechanical Engineers or Institution of Chemical Engineers to name a few. Have you attended talks at universities or institutions? 19

Do I need to do work experience? Work experience helps demonstrate to the Admissions Tutors how motivated you are. It gives you a chance to confirm that you know something about the world of work you are about to enter and that you understand where 4 years of study will take you. You should speak to Mrs Nash in the Careers Office about what she has available (Year 11 will take priority) and be prepared to send your own CV with a covering letter to employers. Headstart courses offer a very wide range of courses at different universities and are considered a worthwhile way of gaining an insight into what you will be doing at university. Don’t forget to include what personal and engineering lessons you have learned from it in your personal statement. The Smallpeice Trust has a number of Year 11 and Year 12 specialist residential courses Gap Year The Year In Industry (YINI) organisation offer help in finding gap year employers. Which jobs can I do with Engineering? Imperial College Careers Advisory service has an excellent website dedicated to a survey asking, “What do imperial graduates do?” It gives lists of employers and occupations for their undergraduates. A popular website for looking for a job in engineering is theENGINEERjobs. This site will help give you an insight into what is available out in the real world. Additional information The IMechE offers a number of undergraduate scholarships for students about to embark upon their degree (of up to £1,000 per annum.). The IET offers an impressive range of scholarships both for students just starting university (of up to £3,000 per annum) and those commencing the second, third, or final years of their degrees (of up to £1,000 per annum). Am I likely to be called for interview? Bath says: “In normal circumstances, applicants will not be required to attend an interview or to sit additional selection tests. Decisions on applications are primarily based on the subjects studied, the reference and the personal statement.” Imperial says: “In addition to your academic ability, your application will be considered on your wider profile and an interview where possible to assess your potential for success in your degree choice. We will look at your personal statement and reference to understand your personal motivation, commitment to your chosen area of study. We will invite you to one of our interview afternoons, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about our programmes and life at Imperial. You’ll be shown around the department and campus by our department’s undergraduate students, and interviewed by a member of academic staff.”

UCL says: “Interviews allow us to assess your intellectual ability and how interested you are in Electrical Engineering. The interviews typically last around 20-30 minutes. They will be a mix of general questions about your experiences as well as technical questions where we try and find out how you think through problems.” Is there any particular reading I should do? It is important that you read widely outside your A Level specifications. Your reading should demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding for engineering and help make you stand out from the crowd. Quoting books from a prescribed reading list may only demonstrate just how dull you are! Best advice is just to start reading and go on from there. The school library has an excellent range of books. Book shops near universities will have a wider range of engineering books than those in small towns. Cambridge University has a recommended reading list. The following quote from Oxford sum-up how most universities feel about reading lists: “At present we do not produce a reading list for students applying for Engineering Science but we encourage you to read any relevant materials which you find interesting.” Related degrees There are a great many specialist Engineering courses. If you know exactly what type of employment you want to enter these can offer a more direct route. Course titles include: Aeronautical, Automotive, Biomedical, Manufacturing, Software and Electronic Engineering. Universities also offer degrees combining business, finance and Management. Courses which offer a language option generally include a year abroad. See the UCAS website for a detailed listing.

English Language What would I study and how do courses differ? Courses differ considerably from university to university, though most will allow you to select modules of particular interest to accompany a core syllabus. You can opt to pursue a course in English Language and/or Linguistics, and the subject is often paired with other subjects (English Literature, a foreign language, psychology etc) or you can select modules from a related subject area. It is important to undertake adequate research to make sure you are applying for a course that covers areas of particular interest to you. A typical English Language course will cover phonology, morphology and grammar in considerable detail before moving on to historical language change, child language acquisition, discourse analysis, genre studies and range of linguistic theories. Depending on your chosen university, you might be able to study modules that involve accent and dialect, creative writing or the study of American or English Literature, Music, Theology or Chinese. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? Some universities will prefer you to have studied English Language at A-level, but this is not always a requirement. It is more important that you have an interest in language, whether this be the English language or Linguistics in a more general sense. You will be expected to produce a number of essays over the course of study, so Alevels in essay subjects would be regarded favourably. Which is the best university for English and what are the typical grade requirements? Many universities offer highly regarded courses. The following list is by no means exhaustive; Cambridge, Kings College London, Lancaster, Durham, Exeter, Oxford, York, Warwick, St Andrews, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Birmingham. Most universities will make an offer in the AAA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ABB range, but this varies from course to course and some will be as high as A*AA. Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? By far the most important aspect to distinguish the very best English applicants is an independent and ambitious engagement with language and thinking well beyond the requirements of the A Level course. You will also be required to sit an entrance exam, which will be one of the MLAT options. If you are interested in a course that includes creative writing as an option, you should have a diverse range of writing in a variety of genres. What is important for my personal statement or interview? The crucial factor will be your ability to show that you are genuinely interested in the study of English Language at degree level and have some background reading 22

and research at your disposal. This may be linked to areas of study from you A-level course (power, gender, technology, acquisition, change) but should show that you have an independent, enquiring mind and that you have developed your interest in the subject beyond the syllabus. Do I need to do work experience? There is no requirement to undertake work experience directly relevant to the course. If you are able to find a placement which gives you experience of working in journalism, publishing, advertising or the media/arts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then this will of course be valuable evidence to show your engagement with the subject outside the curriculum. Am I likely to be called for interview? Cambridge always requires interviews before offering places; other universities may do so, but this is fairly unlikely. Some universities may require you to complete a written task in place of an interview. Is there any particular reading I should do? There is a wealth of books on English Language and it would be helpful to be familiar with some of them. The best advice is find a topic area that interests you from the A-level course and find out more about it. Stephen Pinker, Norman Fairclough and the seemingly ubiquitous David Crystal are just a few examples of linguistic theorists who write very accessible and erudite tomes on the subject. Useful websites: University Applications Why Study English Related degrees English Language is a subject which combines extremely well with other subjects, and many Joint Honours degrees are available, varying from university to university. Most universities will allow you to combine Language with Literature, History, Philosophy, Psychology and modern foreign languages. Again, carry out your research and select an area that interests you.

English Literature What would I study and how do courses differ? You will study a range of literature from across time and cultures and courses differ enormously from institution to institution. It seems an obvious thing to say, but a great deal of your time will be spent reading a combination of core texts, critical writings and areas of your own academic interest. There will also be a requirement to submit essays on a rolling basis throughout the course. It is likely that you will have very little supervised contact time with your tutors – perhaps 10 hours of lectures and tutorials per week. The rest of your time will be spent in the library or consuming literature in the academic venue of your choice. All English Literature courses will have a requirement to study writing from a range of contexts, but some are more prescriptive than others. Some courses will adopt a chronological approach, studying a range of literature from Anglo-Saxon times through to the present day; others allow greater freedom of choice from the beginning and have a selection of core modules that sit alongside a range of options. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? You must have an A Level in English Literature. Other subjects that support an English Literature application include English Language, History and Classics, but there is no requirement to hold these qualifications. You will be expected to produce a number of essays over the course of study, so A Levels in essay subjects would be regarded favourably. Which is the best university for English and what are the typical grade requirements? Many universities offer highly regarded courses. The following list is by no means exhaustive; Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol, Kings College London, Durham, Exeter, York, Warwick, St Andrews, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester. Most universities will make an offer in the A*AA – AAB range, but this varies from course to course and some will be as high as A*A*A. Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? Any kind of ‘literary’ activity is valuable here: attending talks and events, creative writing, journalism, theatre/film –all of these both in and out of school. Be sure to make the most of opportunities as and when they occur, and just as importantly go out and find these opportunities yourself. You live a short journey away from one of the most vibrant cultural hubs in the world: use it to your advantage. By far the most important aspect to distinguish the very best English applicants is an independent and ambitious engagement with reading and thinking well beyond the requirements of the A-Level course. Oxford and Cambridge candidates are required to sit the ELAT. This is a written test which examines your ability to read texts

closely, synthesize information and write coherently. For more information, see the weblinks below. What is important for my personal statement or interview? The crucial factor will be your ability to show that you are well-read, culturally aware, and able to articulate your original thoughts with care and precision. Do not be coy about basing some of what you say around your A Level texts, but remember that what may distinguish you from the other candidates is what you have studied and experienced independently and outside the classroom. It is imperative that you demonstrate a breadth of reading in your personal statement and that you have engaged with your choice of texts. Find an area or classic author that you enjoy and spend time getting to know their world view. Do I need to do work experience? There is no requirement to undertake work experience directly relevant to the course. If you are able to find a placement which gives you experience of working, say, in a high-profile cultural environment – journalism, publishing, the arts – then this will of course be valuable evidence to show your engagement with the subject outside the curriculum. Additional information “Some people say that an English degree won’t help you get a job because it’s not a ‘vocational’ subject: it doesn’t teach you a specific skill for a particular kind of job. The people who’ll actually be hiring you know better. What potential employers want most is someone with motivation, intelligence, and proven ability to work. Getting an English degree shows that you have all of those qualities. The ability to communicate is also very valuable for almost any job. Studying English teaches you how to write clearly and effectively. Most courses also require presentations and seminar discussions to develop your spoken communication skills. All that reading is useful, too. Studying English literature at degree level teaches you how to analyse complex information with the help of sophisticated ideas and theories. That ability to read, reflect, and critique – and then synthesise your conclusions clearly – is essential to many kinds of work – as is the ability to construct and defend an argument.” Am I likely to be called for interview? Oxford and Cambridge always require interviews before offering places; other universities may do so, but this is fairly unlikely. Some universities will require you to complete a written task in place of an interview. Is there any particular reading I should do? Nothing specific. You should aim for a balance of breadth and depth. You should certainly be in the habit of reading novels regularly, and the more poetry, drama and Shakespeare you can engage with the better. Intelligent non-fiction and journalism will be helpful in encouraging the development of your own views. While you should aim to read widely, it would be a good idea to show a sense of connection in some of what you read: it is always impressive, for example, to show that you have read widely around the subject of your curriculum study, increasing your contextual awareness. Keep an eye on the shortlists of the major fiction prizes e.g. the Man Booker. 25

Show an awareness of English Literature as a living and constantly evolving subject by reading publications such as the Times Literary Supplement, the London Review of Book and the New York Times Review of Books. These mostly contain in-depth articles on literary and political subjects masquerading as book reviews, many written by experts in their fields. Newspaper supplements are also worth regular attention (e.g. the Review section in Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guardian). Also consider periodicals such as The Spectator, The Economist, Literary Review. Useful websites: University Applications For a broad overview of the degree subject use the Why Study English Literature? website. The ELAT test is for Oxford applicants For Career choices click here. Related degrees English Literature is, of course, a subject which combines extremely well with other subjects, and many Joint Honours degrees are available, varying from university to university. These may well be excellent choices for you, but do bear in mind that your interest and expertise in, say, Spanish 20th Century Literature is very likely to be something you can bring in to play in a straight English Literature degree borrowing a paper from Modern Languages, say, or in a dissertation, without necessarily taking Joint Honours. Most humanities subjects e.g. History, Philosophy can combine with English Literature.

Finance, Business, Management and Accountancy What would I study and how would the courses differ? Accountancy Accounting or accounting courses provide a fast track to working in the accountancy profession. Courses generally include learning skill and knowledge to qualify in accountancy, management or public finance. Some courses also study maths, statistics, economics and finance. Some courses put theory into practice on a placement. Courses with placements generally have higher entry requirements. It is essential to check with each course how many post university accountancy exams you do not have to take i.e. your University course includes them. Finance There are a huge variety of courses, some are broad based and include all aspects of finance, including accounting, while others specialise in specific areas such as investment banking, modelling or trading skills. Courses occasionally offer a fast track to careers in banking by offering financial services exams within their course. You do not need to have a finance degree to go into financial services. Business and Management An increasingly popular choice of course that comes in all shapes and sizes. The more theoretical courses cover economics, politics and sociology, while others focus more on the skills and practices you need to carry out specific management and business functions including accountancy, finance, marketing, international business an event planning. What are typical entry requirements? Top universities are asking for AAA for Business / Management degrees and slightly lower for Accountancy / Finance. However the range of courses on offer are so wide that variations of the course can go to DDD. Select the course with the highest grades you can get into. Consider the following - ‘With’ vs ‘And’ courses - could you tag the course with another interest e.g. a language - professional placements are increasingly popular and very well regarded by recruiters after University. Courses with paid placements during university often require higher grades. Often placements can be abroad, gaining international experience as well. Are there any essential or recommended AS or A levels? Very few courses have set requirements.

What is important for my personal statement? University admissions tutors are looking for individuals who really understand the course they are applying for and have researched it well. For business and management courses regular reading of a quality newspaper or consultant quarterly e.g. McKinsey, will help any applicant develop a more informed understanding of the basics of the business and management world, including current influences and key definitions. Do I need work experience? Business / Management degrees have a higher level of practicality to them than some purely academic degrees so work experience would be useful on any applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal statement. This can include working in one or multiple departments at any business (big or small.) It will allow the applicant to show a genuine understanding of how a business works, how issues are dealt with, how conflicting demands are dealt with etc. For accounting / finance degrees work experience can also be important to allow a candidate to fully understand what their degree offers as the majority of students will leave the course and start a job in that field.

Geography Why study Geography? Geography is an ambitious subject that tackles major global issues: inequality, environmental damage, immigration, climate change, urbanism, locational data security. Geography is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study. Geographers are highly employable. Geography provides you with knowledge and transferable skills which will help you secure a first job and advance you professionally. The subject has one of the lowest graduate unemployment rates. Geographers are generalists. The world needs generalists who can understand how things interrelate, who can understand the consequences of decisions made by specialists in a fast-moving world. Geographers are by definition equally at home focussing on both broad global or regional issues and local conditions. They have to understand relationships between the hard world of science and the soft world of human behaviour. Geographers cross subject boundaries all the time, equally at home looking at the operation of environmental systems as they are studying aspects of Economics or Politics. Their degree will teach them both quantitative analysis, the hard world of statistics, and qualitative analysis, the ability to evaluate and make judgements. They can use modern technology such as surveying equipment, GIS computer programs and analyse satellite imagery. Geographers are team-players, especially during fieldwork. In all careers, and indeed throughout your life, you will need to collaborate, compromise and communicate. Geography prepares you for this. What is Geography like at university? Fun! Geographers are by nature broad minded, sociable people. They are inherently interested in the world around them. They look outwardly, not inwardly. They are interested in practical solutions. They want to know why the world is like it is. They tend to be busy, energetic people and you will traditionally find them involved in everything on the campus. What will you study? The most popular course for students is a straightforward Geography degree. These degrees have compulsory human and physical geography in Year One, with free choice after that. Many universities have a BA stream and a BSc stream for their straight Geography degrees. Students apply for the stream which suits their preferred area (BA = human) (BSc = physical). But in both streams you usually do physical and human in Year One.

In Year Two and Year Three you can specialise, choosing modules such as Political Geography, Cultural Geography, Population Geography, Historical Geography, Marine Geography, Glaciology, Earth Processes or Development Studies. In the Year Three most courses expect you to complete a dissertation, which is a sophisticated piece of original geographical research. It is worth checking out how the dissertation is set and marked before choosing your university, and what contribution it will make to your degree, as this can differ. Again, choose one which suits you. You will be taught through a combination of compulsory and optional lectures, seminars, which have a specific theme and are pre-prepared, tutorials, which are smaller and usually based around an element of your own work, such as an essay or pace of research, practicals which often involve lab or ICT work, and of course fieldwork which will vary from one day local, to UK, to foreign. You may be assessed by continuous assessment of your work, or more traditional end of year examinations. Another area well worth researching. A ‘typical’ Geography degree will look at: •

Why our human and physical environments and landscapes appear as they are, how they form and operate, and how they inter-relate at various scales.

•

How and why patterns of human and physical landscapes differ from place to place.

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Why there are differences and inequalities within the human world; especially the economic, social and political causes of inequality and economic development at all scales and in all environments.

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The way in which particular places and regions have evolved to become distinctive.

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Stability and instability in both human and physical worlds, including the causes, rates and patterns of change and the prediction of change to the foreseeable future.

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How the world operates as one integrated system – environmentally, politically and economically.

Skills you will develop: • Geography is both a social and an environmental science, so you can expect your degree to teach you many elements of statistics, quantitative analysis, and related computer-based techniques including GIS. The need to collect data means that a Geography course will teach you how to use a range of survey equipment, as well as how to manipulate remote sensing material such as aerial photographs and satellite imagery. •

Intellectual skills, especially the ability to evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions and develop reasoned arguments 30

•

Research skills, using a wide range of methods to collect and analyse both spatial and environmental data

•

And of course, key transferable skills, such as teamwork, problem solving, IT skills and communication skills (presentation, writing, debating).

Can I study Geography with another subject as a Joint Honours? As well as BA or BSc Single Honours Geography, the subject can also be studied as a Joint Honours course with a wide range of other subjects. Some may be related, such as Geography and Geology, or Geography and Development Studies. Others may be less obviously related, such as Geography and a Modern Language, or Geography and Economics. Advantages: Broad understanding; you can study two of your favourite subjects. Disadvantages: Two faculties, two sets of friends, two different demands can be confusing, more work than Single Honours, more exams. Some universities will also offer courses in specialist areas of the subject including: Physical Geography, Human Geography, Marine Geography, Environmental Geography, Development Geography, Population Studies, and so on. Advantages: Specialised, suits your exact requirements, easier to get on the course as may be less competitive. Disadvantages: May be limiting, narrow, not understood by an employer. There are also alternatives to a straight Geography degree, include Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Politics and International Relations, American Studies, African Studies, Middle Eastern Studies. Land Economy, for example, is a subject which combines an interest in the built environment, with Politics and Economics. Which are the best universities for Geography? The UK is the best place in the world to study Geography. Geography as an academic discipline was effectively created in the UK and as a result the wealth of knowledge in all Russell Group Universities is similarly excellent. The grades offered for BA and BSc Geography at Russell Group Universities range from A*AA to AAB. The difference is more commonly due to the popularity of the university rather than the quality of the course. In other words, it is possible to go for a less ‘popular’ university and have a lower grade offer for an equally good course. The RGS (Royal Geographical Society) provides a great starting point for researching Geography degrees. Which careers can I enter with Geography? In simple terms Geography graduates enter one of three career paths: 1) A career position directly related to their geographical knowledge and skills. Examples: town and transport planning, chartered surveying, land and water management, sustainability, environmental consultancy, development, tourism, 31

conservation, demography, housing and social welfare. At some point these careers will require further qualifications leading, for example, to chartered status, and many will offer you the opportunity to do this whilst you are working. 2) A career position which uses a geographers' wide range of transferable skills. The majority of geographers choose these. The list is endless, and graduates from other disciplines will also be competing with you, but geographers are well placed. These careers include finance, accountancy, law, business management, information technology, administration and management, marketing, transport, manufacturing, most service industries. Most likely entry is through some undergraduate management training scheme. Your career is then up to you. 3) Further full-time study or training to develop a career in research (Masters or PhD) or teaching (PGCE), or to advanced qualifications for entry into more specialised professions (Masters or PhD). What do employers look for and what will I have to offer? Employers seek a mixture of skills, qualifications and experience when they recruit graduates. On completing your Geography degree you will be in demand as you will be: •

A good communicator with strong presentation skills

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An independent researcher

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Able to work effectively in a team in a variety of roles

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Good at combining information gathering from a variety of sources with excellent writing skills

History Why would I study History at university and how do courses differ? History is the study of mankind through time. It is an analytical discipline which focuses on change. Intellectually it is firmly rooted in a sceptical tradition which takes nothing for granted: examining assumptions, exploring different perspectives and interrogating evidence. History aims to provide students with the intellectual tools to devise and develop their own independent appreciation of the events and processes of the past. Undergraduate degree courses in History are usually three years in length and encourage students to actively engage in exploring and interpreting the past. Most courses offer a general introductory component in the first two years. This is typically followed by opportunities to select a variety of more specialised topics. In many cases, the third year also offers the possibility of writing a dissertation, based on a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independent and original research. Courses offered by universities vary enormously. Many will require some study of British History and nearly all offer the option of studying European and World History. In addition, courses in Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern, Modern and Contemporary History are available. Typically, A Level courses are concerned with Political and International History, in which political leaders and the state plays the leading role. While undergraduate courses will offer students scope to study similar types of history, there is also a much wider choice of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;historiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, including Cultural, Economic, Intellectual, Military and Social History. All History courses will involve students in extensive and self-directed reading. They will need to be able to select and organise a large body of material. Typically, the form in which students will present their responses to questions is the essay, which will require the presentation of clearly focused, logically structured, well supported and sustained arguments. A wide variety of Joint Honours courses are available: History and Politics, History and Economics, History and a Language. Many courses are modular and enable students to combine a variety of different modules. There are also courses, such as American Studies, International Relations and War Studies, which can comprise a sizeable History component. What are the typical entry requirements? History is one of the most competitive courses and the entry requirements reflect the demand for places.

Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? Many universities do expect that applicants have studied History at A Level. More important than specific A Levels is an ability to convey an enjoyment of reading, a facility for using language to express complex ideas clearly and the capacity for independent critical and logical thought. Which are the best universities for History? The most competitive UK universities are Cambridge, Oxford, Durham, Bristol, London (King’s and UCL). However, all of the Russell Group Universities (which receive the lion’s share of research funding) have excellent History Departments. Some History Departments have particular specialisms, but these can change with faculty personnel and the most up to date information can be found on faculty websites. Some universities have particular collections of documents and materials, such as Churchill College, Cambridge which has the Churchill and Thatcher archives. Other Universities have specialist research institutes. At Southampton there is the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Culture and the Parkes Institute for the study of Jewish and non-Jewish Relations and at Exeter, the Welcome Trust has funded a Centre for Medical History. Is there any special advice for students intending to apply to Oxbridge? There is fierce competition for places to read History at Oxbridge. Both Cambridge and Oxford require prospective candidates to attend an interview. While formerly Oxford Colleges sought to interview nearly all applicants, the number of applicants has grown so large, that the numbers being called for interview has fallen to c. 70%. Candidates applying for Oxford must sit the History Aptitude Test (HAT). This is marked by individual colleges and may play a role in determining which applicants are not called for interview. Oxford Colleges emphasise the importance they attach to the interview. The basic offer at Oxford is currently AAA. Cambridge Colleges continue to interview nearly all applicants. With the introduction of reformed AS and A Levels, Cambridge is less able than in the past to rely upon AS Level exam scores to discriminate between applicants. Thus from 2016 onwards the Cambridge is setting a written admissions test for all History applicants. This, alongside candidates’ submitted work, their public exam qualifications and their performance at interview, will determine whether or not offers are made. The basic offer for Cambridge Colleges is A*AA. The A* is usually required in any of the applicant’s A Level subjects. Both Universities will ask those called for interview to send up examples of marked pieces of work.

Reading around and beyond the A Level course is the best way in which prospective applicants can demonstrate their passion for the subject and prepare for their application. Oxbridge Extension classes are mandatory for students applying for Oxbridge. What is important for my personal statement or interview? It is essential to communicate a passion for the subject. In compiling a personal statement, it is important to avoid cliché, or using quotes defining History as a discipline. You should also avoid listing or describing the content of the books you have read, or the topics you have covered. Far more important is focusing on those questions, or issues, that your reading has raised. Explain why topics have galvanised your interest. Do I need work experience? No. What jobs can I do with History? History is the quintessential ‘generalist’ subject. From an employer’s perspective, the analytical skills, ability to assimilate, organise and select material and present ideas and argument clearly and concisely makes History one of the most highly regarded, and useful, degree subjects. History is particularly valued in professions like Law, Accountancy, Business, Management and the Civil Service.

Human, Social and Political Sciences What would I study and how do courses differ? Human, Social, and Political Sciences is a degree taught at Cambridge which includes politics and international relations, social anthropology and sociology. You can specialise in one or two of these, but the flexibility of the course also enables exploration of a variety of subjects in the first year. The course comprises three core disciplines: •

Politics and International Relations explores politics within and between countries, covering issues from human rights and democracy, to financial crises and international conflict.

•

Social anthropologists address ‘what it is to be human’ by studying social and cultural diversity – how people live, think and relate to each other around the world.

•

Sociology focuses on the nature of modern societies and the processes that shape social life, by examining social institutions and topics such as power and inequality.

The course can be tailored from the start. It is suited both to those with specific subject interests and to those looking for a multidisciplinary degree. Depending on what choices are made, there may be options to take individual papers in the other HSPS subjects or from other courses as well. In the first year, a student takes four subjects. At least three must be from the core subject areas: Politics, International Relations, Sociology, Social anthropology. A fourth paper can either be another from the core subjects or chosen from the following additional subjects: Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Psychology. In your second and third years, you can choose one of the following three singlesubject tracks: Politics and International Relations, Sociology, Social Anthropology Alternatively, you can take one of four two-subject tracks: Politics and Sociology, Social Anthropology and Politics, Sociology and Criminology, Sociology and Social Anthropology Whilst the exact course (L000) is not on offer at other universities. It is possible to combine a Cambridge HSPS application, with applying to other universities (not Oxford) for Social Sciences or Sociology or Politics and International Relations.

What are the entry requirements? Typical offer A Level: A*AA or higher. All applicants are required to take the pre-interview written assessment for HSPS, this consists of a 60-minute reading comprehension and a 60-minute essay. From 2019, the pre-interview written assessment for HSPS is administered with four other subjects within an Arts-Humanities Admissions Assessment question booklet. Section One will have identical questions. Section Two will have subject-specific questions. Specimen papers and a specification can be found here Submitted work: Applicants are required to submit one or two School/college essays as examples of written work prior to interview. See individual College websites for further details. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? None, although a background in subject such as English or History that involve the comprehension of texts may help with the admissions test. What is important for my personal statement? Personal statements give you the chance to tell us about your subject interest(s), and the process of writing a personal statement can often help you to better understand your academic interests and intellectual motivations. This information is often used as a basis for discussion at interview. At Cambridge, all admissions decisions are based solely on academic criteria (ability and potential). Therefore, in your personal statement, they would like you to: ▪

explain your reasons for wanting to study the subject at university

▪

demonstrate enthusiasm for and commitment to your chosen course

▪

express any particular interests within the ﬁeld

▪

outline how you’ve pursued your subject interest in your own time

Are there any related course at other universities? There are over 1,200 courses at over 110 UK providers that relate to Politics and International Relations. There are over 1,250 at over 130 UK providers that relate to Sociology. Popular and highly regarded courses include: • Politics and International Relations: UCAS Code L200 (Available at Bristol, Edinburgh, Exeter, LSE, Manchester and others) • Sociology and Political Sciences: UCAS Code LL32 (Available at Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, York and others)

Do I need to do work experience? No work experience is required. However, reading is central to learning and preparation for HSPS. Applicants can also get a good sense of what some of the subjects available within Human, Social and Political Sciences are like by reading some of the books that students encounter studying these subjects in Cambridge. On the link below are short lists of some important books in the individual subjects on offer in the degree. Applicants are advised to pick the subject or several subjects that interest you and read from that list. Which jobs can I do with Human, Social and Political Sciences? The analytical and critical skills, intellectual versatility, multicultural sensitivity and international outlook developed through Human, Social and Political Sciences are widely sought after by employers. Recent graduates have pursued careers in research (both academic and policy research), the Civil Service (including the Foreign Office), journalism, management consultancy, museums, conservation and heritage management, national and international NGOs and development agencies, the Law, teaching, publishing, health management, and public relations.

Law What would I study and how do courses differ? A Law degree provides an excellent foundation of legal knowledge that will stand you in good stead as a lawyer (solicitor or barrister). You do not have to do an undergraduate Law degree to be a lawyer and may ‘convert’ from a good first degree in another subject through professional examinations (Graduate Diploma in Law). What are typical entry requirements? Check whether or not your university of choice requires the LNAT in addition to A Levels. Here, you will be advised of when registration for the test opens (usually late August/early September) and those universities which require and access practice papers. The more competitive universities, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Durham and UCL, require A*AA-AAA at A Level. Entry requirements for other Russell group universities typically require at least AAA. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? A Levels which demonstrate analysis and argument, excellent writing skills, the ability to read and absorb a quantity of reading material at one sitting, and strong skills of reason are recommended. Theology, Philosophy, English and History are ideal. Modern Languages are useful, and especially if you intend to practise Law. A second language is useful to a lawyer and demonstrates ability to analyse language. Economics, Maths and even a Science show skills of logic, calculation and analysis. Which are the best universities for Law? Cambridge, Oxford, Durham, UCL and LSE are competitive. Some will offer Joint Honours with French or Spanish Law, for example. Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? The LNAT is required by Oxford but not Cambridge. The Cambridge Law Test is designed and used by most of the Cambridge Colleges. What is important for my personal statement or interview? Be prepared to discuss issues of Law in the media and your reading in your personal statement, and in a way that shows intelligent analysis of points of Law you will have encountered. Suggested reading list: Law and Modern Society - P S Atiyah, Oxford, 1995 Learning the Law - Glanville Williams and A T H Smith, Sweet and Maxwell, 2010 The Law Machine - Marcel Berlins and Clare Dyer, Penguin, 2000 Getting into Law - Carl Lygo, Trotman, 2010 The Rule of Law - Tom Bingham (Senior Law Lord, Lord Bingham) What About Law? - Barnard, O’Sullivan and Virgo

Do I need to do work experience? Yes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; demonstrate an interest in the justice system / commercial world. Which jobs can I do with Law? A degree in Law goes much further than preparing you for a career as a barrister or solicitor. A degree in Law is ideally suited for Banking, Accountancy, Business, Industrial and commercial Management, Journalism, Local Government and the Civil Service.

Liberal Arts What would I study and how do courses differ? The British university system is slowly starting to cotton on the American Liberal Arts degree. A liberal arts degree will allow you to study a number of different subjects, and are therefore not only an ‘inter-disciplinary’ but also a ‘multidisciplinary’ degree. The content and optionality can vary from university to university, and you will need to research each university carefully. Some universities offer a Liberal Arts Degree which includes Natural Sciences and, perhaps rather confusingly, it is possible to be awarded a BSc (Batchelor of Science) rather than a BA (Bachelor of Arts) when studying for a Liberal Arts Degree. Oxford and Cambridge do not offer a course called ‘Liberal Arts,’ but the spirit of studying a number of subjects which will allow you to specialised in one or two of them is captured by the ‘Philosophy, Politics, and Economics’ degree (PPE) at Oxford and, perhaps to an even greater extent, the ‘Human, Social, and Political Sciences’ degree (HSPS) at Cambridge. You may also consider the ‘Natural Sciences’ degree (NatSci) at Cambridge (and many other universities) to be an example of a Liberal Arts course due to its multi-disciplinarity. When you research Liberal Arts type degrees you must be aware that they may not be called ‘Liberal Arts.’ E.g. University College London (UCL) call their two Liberal Arts degrees ‘Arts and Sciences’ and ‘Arts and Sciences with Study Abroad.’ UCL’s degree will give you a BASc (Bachelor in Arts and Sciences degree) King’s College London (KCL) does offer a degree called ‘Liberal Arts,’ but it also offer other multi-disciplinary courses, e.g. War Studies, which are worth having a look at and which has a distinct Liberal Arts feel to it. What are the typical entry requirements? This will vary from institution to institution. Durham asks for A*AA. Birmingham University asks for A*AA, but there is also a requirement of writing an essay, and a strong performance in the essay may see the entry requirement drop to an AAA offer (or even an unconditional offer), Nottingham University asks for A*AA but specifies that the A* must be in either English or Maths (depending on whether the student chooses the ‘English Pathway’ or the ‘Mathematics Pathway’). Bristol University, Exeter University, Kings’ College London, and Warwick University all ask for AAA. University College London’s requirements for ‘Arts and Sciences’ is typically A*AA but there are various course requirements depending on what topics you want to pick. Students are advised to research the subjects required for the individual courses – and additional requirements (e.g. the essay requirement from Birmingham University) - very carefully.

Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? Recommended A Levels depend on the course. See above. Students are advised to research the subjects required for the individual courses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and additional requirements (e.g. the essay requirement from Birmingham University) - very carefully. What are the best universities for a Liberal Arts degree? The best university for you is the university which allows you to do the subject combination which excites you the most, i.e. this depends entirely on you. You can, however, rest assured that the courses offered by excellent Universities outside of London such as Birmingham, Bristol, Durham, Exeter, Nottingham, and Warwick, and excellent London universities such as KCL and UCL, will be among the best universities to study for a Liberal Arts degree. Is there any special advice for Oxbridge Applicants? Have a look and consider whether PPE, HSPS, or NatSci is for you (see above and refer to the relevant pages in the booklet). What is important for my personal statement? You need to be able to demonstrate a broad interest in a variety of subjects, and you need to show a particular interest in how the subjects hang together and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;speakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to each other. You will need to demonstrate that you have been reading beyond the subject confines of your A Level subjects and that you have been thinking synoptically, i.e. try to demonstrate that you have thought about the same problem from the standpoint of multiple subjects. Suggested reading list: This will depend on the course you are applying for. Please refer to the individual course websites from the individual universities. You must, however, be prepared to read about topics or subjects you may not have considered before (e.g. sociology, anthropology, criminology, and psychology). Do I need to do work experience? Typically no, but, again, it depends on the components of your degree. An ability to relate the work experience to the courses you are applying for on your personal statement is obviously an advantage. Which jobs can I do with a Liberal Arts degree? Typically, the same kind of jobs that you could apply for if you had done History, English, Politics, Philosophy etc at university. You can do Liberal Arts degrees with a significant scientific and quantitative slant to it, which might be an advantage if you are thinking about joining the financial industry.

Mathematics What would I study and how do courses differ? Mathematics at degree level covers Pure and Applied Maths, Statistics, Computing, Analysis and Applications. All students follow broadly the same programme for the first year and then in subsequent years tailor their degree according to their own interests. Most courses will cover analysis, algebra and geometry in their first year; however, this will be very different from algebra and geometry at A Level. You are greatly urged to research some first year material before committing to a Mathematics Degree. There are many related degrees that can be studied, such as Actuarial Maths, Philosophy of Maths, Statistics, Applied Maths, Computing Maths, Environmental Maths and many more. There are also many Joint Honours Degrees, even Maths with a foreign language. You must do your own research by looking at the individual university websites for details as well as www.ucas.ac.uk where there is a very useful tool called Course Search which gives a great deal of information on courses. What are the typical entry requirements? IGCSE Maths and English are obviously required. Highly competitive universities will often demand A*A*A with the two A*s in Maths and Further Maths. However, there are four extra Maths exams that universities can also ask for. These are: -

STEP (Cambridge) MAT (Oxford) TMUA (Durham) AEA;.

These exams are required by Cambridge, Oxford and Durham respectively. However, other universities (such as Warwick, Imperial, Bristol and Bath) have also asked applicants to take these exams. There are plenty of good universities which offer Maths. There are some which will not ask for Further Maths (FM) and the offer could be as low as BBC. Do your research. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? At highly competitive universities, it is expected that a student from Haberdashers’ will be able to offer Maths and Further Maths as two separate A Levels. It is important to realise that if a university says ‘FM is recommended’ then it really means, “if your school offers FM, then you must take it”. You must speak to your Maths teacher/ Head of Maths to ask about your suitability to study FM. There are some universities which do not require FM. Go to www.ucas.ac.uk for precise entry requirements.

Which are the best universities for Mathematics? Go to www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk to find the top ranked universities for Maths. Currently they are Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, Warwick and Durham. However, the top ranked universities may not necessarily be the most suitable for you. You must do your research; visit them on special Open Days and so on. Do you like a Campus or a City University? Does their course content appeal to you? There are lots of factors involved – think about all of them. Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? Cambridge will normally require a ‘1’ in Step Papers Two and Three (which are sat shortly after your A2 papers). Only exceptionally able students should apply (typically those in the top part of Set One). You would have a number of A*s at GCSE, strong AS results (typically above 95 % in mathematics) and would be predicted to achieve very high marks in A2 and STEP papers. You are able to tackle challenging, ‘off syllabus’ topics and read widely around the subject. Students who meet most of these criteria will be invited to an interview. The Cambridge Maths course is extremely theoretical and abstract. Oxford has its own Admissions Test, usually in November of U6. Much the same goes for Oxford, except that the Admissions Test result will determine which students are interviewed. Oxford offers a three year course leading to BA in Mathematical Sciences and a four year course leading to MMath in Mathematics. What is important for my personal statement or interview? You have to demonstrate a real passion for Mathematics. Questions asked in interviews are mostly all on Mathematics and are designed to test creative thinking in problem solving and aptitude for understanding new ideas. Interview practice is vital and you must speak to the Head of Maths about this. Do I need to do work experience? It is not a requirement for this academic subject, but if you have done any relevant work in a topic that interests and enhances your subject knowledge then write about it. Which jobs can I do with Mathematics? Graduates can be found throughout industry, business and commerce, the public and private sectors, with large employers and in small organisations. Employers value the intellectual ability, rigour and reasoning skills that mathematics students have acquired, their familiarity with numerical and symbolic thinking, and their analytic approach to problem-solving. In virtually all areas of life-Science, Industry and Commerce, Community, Design, Engineering, Manufacturing and Finance- in fact just about anywhere you can think of, Mathematics is a skill that is highly valued. Additional information More Mathematics related information can be found at: http://nrich.maths.org/public/ http://www.lms.ac.uk/

Medical Sciences What would I study and how do courses differ? The structure of all Medical courses is similar: most schools offer two years of PreClinical studies then three years of Clinical. However, there are different approaches: PBL (problem based learning) courses which focus on the student to demonstrate self-motivation and proactive, self-directed learning, integrated courses which teach basic Medical Sciences alongside clinical studies, and traditional courses which offer lecture-based learning. There are intercalated degrees which give you the opportunity to incorporate a further degree (BSc or BA). You may want to take an elective, usually a two-month period when you might work in a hospital abroad. You may wish to study e.g. Biomedical Sciences and then apply for Medicine as a postgraduate. Which is the best Medical School? There are oversubscribed Medical Schools and vastly oversubscribed Medical Schools. The latter do not necessarily constitute the best! UCL and Imperial are popular with our students because they are in London and because students think they offer the best teaching and placements in the best hospitals. This is not necessarily the case. The best Medical School is the best one for you! First choose the course you want. Then think location (London or not?), campus or not, traditional or modern, large or small, facilities and accommodation. Then consider what else is on offer, sports etc., which you already do/would like to take up. What are the typical entry requirements? Initial Screening This process takes place in most Medical Schools before your application is passed to the Admissions’ Tutor. To succeed in this first stage candidates from a selective school such as Haberdashers’ should aim to achieve GCSE grades above the requirement quoted in the admissions literature. Overall GCSE grades are often scored, so you should try to achieve 8s and 9s in all subjects if you are to be hopeful of passing through initial screening. If you are uncertain about your position, you must telephone the Admissions’ Tutor. General statements on the website are not necessarily true for an individual. Do your research. GCSE/IGCSE Subject Choice You must take Chemistry and Biology and we strongly recommend Physics to IGCSE and that you must achieve an 8/9 in these subjects. Whilst Physics may not be quoted as a requirement by every Medical School, it is essential at some (e.g. Nottingham), and there is an increasing reliance on technology for diagnosis. This makes Physics very desirable for potential Medical Scientists. IGCSE Physics is also required knowledge for those who wish to apply to one of the schools which require the BMAT (see below). You must consult your Science Teachers before you make your option choices to check that you are capable of achieving an A* in these 45

subjects, and of continuing to A Level. You must check the course requirements before you apply. For some courses you are also expected to achieve a high grade in English Language. Do your research. A Level Subject Choice We recommend all candidates from Haberdashers’ offer Chemistry and Biology to A Level. Most Medical Schools require two Sciences at A Level. If you research you may find a school whose requirements are less demanding, but remember that if you have difficulty with a science now you are not going to cope at Medical School. You must read the MPW guide “Getting into Medical School”. You should also consult the Medical School’s prospectus and website and ring the Admissions Tutor for precise information at the time of application. Maths Maths and Further Maths will only count as one subject. Keeping a Humanity Recent years have seen a significant shift in recruitment. Medical Schools are moving away from candidates with a strong scientific/Maths background and are looking at those who can offer more broadly based A Levels, and who can demonstrate good inter-personal skills. We strongly encourage you to broaden your choice by including at least one academic non-Science subject, i.e. Geography, History, RS, a Modern Foreign Language or English. We suggest you check the requirements of the Medical Schools as these requirements are subject to change. Many Habs’ students have found the study of T&P useful for ethical debate, particularly in the BMAT test. Many Haberdashers’ students apply to UCL which positively encourages candidates to offer a Humanity as the third A Level. A Level Results. For recent entry, applicants have needed AAA, A*AA or even A*A*A at A Level (see below for Oxbridge info). These requirements may rise yet again for Sept 2021 entry. Are there supplementary tests I need to take? Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and UCL, amongst others, require applicants to sit the BMAT. You are advised to read the test specifications. Do not underestimate how difficult it is to complete this test in the allotted time. You will need to know and understand IGCSE Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths and be able to apply your knowledge in an imaginative way. This test is set nationally on two days only, in the September and November of your Upper Sixth Year. The November BMAT is sat here in school, but for the September date you will need to take the BMAT externally and arrange yourself. There is guidance for the BMAT here in school in the second half of the Lower 6th in Enhancement lessons. UCAT Test Most Medical Schools require candidates to take the UCAT. This test is aimed at assessing your aptitude and personality rather than academic achievement and

scientific knowledge. You take this in the Summer between Lower and Upper Sixth at a centre near you. The Medic Portal is an organisation who, working with the Royal College of Medicine, offers detailed advice on all stages of applications. Some of this is free and registration on the website is very useful. For the past few years they have delivered an in-house course to advise students on preparation for the UCAT. They offer similar courses for BMAT and other aspects of the process. Other organisations offer similar courses, KAPLAN being the best known. What is important for my personal statement and interview? Comprehensive advice is provided by Dr Randall to help you write your personal statement. Dr Mistry has been invited to conduct an interview seminar here at Haberdashers’ for the past seven years. In addition to this each medical applicant at Haberdashers’ is given at least one individual mock interview by a guest medic. VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: When preparing your statement you much access the Medical schools’ websites to ensure you cover what they are looking for e.g. proof of manual dexterity, specified number of work experience weeks, lab work, etc. Personal Qualities You will be called for interview. Admissions Tutors are looking for exceptional personal qualities. School sports teams, Drama, Music, your SCS activity, CCF, DofE are all excellent ways of allowing you to show that you can make decisions, work as part of a team, take responsibility, be a leader. It is also very important that you gain experience of people in society outside your immediate experience, for example through voluntary work, organised local community schemes, Sunday School, youth groups, or part-time paid employment. Admissions Tutors are looking for genuine interest and commitment on the part of sincere applicants. Professional Experience It is essential that candidates demonstrate their understanding and commitment to the Medical profession. Clinical experience in a GP surgery and hospital is highly desirable if not essential. You need to understand that less glamorous activities, such as working as a long term volunteer at e.g. a riding school for mobility impaired children, the terminally ill, young children, or as a hospital visitor are highly regarded and show your true motivation. You must organise work experience placements well in advance. Selectors are not impressed by candidates who simply do their work placement alongside a family member nor are they impressed by work experience placements that you have done alongside leading experts: a week in the A&E, which you have found for yourself, gives you a much better view of what life as a doctor involves. Is there any special reading I should be doing? Applicants must have a genuine, enthusiastic and informed interest in some of the basic medical conditions that affect the human body. You will also need to be up to date with current political and ethical issues that are affecting the medical profession and the NHS. The School Library keeps journals, such as the BMJ, which also has a website, and the daily papers.

Is there any special advice for those intending to apply to Oxford or Cambridge? 1. Initial screening at Oxbridge is tough. Medical applicants who are made an offer routinely have an average of 9.9 A*/equivalent at GCSE. You will also need very high marks in the BMAT. 2. If you are thinking of reading Medicine at Cambridge you will need A*A*A at A Level, including Chemistry and at least one other A Level in Biology, Maths or Physics. Most applicants have at least three science/mathematics A Levels and some Colleges require this and/or particular subjects. Do check individual colleges: although some prefer a specific combination, this is often not openly stated in any literature. Go to open days and do your research thoroughly. 3. For Oxford you will need A*AA at A Level. You will need Chemistry plus one from Biology, Physics or Maths to A Level. You can still therefore offer a nonscience subject at A Level. 4. You will need to sit the BMAT for these universities. 5. Emphasis is placed upon how well you apply your scientific knowledge at interview. You have to be knowledgeable, adaptable and teachable. Some very important things to remember: 1 Entering Medicine at a young age is a huge commitment on your part. The course is long and hard. You must honestly and carefully examine your motives for wanting to enter this profession, or you may not last the course. 2

This is a highly competitive field, and no path will guarantee success. You must consider a safety net career. On the UCAS form you will be invited to apply for up to four Medical Schools. You will have the option of applying for another course with your fifth choice. Applicants routinely choose Bio Med Science.

Be aware that the course requirements quoted above are open to change. It is vital that you read the current prospectuses of your chosen Medical Schools and check the website carefully, contact the admissions tutors to confirm your eligibility before you apply.

Research each Medical School website www.thetimes.co.uk (good University guide) www.thestudentroom.com www.bmj.com www.bmat.org.uk www.ucat.ac.uk www.bma.org.uk www.gmc-uk.org www.rcseng.ac.uk (Royal College of Surgeons) www.themedicportal.com

Modern Languages What would I study and how do courses differ? The study of Modern Languages provides opportunities to develop not only linguistic skills but also to explore aspects of Literature, Linguistics, History, Art, Philosophy, Film and Contemporary Society and Politics, to name but a few. It is possible, in most cases, to study one language or to combine the study of two or more languages. It is also possible to take one language (if already offering one post-A Level) ab initio i.e. from scratch. There is usually a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s study abroad included, often split between two countries if you are studying two languages. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? At least one modern language to A Level is essential. Offering two languages is best, even if you do not intend to continue one of them at university. Subjects such as English Literature or other essay subjects can be helpful, but linguists have a range of other subject interests and there is no one typical A Level subject profile. Which is the best university for Modern Languages and what are the typical grade requirements? The following are typical choices for Modern Languages applicants: Cambridge Oxford UCL Durham Nottingham KCL Bristol

A*AA (plus interview) AAA (plus interview) AAA-ABB AAA ABB AAB AAB-ABB

Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? Those considering an Oxbridge application would be well advised to begin their research and preparation early. Reading beyond the A Level course and exploring areas of personal interest is essential as is researching details of the chosen course and college. The importance of independent reading of literary texts, news, cultural and social issues cannot be highlighted enough. A tangible and genuine passion and motivation for studying the chosen languages at both a linguistic and cultural level as well as a clear aptitude for the language is essential. Both the Oxford and Cambridge courses contain a great deal of literature. The importance of reading a considerable number of works of prose, poetry and theatre before applying cannot be overstated. What is important for my personal statement or interview? In addition to the above, time spent in the target language country/ies is extremely beneficial.

Will I have to study literature? The short answer to this question is that you will undoubtedly study some literature during a Modern Languages degree. Whilst this is something which can seem a daunting prospect, it is essential to bear in mind that this is usually because you will not necessarily have studied a large amount of Literature before embarking upon your university studies. Upper Sixth students do, however, frequently cite the literary material covered at A2 Level as the most enjoyable aspect of their final year of studying Languages at school. It is important to remember that the more you read, the more accessible literary texts will become and thus independent reading is an essential part of your preparation for a Modern Languages degree. Do I need to do work experience? Since a Languages degree opens the door to many possible careers, it is not essential to have completed any specific work experience; however, the possibility to undertake a work experience placement abroad or to demonstrate linguistic skills in a work context would only enhance an application. Which jobs can I do with Modern Languages? Languages graduates are very highly sought after in many professional contexts, including Business, Management, Law, Government, Civil Service and Journalism. Indeed, a Modern Languages degree is seen by employers as offering outstanding intellectual training as well as developing communicative and analytical skills. Sometimes Languages degree can lead to a career in which language skills are essential. Examples include translation, interpreting and teaching and can encompass work within the UN or GCHQ or simply working for a company abroad. Native speakers of English with fluency in one or more other languages are in high demand. Some graduates may choose to continue to a Masters degree or PhD. In essence, studying Languages at university provides the student with a wide variety of transferable skills which can be applied to a correspondingly wide variety of careers. Am I likely to be called for interview? Oxford and Cambridge always interview applicants and require completion of an admissions test (Oxford tests take place in November at School and Cambridge tests at the time of interview). Other universities may interview (Southampton, UCL, KCL). Interviews typically include discussion in both English and the target language. Applicants are often required to submit examples of written work. Is there any particular reading I should do? The ability to demonstrate independent reading and development or pursuit of personal areas of interest beyond the realms of the A Level course is highly recommended, whether that be literary, journalistic or linguistic. Related degrees Modern Languages can often be combined with subjects such as English, History, Philosophy, Linguistics, Business, Management and Law. There are many possible combinations available.

Natural Sciences What would I study and how do courses differ? There are currently over 14 UK universities offering a course titled Natural Science, of which only eight are in the Russell Group. You will be signing up for either a three year BSc or a four year MSci degree. Most universities allow you to change during the course – check individual web sites for detailed information. The MSci is particularly useful if you are interested in a career in research. The structure of the course varies significantly from university to university; some demand that you specialise early e.g. into Biological or Physical Sciences. It is important that you research your course carefully to ensure that you are interested in all of the modules/lecture courses that you will encounter. You need to investigate the subject combinations/streams/routes/pathways for each university. Do you want a year’s work experience as part of your degree? Does the course you are applying for offer this as an option? Adding practical experience to your degree is highly valuable to your career. If you are keen to continue a Language you should also consider this as part of your short listing process. What are typical entry requirements? Many of the top universities are asking for A*AA. Do not be surprised if they ask for A*A*A! Durham: after the first year of Nat Sci it may be possible to transfer to a Single Honours degree if you decide that is what you want. Because of this, Admissions’ Tutors do not want Nat Sci to be seen as a back door into a Single Honours course. Hence if you are taking Physics based Nat Sci then the entry requirements will be the same as for single honours Physics e.g. A*A in Physics and Maths. If you are taking Further Maths then Tutors require A* in Maths and A in Further Maths. Birmingham: A*AA. The A* can be in any of the three subjects. Nottingham: A*AA or AAA. Depending on which ‘pathway’ you have chosen. Many universities do not accept UCAS points A*AC is not the same as AAB. The precise entry requirements can be found by consulting www.ucas.ac.uk and clicking Course Search, or researching individual university websites. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? Natural Science has become popular in recent years. Two Science subjects and Maths are the commonly preferred A Levels. It really depends on what stream or path you

will be following; in some cases Maths A Level may not be a course requirement – you must research university requirements carefully. Cambridge does say that they make offers to students who only have Single Maths, but our experience is that they are looking for students with Further Maths A Level. Which is the best university for Natural Science? It is important that you research the courses carefully making sure that you are able to select the courses/modules that interest you. The question “What is the best university?” is really asking “What is the best university for XXX student?” and that is up to you! Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? Oxford does not offer a course in Natural Science, preferring to keep to the traditional course titles. They do offer courses in: Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular), Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences (Geology), Chemistry and Physics. You must consider what is going to help you stand out from the crowd. Cambridge is inundated with students with very high module scores – what will make you special? Work experience and reading books will help. Cambridge colleges ask you to take a test at interview or take the Thinking Skills Assessment which assesses critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Cambridge does say that they make offers to students who only have Single Maths, but our experience is that they are looking for students with Further Maths A Level. What is important for my personal statement or interview? “A good personal statement should make it clear why the candidate wants to read their particular subject and supply concrete evidence of that enthusiasm. It should reflect the distinctive style and characteristics of its author” Nicholas Shrimpton Vice-Principal Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. Your personal statement is an opportunity to tell the university not only why you are interested in Natural Sciences but also why that university should be interested in you; those who can support their application with evidence will stand out, for the right reasons! Universities are looking for applicants who are interested in studying more than one subject throughout their three or four years of undergraduate study. They expect the personal statement to reflect this interest. If in the personal statement an interest is only expressed in a single subject, then such applicants will be less likely to receive an offer. Use language that makes you sound enthusiastic and passionate about Natural Sciences and that you understand how it differs from a Single Honours programmme, and why that is important to you. Bring in personal qualities and achievements to show why you are suited to study at university and why Natural Sciences, in particular, appeals. It is important that you read widely outside your A Level specification. Your reading should demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding for the subject(s) and help make you stand out from the crowd.

Enthusiastic students are also members of a professional society e.g. Institute of Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry and Society of Biology. Outside of school, have you attended talks at universities? Do I need to do work experience? Work experience helps demonstrate to the Admissions Tutors how motivated you are. It gives you a chance to confirm that you know something about the world of work you are about to enter and that you understand where four years of study will take you. You should speak to Mrs Nash in the Careers Office about what she has available (Year 11 will take priority) and be prepared to send your own CV with a covering letter to employers. Nuffield Foundation Science Bursaries offer extended work placements (four to six weeks) and money towards travel costs. Headstart courses offer a very wide range of courses at different universities and are considered a worthwhile way of gaining an insight into what you will be doing at university. The Year in Industry (YINI) organisation offer help in finding gap year employers. Which jobs can I do with Natural Sciences? Many employers prefer the advantages of a diverse multidisciplinary Science degree. Because of the way in which the Natural Sciences programme is structured you will be used to making connections between different areas of Science, this is an important skill in the modern workplace. By combining more than one area of study you will graduate with a greater breadth of subject knowledge than Single Honours students. Natural Sciences graduates have the potential to enter a variety of careers including: Technical Consultancy; Industrial Research; Science and Mathematics Teaching; IT support; Scientific Journalism; Accountancy and Finance; Management Consultancy; Community Work and Industrial Law. Many graduates also choose to take their studies further, to Masters or PhD level. For many jobs the skills you have developed are more important than the content of your degree and a Natural Science degree will enable you to have developed a wealth of skills. These include: • • • •

Ability to research, evaluate, critically interpret and analyse information Communication in written, verbal and presentational forms Ability to work methodically and accurately Decision making and ability to self-manage

Am I likely to be called for interview? For Cambridge you can expect two demanding interviews as well as the college testing procedure. Bath: Generally, applicants are not interviewed. Nottingham University say:

“Offers to school-leavers are usually made without an interview, but all successful candidates will be invited to the UCAS visit days when they receive their offer. The aim of the visit is for you to ensure that you will be entering an institution that meets your needs and aspirations.” Durham: At present say they do not interview. For Chemistry preparation tackle problems on Cambridge challenge. Physics: have a look at the many ‘problem solving’ books in the library as well as Isaac Physics and I want to Study Engineering. Do the problems on the and Physics/Chemistry Olympiad past papers are also good for interview preparation. Deferred entry Nottingham University say: “We are happy to accept applications more than 12 months before the date of admission if you have sensible plans for making use of your gap year, or good reasons for deferring. It is best to apply for your place before you take a year out as you will then know that you have a place waiting for you. If you choose to defer with a gap year then make sure you make good use of this year in your own development.” Is there any particular reading I should do? Your reading should be based on your interests in the subject(s) you are taking and combine with your personal statement to help make you stand out from the crowd. Quoting books from a prescribed reading list may only demonstrate just how dull you are! Best advice is just to start reading and go on from there. The school library has an excellent range of books. Book shops near universities will have a wider range of science books than those in small towns. Related degrees The benefit of Nat Sci is that it offers a significant flexibility of study throughout your degree. Hence related degree titles tend to make you specialise earlier. Other degrees might include: Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry and Biomedical Physics. See the UCAS website for a detailed listing.

Philosophy What would I study and how do courses differ? Why should I be governed and what is the best political structure? Is something good because we think it is good, or do we think it is good because it is? Can we talk meaningfully about God and things of which we cannot have any empirically experience? What is a good argument? Is knowledge a justified true belief? In order for us to know something, must we also necessarily know that we know it? Is there a difference between the mind and the brain? Do the theories of the natural sciences get closer and closer to uncovering the truth, or is there no mind-independent truth to be uncovered? What is the relationship between language and the world? What is the relationship between the perceiver and the perceived? How do we know that we are not in the Matrix? What is justice? Philosophy asks a legion of questions which are most often pigeonholed into the disciplines of: Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics, and Logic The arguments of past philosophers will form a point of entry into most philosophical problems and you can be expected to read at least one ancient philosopher (Plato or Aristotle) along with Descartes, Locke, Hume, and Kant during your first years, in which The History of Philosophy will form part of the core syllabus. Questions of how language and reality hang together are often raised in the second or third year and you can be expected to read some Russell or Wittgenstein. Many students study Philosophy as part of a Joint Honours degree together with a very wide range of other subjects such as Economics, Politics (see the entry on PPE), Mathematics, French, German, Italian, Classics, War Studies, Physics, Computer Science, History of Art, Linguistics, Management, and Psychology (this list is not exhaustive). Oxford, unlike Cambridge, offers Philosophy only as part of a Joint Honours programme. If you do a Single Honours degree in Philosophy, you will gain a BA, but if you do Philosophy as part of a degree where Science forms a substantial part, you might gain a BSc. What are the typical entry requirements? Entry requirement for UCL, KCL, Bristol, and Durham is AAA. Cambridge requires A*AA. Oxford requires AAA. Warwick, Nottingham, and Birmingham typically want AAB. Manchester and Leeds require ABB. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? In short â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;noâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;!

However, you need to demonstrate an interest in and understanding of philosophical problems, so studying Philosophy at A Level might in that respect be advantageous. Furthermore, if you wish to do a joint degree there will typically be specific subject requirements (i.e. if you wish to study Philosophy and Mathematics you will be required to have studied Mathematics to A Level) Which are the best universities for Philosophy? The most competitive UK universities are Cambridge, Oxford, KCL, UCL, Bristol, Warwick, and Durham, but that is not to say that you could not get as “good” a degree from York, Leeds, Sheffield, Birkbeck, or Reading. Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? As stated above, Cambridge offers a Single Honours BA degree in Philosophy whereas Oxford offers Philosophy as part of a Joint Honours degree only. Both universities are fiercely competitive and you will need to demonstrate interest, engagement, and aptitude for the subject. This typically means that you will need to read and analyse philosophical books independently (see below). For Oxford, you will need to sit the TSA – the Thinking Skills Assessment – for PPE (Philosophy, Politics, & Economics), Psychology & Philosophy, and Philosophy & Linguistics. You do not need to take the TSA for Cambridge Single Honours Philosophy. What is important for my personal statement or interview? You will need to demonstrate interest, engagement, and aptitude for the subject. This typically means that you will need to read and analyse philosophical books independently and include a discussion of what you have read in your personal statement. It is not enough to tell the Admissions Tutor what you have read. You will need to demonstrate your skill by showing the Admissions Tutor what you have got out of reading the books. In effect, you will need to assess a given line of thought or an argument, and be ready to reflect on it in the interview. Do I need work experience? You do not need work experience for Single Honours Philosophy. Which jobs can I do with Philosophy? Universities have become better at publishing what their graduates do. UCL reports that “Many recent Philosophy graduates have excelled in the legal profession, training as both solicitors and barristers, while others have entered publishing, journalism, the Civil Service and local government. Philosophy graduates are also sought after as programmers and systems analysts. A high proportion of students go on to further study in Philosophy, both in this country and overseas. Notable graduates of the department include Jonathan Dimbleby, novelist Ken Follett and comedian Ricky Gervais.”

Philosophy, Politics and Economics What would I study and how do courses differ? The degree of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) is a fiercely competitive Joint Honours degree providing an exciting possibility of exploring the three subjects in all their connections and depth. Historically, the three subjects are inextricably linked with Economics, for instance, being an offspring of Moral Philosophy, and Politics having been informed in theory and in practice by Political Philosophy and Political Philosophers such as John Stuart Mill and Karl Marx PPE at Oxford, which is where the degree originated, serves as a typical example of the content of a PPE course: Year One: • Philosophy: at least two of: general Philosophy; Moral Philosophy; Elementary Formal Logic. • Politics includes the study of current political institutions of Britain, the USA, France and Germany, in light of their recent history and sections on political theories and thinkers and on non-democratic movements. • Economics includes an introduction to Macro- and Micro-Economic Theory; optional study of elementary Mathematical Economics and Statistics. Years Two and Three: • Students may continue with all three branches or concentrate on two (and even then major in one). • Philosophy core: History of Philosophy from Descartes to Kant; ethics. • Politics core: two of: Comparative Government; British politics and Government in the 20th century; Theory of Politics; International Politics since 1945; Political Sociology. • Economics core: Macroeconomics; Microeconomics, Quantitative Economics. Optional subjects are drawn from a wide range. There are variations of emphasise in the content covered by the different universities so make sure to visit their websites and read the course content. Also note that York University offers two routes through the PPE programme with one of the routes focusing on Statistics and Economics. What are the typical requirements? PPE is a fiercely competitive degree. The requirements for the five most popular universities that offer PPE are as follows: Oxford requires AAA. Warwick and Durham require A*AA. York requires A*AA or AAA including Maths. Manchester requires AAB.

It should be noted that Oxford University places a very large premium on the ‘Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)’. It is unlikely that one will be considered for an interview if they do not score highly enough on this paper (see below). Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? There is a slight difference between the universities. As a rule, you should take Maths at A Level. Even though the university might not formally require you to do it, it could still disadvantage you if you do not take Maths. Also, if you haven’t taken Maths you might struggle with some of the Economics modules. Durham advises its students that “Applicants for PPE should note that the selectors prefer to see a range of A-Level subjects that include an Arts or Humanities subject, in addition to science subjects to provide an adequate background for all the different skills required to cope with three so different subjects as PPE at university Level. You will need an A-grade in A Level Maths. Candidates who study Further Maths are expected to offer a minimum of four subjects (to include Maths) at A Level.” Following Durham’s advice will also stand you in good stead with the other universities. None of the universities require you to have studied Philosophy, Politics or Economics at A Level. However, you will be asked to demonstrate an interest and aptitude for each of the three subjects, and for that reason taking at least one or more of the subjects at A Level would be very helpful. Which are the best universities for PPE? Oxford, Warwick, Durham, York, Manchester and Exeter all have well established PPE courses. From 2015, LSE has started to offer a four-year PPE course. King’s College London (KCL) has followed suit and are also offering PPE from 2015. You can also study PPE at Exeter University, Royal Holloway, University of Essex, Lancaster University, University of East Anglia, Stirling University, and University of Hull. If you drop one of the subjects and want to study Philosophy and Politics, Philosophy and Economics, or Politics and Economics, you will find that most of the Russell Group Universities will offer one or more of those courses as a Joint Honours degree. Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? For Oxford, you will need to take the TSA – the Thinking Skills Assessment. This is a test comprised of two parts. The first section contains elements of both critical thinking and problem solving, whilst the second is a 30-minute short essay on an unseen topic. The University places a very heavy emphasis on scores in the first section and the test largely informs the selection procedure. Cambridge does not offer PPE. There is, however, some overlap between HSPS, which Cambridge does offer, and PPE. However, it would be wrong to say that HSPS is Cambridge’s version of PPE.

What is important for my personal statement or interview? You will need to demonstrate interest, engagement, and aptitude for the subjects. This typically means that you will need to read and analyse relevant articles or books independently and include a discussion of what you have read in your personal statement. It is not enough to tell the Admissions Tutor what you have read. Your personal statement must attempt to give a well-structured analysis and discussion of one or more central topic(s). Do I need work experience? Work experience is not required â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but if you could gain some work experience that is relevant for Philosophy (e.g. shadowing a university professor), Politics (e.g. working for an MP), and/or Economics (e.g. working for a think-tank) it would help to make you stand out. Which jobs can I do with PPE? Universities have become better at publishing what their graduates do. Durham reports that: recent PPE graduates have found success in a range of careers, including: Law, Banking and Finance; and Government.

Politics What would I study and how do courses differ? Politics is concerned with the study of power, its distribution and how it is exercised. Politics courses at university will offer students an introduction to a range of political concepts. They will consider political institutions and their workings. Most courses offer a comparative dimension, examining different national, supranational and international political systems. Political theory and ideas will be a major part of many courses. Some courses will include Political Science. Political science deals with systems of governance and the analysis of political activities, political thoughts and political behaviour. Political science comprises numerous subfields: political economy, public administration, public policy, and political methodology. Most courses last three years. Politics is widely taught in British universities and the best are among the leading departments in the world. Departments take various names: Politics is probably the most common, but some add International Relations or International Studies. A number, as at Essex, the London School of Economics, and Strathclyde, have Departments of Government. Birmingham and Nottingham have Departments of Political Science and International Studies. Cambridge University has a Department of Politics and International Studies. Oxford, Durham, York, Manchester, Royal Holloway and Warwick offer courses in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). Cambridge offers an inter-disciplinary course entitled: Human, Social and Political Science (HSPS). Bristol offers Politics with International Relations. Some universities, including Nottingham offer courses in Politics and Economics. Politics can also be studied alongside History or Sociology. What are the typical entry requirements? The typical offer for places to study Politics at university is AAA or AAB. However, many of the combined courses in Politics and International Relations require AAA. At Oxford the offer for prospective PPE and History and Politics applicants is AAA. At Cambridge (HSPS) and (History and Politics) and Durham (PPE), the grades required are A*AA. International History and Politics at Leeds is AAA. Government or International Relations at the London School of Economics is AAA. Politics at Warwick requires AAB and Politics and International Relations at Reading or Royal Holloway are ABB. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? For Politics at university, there are no essential A Levels. Some schools do not offer Politics A Level. However, Politics, History, Philosophy or Economics are potentially helpful, given the introduction they provide to political institutions, political ideas, the formulation of public policy and political decision-making processes. If you are applying for PPE at Oxford, you should take Maths at A Level. 60

Even though the university might not formally require you to do it, it would still disadvantage you if you do not take Maths. Oxford University states that History is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;useful backgroundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for PPE. Which are the best universities for Politics? Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics, UCL, Bath, Nottingham, St Andrews, Sheffield, Warwick, Durham, York, Essex, Bristol and QML. Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? Politics courses at both Oxford and Cambridge are inter-disciplinary and fiercely competitive. The expectations for reading and essay writing are extremely high indeed. Read the university and college websites carefully. HSPS (Cambridge) History and Politics (Cambridge) History and Politics (Oxford) PPE (Oxford) What is important for my personal statement or interview? It is essential that you demonstrate your passion for Politics. Try to also communicate your engagement with the subject through understanding of contemporary political issues, together with an ability to relate these to broader political ideas and developments. It would be valuable to explain areas of personal interest and examples of independent research. You should also indicate your reading of both seminal texts on political thought and assessments of contemporary politics (e.g. biography or journalism). Do I need work experience? No, but it is highly advised. Many Politics applicants have an active interest in politics, and this might have involved them in joining a political party or pressure group, community activism, or participating in a local political campaign. Some MPs offer Summer Work Experience placements that our students have found useful in the past. Which jobs can I do with Politics? After university, some students do become involved in the world of politics and public policy formulation. In recent years Habs students with Politics degrees have worked in the No 10 Policy unit or as research assistants to MPs and Lawyers. Many have gone on to post-graduate study of Law. Politics graduates continue to be highly sought after by employers, due to their capacity for independent thought and rigorous scholarship. Politics also opens up a range of opportunities in journalism, working for pressure groups and public policy think tanks. As with other degrees, Politics is an analytical subject which develops a range of skills useful to the spheres of law, business, finance and management.

Theology What would I study and how do courses differ? The study of theology and religion is increasingly important in a world where religious belief is a driving force behind social and political events. Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion is a broad and demanding degree that addresses fundamental worldview questions through a range of religious traditions and philosophical standpoints. Encompassing the history, practice and thought of the major world religions courses promise to develop your understanding of the significance of religion and its cultural contexts. What are typical entry requirements? A typical offer from Cambridge is A*AA and Habs has sent one student each year to Cambridge to read Theology for the last six years. Other students have gone on to read Theology at Durham and have made successful applications to Bristol and other Russell Group universities. Oxford usually requires AAA and Durham typically makes offers of AAB at A Level. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? A Levels which demonstrate your ability to analyse text and write persuasively. The ability to read and absorb a quantity of material at one sitting is essential, and strong skills of critical reflective evaluation are recommended. Subjects such as Theology, Philosophy, English and History are ideal. However, Modern Languages and Politics are also useful. A good combination is vital, however. Seek guidance here in School. Which are the best universities for Theology? Cambridge, Durham, Oxford, Exeter, St Andrews, Bristol, Birmingham and Nottingham. Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants? All applicants for Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion at Cambridge are required to take a written assessment at interview, if interviewed. Assessment format: Brief lecture followed by written response (60 minutes). The Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion Admissions Assessment will take the form of a pre-recorded sample lecture lasting up to 20 minutes. You will then have the remaining 40-minutes to answer a set of comprehension questions. This will give you an opportunity to demonstrate how you have developed academically since you took your GCSEs. It will be skills-based, looking at your comprehension and writing skills, but will not assume any prior knowledge. It will provide valuable additional evidence of our applicantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; abilities and potential to succeed in the Cambridge course for which they have applied.

What is important for my personal statement or interview? The ability to think clearly and to reason coherently. Evidence of independence of thought, the ability to structure work and arguments in a logical way, and the ability to write clearly with clear expression of thought. Do I need to do work experience? Work experience in any professional environment shows independence and ability to work alongside others. Which jobs can I do with Theology? A Theology degree equips students with significant transferable skills that are highly valued in a wide range of professions. A large number of graduates go on to work in related disciplines, teacher training or law conversion courses. Other graduates go on to positions such as investment banking, social work, management consultancy, accountancy, personnel management, the police force, marketing and the Civil Service.

Veterinary Science What would I study and how do courses differ? All courses leading to a degree in Veterinary Science have to comply with the requirements of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for recognition under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. Veterinary courses have a carefully structured and integrated programme with one stage leading logically into the next. The preclinical stage involves a lot of theoretical work, followed by the para-clinical and clinical stages. All courses are five years in length and will comprise veterinary anatomy, veterinary physiology, biochemistry and animal husbandry in the preclinical stage, veterinary pathology, veterinary parasitology and microbiology and veterinary pharmacology in the para-clinical stage and then a clinical or final stage comprising elements of surgery, medicine and diseases which takes up the final two years of the course. Which is the best veterinary school? Veterinary school is very competitive, on a par with the competitiveness of medical school. There are seven veterinary schools across the country and so the main thing to decide is where you want to study. The schools are located in London (the Royal Veterinary College, RVC), Nottingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh (Royal School of Veterinary Studies), Cambridge and Bristol. The best veterinary school is the best one for you! First choose the course you want. Then think location (London or not?), large or small and how you would like to work during the clinical stages, where some differences between schools occur. Then consider what else is on offer; sports, etc., which you already do or would like to take up. What are the typical entry requirements? Initial Screening This process takes place in most veterinary schools before your application is passed to the Admissions’ Tutor. To succeed in this first stage candidates from a selective school such as Haberdashers’ should aim to achieve GCSE grades above the requirement quoted in the admissions literature. GCSE grades are often scored, so you should try to achieve A and A*s in all subjects if you are to be hopeful of passing through initial screening. Our experience shows that even one B grade can affect your application. If you are uncertain about your position you must telephone the Admissions’ Tutor. General statements on the website are not necessarily true for an individual. Do your research. GCSE/IGCSE Subject Choice You must take Chemistry and Biology and we strongly recommend Physics to IGCSE and that you must achieve an A* in these subjects. Whilst Physics may not be quoted as a requirement by every veterinary school, it is highly recommended that you have this, particularly if you are planning to take the BMAT. You must consult your Science teachers before you make your option choices to check that you are capable 64

of achieving an A* in these subjects, and of continuing to A Level. You must check the course requirements before you apply. For some courses you are also expected to achieve a high grade in English Language and Maths is very important as well. Do your research. A Level Subject Choice We recommend all candidates from Haberdashers’ offer Chemistry and Biology to A Level. Most schools require two Sciences at A Level and one of Physics or Maths. If you research you may find a school whose requirements are less demanding but remember that if you have difficulty with a science now you are not going to cope at veterinary school. Furthermore, questions are going to be asked as to why you did not continue a science to A Level at a school such as Haberdashers. No school will offer you a place with anything below AAB and below AAA is more realistic. A*AA could well be the offer when you make your application. You must read the MPW guide “Getting into Veterinary School”. You should also consult each school’s prospectus and website and ring the admissions officer for precise information at the time of application. Maths Maths and Further Maths will only count as one subject. Candidates taking Double Maths may not be able to demonstrate sufficient breadth of skills within their A Level studies. This does not rule out Double Maths, but such candidates will need to convince selectors that they also have the right personal skills and qualities through voluntary work and other school activities. Do your research. AS Level/Lower Sixth exam Results You must gain the highest marks you can in the examinations. A very high equivalent grade A average across your subjects will be needed for us to make strong A Level predictions, i.e. A*. The School will quote exceptional marks in the academic reference. As many schools do not offer the option of taking AS Level in the new linear A Level examinations, many universities will not use your AS grade as part of their selection process. However, they will be used as the basis of your predictions, which will be used to process your application. Do your research. Poor AS grades/Lower Sixth exam results might mean you have to rethink, study Bio Med Sciences or Zoology, for example, then think about applying for Vet Med either as post graduate or as an undergraduate. A Level Results. Check with UCAS and the university websites. Are there supplementary tests I need to take? Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) Cambridge and RVC requires applicants to sit the Biomedical Admissions Test, the BMAT. You are advised to read the test specifications which are posted on the website: www.bmat.org.uk. Do not underestimate how difficult it is to complete this test in the allotted time. You will need to know and understand IGCSE Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths and be able to apply your knowledge in an imaginative way. For help with the preparation of this test buy a copy of “How to 65

do the BMAT”, an MPW publication. You might also like to research www.kaplan.co.uk. Kaplan is an organisation, located just behind the National Gallery, which prepares students for all sorts of tests. This is not cheap. This test is set nationally on two days only, in the September and November of your Upper Sixth Year. The November BMAT is sat here in school, but for the September date you will need to take the BMAT externally and arrange yourself. There is guidance for the BMAT here in school in the second half of the Lower 6th in Enhancement lessons. Personal Qualities If the Admissions Tutors are interested in your application they will call you to interview. Being a Vet is not a lucrative business. You must not become involved if you seek wealth. Obviously you must have a passion for animal welfare. Making quick and sometimes difficult decisions is vital. You must emotionally resilient and be able to think objectively. Admissions Tutors are looking for exceptional personal qualities. School sports teams, Drama, Music, your SCS activity, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh are all excellent ways of allowing you to show that you can make decisions, work as part of a team, take responsibility, be a leader. It is also very important that you gain experience of people in society outside your immediate experience, for example through voluntary work, organised local community schemes, Sunday School, youth groups, or part-time paid employment. Admissions Tutors are looking for genuine interest and commitment on the part of sincere applicants. Professional Experience It is essential that candidates demonstrate their understanding and commitment to the veterinary profession. This means a lot of work experience in the varying fields of Vet Science. For example the Royal Veterinary College requires at least six weeks “hands on” experience: two weeks with one or more vet practices; two weeks or more working with larger domestic animals on a livestock farm; and two weeks of other animal experience (e.g. kennels, riding school, zoo, etc.). This is a good benchmark of work experience to work towards but check each school to find out their exact requirements. Some schools, such as Cambridge, are more relaxed about work experience. VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: When preparing your personal statement you much access the Vet schools’ websites to ensure you cover what they are looking for e.g. proof of manual dexterity, specified number of work experience weeks, lab work, etc. Is there any special reading I should be doing? Applicants must have a genuine, enthusiastic and informed interest in some of the basic medical conditions that affect animals. You will also need to be up to date with current political and ethical issues that are affecting the veterinary profession. Keep up with the national press for any topical issues. You must read the MPW guide ‘Getting into Veterinary School’, for useful resources.

Some very important things to remember: • Entering Vet Science at a young age is a huge commitment on your part. The course is long and hard. You must honestly and carefully examine your motives for wanting to enter this profession, or you may not last the course or the job. •

This is a highly competitive field and no path will guarantee success. You must consider a safety net career. On the UCAS form you will be invited to apply for up to four Vet Science courses. You will have the option of applying for another course with your fifth choice. Applicants routinely choose Bio Med Science or Zoology.

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Be aware that the course requirements quoted above are open to change. It is vital that you read the current prospectuses of your chosen schools and check the website carefully, contact the Admissions Tutors to confirm your eligibility before you apply.

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