Courses Extra 2009

2009

COURSES EXTRA YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE WITH UCAS EXTRA

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As the world migrates, doctors must transcend boundaries.

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CONTENTS FEATURES

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AGAINST ALL THE ODDS

Students who overcame great personal difficulties to fulfil their ambition of graduation

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PICTURE THIS

The streets of London provided the inspiration for a series of photographs by LSBU students

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TIME TO ACT

Super activist and member of Plane Stupid, Dan Glass reports on the history of direct action

UNI APPLICATIONS

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EXTRA CHANCE

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DIVE IN

The opportunities of student life are too good to miss, so apply now

MEDICAL FUTURES

You don’t have to be a doctor to have a career in healthcare

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LOCATION, LOCATION

How UCAS Extra can help you secure Find the uni to suit your character an offer before you take your exams from the great selection on offer

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HEALTHCARE

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COURSE CHOICE

Round up of popular uni courses to help you pick the one for you

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE KENTON LEWIS outlines the options available for those in Extra who have their heart set on a career in healthcare but don’t hold any offers

OPEN DAYS

Prepare to get behind the gloss of a prospectus with a visit

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ou’ve now received all your UCAS responses and it’s not the news you’d hoped for, or you have changed your mind about any courses you have received offers for. You don’t hold any offers, but you still have your heart set on a career in medicine. You may be upset, but the good news is that UCAS Extra gives you a second chance.

Extra allows you to apply for courses, with vacancies, between now and the end of June. And you don’t have to have had bad news to use it. In fact, Extra also gives you the chance to change your mind about what and where you want to study. Whatever your situation, if you follow these simple tips, you can navigate Extra with ease.

DON’T PANIC Deciding which course to study is an important decision and must be thought though carefully.

You can only apply for one course at a time through Extra, so don’t make any decisions that

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you are going to regret later.

You have until the end of June to apply for places, and whilst it is advisable to apply sooner rather than later, you need to be sure you’re making the right decision for your future. Also, bear in mind that the university places available will be changing throughout the Extra period in response to students accepting and declining offers.

REFLECT ON YOUR APPLICATION Places on medical degrees are highly sought after, and the application process is very competitive. It’s a good idea to consider why you didn’t get offered a place on the courses you applied for, and then address this point to ensure it doesn’t affect your Extra application.

For example, you may have been predicted flawless exam results, but were let down by your nerves at interview. In which case, it would be useful to speak with a careers adviser about

COURSES EXTRA 2009

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GADGETS

GADGETS

COOLEST KIT When you start to pack for university, everyone will have some advice. Your mum will probably donate a couple of chipped mugs to your new uni room fund, your little sister might drop off a teddy to take with you, and your best friend might even make you a photo collage. But lets be honest – what you really, really want is a beer burglar alarm so that you can be sure no one will nick your booze while you’re out. Oh, and while we’re talking gadgets, a laptop will be the most used thing you have at university, and some note-takers can take a lot of the strain out of revising. LUCY TOBIN dishes up the best gadgets on offer

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COURSES EXTRA 2009

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GREAT GADGETS

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OLYMPIC AMBITION

The must-have accessories for any new student

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WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY

Some of the programmes that will let you travel the world whilst studying for your degree

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LIFESTYLE

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Fencer Laurence Halsted’s hopes for London 2012

EDITOR: JAMES DONALD • HEAD OF DESIGN: KATHLEEN RAYFIELD COURSES EXTRA is published by Educate Ltd, 91-93 Southwark Street, London SE1 OHX, 020 7902 1200. The opinions in the articles are those of the individual writer and not necessarily of Educate Ltd or any associated personnel. Educate Ltd, the Editor and Publishers of COURSES EXTRA do not necessarily agree with the views expressed in this publication and do not accept responsibility for any personal opinions therein. The paper used for COURSES EXTRA is made from sustainable wood pulp.

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INTRO

If you don’t go to uni, you’ll spend the rest of your life wondering what you’ve missed out on

TAKING THE PLUNGE LUCY TOBIN writes about what she gained from her time at uni and outlines the reasons why you should apply now for your chance

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ne night in my first term at uni, I found myself sitting around a new friend’s room, eating an endless supply of Smarties, deciding which of four parties to go to that night, and realised with shock that I’d very nearly missed out on all of the fun times I’d experienced in my brief, at the time, period as a student. If you’re not sure about whether to go uni, this article should help you to realise some of the benefits of committing the next three years of your life to uni.

HARD DECISION And as a recent graduate (I left university in June 2008), I speak from my own experience. After a gap year working in journalism, I was feeling quite settled in the working world – and apprehensive about giving that all up to head to a campus far from home. I thought the only reason to go to uni was to get a job – and I was quite happy with the one I already had. It would have been easy to stick with the routine I’d happily settled into – but then I won a place on my dream degree course and eventually convinced myself that it would be silly to turn it down. Now, I am so glad I came to that decision and signed up to three of the best years of my life.

I am going to be honest. Although all my thousands of photos of my uni years show me and my beaming friends partying through the night, grinning our way through movie marathons, and eating massive communal meals, there were times when I missed friends and

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family at home, and felt overwhelmed by all the work. But the tough times make the experience even more worthwhile: some of the most useful things I learnt at uni had nothing to do with my course, but were related to learning to cook, clean, be organised, diplomatic and independent.

There are thousands of fantastic reasons to become a student. Here are just a few to help you make up your mind.

1. The lifestyle – the flexibility of student life is seriously underrated. Think about it: if you’re at work or school you have to get up at a certain time, do work within tight schedules, set alarms...

But if you’re at uni one of the major scheduling factors in your day will probably be how to squeeze in A Place in the Sun, Location Location Location AND your daily episodes of Neighbours, Home and Away and the British soaps. And we haven’t even factored in the extra Facebook time yet. OK – that’s an exaggeration, but uni does allow you to work at your own pace and in your own time. If you’ve got a ton of work on, you can choose when to do it – study like a maniac till two in morning, or have an early night and get up early – at uni you can adapt your lifestyle to your own needs.

2. When else will you be able to live with hundreds of teenagers in purpose-made accommodation? While lots of students nowadays do choose to live at home, the vast majority still head to halls of residences to live with their fellow freshers, and that’s an amazing

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INTRO

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UNIVERSITY LIFE INTRO

opportunity to make friends, learn how to cook, work out a budget and learn how to live solo.

You’ll probably have some nightmare moments – maybe dyeing all of your clothes pink by accident, or giving yourself mild food poisoning by eating cheese that’s tinged with mould – but you’ll be able to have a shared moan with your fellow freshers, and all learn together.

3. Uni makes you a more interesting person.

If you meet someone new at the moment, what do you talk about? School, mutual friends, where you live? Uni gives you a thousand new topics of conversation – you’ll find yourself getting inspired by aspects of your course, finding new hobbies, meeting completely different types of people to those you grew up with – and it will help you get ready for the Real World.

4. Earn more money. People who have graduated from university earn an average of £160,000 more over their working life than people who go into work straight after school.

Loads of top companies also demand that applicants have a degree before even applying for their jobs, so you should find it easier to get a job if you’ve got a degree to your name.

5. Pick up new hobbies you didn’t even know existed. Your freshers’ fair will have a crazily diverse range of options for you to participate in – from Chocolate Appreciation Society to Rugby Squad, student newspapers to choir, drama options to fashion creation. Uni offers opportunities to get involved in all these things and more – now I’ve graduated, one of the things I miss most about uni is the ease with which it’s possible to pick up a new skill or activity, and find other people who share your interests.

6. Have a great time. One of the least official but most widespread lessons available on campus is how to party: from house parties (one of my coursemates even had a makeshift jazuzzi in his

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back garden) to regular fancy dress events that mean you’ll soon stop feeling surprised when you see a giant banana wandering around Tesco. Uni nights will give you endless opportunities to have fun and meet (even more) people.

7. Avoid regrets. If you don’t go to uni, you’ll spend the rest of your life wondering what you’ve missed out on. While you can get a job at any time in your life, this is your only chance to become a student with thousands of people the same age as you.

8. It will help you work out what to do. Your uni course will help you to think about exactly where your interests lie, and what you want to do in life.

Your professors will have loads of ideas that will help you to make the most of your degree, and the uni careers services usually also have very useful sources of advice and resources that will help you decide what to do next.

So what have you got to lose? Take the plunge, meet a huge array of different people, earn more money in the long-run, and become a national expert on the plotting intricacies of daytime TV – but most of all, enjoy your time as a student.

Good luck!

Meet a huge array of different people and earn more money in the long run

Insiders’ view With over a hundred universities in Britain, from Aberdeen in the north-east, to Exeter in the southwest, deciding where to spend at least three years can be a daunting task.

Unionview aims to give you an independent view of what each university and its immediate surroundings have to offer. On their website - www.unionview.com - they have impartial, unbiased films, that introduce you to some of the students, show you where you may be living, and how you might be taught. The films include shots inside and outside all the key buildings, both on and off the university campus. The films illustrate the great variety of unis around the UK – some boast prestigious histories and old buildings; others enjoy cutting edge design. Some are very green, others very urban. Their films try to capture the flavour of a place, and give you the essential ingredients of the student experience there. They are helped by the students themselves, who took the time to give their opinions, and the films are based on their views. They have interviewed a broad range of students, including student union presidents, entertainment officers, society presidents and student ambassadors, as well as a number of students from an array of backgrounds studying a variety of subjects. www.unionview.com

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Veterinary Medicine connects the heartbeat within us all.

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SLUG EXTRA

A button will appear on your Track screen

EXTRA CHANCE Don’t despair if you don’t hold any offers – there is still time to apply for courses between now and the end of June

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CAS Extra gives you the chance to find a place at university or college, even if you have already made your five choices and have had no offers or declined all the offers you received.

If you find yourself without any offers, UCAS Extra is the process that makes it possible for you to apply to additional universities or colleges that still have vacancies. Extra runs from now until the end of June. It means that you do not have to wait until Clearing (in August) to apply for other courses. When using Extra, you apply for one course at a time using the Track service available on www.ucas.com, where you will also find details of which courses are available. Courses Extra magazine will aid and help you make your further choices.

You will be eligible to use Extra if you have completed your initial UCAS application, have already made five choices, received decisions from all of these choices and either have had no offers or declined any offers you have received.

If you are eligible for Extra, UCAS will contact you and a button will appear on your Track screen which you can use to apply for a course in Extra. If you use the Course Search function on the UCAS website, courses with vacancies will be clearly marked with an ‘X’. Before you decide to apply, it would be wise to confirm with the university or college that they are happy to consider you.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? If the university or college decides to make you an offer then you can choose whether or not to

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accept it. If you still haven’t taken your exams or are waiting for results, the offer is likely to be a conditional one, which will depend on whether your grades match the ones required by the university or college.

If you accept a conditional offer, you are then committed to that offer, which means that you will have to wait until you receive your results to find out whether or not you have been successful.

If you are not successful then you can contact the institution to see if they will still offer you a place.

If not, don’t worry as you can still apply through Clearing. If you already have your examination results, you may receive an unconditional offer.

Once you accept an unconditional offer, your place is confirmed.

If you decline an offer, the university or college turns you down, or you do not receive a decision within 21 days of making an application through Extra, you will be – time permitting – given another opportunity to use Extra. Your Extra button on Track will be reactivated.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVEN’T USED ALL FIVE CHOICES? If you haven’t used all five choices on your UCAS application, you can still apply to further universities and colleges by adding choices on Track at www.ucas.com. This will work exactly as your initial application did. If after using your five choices you still hold no offers, you will then be eligible for Extra.

If you have any queries about Extra and how it work, please contact the UCAS Customer Service Unit on +44 (0)870 1122211.

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COURSE CHOICE

the lowdown It’s not easy to know what lies behind a name. Some universities lure you onto their degrees with the use of exotic language and employment guarantees, But that’s not always the case - know what you’re in for Art History

Architecture

A degree in Art History, like all liberal arts degrees, gives you very flexible skills. You become an articulate, expressive graduate able to construct arguments clearly and present yourself effectively. You’ll be in a position to trace the impact of art on societies across the world from the dawn of time, and look at how art has affected or depicted issues from religion to politics.

Architecture incorporates elements of interior and exterior design, and spatial arts.

Degrees normally start off with a wide scope for experiencing the various elements of architecture, and then narrow as the course progresses. Given the highly vocational element to architecture, employment prospects for graduates are generally very good.

Anthropology Anthropology is the study of people and cultures, and emphasises the importance of long-term immersion in fieldwork. It is a far-reaching subject, incorporating elements of archaeology, religion, politics, history, international relations, art, and more - the anthropologist will study a range of societies, from primitive tribes to modern urban dwellers, ideally spending time with them.

Archaeology

Chemistry

Archaeology is the science that studies human cultures through the recovery, documentation, analysis, and interpretation of material remains and environmental data, incorporating fields such as prehistoric and Roman archaeology, artefact studies, environmental and marine archaeology, and more, and borrows from history, geography, religious studies, anthropology, and so on.

Chemistry is the science concerned with the composition, structure, and properties of matter, as well as the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions. It is a physical science for studies of various atoms, molecules, and crystals. Disciplines include inorganic chemistry, the study of inorganic matter; organic chemistry, the study of organic matter; biochemistry, and more.

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COURSE CHOICE

Biology

Drama

Biology is the study of life and a branch of the natural sciences which studies living organisms and their interaction with each other and their environment. Most biological sciences are specialized disciplines.

Traditionally, they are grouped by the type of organism being studied: botany, the study of plants; zoology, the study of animals; and microbiology, the study of microorganisms.

Drama encourages the development of creativity, communication self-confidence and self-discipline. Through practical and theoretical exploration of literature (text) and live performance (theatre), drama allows students to respond, develop, present and evaluate their own work and the work of others. The subject uses a variety of different stimuli ranging from texts to music, to art.

Design Design spans a range of areas, from product design, fashion design, textile design, graphic and communication design, to art and design and design and technology management.

Much of study is done in the studio or workshop, depending on your chosen area, and comprises both practical work and theoretical work. Designers can land themselves a range of jobs, in IT, manufacturing and so on.

Engineering

English Lit/Lang

Engineering is “the creative application of scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or manufacturing processes, or works utilizing them singly or in combination; or to construct or operate the same with full cognisance of their design; or to forecast their behaviour under specific operating conditions; all as respects an intended function and operation.�

English Literature is as diverse as the varieties and dialects of English spoken around the world. English Language examines the way English is learned and used as a first or second language in the contemporary world.

It looks at the development of language, including linguistics and phonetics, providing opportunities in journalism, publishing, marketing, and many more areas.

Economics Economics covers knowledge of economic principles and their application, and an understanding of different economic systems.

Students will have opportunities to look at economic developments in their historical context, and relate this to the study of politics, international relations and mathematics.

You’ll develop practical skills in IT, management and statistics.

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COURSE CHOICE

Film Cinema is over 100 years old, and film remains at the cultural centre of countries throughout the world. By the end of your degree you should have acquired a clear knowledge of world cinema history and the main critical debates that accompany its study, as well as the ability to undertake independent research. Job opportunities exist in journalism, production and marketing.

History

International Relations

History offers a distinctive education by providing a sense of the past, an awareness of the development of differing values, systems and societies and the inculcation of critical yet tolerant personal attitudes. It spans an immense range of fields, from religion and politics to international affairs, anthropology, and many more subject areas, making it both an in-depth and far-reaching area of study.

International relations represents the study of foreign affairs and global issues among states within the international system, including the roles of states, inter-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and multinational corporations.

It looks at issues associated with poverty, conflict, trade, political science, drawing upon economics, history, law, and philosophy,

Languages Learning about other cultures will help you expand your personal horizons. Studying a new language, communicating with people in their own language, and learning about their culture can be a source of both pleasure and personal enrichment. Learning a language is not just learning about its pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary, it is learning to see the world as the other culture sees it.

law

Religious Studies

A law degree opens up a vista of career opportunities quite apart from the practice of law. This is because the study of law improves powers of reasoning, clarity of thought and the ability to analyse and express complicated ideas. Such skills are in demand in a wide variety of areas including commerce and industry, social services, politics, the media and the upper echelons of the public services.

Throughout history, religion has expressed the deepest questions human beings can ask, and it has taken a central place in the lives of virtually all civilizations and cultures. As we think all the way back to the dawn of human consciousness, we find religion everywhere we turn. The subject will look at the evolution of religion, its links to science and technology, and modern-day conflict.

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Be unique Bath Spa University

could help you change your future.

We offer teaching of the highest quality across a wide range of courses, from Foundation Degrees to Master’s programmes.

We provide an inspiring and supportive environment – our campuses are stunning. And, of course, Bath is a superb city.

To find out more about a unique University where each student is valued as an individual, contact us now.

Tel: 01225 875 875 email: enquiries@bathspa.ac.uk www.bathspa.ac.uk

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COURSE CHOICE

MORE CHOICE If none of the courses you’ve so far come across excite you, think outside the box a bit. There is a degree for almost every subject matter you can think of, from Brewing and Distilling to Viking Studies. Read on...

Not all academic life after school has to be based around the drudgery of Pythagoras’ Theorem or figuring out what on earth Samuel Beckett is talking about. Some higher education courses pitch themselves outside of the box, for many providing a much needed respite from the more orthodox courses. Here’s a little taster of what you can find hidden away in institutions around the country.

TROPICAL STUDIES For the country bumpkins amongst you, the University of Brighton offers a foundation degree in Outdoor Adventurous Activities, while for those who really want to get away, the University of Plymouth will train you in Cruise Management

before you nip off to the Caribbean ‘on business’.

And if that gives you a taste for the beach life, how about a degree in Tropical Environmental Science at the University of Aberdeen?

Students like to drink, which is why HeriotWatt University allows you to bring your favourite hobby into the classroom with their four-year Brewing and Distilling degree, while the University of Dundee offers a (presumably legal) Drug Design and Mechanisms degree just to ease the hangover. Those at the University of Brighton can take their penchant for alcohol a bit more upmarket on a Wine Production foundation degree, before perhaps moving on to a similarly debonair Antiques and Design course at Cleveland College of Art and Design.

Those who want to boost their standing among the opposite sex can enrol on the BSc in Fire and Leadership Studies at the University of Central Lancashire, while for those who can’t stand the heat, but hold similar aspirations, will find solace in the Rescue and Emergency Management foundation degree at Duchy College. If adrenaline isn’t your bag, get in the kitchen with the Baking Technology Management programme at London South Bank University.

DIG DEEP So there are a few tasters for you. Quirky courses do exist; they may just take a bit of extra work to dig up. Check the box below for other adventurous academia moves.

Other assorted delights

Quirky courses do exist, but need some digging up

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 Artificial Intelligence The University of Aberdeen  Auctioneering and Valuation University of Wolverhampton  Make-up and Special Effects The Arts Institute at Bournemouth  Folk and Traditional Music University of Newcastle  Golf and Sports Turf Management Writtle College  Horology Birmingham City University  Jewellery Buckinghamshire New University  Farm Livestock Production Writtle College  Waste Management and Recycling Askham Bryan College  Space Science and Robotics Aberystwyth University  Viking Studies University of Nottingham

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PROFILE

The place to find your calling Henry Pass, 19, Year 1 Religious Studies student, writes about his time at Lampeter University:

www.lamp.ac.uk

Upon arriving at Lampeter University, my heart swelled with excitement.

This would be a new step, both in terms of education and in life. Was I afraid? Very, but at the same time I knew instantly that my time here would be an extremely happy one.

Blessed by rural landscapes, set in the heart of the Welsh countryside and yet filled with people from all over the world, Lampeter is definitely a place of mixed cultures, ranging from the devout Welsh countrymen to the multi-lingual.

Attracted not only by the high standards that the course I chose set, but also by the friendliness of the staff and students, I chose Lampeter because of their small, yet extremely lively and helpful community.

Having lived in Wales all my life I knew what to expect when I came to Lampeter, but for the people who are interested in coming here from cities such

as Manchester and London, I say give it a chance: it might be a culture shock, but once you stay here, even for one term, you will never want to leave.

What else can I say about Lampeter?

The town is small, easily accessible and friendly; the lecturers are here for you, you are not treated as cattle, herded and then sold off with little or no attention to your needs, but are really listened to and taken care of. The accommodation is within easy reach of the Union, a high paced bar and club, run by professionals who ensure that every week there is something for everyone to go to.

Finally, Lampeter University is a place for everyone; young, old, or somewhere in between, citizens of England, Wales or the world. You will find your calling here.

Lampeter is a place for everyone

Ancient History • Anthropology • Archaeology • Business IT Business Management • Chinese Studies • Classics • English Film Studies • Foundation Studies • History • Islamic Studies Latin • Media Production • Media Studies • Medieval Studies Philosophy • Religious Studies • TEFL • Theology • Welsh

01570 422351

apply@lamp.ac.uk

Lively student atmosphere • Small class sizes • High student satisfaction Friendly and supportive place to study • Low cost of living Beautiful local environment • Guaranteed accommodation

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ities and will help you nivers stan u y b do d e ut rd a g e r ly h g hi

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE KENTON LEWIS outlines the options available for those in Extra who have their heart set on a career in healthcare but don’t hold any offers

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ou’ve now received all your UCAS responses and it’s not the news you’d hoped for, or you have changed your mind about any courses you have received offers for. You don’t hold any offers, but you still have your heart set on a career in medicine. You may be upset, but the good news is that UCAS Extra gives you a second chance.

Extra allows you to apply for courses, with vacancies, between now and the end of June. And you don’t have to have had bad news to use it. In fact, Extra also gives you the chance to change your mind about what and where you want to study. Whatever your situation, if you follow these simple tips, you can navigate Extra with ease.

DON’T PANIC Deciding which course to study is an important decision and must be thought though carefully.

You can only apply for one course at a time through Extra, so don’t make any decisions

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that you are going to regret later. You have until the end of June to apply for places, and whilst it is advisable to apply sooner rather than later, you need to be sure you’re making the right decision for your future.

Also, bear in mind that the university places available will be changing throughout the Extra period in response to students accepting and declining offers.

REFLECT ON YOUR APPLICATION Places on medical degrees are highly sought after, and the application process is very competitive. It’s a good idea to consider why you didn’t get offered a place on the courses you applied for, and then address this point to ensure it doesn’t affect your Extra application.

For example, you may have been predicted flawless exam results, but were let down by your nerves at interview. In which case, it would be useful to speak with a careers adviser about

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HEALTHCARE interview skills and schedule in some practice sessions. If you don’t have access to a careers adviser, friends and family are usually more than happy to help out with mock interviews.

Another common reason applicants who meet the academic requirements get turned down for places is because they lack the practical experience. Scheduling in relevant work experience, paid or voluntary, will show universities you’re serious about a career in medicine and will give you an advantage over other applicants.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES Studying on a five year MBBS (MBBS5) is not the only way to train in medicine. A popular alternative route that is worth considering

MBBS degrees can also be studied as a four year postgraduate degree option (MBBS4), which is open to students who already hold a first degree.

This gives you the opportunity to experience studying another subject, and even gain some experience working in another sector, before committing to a career in medicine.

DEFER YOUR APPLICATION Taking a gap year before joining university is an increasingly popular option for students. This can help you build life experience and confidence, which are both highly regarded by universities and employers alike, particularly if you use the time to get study related experience. Sophie Roberts, MBBS5 student at St George’s, University of London, spent a gap year in Ghana gaining

The experience was a steep learning curve

E Studying on a five year MBBS is not the only way to train in medicine. You can also study for a four year postgraduate degree

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valuable medical field experience before starting her degree in medicine. “With a view to a future career in infectious diseases, I travelled to Ghana to work in Agogo Presbyterian Hospital. Here I joined the Public Health Team’s outreach projects, learning about the epidemiology, pathology and treatment of disease,” she explains. “This experience was a steep learning curve and opened doors to a future in medicine in the UK.”

CONSIDER OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONS

website. Every course vacancy in the country will be listed, so you can peruse what’s on offer in one go. Make a shortlist of the universities and courses that most interest you and research them thoroughly. Don’t just rely on their prospectus or website. If possible attend an open day or visit the campus. There is no substitute for visiting a university; this will give you a real feel for the university and its surroundings. Often, you will also have the opportunity to talk to current students, tutors and visit the halls of residence too.

There is a wide range of valuable careers available in the health sector that can be equally rewarding and offer high earning potential, so consider these before deciding that medicine is your only option. The NHS’s website is a good source of information on the different types of careers available in the health profession www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/career.shtml After initially applying for a foundation course in medicine, Ricky Lawless found his place on a Diagnostic Radiography course at St George’s, University of London through UCAS Extra and has no regrets. He says: “I would love to be a doctor, but I am equally happy with the prospect of a career as a diagnostic radiographer. I’m still being challenged intellectually and personally, and will still be a part of the team that saves, rebuilds and maintains people’s lives.”

STAY POSITIVE

RESEARCH AND PREPARE

Kenton Lewis is Head of Student Recruitment at St George’s, University of London. www.sgul.ac.uk

Ensure you can access the Extra vacancy listings as early as possible - you’ll find them on the UCAS

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However disappointed you may be, try to retain a positive mindset. This could be the start of the best few years of your life. This is your chance to find an exciting course that you might enjoy even more than your original choice. A positive mindset will help you to present yourself in the best possible light when talking to tutors. It will also assist you in making an informed and sensible decision on any offers you receive.

WHAT IF YOU DON’T FIND A COURSE THROUGH EXTRA? If you do not find a suitable course through Extra, don’t worry! You will have another opportunity to apply through the UCAS Clearing process.

Clearing begins on A Level results day, which is 20 August 2009.

A positive mindset will help you present yourself in the best possible light when talking to tutors

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PROFILES

Veterinary medicine students make a difference Veterinary Medicine degrees provide many opportunities in the underserved private clinical practices around the country.

Veterinarians also use their education to conduct public health research, instruct veterinary medical students, develop and monitor new vaccines.

St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada is an international educational program that begins in the Caribbean, and includes clinical rotation options in the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Australia, and Canada.

St. George’s University offers a 10-day

preveterinary medical summer course for interested high school and college students.

The course affords problem-solving sessions, lab work in state-of-the-art facilities, informative lectures and off-campus expeditions.

For more information, call +1 (631) 665-8500, or visit www.sgu.edu

St George’s is an international educational programme Living the dream with the help of Bradford College University Centre Helen Varga had a life long dream of being a teacher. She gained a first in BA (Hons) Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at Bradford College University Centre and now manages Science in an outstanding school. Helen chose to study at the University Centre because “it had the best course on offer”. The course covered all of the subject areas in primary education plus child development studies and optional modules

that allowed Helen to follow her personal interests. The University Centre has a worldwide reputation for developing first class teachers.

Tutors lead by example, instilling best practice, creativity and individuality in all of their students.

This support helped Helen balance academic study and her personal life. As a newly qualified teacher, Helen’s job is, “Intellectually stimulating and extremely satisfying.” Her advice to you is, “Take the time to get to know your tutors and

school placement officers. They are there to help you achieve your goals and get the best from your time in on the course.”

Bradford College University Centre delivers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional courses to fuel your rise to the top. A full course listing is available at www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk.

More student profiles are available at www.fuelmyfuture.com.

Take the time to get to know your tutors

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VARIETY PACK Unis come in all shapes and sizes. LUCY TOBIN explains how to choose the one to suit you

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t’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing when you’re picking a uni – so the last time you checked out a prospectus, you probably looked at the course details, type of accommodation, and then decided to apply to most of the same places as your friends. But think twice! Of course your course is important, but once you’ve narrowed down what you want to study, you’ll probably still have a long list of choices – so be more imaginative when hunting the best place to study.

If you love swimming in the sea every time you go on holiday, why not study somewhere with the sea on your doorstep? If you’re desperate to get a job in theatre, study somewhere that can make your dream come true. And if you’re an eco-warrior, stick to your principles and go to a green uni! Check out which universities offer the best sports facilities or which might give you the chance to write the book you’ve always dreamed of penning. Here we take a look at some of the more unusual attractions to UK universities.

LOVE THE SUNNY BEACH? Admittedly the sun won’t shine every day, but according to last year’s Halifax/THE Quality of Life Index, Bournemouth is the sunniest university with an average of 33.9 hours of sunshine per week. It also has some of the country’s best beaches – seven miles of blue flag beaches lie within three miles of its campus, while their student accommodation in Poole overlooks Poole Harbour giving views that millionaires living in nearby Sandbanks pay hundreds of thousands of pounds for.

WANNABE ROCK STARS Describing itself as the UK’s leading rock and roll college, the Brighton and Bristol Institutes of Modern Music is for students who are serious about a career in the music industry. Its specialisms include bass, guitar, drums, vocals, song writing, keyboard and live sound and tour management, and tutors include Carleen Anderson of the Brand New Heavies, Chris Difford

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FOR DRAMA LUVVIES If you believe the ‘play’s the thing’, whether you’re keen to pen a play or act in one, consider the University of Huddersfield, which hosts one of the best resourced drama departments in Europe.

Housed in a converted Victorian church, there are tons of performance spaces, plus writing, seminar and rehearsal rooms, 3D design equipment, video editing, projection and other multi-media performance facilities, computerised lighting and sound equipment.

The National Theatre, here you come.

of Squeeze and Ace from Skunk Anansie.

Courses, validated by the University of Sussex, promise to help to provide an in-route to an industry that’s historically tough to break into.

IF YOU’RE A SPORTING SUPERSTAR… Then you should probably consider studying at Loughborough University near Nottingham, which after a £36 million investment, says it boasts “one of the highest concentrations of top class sports training facilities found anywhere in the world.” Whether you’re an elite athlete dreaming of London 2012 or just want to keep playing a lot of sport while studying for a degree, Loughborough hosts state-of-the-art facilities for the widest choice of sports.

ECO WARRIORS UNITE! If you’re keen about being green, Keele University in Staffordshire might be a good place to studyfor more ways than one. First of all, think eco: the university is well on its way to becoming carbon neutral, and is cutting down its energy consumption every day. That’s because it’s inspired by its surroundings - the campus is

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one of the biggest and greenest in the country, occupying 617 acres of parkland all spread around 19th-century Keele Hall. There’s lots of room, too, since the uni is one of the smallest in terms of student numbers in the UK – so 70 per cent of the uni’s full-time students live on campus, one of the highest proportions in the country, making it easy to meet people.

COMING OUT? Diva, the magazine for gay women, recently voted Manchester Metropolitan University as the best place to be a gay student. It offers a high gay to straight ratio, tons of events organised by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual society and a very wide range of “queer theory” academic courses. Brighton and the University of London came next on the list.

PLAY THE WORLD’S OLDEST RACQUET SPORT If you fancy following in King Henry VIII’s footsteps to become a Real Tennis maestro, head to Middlesex University, which has one of the country’s few ‘Real Tennis’ courts. There are only 47 courts in the UK, and one of them is on

this North London campus, where you can also access coaching and have your game recorded and broadcast online. Or you might want to just pop by for a luxury shower – the luxurious changing rooms include finger-scan technology and ‘monsoon’ showerheads.

MONEY FOR BRAINS If your parents have never been the type to pay you for achieving stellar grades, you might want to head to a uni that does. Swansea University in Wales offers ‘Excellence Bursaries’ to students who achieve 3 grade As (or equivalent) at A Level – which means receiving £1,500 in your first and second years, whatever you study. That could go towards the purchase of a lot of, um, textbooks.

Or beer. Whatever floats your boat.

WANNA BE A WRITER? Then consider the University of East Anglia, the famous hub of literary talent which currently hosts writers including the poet and author Lavinia Greenlaw, novelist and journalist Giles Foden and novelist Rebecca Stott. Literary alumni include some of the world’s most famous writers, such as Kazuo Ishiguro, Ian McEwan and Rose Tremain.

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Higher Education

Open Day Wednesday 24 June

2pm - 7pm

You will have the chance to explore the college’s campuses, see the outstanding facilities and speak to tutors and advisers to find out more about what you’re interested in. We offer HE courses in a range of exciting subjects including, design and visual arts, music, theatre, sports, business and management, media, computing and networking.

Call 0800 068 8585 or visit www.themanchestercollege.ac.uk

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UNI LIFE

NEW DIRECTIONS Uni life is a great opportunity to discover a new talent.

VIRGINIA LAMBERT talks to students about how this has affected their lives and careers

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hilst working towards your degree, you have plenty of opportunities to explore your talents and broaden your horizons. Susan Chandler, who studied Biochemistry at Cardiff University, said: “at school, it was difficult to find time or to explore outside your subjects. There are the obvious lunchtime and after school sporting commitments – but they were always performed in such a rigid and off putting manner. When I started studying at Cardiff University, there was suddenly all of this scope and opportunity to contribute to various other areas, whether it is music, sport or journalism. By my final year I was the political editor of the university newspaper, having had, quite ashamedly, no real interest in that sphere before. When people tell you that you are in control of making your university experience, they are absolutely right as there are no restrictions, whichever path you choose to take.”

THEATRE CRITIC Poppy Corbett studied Management Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London. When she began her degree, she also rekindled a suppressed desire to be involved within the theatre. Alongside her degree, Poppy loved performing in various campus productions, active off and on stage, she eventually became the campus theatre critic. She explains how “It all happened by accident really. I went into my degree course very focused on an eventual professional goal and not thinking about the

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There is so much on offer Snapshots: your time at university will be full of great memories that will stay with you forever things I enjoyed. One of the first things you do on arrival is attend a ‘Fresher’s Fair’ which is where you get to see a glimpse into everything available at uni. It’s really exciting because you realise just how much is on offer, whether it is new to you or something you are re-visiting.”

EMERGING TALENT Theatre for Poppy was something she had always held an interest in and was pulled immediately in that direction. It was obviously an area of which she also excelled in – she now belongs to a group of exciting and diverse new writers who are on the Royal Courts, ‘Young Writers Programme’.

And the Management degree? “I would definitely not be here without it. Not only has it instilled a lot about the world of work and business within me, but juxtaposed with my involvement within the theatre provided me with a really wellrounded and hugely enjoyable experience. A lot of it was down to my personal tutor within the Management department who really encouraged me to achieve within this separate area. As long as I was still able to ‘contrast the approaches

26

to union revitalisation’ to a high standard, the department was willing to help me out as much as they could. It was really enriching being treated as an adult.”

Even without taking such a totally conscious alternative, University also enables you to explore new talents slightly closer to home. This will, in turn, also take you down completely new routes.

Jamie Ross studied History at Durham University and became heavily involved in debating and politics. Initially he had hoped to expand his horizons and gain some political experience whilst studying. However, the more involved he became the further away the topics spread from his initial intension. “You don’t obviously choose the topic that is going to be in discussion.

Initially, I admit, I played it a bit safe and stuck to the political debates I knew about. After a few debates I felt comfortable and I got the confidence to explore other venues and began getting really passionate about things I never thought I would. It was from this that I began debating about foreign aid and other charityrelated topics.”

Jamie now works as a funding coordinator for Water Aid and has just returned from volunteering in East Africa to write a report on the sanitation standards. “I never expected to be working for a charity. It’s just amazing what you get stuck into at university can inspire you to do – even if it is a total contrast to the original plan. There is so much on offer and great motivation to get involved and follow what you feel. Whatever your chosen field happens to be, there is a lot of fun to be having and a lot of brilliant people to be meeting.”

OPENING DOORS Whether it is Science and Politics, Management and Theatre or History and debating, going to university is fundamentally about looking forward to the improving confidence of learning new skills, meeting new people and having a great time. You’ll have the kind of experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Heading out into the real world with a university degree and passionate interests in different fields will open up more doors for you and the chances are, you’ll bag that job at the end.

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ACCOUNTINGAMERICANSTUDIESARTASTRO MYANDSPACEBIOLOGYBUSINESSCHEMIST CHIROPRACTICCOMMUNITYREGENERATION COMPUTINGCONSTRUCTIONCREATIVEAND FESSIONALWRITINGCRIMINOLOGYCULTURA STUDIESDESIGNDRAMAEARLYYEARSANDC OODEDUCATIONELECTRICALANDELECTRO SENGINEERINGENGLISHEVENTSFILMSTUDIE FORENSICSCIENCEGEOGRAPHYGEOLOGY THSCIENCEHISTORYHUMANITIESLANGUAG 0800 716 925 www.glam.ac.uk LAWMANAGEMENTMATHEMATICSMEDIAAN COMMUNICATIONSMIDWIFERYMUSICNURS UTRITIONPOLICESCIENCESPOLITICSPSYCH University of Glamorgan GYPUBLICANDEMERGENCYSERVICESPUBL SERVICESSCIENCESOCIOLOGYANDSOCIAL

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glamorgan going further If you are looking at your university options, we have a limited number of places available on selected courses starting this September. Contact us today, to find out about our range of courses, our £140m campus investment programme and how to get a head start for the best career opportunities.

Cardiff • Pontypridd • Caerdydd

Visit us

Open Day: Saturday 9 May Book your place now

THE WINCHESTER The University of Winchester is a small university offering excellent within a safe and supportive community environment.

EXPERIENCE facilities The institution has a long history having first begun in 1840. The

Ordercatus

Prospe

University combines this heritage with innovative excellence in learning and teaching. A range of undergraduate Bachelor Honours degrees (BA/BSc) are available: arts, humanities, social sciences, business, education, health and social care.

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...to earn your degree Forget cramped lecture theatres or tutors that barely know your name.

Now there’s a better way. At Colchester Institute we give you a personalised experience with focused tuition groups and smaller class sizes and seminars.

Choose from a wide variety of undergraduate programmes, covering a range of subjects. The campus is a mere 30 minutes from the sea and a short train journey from London – so there’s a little more room to breathe and a lot more space to grow!

To find out more about our courses and get information on finance, bursaries and accommodation please visit our website or call Course Enquiries on (01206) 712777.

Art, Design and Media • Business and Management Computing and Administration • Construction • Education Engineering • Health and Care • Music and Performing Arts

Tel: (01206) 712777 Email: info@colchester.ac.uk | www.colchester.ac.uk

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Your way

24/03/2009 10:19:10

PROFILES

Against all odds Some students have to overcome great personal difficulties to get to graduation, writes LUCY TOBIN

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ometimes the media portray “students” as one big bundle of teenagers who head off to uni for the same reason, have the same opinions and leave with the same aims. But that’s not true!

When I was at uni, I knew one girl who had battled against cancer to get there, another boy who spent his spare time flying planes for the RAF. There were student parents who were juggling family life and lectures, and people who’d returned to studying after years away, to take another bite of the educational cherry. University student bodies are diverse, and made up of individuals with incredible stories – so if your background is a little different from the so-called normal, be inspired by these students and recent graduates.

After my accident it was hard to motivate myself but my degree gave me something to focus on

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PROFILES “I WAS PARALYSED IN THE MIDDLE OF MY DEGREE – BUT I STILL GRADUATED”

“I WENT FROM FIGHTING IN THE FALKLANDS TO BECOMING AN IT STUDENT”

Craig Willis, 23, (left) achieved a First-class degree in business just one year after a paralysing fall from a fifth-floor balcony while on holiday in Majorca. Craig had successfully completed a year-long placement in industry when he had the accident, which left him paralysed from the waist down, and suffering from fractured ribs and a broken shoulder.

He says: “After my accident it was hard to motivate myself but my degree gave me something to focus on. The uni support staff were amazing and they did everything they could do to help me.” Despite the painful physical effects of his injuries and the ongoing psychological adjustments, Craig got his First. He now works for accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers in Newcastle.

Malcolm Clark, 37, (below) joined the Royal Air Force straight after leaving school. He became an Aerospace Systems Operator, and was posted to the Falkland Islands as well as working all over the UK. But when he was injured, he had to leave the RAF and faced the big question of what to do next. He decided that he wanted to boost his brainpower, and enrolled in a local college’s IT course. As he completed it, he fell in love with studying, and then decided to take the plunge and sign up for a degree in IT at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland. “I knew I had the ability, determination and support of my family so I just kept going throughout my degree.” He graduated with honours in 2004 and has now embarked on a PhD. When he finishes, he plans to become a lecturer.

“I WAS A ‘BAD GIRL’ – BUT UNI TURNED MY LIFE AROUND” Shamaila Wahla, 24, describes herself as a ‘bad girl’. After leaving school with few qualifications, she was kicked out of not one college, but two. “I had family problems and was in trouble with the police,” she says. Shamaila wangled her way onto a hairdressing training course and then found a job as a hairdresser. But she found what she loved most was being asked for advice by clients.

Shamaila, from Bolton, says: “I wanted to take on more responsibilities, but the fact that I didn’t have an education got in the way.” Even though she didn’t have the required qualifications, Shamaila convinced Manchester Metropolitan University to give her a place on their psychology degree, and when she took it up she was still working full-time and had to drive 50 miles every day from her family home in Bolton to the university’s Cheshire campus.

Despite finding it hard to get to grips with exams and lectures, this summer Shamalia was one of only two students in her year to receive a First. As she plans to study more and aims to become a forensic psychologist, Shamaila says, “It was a struggle at first when I started at university, because the environment was so unfamiliar and I didn’t have any qualifications, but I’m really glad they took a chance on me.”

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TRINITY UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

The success continues...

Undergraduate degrees Business & Management Computing & IT Creative Arts & Humanities Early Years Education Education Social Sciences Sport, Health & Outdoor Theatre & Performance Theology & Religion Tourism & Community Development

01267 676767 www.trinity-cm.ac.uk

...it`s got to be Trinity!

‘‘

Great degree courses… fantastic social life… and a lot more!

Deciding what degree and where to study can be challenging. You’ll need to match the course with your interest; talent and career aspirations and you’ll also need to consider which university is likely to give you the best environment to help you to succeed.

Trinity… has excellent standards During last year the university has received excellent reports by both the UK governmentfunded Quality Assurance Agency on the management of the academic quality and standards of its degree programmes, and by ESTYN on its initial teacher education and training provision.

is a campus-based university All facilities, including accommodation, are on one campus, making it a safe and welcoming environment for students. The added value is the opportunity to develop additional skills and to become involved in many activities.

has great courses 98% of our students are in employment or further study within 6 months of graduating. Our degree courses are vocational in nature and students are given work experience opportunities, either as part of their programmes, or through work placement schemes.

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provides a supportive environment The pastoral care of our students is of paramount importance and we offer a range of services to help you to succeed.

offers a range of scholarships A number of scholarships and bursaries are offered as part of the College’s commitment to widening access to HE. Some are means-tested; others are open to all students who apply and include departmental bursaries, conference and travel, as well as work-placement bursaries.

Students from FE Colleges can also apply for the FE / HE progression bursary.

offers an excellent social life The Students’ Union has great facilities that provide a place to relax outside lectures.

Whether it be to meet friends or to enjoy the many events provided in the evenings, the aim is to provide you with an enjoyable and memorable experience of your university days.

The many clubs and societies mean that there are plenty of opportunities to develop interests and to compete in numerous sports.

My time at Trinity has been brilliant.

Everyone is really friendly and helpful and it doesn’t take long to feel at home.

The course is really interesting, covering a wide range of topical issues. We went on an educational visit to New Zealand in the second year which was a wonderful experience that will stay with me forever The resources at Trinity are good, there are a number of IT suites available, an extensive library and fully stocked Teaching Resources Centre.

Living on campus is an excellent way of getting settled into a new place. Facilities are good and the atmosphere is lively.

Joanne Gillespie BA Social Inclusion & Education Studies

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PROFILE

K

ailer came to Croydon College from Coulsdon High School to enrol on the GNVQ Intermediate in Business course.

Whilst part of the Aimhigher cohort and studying towards a BTEC National Diploma in Business qualification, Kailer was mentored, went to Prague and had the opportunity to attend the College’s Graduation Ceremony as a guest. It was this that spurred her into progressing onto Higher Education at the College. Last November, Kailer graduated from the Foundation Degree Fashion Business course and she has now progressed onto the Honours Degree course. Kailer has combined her studies with raising a young child whilst only 22 years of age.

Just remember, if I can do it, so can you!

LEARNING FOR LIFE “Studying whilst having a young child was a hard decision to make but the benefits have been so rewarding. Education was the key to giving me and my daughter the lifestyle we deserve and Croydon College is helping me to reach my goal. The resources offered by the College are a huge help, for example, help with child care and Welfare, Advice and Counselling.

I genuinely believe that without the College’s support I would not be where I am today – just remember, if I can do it, so can you!”

A range of qualifications available in the following subjects: Building Services Engineering Business Early Childhood Studies Education Studies ;ashion ;ilm Production ;^cZ Art <raphic Design Human Resources Aaw Photomedia Theatre Design

London Metropolitan University is the validating body for Higher Education Awards at Croydon Higher Education College

WHY CHOOSE CROYDON? - We’re 12 minutes from central London by train - Average class sizes of 15 - no lecture theatres filled to capacity with over 100 students - There’s an annual cashback bursary of £1,050 for EVERY student Croydon Higher Education College forms part of Croydon College

www.croydon.ac.uk Reference CC090011 COURSES EXTRA 33

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VIRGINIA LAMBERT talks to Tah Mac about his musical influences and how his education was key to his success as he prepares to launch his album in the UK

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ll the way from Brooklyn comes the latest sensation to hit the UK. Tah Mac has already worked with an impressive list of stars ranging from soul legend Arethra Franklin to superstar chanteuse Leona Lewis. Whether as a producer, songwriter or co-performer, he already has an enviable CV and is not some upstart pretender to music biz superstardom.

His single ‘Lavish Lifestyle’ and album are just out in the UK. He hopes by coming to the UK to showcase his talents he’ll “gain access to the rest of the world. To be able to make good music, you have got to embrace all of the difference out there and the UK is the best place to do it from.”

This attitude encapsulates Tah Mac’s philosophy about making good music and how it’s about grasping every influence out there to blend your own, unique sound. “The album itself was written all over; in the UK, Germany, France, America and that has enabled me to address as many sounds as I can”. His music roots stem from street hip-hop and bit by bit he has been introduced to Garage, r ’n’ b and rock and roll which he has “dibbled and dabbled” with to produce this really distinctive sound of his own. “The state of the music now is all over the place. Where I came from, we learnt from a formula and I want to grasp and make people happy again. In today’s climates, people are only thinking about what’s going to happen tomorrow and I just want people to get up and dance. I’m not here to save the world, but I am here for a purpose.”

With these firm aspirations in place, Tah still knows how to keep his feet on the ground and he put a lot down to his dad and his upbringing.

“My dad sat me down and asked ‘what’s your plan – you don’t live here for free’ and so I went to school. I attended Nassau community college in Hempstead New York, studied a straight sixth month course and came out with a diploma. Education is first and you’ve got to know your stuff. You never know when you are going to need to use it. You only need to go to downtown LA where I sometimes volunteer.

Without education, loads of people are so lost and some of them are the most intelligent people. Education is key.”

Tah’s route to British chart domination starts on the all-important University tour. Tah promises to be “playing in the smallest of small venues to the biggest of the big ones”. Check out his line up out on www.myspace.com/tahmac

T H G I A R T S T OF OU OOKLYN BR

34 NAVIGATOR COURSES EXTRA Spring 2009 2009 34-35 Response.indd 34

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Help with your choice

TEXT

Information is key when it comes to choosing your uni. And we can supply that information. Get in touch by any one of the four ways on the right and we will make sure you receive further information from any of these unis listed below, or all of them if you fancy it. Sit back, relax and wait for information to come straight to you. Anyone who gets in touch will automatically be entered into our draw to win tickets to the Hop Farm Festival, or one of four £25 iTunes vouchers.

A Bath Spa University

P The Manchester College

B Bishop Burton College

Q Marjon – University College Plymouth

C The Bournemouth & Poole College

R New College Nottingham

D BPP Law School

S Northbrook College Sussex

E Bradford College

T Liverpool Hope University

F Cass Business School

U St George’s University – School of Medicine

G City University London H Colchester Institute I Croydon Higher Education College

HOW TO ENTER You never write, you never call. Now there is no excuse. There are four ways to get in touch with us - and we are making it worth your while. We are giving away two tickets to the fantastic Hop Farm Festival - see details left - and, digging deeper into the Navigator pockets we have four £25 iTunes vouchers to give away as well. You can’t say we don’t care. So choose a way and we look forward to hearing from you.

V St George’s University – School of Veterinary Medicine W St Helens College

J The University of Essex

X Trinity University College

K University of Glamorgan

Y Truro and Penwith College

L Graduate Fashion Week Education Day 11 June

Z UEL – University of East London

M The University of Greenwich

A1 UWIC – University of Wales Institute, Cardiff

N University of Hertfordshire

B2 Uxbridge College

O Knowsley Community College

C3 University of Wales Lampeter

07984 331979 Send us your name, address, including postcode and email, followed by the letter next to any unis in the box on the left you are interested in, such as: Ian James, 95 Any Street, Anytown, AT1 5PP, ianjames175@hotmail.com, A, B, D, A1.

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WEB www.coursesextra.com You can also tell us which unis you are interested in just by filling our online form. Go to www.coursesextra.com and click where it says register for information. Simple.

D4 The University of Winchester Spring COURSES 2009 EXTRA NAVIGATOR 2009 34-35 Response.indd 35

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How do I choose which uni and course to apply to?

Get advice from the UK’s largest student community www.thestudentroom.co.uk

We can offer: • Foundation, Honours & Masters Degrees • State-of-the-Art Learning • Brilliant location and campus

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CASE STUDY NAME

Jon Byrd COURSE

BSc (Hons) Environmental Conservation The moment I arrived at the college to look around the campus, I knew it would be right for me.

There was a very intimate feel, where it became obvious that I wouldn’t be seen as just another student but as an adult and a valued member of the course and College. The diversity of modules interested me as no other centre provided as many interesting and useful opportunities to further my knowledge and development.

Within six weeks of finishing my degree I started as an assistant ecologist at a very reputable protected species consultancy in the heart of the Peak District.

I utilise knowledge from all the modules I studied, including habitat management, ecological monitoring and environmental policy.

The homely atmosphere and wide variety of student activities have been, for me, a highlight of Bishop Burton College. I played rugby and hockey at College team level during my first and second years, and I have made friends with many people at Bishop Burton. These experiences and friendships will stay with me forever.

Call 0800 731 82 81 36-39 Revision.indd 36

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DR MARIO PETERS believes that a revision course will help students fight back against the ‘four axes of distraction’ – their mobile, the internet, the TV and the fridge

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hould your parents pay hundreds of pounds to send you on a revision course to prepare for your exams?

Why should they, when you could just stay at home and revise for free? The answer may lie in your genes.

EXAM REVISION Your genes care about one thing only – that you survive long enough to reproduce. Life’s “big questions”, such as whether you lead a happy

and fulfilling life, or whether you end up working as a Hedge Fund Manger, Doctor or Supermarket Trolley Pusher, are all irrelevant details. The fact that those big questions may be important to us is purely a matter of social and cultural conditioning. In other words, your genetic programming doesn’t really help you when it comes to revising for exams.

Let me illustrate my point; it is nearing the end of the Easter holidays. Everyone is out and you have just sat down to prepare for that

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much needed revision, at last. What happens next? If you are like most students, the answer is that you will get distracted. What’s more, I would put money on the cause being one of the “four axes of distraction” that bedevil the academic aspirations of almost every teenager: the Mobile Phone, the Internet, the TV and the Fridge! Not surprising perhaps, what better way for your genes to survive than to feed you and encourage social activity that may help you find a mate!

Power to fight back So don’t feel too bad if this sounds all too familiar, you may be up against human nature itself. But what allies can you rally in this battle?

Well, there is always will power and, well that’s all really; sitting there at your desk on your own, will power is all you have to over-ride your evolutionary programming to eat or fire off “just one last email”. Unfortunately, any strategy whose success depends entirely on will power is destined to fail.

So what’s the alternative? Well, a welldesigned revision course, away from the influence of those devilish “axes of distraction” and surrounded by like-minded people, all in the same boat as you, might be a good start. Throw in some expert, motivated tutors who guide you through exam questions all week in small classes of three or four pupils, perhaps in the elevated environment of an Oxford College that makes you feel like a student not a child, and you may be well on your way.

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proof of the pudding And are they worth the money? Well I certainly think so, enough to switch careers 12 years ago from Space Scientist at Oxford University to running revision courses three times a year during the school holidays. What’s more, so many of my pupils felt the benefits of these courses, that in 2003 I started a full-time A-level college in Oxford with just a handful of students I met on the revision courses, based on the same principles of small group tutorials with class sizes of 1 to 4. This year the college doubled in size again to almost 100 students.

But the real proof of the pudding for me lies closer to home; last Christmas holidays my own son Mike had just turned 15, making him old enough to attend his first GCSE revision courses at St Peter’s College, Oxford. Mike is quite bright, but a typical 15 year old boy and not what you might call “academically motivated”. On the last day of the course I wanted to collect him early as we had tickets to see The Mighty Boosh live show in Birmingham. I literally nearly fell over when he insisted on staying for his last French tutorial.

So if my son can undergo a complete character transformation in one week and choose a French tutorial over the Mighty Boosh live, I have to say it was worth every penny!

Dr Peters is Founding Principal of Oxford Science Studies Revision Courses, and Oxford International College , 01865 240 637, www.oxss.co.uk

Being a student, sooner or later, you will have to sit an exam. However, as thousands of students can testify to, it is not just a question of opening your books or notes and suddenly finding yourself prepared for the exam.

An important and often ignored factor for being successful is to know who you are, what you want to do and what you need to achieve to do that. By taking increased responsibility for yourself and working to reach fixed and achievable goals many of the stressful aspects of revision and exams will disappear with you taking control of your situation.

Fine you might think, but what do I really have to do? The truth is that revision is a highly individual process, which is why I stress the importance of knowing yourself. Find out how you learn most efficiently.

That said, here are some quick points to get you started that I think can be used by anyone! l Plan your time and get into good routines l Find a place that you can associate with only studying – a library works well for me l Unplug your TV and hide your internet cable l Turn of your phone l Go through as many old exams as possible l Sleep. Eat. Breathe. And then study. Don’t forget the essential things of life! l Work on your time management skills! It might not sound like the most thrilling thing to do, but once you start thinking about your day you will probably find that you could change how you spend parts of your days and remove distractions from where you work.

Make a schedule for all the days in the last month before your exams, or however long you need to prepare yourself according to your goals. Plan in a reasonable amount of hours of study each day, specifying what subject and what topics you will read that day. Stick to your schedule and make it work!

If you have done what you set out to do at the end of the week, then take a day off. You will find that you experience none of the usual ‘I should be doing something else’ guilt while enjoying your spare time much more than before and recharging your batteries for your next study session.

How do you know that you have actually learnt something? A good rule of thumb is that if you can explain something clearly, then you have understood it properly. A good idea is to team up with friends and quiz each other.

Finally, I cannot stress enough how important it is to practice on old exam questions. It helps you translate what you have read into something you can perform while giving you the practice you need in answering techniques.

Try to enjoy the revision and your studying, if nothing else for the satisfaction of succeeding and putting it all behind you at the end of the day. Relax, know yourself and just do it!

Good Luck!

Philip Parnamets is head of tuition at Revision Courses Europe and Revision Academy, providers of intensive revision courses for the IB Diploma Programme and the AS/A2 Exams respectively. www.revisioncourses.com; www.revisionacademy.co.uk

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1 Truro and Penwith College University Level Courses

makeitreal

Study in inspirational Cornwall One of the best colleges in the country

Looking for a place at university this September?

At UEL we offer: • around 150 degree programmes, plus foundation and extended degree options

Stunning purpose-built campus Excellent facilities and resources Amazing variety of subjects High quality education Friendly environment with individual support and guidance for all students Unique setting in beautiful West Cornwall Miles of breathtaking coastline close by

• highly rated teaching

telephone: 01872 267122 email: heinfo@truro-penwith.ac.uk

• state-of-the-art facilities

www.trurocollege.ac.uk

• valuable scholarships and bursaries • 93% graduate employment rate, one of the highest in London.

Situated on two campuses close to central London and on the doorstep of the 2012 Olympic Park, UEL is the place to be.

So why wait – apply to UEL today.

Call 020 8223 3333 Visit www.uel.ac.uk

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TRAVEL

s d n e i r f t s e t a e r g e h t I met d n a e f i l f o s k l a w l l from a from across Europe

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A World of opportunity VIRGINIA LAMBERT reports on the many options available for studying abroad

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rasmus is an EU programme that was launched in 1987. Nearly two million students have participated, carrying out a period of study or work at a partner institution in one of the 31 participating countries. The scheme is essentially language based and provides students studying particular languages, or those desiring to, with the opportunity to actually go and live in a country in order to integrate with the culture and learn the language through interaction with native speakers.

Rachel Earnshaw, who studies at Kings College London, studied French and Drama and was placed as a teacher in a school in Grenoble through the Erasmus scheme. “I arrived in France not knowing anyone or anything about the place or school I was going to be teaching at for the next 12 months. An incredibly daunting experience you can imagine, but one that I will never regret or forget. I met the greatest friends from all walks of life and from across Europe and my French is unrecognisable from the sorry state it was in when I left England. Teaching was challenging, but greatly enjoyable and I still really miss the kids, they even still send me cards every now and again. I had to teach three days a week for a few hours, for which I got paid handsomely.

It was great as it gave me an incredible opportunity to meet French people and improve my French whilst at the same time leaving me with plenty of free time to explore France.”

Rebecca Jones studied Modern Languages at Newcastle University. She was placed for six months at Universidad de Vigo, in Spain and for six months at L’Universite de Limoges, in France. “My friend from uni was going to study in a Spanish University five hours south of Vigo, so we decided that it would be a great idea to road trip it over together from home. After various pit stops in various cities along the way, we eventually arrived in Spain and neither had arranged anywhere to stay. I was thrown out of the car by Bethan as she started her extra leg to her final destination. Off I headed – to the Information Centre and after hours there, I met my new Polish housemate. Her English was so bad that the only option we had was to converse in Spanish. That was the regime until I made my move east to Limoges. Without a doubt, my time on the Erasmus Scheme was a riot from start to finish. Unforgettable times with people from all over Europe (and the world as all the European universities have their own international exchange schemes) who I’d never have met if it weren’t for Erasmus.”

International Exchange The vast majority of universities will have full student exchange agreements with a number of universities in a number of extra-European countries. Primarily most unis will have links in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Singapore and New Zealand. The limited number of places on these schemes makes them more competitive than Erasmus but the experiences there for the taking are well worth the effort involved. Jonathan Yates studied abroad for a year in Australia at the University of Sydney. “Flying half way around the world to start my new life for a year was amazing. I was there with new places, new sights and new sounds that would be my home for the next 12 months. I’d never even been out of Europe before.

Fitting in was easy and everyone was so friendly and helpful (apart from the odd pommy joke). I found a great house with some amazing Aussies and New Zealanders and it all went from there.

Not only was it a great experience in new city, it also gave me the opportunity to travel all over Australasia and South-East Asia. Not having that long haul all the way from England really made a difference (as did knowing people who knew their way around these incredible places). Amazing places and amazing people.”

Independent opportunities There are also plenty of independent opportunities. You can easily defer a year if you have a worthwhile and fulfilling expedition in the pipeline, or an unmissable opportunity arises, University is definitely a place where diversity is encouraged. Moreover, with the sheer length of the summer holidays (I had four months at my uni) there are programmes in place that allow you to travel the world. There will be recruitment fairs within Student Unions that will be filled with representatives from different countries and organisations trying to entice you to go and help them in far-flung corners of the world.

Thomas Hunt studied at Edinburgh University and in 2006 took the opportunity to go and work with teenagers at Camp America: “Camp America was amazing because I was able to be really active, playing lots of sports whilst also gaining some invaluable skills.

My confidence and management skills were greatly enhanced but also the interaction with the kids was brilliant. It was, in general, hugely enjoyable, I met some incredible people and it is something that I would definitely recommend to any students looking to for a fulfilling and adventurous summer.”

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PROFILES

We offer different levels of award WHO ARE WE? We’re a university with a thriving community of around 25,000 students. We have three campuses, in Greenwich and Eltham in London and Medway in Kent. We also have a network of partner colleges throughout the South East.

WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO JOIN US. WHAT CAN WE OFFER? Variety: Our 10 Schools cover a wide spectrum of disciplines, from Science to Architecture and Computing to Business. We offer different levels of award, including HNDs, foundation degrees and honours degrees, enabling you to study for the qualification that suits you.

Opportunities: Each year, thousands of our graduates head out into the world of work to start careers in teaching, social work, business, graphic design, engineering and science.

Security: This is what an improved wage can bring. Education is an investment in your future.

The University of Greenwich is in the top 30 nationally for high graduate starting salaries.

Flexibility: We understand that students come from a variety of backgrounds and have a variety of needs. Have you, for instance, put your career and education plans on hold because of family or other commitments? Our part-time programmes could help you fit study into your busy life.

A great place to work: To get the most out of study, you need the best facilities. Wherever you learn – laboratory, lecture theatre, workshop, library or studio – we’ve ensured that your surroundings, and the tools you work with, are state of- the-art.

To find out more, including information on student fees and financial support, please contact: Freephone: 0800 005 006 E-mail: courseinfo@gre.ac.uk

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GREENWICH WE’VE INVESTED £50 MILLION IN LABS, LIBRARIES AND RESEARCH FACILITIES TO OFFER YOU A TOP-QUALITY EDUCATION. BEST OF ALL, WE’VE CREATED A SPACE FOR YOU.

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0800 005 006

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PROFILES

Richard Kwakye, second-year student, BSc Business Service Industry Management “The University of Essex is well known for its high quality in teaching and research and I wanted to take advantage of this to enhance my professional profile. The degree has far exceeded my expectations and all of the modules interlink, giving me a real sense of direction and experience for the ‘real world’. I really believe that my degree from Essex will be of great value to future employers.

“I have helped to set up new clubs and societies at the Students’ Union and I have some great memories of the social activities the University has facilitated. I feel that the whole university experience has made me more independent and responsible, I would definitely recommend the University of Essex to others.”

The degree has far exceeded my expectations

Extra at Essex If you’re still looking for your perfect place at university, it’s not too late to choose the University of Essex.

We have Extra places available on a wide range of courses at our three campuses in Colchester, Southend and Loughton, each offering a friendly and supportive learning environment.

As the University of Essex was rated 9th nationally in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, the teaching that we provide is informed by leading world-class researchers and allows us to offer challenging academic study across 300 courses.

Don’t miss out, visit our website to find out more about the courses on offer and student life at Essex.

www.essex.ac.uk/ads/extra “The extra lectures that are organised and the supportive staff are added bonuses to a course which already has an excellent international reputation.”

Rebecca Young, second-year BA Sociology student, Ashford, Kent

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SLUG GRADUATE FASHION WEEK

FASHION FUTURES L ondon Fashion Week this year once again highlighted the best of British design. For the potential designers of the future who will take their place on the runways, the UK has some of the best-regarded fashion colleges in the world. But because of their international reputation, competition for places is very steep, so school students thinking of applying need to start preparing now.

SHOW COMMITMENT The University of Westminster’s graduates include the creative directors of Aquascutum, Armand-Basi, Loewe, Cassetteplaya and Emma Bell. Andrew Groves, Course Director, BA (Hons) Fashion Design, says that potential

students should “try to visit as many fashion courses as possible so you can compare their facilities, teaching style and aesthetic.”

He also says that work experience is highly valued: “ This not only shows commitment and dedication but also will help you decide if this really the career for you. Whilst applicants can show us portfolios full of skills such as illustration, construction and pattern cutting, we can teach that to students. What we can’t teach is drive, ambition and determination.

That plays a very large part in our decision making process. “

stars of the future – past graduates include Owen Gaster, Julien Macdonald and Stella McCartney – it is also an opportunity for school students to get an insight into the industry.

Over 50 universities offering fashion courses will be there, showing the work of more than 1,000 BA Degree fashion students and Education Day is on 11 June. Organisers are expecting over 4,000 school students to come on this day to Earls Court 2, where they will be able to watch Gala shows, attend Careers clinics and talk to universities about the courses they offer. If you are serious about having a career in fashion, it is the event to go to.

GRADUATE FASHION WEEK Graduate Fashion Week is not just a great chance to see who are going to be the fashion

Graduate Fashion Week, 7-11 June 2009.

To book tickets for the event: www.gfw.org.uk

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WEEK

EDUCATION DAY JUNE 11 2009

Earls Court 2, London A brilliant day out for students interested in a career in the fashion industry!

Meet 50 of the best universities from around the country Watch the fabulous Gala Fashion Show featuring the best collections from the weeks shows Join one of the Careers Clinics and listen to top people in the industry talk about how they got their job! (You can ask questions too!)

Talk to some of this year’s graduates Visit the River Island stand and learn about a career in fashion retail

Gala Fashion Show Careers Clinic

£20.00 £15.00

www.gfw.org.uk (click on the Education Day page and download the Booking Form) Further information call: 01903 885930 Jennifer Jarvis De Montfort University Photography Chris Moore www.catwalking.com

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For many, photography is the ultimate art form; capturing what no other medium or expression can manage. The following photographers are all students on the BA Digital Photography degree at London South Bank University who have used the streets of London as their muse, capturing it in its grittiest and most original form. From a horde of images sent through, here are the ones that made the final cut

London is a fascinating place to document the best and worst aspects of human nature James Ide, Year 2 BA Digital Photography at London Southbank University I got involved in photography about six years ago. After leaving school with fairly bad grades and no idea with what I wanted to do with my life, I went to college and found the only A-Level course I could study was photography.

It was there I became passionate about documenting my life and the world around me. I was inspired and encouraged by my tutors and other photographers and continued to study foundation diploma art and then my BA in photography. Studying photography became the best decision of my life. London is a fascinating place to document the best and worst aspects of human nature. It is a continuing source of inspiration with so much social and cultural diversity. Photography is different to other art forms because as photographers we do not create our own world or canvas. Everything we shoot is real even if manipulated or altered in some way. This forces photographers to see the world in a different way and to be opportunistic, to look for art in the mundane.

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Tim Boddy, 25, 2nd year studying Digital Photography at London Southbank University Photography I consider one of the most important aspects of my life, and is a unique and endless art form. I take photographs in London of things I personally find interesting, satirical, leftfield and wondrous. In short,

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photographs as an art form can’t be taken for anyone else or to please others; you first and foremost must shoot and see shots that please yourself, that come from within. Though to contradict myself, one of my favourite quotes related to the medium goes “You cannot photograph if you’re not in love.” So therefore, perhaps it’s not entirely self-serving.

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You cannot photograph if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not in love Photograph: Tim Boddy

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STUDENT PROTEST

ACT TOGETHER NOW DAN GLASS, the man who superglued himself to Gordon Brown and an activist for Plane Stupid, gives a history of how people have stood up for their beliefs and how we all have a responsibility to act

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STUDENT PROTEST

I

In 2009 it appears that the world is tumbling out of control. Every day people are forced to digest news about civil and international wars, climate change and poverty before they’ve even digested their breakfast. The problems seem monumental, well beyond the reach of your average Joe, and salvageable only by governments and top level institutions. But the smallest action can make a difference.

ON THE MOVE The causes of the world’s ills are as fiercely fought over as the proposed solutions them. Some prefer to stay quiet in the hope that things will blow over, while some do their bit by recycling or signing the odd petition. Others take to the streets, rivers and seas in droves to express their dismay at what they see as poor governance and poor prioritisation.

In the UK in the past six years alone we’ve seen anti-war marches topping two million; numerous barricades of airport terminals and runways, and a camp of almost 3,000 protestors pitched in the grounds of a power station. But this is by no means unprecedented. World history is carpeted with inspirational actions, organisations and individuals who have made massive and positive changes in society: Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement, Ghandi and peaceful protest, Rosa Parks and civil rights in America - the list goes on and on. Students have been amongst the most vocal of campaigners in living memory: student-dominated youth movements have played a central role in the “colour revolutions” in many post-communist states; the Tiananmen Square massacre in China killed up to 3,000 students campaigning for democracy; and in America in 1970, 450 campuses were shut down by students striking against the US invasion

of Cambodia and the shooting of four students by police at Kent State University.

DIRECT ACTION Many protests are against governments: we are told time and again that the state and the government are the institutions that will solve the problems facing us, yet it is these very institutions that often perpetuate them. Take our government, for example: Gordon Brown set a target to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, yet last month gave the go-ahead for the third runway at Heathrow, despite overwhelming evidence that it will put these targets way beyond reach.

The lesson learned, then, is that if you want something done properly, you need to do it yourself. People take direct action when they find the prescribed system of ‘democracy’ fails them. The suffragettes, fighting for women’s right to vote in the UK, took to the streets when the government ignored their cries for recognition, and were continued to be ignored until they rushed into parliament and blockaded it. Then, of course, there was the 1960’s civil rights movement in the United States that organised amongst black communities and provided free healthcare and free education when the state would not recognise them as worthy of such amenities. This is taking action.

Direct action is about acting out of necessity: acting for our personal safety, that of others, and for the future of the planet. Equally, taking direct action can be about creating what you want by acting to stop what you disagree with.

It is about taking responsibility, and not deferring power. This is why the police target those taking action for themselves - it takes the power out of a few hands and gives it to the many.

It takes the power out of a few hands and gives it to the many

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STUDENT PROTEST

MAKE A DIFFERENCE The UK alone has a fine history of civil disobedience in our lifetime. Look at the road protests in the 1990s: at that time climate change wasn’t even on the tip of the media’s tongues and people, young and old, occupied green areas to stop them being trampled by motorways. If it wasn’t for this, today there would be at least one third more motorways in the UK, causing a big rise in carbon emissions and propelling climate change forward. And this affects everything: every day climate change causes more deaths through drought and famine, more conflict over natural resources and more injustice for the communities who live by airports, coal fired power stations and motorways. If public society organise and protest to stop the building of polluting industries, we can march proudly into the future knowing that we have made a difference.

As such, just a few weeks ago I was happy to see over 50 friends blockade the runway at Stansted airport, stopping thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions being released. I was even happier to superglue myself to Gordon Brown last year to challenge his support for expanding the aviation industry; the fastest growing cause of global CO2 emissions. We are the first generation to be equipped with the science of climate change and also how to deal with it, yet we continue to move in the wrong direction. In 50 years time, future generations will either thank us for our actions or lament our laxity.

There are many different sorts of action too.

Taking action doesn’t mean being locked behind bars: some people believe that peaceful action is more effective than violence, while others see these distinctions as tenuous. Is it violent to try to shut down a coal-fired power station when evidence points to its role in fuelling climate change? The British High court last year decided

54

no, and cleared six Greenpeace protestors of causing damage to Kingsnorth power station, accepting that the threat of damage to the planet was of greater concern than any damage to the power station. The court had heard from Professor Jim Hansen, one of the world’s leading climate scientists, that the 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted daily by Kingsnorth could be responsible for the extinction of up to 400 species. The jury was also told that Kingsnorth emitted the same amount of carbon dioxide as the 30 least polluting countries in the world combined.

WORKING TOGETHER We can participate in boycotts and strikes, we can refuse to pay our taxes, we can distribute information about the causes we fight for, and we can set up alternative radio stations, schools and community groups. We can throw bricks at damaging corporations, draw art for the public when most of public space is sold to corporations, and we can engage in street theatre projects which provide a semblance of happiness to people who have been devastated by war. There are many avenues for action.

The point is that the battle must be joined.

These are only small suggestions. The bad news is that, more often than not, asking governments politely to make change doesn’t work, as the suffragettes and the civil rights movement discovered. So the key is for the public to work together and create change themselves.

Importantly, the movement is not exclusive: there are hundreds of organisations in the UK and beyond who are already creating positive change in a society which seems to be going mad. But it’s not just a campaign, or even just a movement - it’s a whole culture not negotiated by governments, but enforced by people, by the public, by us.

There are many avenues for action

Cours

COURSES EXTRA 2009

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01/04/2009 10:23:09

PROFILE Helping to build rewarding careers in healthcare City University London’s School of Community and Health Sciences is dedicated to the education and development of health and community-based professionals. The School offers excellent academic tuition and superb inhouse skills facilities, combined with challenging placements in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Our students benefit from a level and variety of practical experience that simply cannot be matched. Our success – and that of our students – can be demonstrated by

a graduate employment record that is one of the best in the country.

Lifelong learning is a fundamental part of the School’s ethos. For that reason we offer flexible postgraduate study, from specific modules to Masters, PhDs and research places across a wide and varied portfolio. Our aim is to support community and healthcare professionals in building rewarding careers, providing both the opportunities to either specialise or to diversify into management and interprofessional studies.

The School offers programmes and courses in the following areas: Nursing; Police Studies; Midwifery; Public Health and Primary Care; Radiography; Interprofessional Practice; Speech and Language Therapy; Health Management & Clinical Leadership; Human Communication; Food Policy; Optometry and Visual Science; Professional Practice For further information please call 02070405780 or email health@city.ac.uk

The School offers excellent academic tuition

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13/3/09

11:07

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Higher Education at Uxbridge College Learn up-to-date theory and practical skills, taught by staff with years of industry experience.

you can make the difference Nursing Midwifery Optometry Radiography Speech and Language Therapy

To find out more call 01895 853333, visit www.uxbridgecollege.ac.uk or drop in weekdays until 5pm or Wednesdays until 7pm.

Uxbridge Campus, Park Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 1NQ.

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A degree in the health professions can take many forms yet they all have one thing in common.

Excellent career prospects. Because we have one of the best graduate employment records in the country. Add to this a career where you can make a real difference to the community in which you work and the prospects are even more rewarding.

To register for our Inside Health information evenings visit our website. Or call 020 7040 5780.

www.city.ac.uk/insidehealth

17/3/09 10:42:27

COURSES EXTRA 2009

55 27/03/2009 16:50:03

Looking for degree level qualifications to boost your career?

The Bournemouth & Poole College is proud to offer an ever-increasing range of full and part time higher education courses delivered in partnership with associate universities.

NEW FOR 2009 •Architectural Technology * •Built Environment* •Computer Games Design* •Construction Management * •Cultural Studies* •Entertainment Technology* •Quantity Surveying* •Sound and Music Technology* * subject to validation

We also offer: • • • • • • • • • • •

Applied Art and Design Business and Management Business Information Technology Certificate in Education (PGCE) Computer and Internet Technology Computer Generated Imagery Computer Networking Creative Music Production Education & Early Years Electronics and Computer Technology Engineering (Design/Electrical Technology/Production Management)

• • • • • • • • • •

English - Diploma in Higher Education Finance and Law Media Production Top-Up BA (Hons) Music and Sound Technology Performing Arts Popular Music Professional Culinary Arts Public Services Radio Production Tourism Management

Be inspired … higher education at The College For more details visit our website www.thecollege.co.uk/highereducation or Call: The College Enquiry Centre on 01202 205205 Email: heunit@thecollege.co.uk

Knowsley Community College Knowsley Community College is based near Liverpool, and boasts modern facilities and a fantastically friendly staff, who go out of their way to help you to settle in, make new friends, and achieve your full potential. In a recent National Student Satisfaction survey which covers Universities and Colleges offering degree level courses KCC’s overall satisfaction rate came out as an impressive 6th out of the 257 institutions surveyed.

KCC also gained a Grade One (Outstanding) from Ofsted for Equality of Opportunity (April, 08).

We offer Foundation Degrees validated by Edge Hill University in the following areas: BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT COMPUTING BUSINESS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCOUNTING ASSISTING PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE INTEGRATED PRACTICE – EARLY YEARS THEATRE, APPLIED DRAMA & CREATIVITY TOURISM & LEISURE MANAGEMENT

Phone Student Services for details about enrolment (27th Aug – 4th Sept) and for information about these and any other courses at the College: 0845 155 1055.

Or log on to: www.knowsleycollege.ac.uk

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STUDENT POLITICS

All together now VIRGINIA LAMBERT talks to graduates who were involved with student politics on what they gained from their experiences

O The process was one of the most exciting times I had at uni

ne really good way of getting involved in student life is by setting up your stand and making a difference in university elections.

Nominations for all positions will open at a particular time in each academic year. Watch out for them because they are not open for long – don’t miss the boat. Hustings will then occur, where candidates put forward their manifesto and get a serious grilling during question time.

Then, let the voting commence. After a few, pretty intensive days, the polls will shut; votes counted and verified, ready for the results to be announced that night at one of the best events of the year.

Sabbatical Officer Positions are full-time paid positions and are responsible for the running of the Students Union. You apply whilst you are still studying and, if you win, you take over the role for the academic year commencing after graduation. “Being a Sabbatical Officer has been amazing,” says Rhiannon Horsley who was Reading University Students Union President in 2008. “I think you would be hard pressed to find somewhere that offers you the breadth that this positions does, the fast paced environment and opportunities that are on offer – I can’t recommend this highly enough.”

Sophia Bellamy studied at Oxford Brookes University and was the Welfare & Campaigns Representative. She looks back at her time with

The Posts (these will differ from uni to uni but these are the main ones) Sabbatical Officers - President - Vice President - Education, Welfare, Communication and Services reps - Student Activities Other Roles - Newspaper positions - Magazine positions - Radio Station positions - Society reps

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STUDENT POLITICS

great fondness. “There are a lot of emails to read and respond to and you will have a lot of visitors throughout the day. Students and staff will pop in and ask about anything from coordinating an event or asking for some advice or some help. That bit can be slightly daunting, but the knowledge that there were people at uni who I had helped was the most rewarding experience that I took from my year.”

She says there was a lot of work to do, but working with a very strong team made everything achievable: “There were occasions where I’ve been in my office well past 10 o’clock at night as I wanted to fit in as much as I can into my year in that role.

However, there were so many fun bits too – and drinks, a lot of drinks, all over the country.

PRICELESS EXPERIENCE The job gave Sophia a lot of responsibility at a young age: “There are very few places where you have this level of influence – and that experience is priceless. I gained the experience of writing strategies and policies, chairing meetings, giving advice, co-ordinating volunteers, handling large budgets and presenting to hundreds of people.” She says she was trained for the role over the summer: “When term then begins, you are ready. It’s great getting to see things change in front of you and you can often dip in and out of projects along the way that interest you. That year was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had.”

Naomi Sharpe won her campaign to become her uni’s radio station’s assistant manager in her final year at Royal Holloway. “The process was one of most exciting times I had at uni. When

58

you join university you sign up to everything and you eventually find out what you are really passionate about. The more passionate you become about something, the more you want to influence and nurture it.” She says that during the campaign she had to approach all members of the university, which you never get to do on a normal basis. “From doing this, you learn how you can provide the most popular and influential service which becomes the crux of your manifesto. Campaigning is the most competitive and intense part. Your fellow students get pretty fed up of hearing the same old spiel from all the candidates, so you have to stand out.”

Naomi says all the hard work campaigning was worth it in the end. “The role itself is really demanding but I had the best time doing it and felt like I had made a massive contribution to boosting our profile to our valuable and important campus audience.” Whilst in her role, Naomi and the Station Manger created and established innovative and exciting programming schedules, recruited and trained the new force of presenters and initiated several campaigns to improve the service. “I gained really invaluable experience in media and now know that this is exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

All in all, getting involved is your chance to make sure that your views and interests, as well as those of your mates, are being heard.

Instead on being on the receiving end of endless campaign literature and unachievable promises make sure you are the one with your face plastered all over uni with great intentions of representing and providing welfare and services for all your fellow students.

I gained invaluable experience in media Presidents past From campaigning locally within the Students’ Union, there are also opportunities to spread your wings to national issues that affect students. Many a household name cut their teeth in this arena: • Gordon Brown represented his student body as rector at Edinburgh University • Jack Straw was the President of NUS (The national student organisation that represents students in national politics) as was Charles Clarke • Boris Johnson was the president of the Oxford Union (on his second attempt), as was William Hague (first attempt)

COURSES EXTRA 2009

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01/04/2009 10:09:34

OPEN SLUG DAYS

A prospectus can only go so far in showing you what life is like at a university. If you want to get behind the gloss you will just have to visit, writes JAMES DONALD

C

hoosing the correct university is key to ensuring your time in higher education is nothing but memorable. The only problem is, reading a prospectus gives you little else than a rose-tinted image of what’s in store – universities are in the business of selling themselves to you, so you need to see it in the flesh to know what you might be stepping into.

Meet the students Open days are your chance to decide whether you’d want to spend the next few years of your life there. You can examine with a fine-toothed comb the quality of accommodation, discuss finance, and get a feel for the student life, both day and night.

Before Bethany Pearson, 18, chose to go to City University, London, she went on five Open Days, three of which were at City.

“I knew I wanted to relocate to a central London university and had got my short list down to three. The Open Day gave me the opportunity to speak with tutors about the course content, and get a feel for the university and surrounding

area. When I got off the tube at Angel, I instantly felt at home and I could not have got that feeling from a prospectus or website.”

Open Days are held from now until summer and give students the chance to look closely at a university before applying through UCAS Extra.

“An open day is a unique opportunity to meet academic staff from different areas and ask indepth questions about what the courses cover,” says Neil Cole, Head of Student Recruitment Marketing from the University of East London (UEL).

“You can also find out about things like fees and about the scholarships and financial support universities offer. You can take a tour round the campus and see for yourself what facilities you’d be able to benefit from. And by meeting current students, you can really get the low-down on student life, not from universities telling you what it’s like, but from students who are living the student experience themselves.”

Latoya Solomon, Schools Liaison Officer of South Thames College says that preparation is key before students go on an Open Day. “Take a pen and paper to take notes. Have a think about

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You

You are special.

SLUG Extra special.

So are we.

We were meant to be together.

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what you want to find out before you go, so read the prospectus and check out the website before you go.â&#x20AC;?

TAKE A FRIEND Bev Woodhams, Head of Central Recruitment at the University of Greenwich says you should check that the university actually offers the subject you are considering and you make sure you visit the campus where the subject is based.

She also says you should consider taking some of your own work with you: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you are attending before making an application and are interested in our Architecture or design based courses take a small portfolio of your work which represents you, you may get

some practical advice and useful feedback.â&#x20AC;?

As the price of education continues to rise, parents often have to bear the brunt so may be keen to come on the Open Day as well. Sarah Gordon, Thames Valley University Events Team Leader says that you need to take care when taking family or friends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having an extra pair of eyes and ears is always helpful, especially as there can be a lot to take it. They may think of questions that you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thought of and their honest opinion will be very valuable to you however remember that friends and family may have their own ideas about what you should do and where you should go based on their own feelings so you do need to remember, ultimately, this is your decision.â&#x20AC;?

By meeting current students, you can really get the low-down on student life

Available subject areas: Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; $UW 'HVLJQ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; %HDXW\ 7KHUDS\

+DLUGUHVVLQJ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; %XVLQHVV 0DQDJHPHQW Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; &RPSXWLQJ ,&7 Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; &RQVWUXFWLRQ (QJLQHHULQJ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; (DUO\ <HDUV Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; (GXFDWLRQ 7HDFKLQJ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; )DVKLRQ 7H[WLOHV Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; +HDOWK &RPPXQLW\ 6RFLDO &DUH Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; +RVSLWDOLW\ 7UDYHO Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; /DZ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; 0DNH XS (IIHFWV $UWLVWU\ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; 2SKWKDOPLF 'LVSHQVLQJ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; 3XEOLF 6HUYLFHV Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; 6RFLDO :RUN Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; 6SRUWV Full course listing available online For more information contact

01274 433333 www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk

59-61 Open Days.indd 60

24/03/2009 17:04:04

Get advice from the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest student community What is UCAS Extra?

Help! I am in debt where can I get help from?

Anyone studying History at How do I apply Bristol? for student ďŹ nance?

Can I update my personal statement?

www.thestudentroom.co.uk 61.indd 3

31/03/2009 10:23:21

GADGETS

Coolest kIT When you start to pack for university, everyone will have some advice. Your mum will probably donate a couple of chipped mugs to your new uni room fund, your little sister might drop off a teddy to take with you, and your best friend might even make you a photo collage. But lets be honest – what you really, really want is a beer burglar alarm so that you can be sure no one will nick your booze while you’re out. Oh, and while we’re talking gadgets, a laptop will be the most used thing you have at university, and some note-takers can take a lot of the strain out of revising. LUCY TOBIN dishes up the best gadgets on offer

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64-68 Fencer.indd 64

Both my parents were Olympic fencers and they tried and failed to get my older brother and sister interested in fencing so I was their last chance.

I started off quite young - which is vital in a skill sport like fencing - with a fantastic coach, and I had positive and knowledgeable parental support from the beginning. As well I was naturally very competitive and loved exercise.

Fencing is hardly an orthodox career path. Was it written in the stars for you from the word go?

It feels great. I’ve been doing fencing since the age of seven and internationally from about 16.

As a kid you always see those at the top of the game and hope you’re good enough to get there.

When you do make it to the top and even surpass what the guys you looked up to had done, it validates all the work you’ve put in, and gives you a dangerously high level of self-confidence!

You’re in a position few people reach. How does it feel to be one of the best in the country?

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COURSES EXTRA 2009 64 NAVIGATOR Spring 2009

01/04/2009 10:13:10

One of the things I love about being a fencer compared to lots of other sports is that success is generally obtained by quality rather than quantity of training. I train with my coach and squad usually four hours a day, five days a week.

Sessions are in the afternoon because some of the guys have jobs or are studying. We start with 30 minute individual, technical lessons with the coach, which themselves are pretty intense. Then we go on to regular sparring or specific simulation exercises for a couple of hours and we finish with a short sharp footwork session. Because of the intensity of the training and the kit we wear I can lose up to 5kg of sweat over one session which goes to show that even though it’s not long hours, it’s still tough. In terms of restrictions, I do miss playing rugby and football because of the possibility of getting injured. But since we require regular rest breaks I get a lot of free time to do what I want outside of fencing.

Tell us a bit about your day-to-day life. Are you at all restricted?

competitive and loved exercise.

As a kid you always see those at the top of their game and hope one day you’ll get there

PROFILE SLUG

EXTRA Spring COURSES 2009 NAVIGATOR

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26/03/2009 10:43:34

SLUG PROFILE You’ll soon be focusing on the 2012 Olympics. What level of preparation is needed?

Our preparations for 2012 are already well underway since that is the reason we now have the funds to train full-time.

A lot of our training is geared towards preparing ourselves for the huge pressure that an Olympics, and especially a home Olympics, brings with it. Other than that, we have professionalised all aspects of our training with regards to strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and psychology. An example of the psychological training that we have started to employ already is mental imagery; every morning, I look in the mirror and picture myself winning the gold medal at the London Olympics. You imagine how you will think and feel and you just concentrate on actually being in that state of mind. It’s this kind of thing that just might be the difference when it actually comes to the crunch.

Did the Beijing Games whet your appetite? What was the atmosphere like there?

Although I didn’t qualify to compete in Beijing I was sent by the British Olympic Association to get an experience of the Games. It’s such a massive event in every way that a lot of first time competitors find themselves completely overwhelmed by it and therefore under-perform.

Watching the fencing events from the stands gave me a huge desire to be there competing, and winning. It was actually slightly frustrating that I wasn’t already.

What was particularly motivating was the support of the Chinese spectators for the Chinese fencers. It was electric at times, and I just knew that come 2012 I’ll be the one with that kind of support behind me.

And when I win then……goddamn!

Your job takes you abroad more than most would. Many memorable things you’ve seen whilst away?

It’s probably the greatest perk of my job, getting paid to travel the world, all the while meeting and getting to know people from all over. Certain places stick in the mind more than others. For instance I love seeing the stunning 60s American cars that fill the roads in Havana, and it’s endlessly fascinating to just wander the streets in Tokyo. We once had a competition in La Coruna, Spain, on the same weekend that the whole town was involved in a two-day long fancy dress carnival. So, I get to experience these things with good friends and often with a fencer from the area.

Was your choice to study psychology at university in any way linked to fencing?

Although psychology has a huge part to play in elite sport, my choice to study it wasn’t in any way connected to fencing.

I have a separate interest in psychology generally, and especially in social psychology, but it has only helped me in my sport insofar as it showed the potential of psychological training. After that I spoke with our team sport psychologist about specific techniques.

Any pre-match ritual or traditions dreamt up during a psychology lecture?

I think I was too distracted by the number of girls doing psychology to be thinking about tactics of how to improve my fencing performance!

What advice would you give to youngsters torn between academia and their passion?

It’s a special time for people involved in Olympic sports right now. With London just four years away, every athlete has to put in 100 per cent commitment until then. If I was coming out of school now, there is no way I would have taken three years out to go to university. But having already gone through university, and still with time to fulfil my goals, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Careers in sport have definite length limits, so it’s vital to have other strings to your bow.

Every morning I look in the mirror and visualise winning the Olympics

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