UWTSD Parent Guide by University of Wales Trinity Saint David

UWTSD

Parent Guide

Lighting up the road to University uwtsd.ac.uk | 1

Welcome This may be called a Parent Guide, but it is for everyone who finds themselves playing a supporting role in a person’s move into Higher Education. Whoever you are - mum, dad, grandparent, guardian, foster parent, teacher or mentor - there should be something in these pages to help. The aim of this publication is to help you support your potential graduate as they apply for university, to answer some questions and calm your nerves. If you have no concerns, as they are busy getting on with things, the information in these pages may still be for you as you may learn something you didn’t know. Anyway, we hope you find this helpful.

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CONTENTS AN INTRODUCTION TO UWTSD

WHAT IS HIGHER EDUCATION?

JARGON EXPLAINED

WHY UNIVERSITY?

FIRST STEPS – SUPPORTING THEM ON THEIR JOURNEY

PREPARING FOR UNIVERSITY

OPEN DAYS

WHY UWTSD?

HELP AT HAND - WELFARE, WELLBEING & STUDENT SUPPORT

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY – FEES & STUDENT FINANCE

FUN & GAMES PLUS PEER SUPPORT 26 CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY

GRADUATE CASE STUDIES

APPLYING THROUGH UCAS

KEY DATES & PEAK TIMES FOR SUPPORT

CHECK LIST

WHERE HIGHER EDUCATION IN WALES BEGAN THE UNIVERSITY LOOKS FORWARD TO CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN WALES IN 2022 AND ITS ROLE IN SHAPING A NATION. The bicentenary celebrations will commemorate the establishment of St David’s College, Lampeter in 1822 and mark its place as the birthplace of higher education in Wales. The University’s Royal Charter of 1828 is the oldest in Wales and England after Oxford and Cambridge.

Carmarthen, Swansea and Cardiff allows us to have a significant impact on our communities in Wales and further afield. We take great pride in our history and our connection to it, particularly as it has provided us with the determination and confidence to shape our own future for generations to come. 2022 will provide us with the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our staff, students and graduates through the Arts, Education, Humanities, Science and Technology.

The bicentenary celebrations will provide us with the opportunity to celebrate the successes and achievements of UWTSD and its founding institutions over the past two centuries. Our presence in Lampeter,

Join us and share the celebration! 4 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

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LAMPETER CARMARTHEN SWANSEA Cardiff Birmingham London

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OUR ROOTS ARE IN...

WALES ...and we are branching out

UWTSD has three main campuses in south-west Wales – Carmarthen, Lampeter and Swansea – as well as campuses in London and learning centres in Cardiff and Birmingham. Offering a truly global learning experience, we welcome international students to our UK campuses, and learning centres, and there are opportunities for students to study abroad.

We also offer programmes of study delivered through collaborative partnerships with other institutions in the UK and overseas.

FIND OUT MORE uwtsd.ac.uk/ campuses uwtsd.ac.uk | 7

WHAT IS HIGHER EDUCATION? Higher Education, or University, is the continuation of study after the age of 18 and is a natural step for many moving on from school or college education.

An undergraduate course, also known as a bachelor’s or first degree, usually takes three to four years to complete and is taught through a mixture of lectures and seminars. Students concentrate on one subject or study a joint honours degree. Higher Education provides students with an opportunity to learn more about a subject that they love. A degree can open doors to a range of opportunities, including greater earning potential and better career prospects. Students build invaluable skills that will be useful in all aspects of life, from time

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management, analytical thinking and budgeting to self-confidence and independence. University is an excellent social and cultural experience. It is an opportunity to meet like-minded people and make friends from different courses and parts of the world. The university experience allows students to grow as individuals and provides them with essential employability skills and subject-specific knowledge to help them create successful futures.

A degree can open doors to a range of opportunities, including greater earning potential and better career prospects.

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JARGON EXPLAINED

As you research the university application process, you may encounter some unfamiliar terminology and acronyms from time to time. We understand that this can be a little confusing, so we have come up with a list of common terms that can help everyone understand the language used in the Higher Education sector. Prospectus

Personal Statement

A prospectus is a booklet that contains details of courses, activities and student life at a university. Almost all universities offer a published prospectus or an electronic copy that can be downloaded on university websites.

This is the part of the UCAS application where the applicant will tell universities why they are suitable for the course(s) they hope to study. We go into more detail about this on page 33.

Open Day An opportunity for prospective students and their parents to visit a university campus and talk to staff and current students. Open Days are a wonderful opportunity to find out what it’s like to study at a university. Read more on Open Days on page 18.

UCAS Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Applications for full-time undergraduate courses are made through UCAS and they provide a link between the applicant and universities. Find out more about UCAS on page 32.

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UCAS Tariff Points These points are allocated to students by calculating their post-16 qualifications. The higher the grade achieved, the higher the number of points they gain. Many universities will make their offers based on UCAS Tariff Points.

Entry Requirements Conditions that a candidate must meet to be accepted on a university course. From qualifications and grades in specific subjects, to interviews, auditions, or even medical requirements. The entry requirements are different for every course and university, and it is useful for students to find out as early as possible what these are for the courses that they are interested in.

Freshers

Students’ Union

A name given to students starting their time at university. Freshers’ Week (or fortnight) is usually organised, to introduce them to university life. This may include social events, as well as an introduction to libraries and resources.

Each university will have a Students’ Union (likely to be part of the National Union of Students). The SU will represent the interests of students, and work for their benefit on a number of different issues. The Union can be a focus of student activities.

Student Services

Bursary

A department within the university that provides a number of different student support services including financial advice, accommodation, disability support, careers advice, educational guidance, counselling and so on. Read about what UWTSD’s Student Services team offer on page 22.

A non-repayable financial grant given to a student on request if they meet the specific criteria.

Student Finance This refers to grants or loans available to students to help pay for their university study. See more information on Fees and Financial Support on page 24.

Scholarship Like a bursary, this is a non-repayable financial grant given to a student, but rather than being based on financial needs, these are awarded based on merit and academic excellence.

Clearing A system operated by UCAS that enables students to find courses that still have vacancies following the publication of the A-level results. It is usually a system for students who have not achieved the grades needed for their first-choice course, but it can also allow last-minute applications to new institutions for those who were late applying or who are successful in achieving better-than-expected results.

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WHY UNIVERSITY? With so many options available to students after they leave school or college, they and you may be wondering whether university is the right path.

Going to university is a big investment but there is much to be gained from choosing this life-changing experience, including financial, educational, social and personal benefits.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME INDEPENDENT & DEVELOP AS AN INDIVIDUAL.

LEARN ABOUT SOMETHING THEY REALLY LOVE; BECOME AN EXPERT IN THEIR FIELD & HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON SOCIETY BY USING THEIR EXPERTISE & KNOWLEDGE.

UNIVERSITY WILL BROADEN THEIR HORIZONS. IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE NEW PLACES AND DIVERSE CULTURES AND MAKE LIFELONG FRIENDS.

87.5%

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EMPLOYMENT RATE FOR WORKING-AGE GRADUATES IN 2019 SOURCE: GRADUATE LABOUR MARKET STATISTICS 2019, GOV.UK

81%

OF EMPLOYERS FOUND UNIVERSITY GRADUATES WERE WELL PREPARED FOR WORK, WHILE 50% OF EMPLOYERS FOUND SCHOOL LEAVERS TO BE WELL PREPARED FOR WORK. SOURCE: EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVES SURVEY 2014, UKCES

GRADUATES ARE SAID TO HAVE GREATER RESILIENCE DURING TIMES OF ECONOMIC CRISIS, BECAUSE OF THE SKILLS THEY GAIN AT UNIVERSITY, & THEREFORE ARE LESS LIKELY TO BE UNEMPLOYED IN COMPARISON WITH THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE A DEGREE. SOURCE: ‘‘GRADUATE LABOUR MARKET OUTCOMES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC: OCCUPATIONAL SWITCHES AND SKILL MISMATCH’, OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS.

IT’S A GREAT INVESTMENT. GRADUATES ARE LIKELY TO START ON A BETTER SALARY THAN NON-GRADUATES – AT LEAST £9,000, IN FACT. IN 2019, THE MEDIAN SALARY OF WORKING-AGE GRADUATES WAS £34,000, WHILE NON-GRADUATE SALARIES STOOD AT £25,000. SOURCE: GRADUATE LABOUR MARKET STATISTICS 2019, GOV.UK SOME OF THE HIGHEST PUBLISHED GRADUATE SALARIES FOR 2020 WERE £48,000 (LAW FIRMS), £45,000 (TECHNOLOGY COMPANY) & £44,000 (ALDI). SOURCE: ‘THE GRADUATE MARKET IN 2020’, HIGH FLIERS RESEARCH. uwtsd.ac.uk | 13

FIRST STEPS -

Supporting them on their journey Taking the first steps into Higher Education can be an exciting but also a daunting time. It’s a good idea to take a step back and consider what the most important things are.

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You may have experience of university life, or it could be something completely new to you. You may be considering applying yourself. Whether you have done a degree or not, the HE sector is continually changing, and you may find that things are quite different now.

Choosing a course With more than 50,000 courses to choose from in the United Kingdom, selecting the right one to study can be a difficult, but very important, decision. Help them identify their interests as they will be studying their subject for some time. Maybe they already have a career in mind? If so, help them to find out if a specific degree is required to enter that field of work. Are they interested in more than one subject? Consider a joint honours degree. This will allow them to study two courses side by side without double the workload. Researching course content will help them make the right choice. Just because a programme has the same title does not mean that the areas and emphasis are the same. Information on programme content is available in the university prospectus, on the website or can be sought by contacting the university. Teaching and assessment methods can vary from one university, and course, to another. It is useful to ask for information about lectures and tutorial classes. Will there be one-to-one support available? Does everything depend on final exams? Help them as they choose their course by asking the following questions: Which subjects do you enjoy at school/college? What are your interests? Do you have a career in mind? Do you want to continue with one of your current subjects or learn something completely new? Which learning style works best for you? Are you an academic or practical person?

Location Depending on the course they choose to follow, your child may need to move far away so it is important to visit the university in advance to ensure that the location is suitable for them. Would they thrive in a big city or settle better in a smaller town? Will they be able to take a car? Are good public transport links a key factor for them?

University campuses vary in size and layout. Some universities have accommodation, classrooms and libraries scattered around the city while other universities will have everything in one place. Some universities may have a cohort of more than 150,000 students while others will have as few as 10,000. It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both. Choosing to study at a university close to home is also a popular option for many students. In this case, would they want to commute and live at home throughout their studies or prefer to live in university accommodation? Again, make sure you help them weigh up the pros and cons of each scenario.

League tables and ‘comparison’ websites Yes, just like your favourite hotels and restaurants, there are websites that can help applicants compare universities and courses. These websites usually feature current students’ feedback that provides a valuable insight into student satisfaction and experience. League tables are also a natural place to start when researching universities. They can be used to compare research quality, employability rates and overall university performance. However, the full picture must be considered, given that the best performing universities are not always on the top in all course areas. It is also important to remember that although a university is highly rated, it should not automatically be assumed that it will be the most suitable choice. These facts must be considered alongside other things such as the quality of teaching, contact hours, staff to student ratios and so on. A decision should not be based solely on league tables and comparison websites. Sometimes, the place you think would be best may not be the best place. You should keep an open mind. Go to open days to get a sense of what the different universities offer. uwtsd.ac.uk | 15

PREPARING FOR UNIVERSITY Parents and student tips What do other parents and students think about preparing for university? We asked BA Product Design student, Courtney Mitchell, and her parents, Victoria and Harvey, how they felt parents and guardians should get involved with the application process and what advice they would pass on.

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How did you research courses and universities? Courtney: I used the prospectuses as I was able to read about courses that were interesting to me before deciding if I wanted to visit an open day. I also talked to some of my teachers in sixth form and asked them what they thought about some places, such as if they knew the area (although I didn't rely on this). Victoria & Harvey: Sitting down with your child and a pile of prospectuses can be intimidating, especially as neither myself nor her dad went to uni. Together we compiled a pros and cons list, eventually narrowing it down to five possible courses. For us, attending open days was a really important process. Courtney knew what she wanted to do and what she was looking for. As her course is quite specialist, seeing what study space and workshops were like was very important to her. As a parent, looking around the area your child could be moving to was important. However, at the end of the day it's your child who will be studying there for three years and it needs to be right for them.

How involved should parents be in the university application process? Courtney: I think that parents should be quite involved, but ultimately the students should have the final choice, as they will be the ones staying and studying at the university. I would recommend that you talk with your parents about your choices as they will feel more informed and will probably be more relaxed about you going away.

What can parents do to be supportive as a student prepares to go to university? Courtney: The main thing parents can do is be supportive and encouraging. Preparing to leave home can seem like a scary thing, but if parents are supportive, then it isn't as bad. Parents can also help with packing, and family could gift more unusual items, such as kitchen equipment, as presents to help students feel more prepared.

What advice do you have for parents whose child will be moving away from home for the first time to go to university? Victoria & Harvey: As a parent, that’s possibly the hardest thing. Courtney has always been independent and has been away from home with school residentials abroad and Girlguiding, but leaving your child in a strange city, in a different country over 300 miles from home is completely different. Make sure they are settled in with photos and cards, home comforts and a full fridge and cupboards. When it's time to go, don't drag it out, be confident and leave with a smile. Before you know it, they will have made friends. A great tip we were given is to take a big box of sweets to the shared kitchen/ social area, put a note on it that says ‘Hi, my name is Courtney, I’m in room 310, please take a sweet and pop by and say hello’. It’s a perfect icebreaker and a great way to meet friends.

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VISIT US AT AN

OPEN DAY AND ENJOY LEARNING MORE AT UNIVERSITY OF WALES TRINITY SAINT DAVID Questions to ask at an Open Day What is the teaching and student support like? What can help an application stand out? If entry requirements aren’t met, is there still a chance of being offered a place? What is the best thing about this university in your opinion? What is accommodation like and how easy was it to secure? What is the social life like? What sort of clubs and societies are available here? 18 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Open Days are held throughout the year on university campuses, and they provide an excellent opportunity to test facilities, meet and talk to lecturers and current students, and get a taste of academic life. Attending one of these events can help a student make an informed decision about university – it could make or break their ultimate verdict. Here are some tips on how to make the most of an Open Day. Start by making a list of where you want to visit and Open Day dates. If the dates conflict, don't worry, there will be other opportunities to visit. Remember that it is important to go to enough to compare each experience. Plan the day. Make sure you arrive in time to avoid missing out on part of the day. The university should send a timetable in advance if you have registered. It is also a good idea to allow time on your journey to roam the local area. Once you are there, take note of how you feel. How is the atmosphere there? Were the staff friendly and willing to help? How were the facilities? These notes will be useful as you reflect on your experiences afterwards. Talk to student ambassadors. Students will give you a different and honest view of the university and the course they study. Find Student Services – careers, accommodation and disability officers - it's important to know what support is available to your child while at university. Be there for moral support. It's great to have a second opinion but you also don't want to over-rule what your child is thinking. Let them form their own independent opinion. Ask lots and lots of questions. Though there will be opportunities to contact the university after you have left, make sure that you get as many of your questions answered as possible on the day.

Virtual open days and taster sessions These days many universities offer virtual open days, taster sessions and other online events in addition or in place of on-campus open days. You can usually book to join these events through the university website. They often include virtual tours of the campuses, opportunities to hear from staff about the services offered and the chance to chat to lecturers and students. You can find up-to-date information about virtual or physical open days, taster sessions, course presentations or other chances to find out more about studying at UWTSD, on our website: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/visitus

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WHY UWTSD? More than a degree Not only do students at this university learn about their academic subject, they also have the opportunity to gain the other skills that employers need. Our courses offer more than just theory as they are developed with employability at their core. In addition, the careers service is available to offer advice and support that continues after graduation.

Friendly and Safe Campus Communities Close-knit communities on the campuses means that students can settle in and feel at home quickly. And 24 hour on-campus security, plus health and wellbeing support means that they will be well looked-after when they study with us.

There for You Small class sizes mean tutors get to know their students as individuals – they are more than just a face in the crowd. In addition to the academic support, there is support available through Student Services who are there to care, providing everything from help with financial matters to counselling.

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21st Century Courses Learning and Teaching is our main focus as a University, and we are doing everything possible to ensure that our courses are relevant to the students' future careers.

Inclusive Education Higher Education should be available to all those who would benefit from it, so UWTSD welcomes students from all sorts of diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Plus, there are Bursaries and Scholarships available, which means that there are fewer financial barriers to entering HE.

Excellent Locations Studying with us in Wales enables students to experience the best of Welsh culture and our outstanding natural environment. There are wonderful places you can visit near our city, coastal and rural campuses.

Here at UWTSD, we offer courses in the following subject areas: Anthropology & International development Architecture & Construction Art & Design

Business & Management Chinese Studies

Computing & Electronics

Education Studies, Early Years & Teacher Education Engineering

English & Creative Writing Environmental Studies

Film, Photography & Music

History, Classics & Archaeology

Law, Public Services, Policing & Criminology Nursing, Health & Social Care Performing Arts

Philosophy & Humanities

Psychology & Counselling

Religious Studies & Theology Social Studies

Sport, Health & Outdoor Education Tourism, Events & Hospitality

Degree Apprenticeships This new type of award offers a pathway to recognised qualifications and professional competence, combined with practical on-the-job experience. Apprenticeships offer students the opportunity to earn while they learn. To follow an apprenticeship programme, students will need to be in employment. We may be able to tell them about employers who wish to recruit but we would also advise applying to other employers in their chosen area. Find out more: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/apprenticeships uwtsd.ac.uk | 21

HELP AT HAND – Welfare, Wellbeing & Student Support Sometimes balancing academic studies and preparing for employment can be overwhelming. We could all do with a little help from time-to-time, so students can benefit from a range of services while at university.

Student Services teams can offer support and advice on careers, accommodation, finance and budgeting, mental health and learning issues. If Student Services can’t provide what they need, they can refer them to other individuals within the university, or to external organisations, who will be able to help.

Student Hubs (Hwb) UWTSD’s Student Hubs (Hwb) bring a range of services together to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ to deal with queries and issues. The Student Hubs are where students can access all the information and support they will need to get the most out of their time at university.

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Learning Support

Accommodation

At UWTSD, students with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADD or Asperger’s, are offered help with DSA applications, one-to-one tutoring, appropriate support and advice, and guidance on examination concessions. The University also has its own Assessment Centre which ensures that all prospective students have access to assessors with comprehensive knowledge of the support network and programmes we offer. Our aim is to provide students who require support with the tools to enable them to work to their potential and demonstrate the true level of their abilities.

Our Accommodation officers, or as our students refer to them ‘the Uni mums and dads’, can help your child decide on where to live, as well as make sure they are happy with where they are living when they arrive. Whether they want to live in halls of residence or find somewhere to rent in the private sector, advice and support is available on finding a safe and secure but independent place to live. Hall Wardens who are students themselves live in our halls of residence and are there to help students settle, feel comfortable in their new home and provide ongoing support during their stay.

Careers Advice

Students from Care

Students can get help with their long-term career plans as well as information about opportunities to work while studying. Read more about what UWTSD’s Careers Service offers on page 28.

From what and where to study, making the application and throughout their academic studies, we offer a high standard of care and support to care leavers and have been awarded the Buttle UK Quality Mark in recognition of our commitment to care leavers in Higher Education.

Counselling Sometimes life can become a bit too much to handle alone. Students can seek help from UWTSD’s counselling service if they need someone to talk to about all kinds of matters. The University has a well-established, professional counselling service. All its counsellors work in accordance with the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Study skills

Security Site staff are on campus 24/7, 365 days a year, to assist with security and first aid incidents as well as help students navigate the campus. From checking building security to making sure that equipment in shared spaces is safe to use, students have access to this team any time of day or night.

From helpful online resources to one-toone meetings with our expert advisers, students can access study skills support to help with their academic work. This includes help with essay-writing, notetaking, exam revision, IT support, and library and research skills. uwtsd.ac.uk | 23

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY Fees and Financial Support Most people have money worries at some time in their lives and, as a parent, you may be concerned that your child is going to struggle if they go to university. Let us help ease some of those worries... How much is the cost of studying? The cost of a course depends on a number of things – mainly which course the student chooses and where they are living when they apply for the course. But the key fact is that most students pay nothing upfront. The tuition fees at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David for full-time UK students have been set at £9,000* and these can be covered by a tuition fee loan from the Student Loans Company. We also have a wide range of bursaries and scholarships which provide additional financial support to students.

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Occasionally, students may also incur some unavoidable additional costs of study over and above the tuition fees. For example, costs of travel to and from placements, study trips, printing, purchasing of their own specialised materials and equipment, and some courses may require a Disclosure Barring Check (DBS). To determine whether these extra expenses could apply to them, students should speak with the university’s contacts from the academic disciplines. Bursaries may also be available to help cover some of these additional costs.

*Disclaimer: This information was correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change. Please check our website for the most up-to-date information: uwtsd.ac.uk

Living costs To help with the costs of day-to-day living, such as food, travel and accommodation, students can apply for a Maintenance Loan, usually paid in three instalments, which will depend on where they live while studying, as well as the household income. Students from Wales can also apply for a Welsh Government Learning Grant.

Repayment of loans If eligible for UK student support, your child won’t pay back their student loan until they earn more than £27,295 a year as a graduate and, when they do, payment will automatically come out of their salary if they are working in the UK after finishing their course, just like tax and national insurance.

Bursaries & Scholarships UWTSD has a strong record of widening access to higher education and with this in mind, we offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students from every background. We want to make sure that anyone has the opportunity to study here regardless of financial circumstances. Full detailed information on all available bursaries and scholarships, including application deadlines, can be found on our website: uwtsd.ac.uk/bursaries

Financial guidance & support Keeping up with bills and sticking to a budget can be difficult. We don’t want students to struggle and worry about money when they should be concentrating on their studies, so our Student Services team offer impartial money management guidance. Student Finance officers are available each week during term time and can provide oneto-one support and information regarding grants, student loans, and any other financial aid students may be eligible for. They are also there to help explain any unfamiliar

jargon and can set up meetings to help with students’ budgeting and money management skills. The University also offers a Hardship Fund which is an additional source of financial support for any student who has taken out a Student Loan (if eligible) and is suffering unexpected financial hardship. Here is some budgeting advice you could share with your child to help them be smart and frugal with their student loans while at university. Once you have your Student Finance letter showing your entitlement, work out how much you need to pay for accommodation, and other things, and how much you will have left over every week. It’s important to do this before you come to university if you can. Keep a regular eye on your bank balance so that you know where your money is going! Consider your bank account carefully – you can find student-specific accounts but don’t be tempted by the freebies - search for an interest-free overdraft. Consider a part-time job to make some pocket money – though you may be a fulltime student, you may still be able to find a job that fits nicely around your timetable. Take advantage of the student discounts from fashion, technology, takeaways and travel, nothing will ever be this cheap again so make sure to download the relevant apps or get your hands on a TOTUM card. Buy second-hand. From books to clothes, charity shops and online apps, you can find great deals. Shop smart at the supermarket. Buy only what you need and don’t be swayed by brands – supermarket own-brands are great alternatives and will save you a penny or two. Ask for advice – don’t let money worries get you down. Help is available from the university and other agencies.

FUN AND GAMES PLUS PEER SUPPORT Students’ Union

Freshers

The University itself does much to support students but it is not their only source of help when studying at UWTSD. The Students’ Union isn’t just a place to hang out, it organises numerous events but is also there for students if they need to tackle a problem. The SU provides: events; societies; sports; academic support; welfare advice; campaigns; course and faculty representatives; a voice on the Student Council; employment opportunities; Fresh Reps; and, a safe space.

The two weeks at the start of term is known as ‘Freshers’ or Welcome Week. It’s a time when new students get settled into university life. The SU provides day and night events to help Freshers get to know each other and the area in which they will be studying and living. The SU has reps at these events. These students are trained by the SU and move new students into halls, take them out on the town and ensure they are safe. What’s more, new students can always talk to them about any concerns they may have. There are weekly events where students can socialise and meet new people. There are numerous sports teams that compete professionally at BUCS (British University Championships). Whether your child has never played before or is an expert there is something for everyone. If they aren’t into sport, then the SU has numerous societies for like-minded people to get involved in. If there isn’t one that they fancy, then it’s easy to start your own.

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www.uwtsdunion.co.uk

UWTSDUnion uwtsd.ac.uk | 27

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY Being employable involves many aspects of university life, not just gaining a degree. That’s why UWTSD embeds employability in its courses and provides a variety of resources, support and opportunities to help unlock students’ potential.

Careers Service

Students can make links with employers through internships and work experience opportunities, as well as meet and network with businesses during enterprise and careers events that are planned by the university.

Our experienced and professionally qualified Careers team can support students with effective job-searching, generating careers ideas, completing CVs, applications and Personal Statements, and practice interviews.

Projects like Creative Bubble, a shop and network to support student-led activities such as pop-up shops, exhibitions, performances, or even film premiers, encourage enterprise and entrepreneurial thinking.

Students can also seek help with understanding their postgraduate options, finding work experience, paid placements, or part-time employment while at university, and even get advice on setting up their own business.

Life Design workshops help students identify what values they hold, what skills they have developed and how they can utilise them, as well as what they would like to be doing in the future.

As well as getting help from careers advisers, our students can use Abintegro, our online careers platform, where they can access high-quality career information, a self-assessment tool, career planner, automated CV checker and more.

Listening to our students’ ambitions, the University has worked with employers to identify the core competencies demanded of new employees and analysed the skills required of entrepreneurs. The Graduate Attribute modules embedded into many of our taught programmes help students to develop the qualities that graduates need for future careers. Throughout their time with us, our students will grow into flexible lifelong learners possessing the right skills to prosper in a digitally enabled workplace. 28 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Our Careers Service is available to students every step of the way, even after graduation.

We are proud of our graduates’ successes and share stories under the hashtag #FromHigherEdToHired.

STUDENT CASE STUDIES Patrick Edem Glavee Graphic Design graduate

Junior designer with TBWA\Media Arts Lab, Apple’s Advertising Agency “Deciding to go to university at the age of 17 was a massive life decision, and the support from the university is what helped me through it. Moving out so young and becoming self-sustaining, matured me fast. The course expanded my creative thinking while introducing me to legendary art forms of the past, while allowing creative freedom to explore and develop myself as an artist. My thanks go out to the graphics department at UWTSD who always allowed freedom of exploration. To Donna, Gavin, Harry and Phil, who constantly put up with my last-minute project revamps and nurtured my creative development. And again, to Donna, for being my guardian while I was 17 throughout my first year, and a friend.”

Jake Sawyers Acting graduate Actor

“Since graduating from UWTSD in 2016 with a First-Class BA (Hons) in Acting, I have been working consistently in the creative industry. I now live and work in Cardiff as a selfemployed actor. This is thanks to the connections and skills I developed during my time at UWTSD. When choosing a place to study my priorities were the quality of the course and the amount of teaching hours. UWTSD definitely met my expectations. The BA Acting course is very practical and provides you with skills you can actually use in the world of performance.

As a registered blind student, having a strong relationship and open dialogue with lecturers was essential. During my time at UWTSD, I felt like I was treated as an individual and not just seen as a number. I had plenty of contact and support with all of the staff, and my needs were always a priority. Since graduating, I have worked with companies such as UCAN Productions, Yellow Brick and Elbow Room Theatre Company. I am also a content creator for BBC Cymru.”

Ken Pearce Product Design & Technology graduate Lunia 3D

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at UWTSD and would do it all over again... Being a qualified Product Designer has greatly helped me in the way I approach clients within this new business. I feel confident that I can provide multiple solutions and advise accordingly.”

Peter Wilkins Automotive Design graduate Senior Exterior Designer, McLaren Automotive Limited

“Studying Automotive design at Swansea was a great experience for me. The standard of one-to-one teaching was second to none and the state-of-the-art facilities really allowed me to explore and develop my skills to the highest of industry standards. With sponsored industry involvement in projects it allowed me to gain a feel and understanding of the competitive industry I wanted to enter and helped to mould me into the designer I am today.”

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in Wales FOR LEARNING COMMUNITY National Student Survey 2020

94%

OF UWTSD’S GRADUATES WERE IN EMPLOYMENT and/or FURTHER STUDY

MONTHS AFTER COMPLETING THEIR STUDIES.

Graduate Outcomes 2017/18 30 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Res ea

Employable Graduates:

Impact rch

60%

OF UWTSD’S RESEARCH WORK WAS JUDGED TO BE EITHER OUTSTANDING (23.3%) OR VERY CONSIDERABLE (36.7%) IN TERMS OF ITS REACH AND SIGNIFICANCE. Research Excellence Framework 2014

= WINNER

COURSE & LECTURERS

Students are at the heart of all that we do at UWTSD. We were first for course and lecturers at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019 & 2020 – an award based on student votes.

in the UK

FOR SATISFACTION & FEEDBACK

Guardian League Table 2021

Students engage with their subjects: SUPERB ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

in the UK

FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION WITH TEACHING QUALITY

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021

UWTSD RECEIVED A SILVER TEF AWARD IN JUNE 2019.

6in the UK

= th

for helpful/interested staff The Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2019 uwtsd.ac.uk | 31

APPLYING THROUGH UCAS Though the application is really down to them and will usually be explained to your child by their school or college, it won’t hurt to know a little bit about how it works yourself, so here are some facts for you about UCAS. All applications are completed electronically via the UCAS website. There are seven sections to the application:

Personal Details Options Education Employment Personal Statement Final Details Pay and Send Under Personal Details, applicants can state whether they have individual needs, such as support for any disability. Identifying their needs will ensure that universities are able to make specific arrangements to support them when they start. 32 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Progress can be saved so there is no need to complete the application in one go. It is important that students take their time with this process. The UCAS application can be completed entirely through the medium of Welsh.

The Personal Statement will be the bulk of the application. This is also the most important part of the application.

Universities will only see the application made to them and they will not see where else the student has applied.

Students have a maximum of five course options – this can be five courses and five different universities, or multiple applications can be made to the same university. As they make their course choices, they do not need to rate them in order of preference.

The official deadline for UCAS applications is January 15 (though some are in October). However, schools and colleges can set internal deadlines to allow them time to attach a reference to students’ applications.

The Personal Statement

UCAS Track

The personal statement is the student's opportunity to explain to universities why they want to study their course, and what makes them a suitable candidate.

Applicants can keep an eye on, and respond to offers from universities on UCAS Track.

Courses that conduct interviews may use the personal statement as the basis for the interview questions, but other courses will not conduct interviews at all, so the personal statement is crucial to the selection process. This may be the only opportunity for students to persuade universities to accept them on their chosen programme. The personal statement can be 47 lines long (or 4,000 letters – whichever comes first).

Some courses will require candidates to attend an interview/audition or request a portfolio of work. This helps the university reach a decision on the candidate's suitability for the course.

The main focus should be the course. The aim is to emphasise their interest in studying the course and demonstrate their commitment to the subject.

Conditional offer

Relevant work experience, as well as transferable skills, and skills which they have gained through curricular and extra-curricular activities that will benefit them in studying their degree, should be included.

Making a Decision

Students only write one personal statement, which will be sent to each of their choices, so it must cover all subject areas that they are applying to study at university.

UCAS Extra

What next? Once the application is complete, UCAS will send the application to the universities on behalf of the student. Then it's in the hands of the universities to consider whether an offer should be made.

Interviews

Unconditional offer An offer of a place on a course with no conditions – the place is theirs if they want it.

An offer of a place on a course subject to conditions – usually related to exam results.

As offers come through, the applicant will need to decide on one firm option and one insurance option, rejecting any other proposals.

If a student has used all five options on the UCAS application form and is not successful in receiving any offers, they have a second chance to apply for a place using UCAS Extra. The service starts in mid-March and can be used until the end of June.

uwtsd.ac.uk | 33

34 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

I was very excited when I found out I had won the Norah Isaac award. I’ve had fantastic experiences while studying the course through the medium of Welsh, and I would certainly encourage others to look at Welsh courses, as well as getting involved with Welsh activities in the University.

Guto Morgans BSc Sport and Exercise Science (Outdoor Fitness)

uwtsd.ac.uk | 35

KEY DATES & PEAK TIMES FOR SUPPORT JULY Time to start drafting the Personal Statement. Though it’s early, jotting down ideas will put them on the right track. You could offer to help by highlighting their areas of strength, and encourage them to look for paid or volunteer work relating to their areas of interest to fill any gaps in their experience.

OCTOBER Applications to Oxford or Cambridge, medicine, dentistry or veterinary courses, must be submitted by 15 October.

JUNE

JANUARY

Draw up a list of course ideas. Start researching by looking through prospectuses, visiting university websites and start attending Open Days or Taster Sessions.

15 January is the UCAS application deadline for equal consideration but your child’s school or college may set an earlier internal deadline. Students can apply up until 30 June but will be considered as late applicants.

Encourage them to speak with their teachers and careers advisers if they don’t know what they want to do. As they choose their course, it’s important to remember that the decision should ultimately be up to them. Be there to support them.

SEPTEMBER It’s the start of the UCAS season. They should register with UCAS and get started with the application. Have they narrowed down their course options yet? How is the personal statement coming along?

Leading up to this deadline, check that your child has finalised their choices and has their personal statement in order. Can you help with final checks and proofreading before it’s submitted?

FEBRUARY - MARCH University offers should start to come in, but if your child hasn’t heard back yet, don’t worry. Universities have until May to respond. UCAS Extra opens for anyone that didn’t receive offers. Interviews and entry test invitations may also start to arrive and it’s time to apply for student finance.

JUNE Deadline for students to reply to offers if they received them by May. Applications submitted after 30 June automatically enter Clearing.

SEPTEMBER Time to send them off to Uni and for them to start a new journey in their education.

As a parent, you will need to produce supporting documentation such as proof of household income.

AUGUST APRIL - MAY Decision time: has your child received and replied to offers? They will need to set their Firm and Insurance choices. They will also need to be on top of their student accommodation application as halls of residence are usually allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Results day is here! They can check the status of the application on UCAS Track and confirm their place. If all offers have been declined, they may need some emotional support. But they can still choose a course through Clearing. Universities have dedicated Clearing hotlines or applications forms on their websites. It’s worth doing some research on potential courses and options in advance.

CHECKLIST Before applying: Request a prospectus Visit website Attend open days

During application process: Register on UCAS Narrow choices down to 5 courses Write a personal statement Check for scholarships and when to apply Select first choice and insurance places Submit the application form Track your application on UCAS Apply for Student Finance

38 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

After you receive replies: Arrange accommodation On results day, check UCAS Track Use Clearing if necessary (don’t worry, it’s really not that scary!) Ready to go? Start packing!

uwtsd.ac.uk | 39

StudyUWTSD

UWTSD

uwtsd.ac.uk | 0300 323 1828 | info@uwtsd.ac.uk 40 | University of Wales Trinity Saint David