Lower Sixth Higher Education Programme Over the next few weeks, you are going to be shown how to research information that will allow you to make appropriate decisions concerning your future education. We strongly believe that a University degree is still a natural and important continuation of your education and appropriate preparation for the future. Experience tells us that approximately 98% of you will continue into Higher Education in one form or another, and therefore everyone in your year group will be provided with the same training in University Preparation. However, if you need help to research other possibilities, please ASK; as always, your TUTOR is the most important person in this consultative process, but you can also call upon any member of the Guidance Faculty team.
HE Programme Timetable 2012 (There should also be a copy on your Group Base Notice Board) Date
Venue
Event
Presenter(s)
Monday 6 February
Dobson Theatre and IT rooms
Foundation Studies double session: The UCAS Process and Research Techniques, leading to the compilation of a short list
RMG and FS Team
Tuesday 7 February
Dobson Theatre: Assembly
Indicator Grades
RMG/GPH/PDJ
Thursday 9 February
Group Base
Publication of Indicator Grades
Pastoral Tutors
Monday 20 February
Dobson Theatre and IT rooms
Foundation Studies: Looking Forward to producing a Personal Statement
RMG and the FS Team
Tuesday 21 February
Dobson Theatre: 7.00pm.
Lower Sixth Parentsâ€&#x; H.E. Evening
RMG and Southampton University
Monday 27 February
Dobson Theatre: 1.00pm.
HE: The Wider Perspectives and the Pitfalls
Chris Fuller, Southampton University
Thursday 15 March
Portsmouth Guildhall: 8.30am. until 11.15am.
HE Fair
HE Institutions
From April – July
Various universities
Open Days (Cardiff Open Day is on 25 April and is BEFORE A/S examinations
RMG or website for details
July
H10: various lunchtimes
Seminar preparation for LNAT/BMAT/HAT etc.
GSH
Friday 17 August
Study Centre
Post Examinations Clinic
Guidance Team
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The Higher Education Applications Calendar In order to have the best possible chance of success in your application to University, you should aim to complete your research as thoroughly as possible to be ready for 1st September and „The Application Season‟.
Entry into the Sixth Form
Introduction to our work experience opportunities. Potential doctors/vets/dentists need to gain work experience placements or voluntary work as soon as possible.
October of Lower Sixth
Potential Oxbridge candidates invited to an introductory meeting. Students advised to seek extension work from HODs.
February
Begin HE Programme and research. (HoDs provide “Indicator Grades”). Complete a shortlist of university courses and be ready to select your Open Days. Discussion with tutors of the match between ambitions and indicator grades.
March – July
Visit University Open Days and HE Fairs. Details on website.
June/July
Sit A/S examinations.
June/July
„APPLY‟ training for UCAS. Draft personal statement.
August
Post Examinations clinic. Review plans in light of results. Decide to re-sit or drop subjects at this point. Advice available in School.
September of Upper Sixth
New predicted grades communicated. Make applications through UCAS if not a PQA* candidate. Early applications are more successful.
Speech Day
Deadline for Medics, Oxbridge etc.
October Half Term
School Deadline for UCAS, for UVI students.
October-March
Receive Universities‟ responses. Make application for HE funding.
January of Upper Sixth
Further AS modules. GAP Year placements to be sorted-out.
Spring of Upper Sixth
Make use of UCAS “Extra”, if necessary or decide on CF and CI courses. Keep one lower offer as an “insurance”.
Summer of Upper Sixth
A level examinations. Post A Level booklet issued.
August
Post Examination clinic. Results and Clearing. Help available in School.
September
PQA (GAP year) applications, following instructions from Summer booklet. Open Evening. HE Clinic available for Old Edwardians making an application in their GAP year.
School UCAS closes each December ii
* PQA = Post Qualification Application (GAP Year)
UCAS All applications to university are made through “UCAS”, The Universities and Colleges Admissions System.
The online system for making an application is called APPLY and you will receive specific training in how to make an application in the SUMMER TERM of your Lower Sixth year. PQA refers to applications made once you know your A Level grades.
Please note that even if you take a year out, you will still need to use APPLY and log into the School‟s system, in the September after your A Level results. The good news about APPLY is that you can do so from anywhere in the world via www.ucas.com and then finding King Edward VI School Southampton. For this reason, it is ESSENTIAL that you participate in the APPLY training in the Summer term – even if you won‟t be applying for another 14 months.
APPLICATIONS
Start in July THIS YEAR for Oxbridge Choral and Organ Scholars Start on September 1st THIS YEAR for October the following year Start on September 1st THIS YEAR for deferred entry applications Start on September 1st (or before) NEXT YEAR for PQA Choose up to four courses for Medicine, Dentistry and Vet Science Choose up to five courses for other degrees
You may apply for more than one course at the same university, but you may not apply to the University of Cambridge and to the University of Oxford in the same year. Within your application, you will need to write a Personal Statement in which you demonstrate your motivation for the subject you have opted to study. This process is lengthy: please allow time for this to be approved by your Tutor. Even once you have successfully submitted your application it may not leave School for a further ten working days. As a Pre A Level applicant, you will then receive replies, either rejections (not too many we hope!) or Conditional Offers based upon AS and full A Level examinations. You may be required to gain specific UNIT grades, or a number of UCAS points. You will eventually keep just TWO offers: 1. 2.
FIRM = INSURANCE =
the place you genuinely wish to achieve (CF) a further, „safety net‟ offer (CI) in case you have a bad exam day
Most applicants make a range of applications, from the ambitious to the safe, thus hoping to ensure that they are not left without offers. You are contractually obliged to go to your CI University if you make the grade, therefore you should be sure that you WISH to go there. Where there are doubts and difficulties, a Post Qualification Application [PQA] will probably be recommended, wherever this is feasible. We strongly recommend that you visit the universities to which you will make applications. iii
What Do I Study? There are approximately 50,000 HE courses to choose from in the UK, and they take a variety of forms:
Single Honours
Modular Degree Courses
Joint Honours
Sandwich Courses (two types)
Combined Honours
Erasmus
Single Honours The most common type of course: eg. BA Hons Geography. NB you may have to study another subject in your first year before concentrating on one. Joint Honours Combines two subjects equally: eg. French and German. Be careful: there may be more work than for a Single honours course. Combined Honours More than two subjects, but not necessarily all of equal status (Major and Minor subjects). Modular Courses In many universities these are largely replacing combined honours. You can “build your own course” using “units” from different subjects although the choice is not absolutely unlimited. Sandwich Courses Involve time out of university on industrial or professional experience. (See Mrs Carrie Mandley if you would like a work experience placement before university. Appointments can be made via KJ in the Guidance Centre.) Thick sandwich courses usually involve an entire academic year „out‟ of university. Thin sandwich courses may involve a term out in each of your second or third years. Both schemes tend to have slightly higher graduate employment rates than equivalent, non-sandwich courses. Erasmus/Socrates One of a number of schemes created to enable students to spend time at a foreign university during an HE course. Details are available online and via a compendium in the Guidance Centre.
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Where Do I Study? Collegiate Universities
Campus Universities
Redbrick Universities
Technological Universities
Conservatoires
Modern Universities
Colleges and Institutes of HE
University abroad
Collegiate Universities Cambridge, Durham, Lancaster, Oxford. Intimate atmosphere. Several thousand students in the university, but you apply to a college of several hundred only. Russell Group The most prestigious UK universities (see below). Please note that some of these competitive universities may ask for “extra” examinations for some courses. Please look at the School website for further details. Redbrick Universities The traditional large city universities built in the late 19th/early 20th Centuries. Many are in the so-called “Russell Group”: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, UCL, etc. There are now 20 members of The Russell Group, as Queen‟s College, Belfast has been admitted. A list is posted on the HE notice board. Music Conservatoires Conservatoires prepare musicians for a professional career as performers or composers. University Music is more theory based. Those who want to be professional players and follow a university music route, can do a further year at a Conservatoire as a post grad if they want to enter the performing profession. Please see Mrs Freemantle for further details. Campus Universities Buildings grouped on a purpose-built site; may be Redbrick such as Birmingham, or Nottingham, but also 1960s built: Bath, Warwick, York, etc. Technological Universities Do not have a full range of subjects. Specialise in vocational courses or industry-led learning. Modern Universities Mostly on campuses on periphery of city: Surrey (Guildford), Warwick (Coventry), Essex (Wivenhoe), but some are central: Aston (Birmingham). “New” Universities are usually ex Polytechnics or Colleges, eg. Portsmouth or Staffordshire. They may not be particularly modern, as the term “New” refers to their recent acquisition of university status rather than to the age of the building. Colleges/Institutes of HE Award degrees, but not autonomously as do universities: N.E.W.I. (was Wrexham HE College). It is unusual to have students from KES making applications to these institutions.
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Study beyond the UK We hold a seminar for students interested in this option in the Autumn Term of the LVI. Please see Mr. Culver if you missed this seminar. Despite the enthusiasm of the British for holidaying overseas, there has traditionally been a reluctance to embark upon H.E. abroad. However, some students may contemplate EU options or HE outside the UCAS system. Careful liaison with your Yutor will be necessary. The following exercises can be undertaken before, during or after our HE programme and provide a framework for undertaking necessary student research. What is meant by study beyond the UK? (a) Study as part of a UK based course (eg. sandwich element or Socrates/Erasmus placement). (b) Study as a UK student based overseas for the entire course at a non UK university. Why consider studying abroad? Possible reasons include to: * Broaden horizons. * Study a new subject(s) not available at home. * Experience another culture. * Enhance a curriculum vitae and improve job/career prospects. * Learn or improve a foreign language. * Take up a course for a competitive subject having been unsuccessful in gaining a place in. the UK. Where could I go? The more popular destinations include: * EU Member States. * USA. * Australia. * Canada. * Other “up and coming� destinations such as the Caribbean (eg. for medicine).
It is important to check recognition of any qualifications back in the UK.
How much will it cost? This will vary enormously depending upon the cost of living, tuition fees levied and the availability or otherwise of loans, bursaries or scholarships. Each country and HEI is a different situation, so in depth research is essential. We have had students who have taken up places in the USA, but the costs have been higher than for places within the UCAS System (even allowing for recent changes). Do check what the financial implications might be. How can I research the topic further? www.europe.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/students www.allaboutcollege.com www.hobsons.com/studyeurope For non EU countries try: www.international.collegeview.com www.fulbright.co.uk www.acuinfo.com www.aucc.ca www.studyinaustralia.gov.au www.ghegoodguides.com.au www.studyoverseas.com
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USA USA USA Canada Australia Australia Worldwide
Which Subject? Don‟t be blinkered in your approach to academic disciplines – most subjects areas offer a broader range of courses than you may realise. Look at the following groups of related subjects which are available at University. Sometimes, you will need to explore around a subject to find exactly the right course. You may not even have realised that some of these subjects are available as degree courses – just look at the index of HEAP. You can find degree courses from Sports Promotion to Planetary Exploration listed in HEAP. The subjects listed below represent only a small selection, and are intended just to make you aware of possibilities.
Business and Management
Arts/Creative/Performance
Accountancy Business Studies Management Leisure and Recreation Travel and Tourism Advertising Public Relations Marketing Retailing
Art Design Drama Music Music Technology Theatre Studies Media Journalism Creating Writing Photography
Engineering
Social Sciences and Law
Aeronautical Automotive Chemical Civil and Structural Computer and Control Systems Engineering Design Electrical Electronic Environmental Marine Mechanical Mining and Minerals Naval Architecture Production
Sciences – Physical and Chemical Chemistry Physics Oceanography Meteorology Astrophysics Chemical Physics Natural Sciences
Biological Sciences Biology Biochemistry Botany Zoology Physiology Microbiology Marine Biology Genetics Food Science Dietetics Behavioural Science Psychology Animal Sciences
Medicine and Related Sciences
Geography and Earth Sciences
Anthropology Sociology Psychology Economics Law Communication Studies Social Administration Government and Politics Peace Studies International Government Social History Youth Studies Cultural Studies
Medicine Pharmacy Anatomy Nursing Pharmacology Physiotherapy Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Optometry Dentistry Osteopathy
Geography Geology Environmental Science Environmental Studies Earth Science Marine Geography Urban Planning
Architecture and Building
Mathematical Sciences
Industrial Technology
Sports and Recreation
Architecture Land Management Estate Management Surveying Building Studies Town and Country Planning Valuation
Computer Science Mathematics Statistics Actuarial Studies
Building Metallurgy Materials Science Textiles and Clothing Transport Printing Marine
Leisure Studies Sports Studies Human Movement Sports Science Leisure Management Tourism
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I’m sorry, I haven’t a clue (what I want to do) Don’t Panic Aptitudes and abilities You need to spend some time working out just what you like doing, what you‟re good at and what you definitely DO NOT wish to do. There are various questionnaires and Computer Tests that can help you. Parametric Testing = Computer Programs: KUDOS, The Stamford Test (available through UCAS) Questionnaires
= OIE, Fast Tomato, and others
Profiling
= Morrisby Test and feedback sessions. If you missed out on Morrisby in the Upper School, please see our Head of Careers (Mrs Mandley) if you would now like to take the test.
Researching Occupations HINTS Library Q & A Series Job Outlines/Working in … E Clips
Approaching HE from Advanced Levels Which Science Degree? Which Arts Degree? CRAC Course Guidelines Degrees with any Advanced Level subject The Stamford Test (see above)
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I think I want to go to university, but I am not sure which subject I want to study Here is an example of the sort of information you can find by using the sources of information in the IT rooms and the information sources your tutor has explained to you. Please note the details of the research you need on the following page. Possible subject area
Oriental Studies
Related subjects that might be of interest (Use the CRAC Degree Course Guides, Which Degree, Subject Information boxes and Heap, but UCAS Course Search is your easiest method of research)
1. 2. 3. 4.
East Asian Studies Japanese Cantonese Politics and Korean Studies
More information about the subject: We suggest you use the UCAS Course Search option and Entry Profiles as you have been shown, but electronic and hard copy prospectuses are also available.
Duration of course
Usually four years full time
Type of study Most of our students will be full time undergraduates
Full time, mostly. Part time at Central Lancashire. Modular at Lancaster, Leeds, SOAS and Sterling. All courses have time abroad – usually one year. Use The Good University Guide and the HE noticeboard to compare the status of universities.
Course content Whatever your chosen subject, you need to be sure it suits you
Language study with Literature and history of the culture. Some courses look at modern economy. Others more historically based. Some look at archaeology. Often combines another oriental language. NB usually small teaching groups. Continued ‌ ix
Course structure Look carefully to check that you like the sound of what’s on offer. Consider whether you prefer lots of contact time, exam-based assessment or flexibility in the options.
First year often extensive acquisition of new language. Long hours in language laboratory. One year “out” in country of appropriate language speakers. This varies from university to university, eg. Sterling = three months+ of a three year course, Oxford Japanese = four months in university followed by eight months (compulsory) in Japan. Split finals in second and fourth years.
Requirements Entry profiles will tell you which A Levels are required and preferred.
No specific language requirement, but often look for proven ability to master a new language. Languages at AS or Advanced Level.
Possible careers (Use “AGCAS: What do Graduates do?” and “Thestudentroom.com”.)
Especially strong business possibilities. 25% of graduates go into marketing or buying/selling. Chinese apparently in demand (see CRAC). BUT 16% unemployment is slightly higher than average for graduates.
Graduate employment % needs to be carefully considered against student debt.
Further action
Check resources available in various universities. Use the School’s W drive for a useful comparative check list.
Open Days
Look at the list of open days published on the HE noticeboard. Sign up.
It would now be worthwhile looking at areas of study which are related – or similar – to one that you have initially researched. A blank form is included for you to photocopy and take with you to any Open Day you may attend.
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I know what I want to study at university For those of you who know what you want to study, the example below provides the sort of information that you will need to find for your particular course. You are in luck if you want to study Biology or biological Sciences. A similar blank table is provided on page 20 for you to photocopy and complete as many times as you need to. There are also resources on the shared drive of the intranet. Subject area UCAS Code (Use UCAS course search on www.UCAS.co.uk or Heap‟s Guide)
Biology/Biological Sciences C100/C200
Institutions that offer this course Institution 1. Bath (Biology)
Grades required *
2. Exeter
*
3. Lancaster 4. Leeds (Applied
* *
5. Cambridge
*
6. Glasgow
*
Biology)
Subjects required Three A Levels to include Biology at grade A, plus Mathematics or another science subject. ABB GCSE Mathematics at Grade B or above. Three A Levels to include Biology, plus one other science. AAB Two sciences at A Level (or Geography) at ABB or above. A Level Biology, plus one further science and another A Level except General Studies at grades AAB-ABB. Double Science Award is NOT acceptable. Not available except as part of Natural Sciences BCFO A*AA required in three “hard” sciences. See website. A Level Biology at grade B or above or Chemistry Grade B. Double Science Award NOT preferred. ABB
* These grades will vary from year to year and sometimes even within the application cycle. More Information about the subject at specific institutions: (Now consult the relevant prospectuses to find out more or look at the Entry Profiles on UCAS course search) University 4 Information about their course
Leeds
Three year degree or four year sandwich degree with industrial experience. The BSc is modular with compulsory core units and options in all three years. In year one and two teaching is done through practicals and tutorials in addition to formal lectures. The final year involves a research project, which comprises approximately one third of the final year content. Assessments are spread through the course with formal examinations in January and June of each academic year.
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Finding out more
www.ucas.com (Particularly, Entry Profiles)
Degree Course Offers by Brian Heap
CRAC subject guides
Individual university websites
UNISTATS
www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk (Provides a question and answer page which is a useful starting point)
www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings (useful, but worth using entry Standards as your objective parameter)
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/ (Please be aware that different sources will „rank‟ according to different criteria. Entry points is the most reliable objective method)
www.russellgroup.ac.uk/our-universities.aspx (Helpful information about 20 highly competitive UK universities)
www.unistats.direct.gov.uk (Particularly useful when looking for graduate level employment statistics)
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Choosing a University (Please note that The Student Room forum is student-led and not necessarily officially endorsed)
In order to make sensible choices you should thoroughly research the information available to you and compare the statistics available. Entry Profiles and Unistats give information about the students who successfully apply for the courses and about their employment destinations. Be careful to allow for very subjective comments from undergraduate contributors to blogs or other unverified sites. At the back of this booklet there is a list of other useful websites and a reminder that the School‟s intranet can also be harnessed for your research and used to your advantage.
xii
Use this form (or copies of it) to research related H.E. courses Possible subject area
Related subjects that might be of interest (Use the CRAC Degree Course Guides, Which Degree, Subject Information boxes and Heap)
1. 2. 3. 4.
More information about the subject: (UCAS Course Search, Entry Profiles, HEAP, CRAC Degree Course Guides, Which Degree, Degree Course Offers, and the appropriate prospectuses)
Duration of course
Type of study
Course content
Course structure
Requirements
Graduate employment
Further action
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UCAS Entry Profiles What are Entry Profiles UCAS entry profiles make use of the internet to give applicants to Higher Education better information about the courses they want to study. They provide such details as entry qualifications, selection criteria and other information which extends far beyond that which was formerly available. All of this is essential for making fully informed choices about HE entry and is reached through the course search on the UCAS website. The UCAS “chat room” is also available through yougo.co.uk.
How can Profiles be used?
To improve the match between pre HE study and HE courses.
To make the criteria for HE entry much clearer for applicants and their advisers, by showing much more information than is currently available elsewhere.
To show other desirable characteristics which would support HE entry, such as work experience. This encourages universities and colleges to say which factors help to make an application successful.
To cater for applicants who have a wider range of post 16 qualifications and experiences.
How do I find Profiles on the web?
To use the course search to find profiles, go to the UCAS homepage at www.ucas.com.
Go to the course search link. Click on this, go to the appropriate year and follow the instructions.
Once you have a search result (ie. a list of courses that meet your interests and search criteria), you will see an EP symbol next to each of those courses that have an entry profile.
Click on a course title and you will be taken to the course details page.
Under the section on information required to complete the UCAS application, there is a link called ‘Entry Profile’.
Click on this ‘Entry Profile’ link and you will be taken to the main entry profile page.
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The UCAS Tariff The UCAS Tariff is the system for allocating points (numerical values) to qualifications used for entry to HE. It establishes agreed equivalences between different types of qualifications, provides comparisons between applicants with different types of achievement, and reflects the relative values of the levels of achievement in post 16 qualifications. The qualifications covered by the Tariff are available at www.ucas.com/candq/tariff. The current “points� system at UCAS allocates numbers to grades in the following way: A Level Points Each A* grade Each A grade Each B grade Each C grade Each D grade Each E grade
= = = = = =
140 points 120 points 100 points 80 points 60 points 40 points
Occasionally, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) will allow the extra, fourth A/S grade to contribute to the total demanded by their offer. For example: A*ABb
=
410 points
The A/S grade appears as a lower case letter and is worth 50% of the points allocated to the same grade at A Level. Please note that not all entry requirements are covered by the Tariff, but most of them now are. They include Music qualifications as well as many other vocationally orientated qualifications. If you would like to find out more about the way in which the respective values have been allocated to the different qualifications, please consult the UCAS website. It is worth noting that most selecting (rather than recruiting) universities still tend to make their offers in terms of A Level grades rather than tariff points.
xv
The UCAS Tariff and you How does the Tariff work?
Points can be combined together from different qualifications, eg. GCE AS/A2 with AVCE.
There is no ceiling to the number of points that can be accumulated, thereby recognising the full breadth and depth of students‟ achievements.
AS scores will be incorporated into A2 level scores in the same subject – so no double counting.
Scottish Higher scores will be incorporated into Advanced Higher scores in the same subject.
Scottish core skills scores at Intermediate 2 will be incorporated into the scores for Higher core skills.
How will HE Institutions use the Tariff?
The Tariff provides a facility to assist universities when expressing entrance requirements and when making conditional offers.
Entry requirements and conditional offers expressed as points scores will often require a minimum level of achievement in a specified subject eg. „300 points to include grade A at A Level Chemistry‟ or „240 points to include 100 points (grade B) from A Level Mathematics‟.
ACTION: 1. In February, your tutor will communicate your “indicator” grades to you. These grades are based upon subject teachers‟ evaluation of your A2 potential. (Remember that these grades may change up to mid September of your UVI year.) 2. Assign points scores to them, using the tariff. If you need help with working out the total, log on the UCAS website and use the online calculator, accessible via quick links on the www.ucas.com home page. 3. Select an undergraduate subject you might want to study. 4. Using the HEAP and/or course search on www.ucas.com, identify two HE1s requiring: Institution
Institution
(1) The same points total as you expect to achieve
________
________
(2) A slightly higher points total than you expect
________
________
(3) A slightly lower points total than you expect
________
________
5. Discuss the outcomes of your research with your Tutor, and discuss your likely choices with him/her. xvi
Stipulated A Level subjects for Higher Education These are generalised points; specific details should be researched for each university course using the UCAS website. SCIENCES:Agriculture: Biochemistry: Biology: Chemistry: Computer Science: Dentistry: Design and Technology:
Normally one or two sciences Chemistry plus one or two sciences Biology plus one science (Chemistry is often required) Chemistry, often plus Mathematics or Physics Often not stipulated, but, for many, Mathematics is an advantage Chemistry plus one science Art, Design or Physics may be required. Check carefully
ENGINEERING:Aeronautical: Chemical: Civil: Electrical and Electronic: Mechanical: Environmental Sciences: Geology: Mathematics: Medicine:
Mathematics plus Physics Chemistry plus Mathematics and/or Physics Mathematics plus Physics* Mathematics plus Physics* Mathematics plus Physics* Two science based subjects Two sciences (Geology or Geography NOT specified) Mathematics (but NOT always Further Mathematics) Chemistry plus one of Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Some faculties still prefer Chemistry plus two sciences
*There are four year courses for non-scientists but mathematical ability is still essential
ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES:Accountancy: Archaeology: Architecture: Fine Art: History of Art: Business Studies/Management: Classical Languages: Classical Civilisation/Ancient History: Drama/Theatre/Performing Arts: Economics: Education: English: Geography: History: Law: Modern Languages: Music/Music Technology: Philosophy: Politics: Psychology: Sociology, Social Studies et al: Theology:
Mathematics is required or preferred at some, not all No specified subjects No specified subjects, but Mathematics often preferred for Architectural engineering. A „Portfolio‟ of work is required Art and a „Portfolio‟ at most No specified subjects No specified subjects Latin and or Greek No subject usually specified No specified subjects, but a related subject is an advantage No specified subjects Mathematics is an advantage (approximately 60% will have Economics Advanced Level) No specified subjects, but a „major subject‟ is needed English Geography (Geography plus one science for BSc) History (NOT always specified) No specified subjects (Arts or Science combinations accepted) Single honours: the language to be studied Combined honours: two modern languages Some courses offer languages ab initio Music advisable but not essential (for Technology, Physics is sometimes preferred) No specified subjects No specified subjects No specified subjects, but some courses require scientific knowledge and prefer a Science Advanced Level. A knowledge of Statistics is sometimes required No specified subjects No specified subjects
Details from The University Entrance Guide, published through UCAS xvii
Finding the perfect match You will need to „SHORTLIST‟ about ten possible courses and find out more about them. You will find further „RESEARCH SHEETS‟ towards the end of this booklet and you can request more from RMG or KJ, or download them from the shared drive. You will need to compare information as effectively as possible in order to eliminate courses from your shortlist. A student-compiled comparison table is also available on w:\HigherEducation\resarch resources. Use the web-based or hard copy prospectus for each institution to complete the research sheets, and try asking the following questions to help clarify your thoughts. For each course at each institution you will need to make a note of the following information: Subject code? Type of course? (Modular, sandwich, duration etc.) Is the University a campus or non-campus institution? What are the options within the course? (Give details of choices that appeal.) Are there compulsory elements/subjects within the course? Type of accommodation available in first year? Is Hall of Residence guaranteed? Is self catering available? Does the Hall of Residence have a bar/other facilities? Furthest distance from a Hall of Residence to the Students‟ Union? Name of Admissions Tutor (if given) and a contact number or e-mail address
You will also need to give serious consideration to matching your ambitions to your realistic expectations: Would you like the course? Would you be able to cope with the academic/other demands of this course? What grades are required for this subject at this institution? How many applications are received per place? How is the subject ranked at this university compared to other universities?
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Getting started - Lower Sixth Higher Education Programme - Tutor Period You need a PEN! You need your Tutor’s copy of Brian Heap’s Degree Course Offers Don‟t think too much about this stage of the programme – you‟re almost certainly going to change your mind – or vacillate – over the next few months. The course of preparation you undertake now is simply to show you HOW to research. Using the boxes below, QUICKLY list two or three subject areas you think you may be interested in studying at University. (It will save you time and effort if you use sensible and probable subject interests at this stage.) Subject
Related Subject [See HEAP]
Possibility / Subject 1 Possibility / Subject 2 Possibility / Subject 3
Now select just ONE of the subjects above and, using HEAP, find a related subject or academic discipline that seems to be within the same field.
Get hold of a copy of the official UCAS University Guide.
Turn to the index to find your subject details and then find the TABLE appropriate for that discipline.
Write down the COURSE CODE here …………………………………………………….
Finally, find THREE universities that offer a course which might interest you and add them to the table below. Eventually, you should complete the table by using a combination of HEAP, prospectuses and internet research: University
UCAS Course Code
Stipulated Subjects
Grades Required
xix
Use the prospectuses in the Guidance Centre or online prospectuses to help you complete
Research Sheet Institution Name of Institution
List the course offered by this institution that you are interested in, together with the entry requirements
Course code
Is this a single/combined or modular course?
How many applicants per place?
What facilities does this institution offer which would help you with your study (eg. library, computers, laboratories)?
How many students are there at this institution? What is the ratio of male:female?
Is this institution in large city, town or is it rural?
Is it a campus or non-campus institution?
Can you stay in the Halls of Residence in the first year? What are the Halls of Residence facilities like? How much will accommodation cost?
How far is this institution from home? Is there a train station nearby?
What clubs and societies are offered? Are there any sports/music/drama facilities?
What else is important to you?
When are the Open Days?
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Institution
Your Top Ten You will need to complete up to ten Institution Research Sheets if you do your research thoroughly, and once you have done so, you ought to try to put your selection into a rank order of preference. Use the table below to help you. You may change your mind several times – it‟s not unusual! Remember that you need to feel happy about your choices – make sure you VISIT the place where you may spend the next three or four years. Use this list to help you prepare for completing your application form and to keep as a contingency plan if you have to re-think your options at a later date.
University
Course
Times Rank order Ranking* Mk1 Date …………
*
Rank order Mk2 Date ..………
Final (?) Preferences? Date ..……….
Use The Times Good University Guide to find out how well-regarded a university is for a particular subject. Copies can be found in the Student Guidance Centre.
NOW: Try to refine your choices to just FIVE courses! xxi
Example BATH
UNI
xxii
Coach Education and Sports Development
AAB or A*AC or A*BB
Employment prospects (after 6 months)
No
Campus
Yes
14
7
On the day training
Teacher/ parent rating
My rating
Miles from Soton
Position in Subject Table
position in Table
Year in Industry?
Russell Group?
Offer
UNI
Course
A student’s self-compiled comparison table For CF/CI purposes
62
Other comments
King Edward VI School: Lower Sixth Higher Education Programme This document is also available within the School‟s intranet (shared drive) and the hyperlinks can be accessed directly from there. You should also be able to access these links via the School website by logging into the Student Guidance section. Useful websites to try for HE information: http://www.universityadvice.co.uk/ http://www.universitycourse.co.uk/ http://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfo/uk.map.html (This is an excellent UK sensitive map of HE institutions) http://www.ucas.com/search/index.html http://www.ecctis.co.uk/ (We no longer subscribe to ECCTIS as it has been superseded by the excellent UCAS website, but some information is available to non-subscribers). Course Discover is available through the Student Guidance menu on the intranet. http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/forms/ucas.shtml http://www.undergraduate.hw.ac.uk/info/ucas.htm http://www.aimhigher.ac.uk/applying_for_a_course/what_is_ucas_.cfm http://www.glos.ac.uk/choose/ucasevents.cfm (Please note that we will be running a coach to the Portsmouth event) http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate-study/application-and-entry/how-toapply/UCAS/index.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCAS Good luck – but don‟t forget to ask for help if you need it, and to keep us informed of your intentions! If you are a PQA candidate, please follow the instructions in the Post A Level Advice booklet issued via parent portal in the June of your UVI year, and remember that the School UCAS system shuts down at the end of the Autumn Term.
Ruth Greenwood Director, Higher Education xxiii
Notes from HE Presentations