Pre-16 outreach guide

The University of Gloucestershire glos.ac.uk/outreach Keep up to date with any free outreach activities you might want to try at the University of Gloucestershire. glos.ac.uk/futureyou More information on the University of Gloucestershire and the courses available. yourstudentsunion.com The University of Gloucestershire’s Students’ Union website where you can find information about different sports, clubs, societies and events.

Your future Your choices Your guide to university

W000242 10/12

Contents Campus tour Why go?

Page 3

Reasons for considering HE.

Degree or apprenticeship?

Page 5

The difference between these routes to a HE qualification.

When you finish school you can continue on to Higher Education (HE), usually at a university or college.

In this guide we will look at university level study. We’ll cover who higher education is for, what you can study and where you can study.

School vs university Page 7

Find out how different university is so you can think about if it would suit you.

Where would I live?

Page 19

Explore the different types of student accommodation.

Page 11

Take a look around campus and see what kind of buildings and services are available.

Teachers vs lecturers Page 13

More freedom and different teaching - find out more about the staff in HE.

Placements and travel Page 15

Think it’s all about the course? With lots of other opportunities, you can gain work experience and see the world.

Money Page 21

Look at the costs and the money available to help you.

Summer Residential Page 23

Try university for yourself on a FREE summer school.

Useful websites Page 24

Routes to HE Page 25

Which subject?

Student life

There are over 50,000 undergraduate courses so there might be a course which surprises you…

What about the social life? Look at the kinds of clubs and societies you could join and the range of social events on offer.

Page 9

Page 17

There are many different routes into HE after your A-level and BTEC qualifications. This handy chart helps you make sense of the options.

2.

Earn more

In 2018 graduates had higher employment rates than people without a degree (non-graduates) and on average graduates earned £10,000 more per year than the average non-graduate.*

More job choice

People aged 22 to 29 without a degree have a lower employment rate (78%) than graduates (90%).**

Study something you love, or try something totally new See page 9 to get an idea of the types of subjects available.

Why go?

3.

Learn skills for life

As well as managing your own time and money, you’ll also learn about research, IT and group work skills which are the sorts of things employers look for.

Make lifelong friends

“Being at university has helped develop my people skills, as I have met people from all over the world.”

- University of Gloucestershire Psychology student

Get valuable work experience

Some courses have built-in work experience but even if they don’t, the careers department will be able to help you arrange some experience which will help you become more employable when you finish your course (see page 15).

*Graduate employment statistics taken from Universities UK 2018 **Office for National Statistics 2019

4.

Degree or apprenticeship?

Undergraduate degrees

You study at a university or college of your choice.

They normally take 3 years.

A full-time undergraduate degree is usually 3-4 years depending on which subject you study and whether you decide to do a year in industry (a year of work experience which is sometimes called a placement year).

Some courses such as medicine, veterinary science or architecture may take longer.

You have to pay to study at university but you can apply for student finance to cover the cost.

Access to Students’ Union support, clubs and social events.

(See page 21)

You have the option to live in student accommodation.

5.

(See page 19)

Degree Apprenticeships Different levels of apprenticeship.

A Degree Apprenticeship will give you a qualification at the same level as a university degree.

You work based in a company, rather than a university, so it’s not a traditional student experience.

As an employee you will be paid a salary by your employer. This means graduate apprentices can be debt-free.

You might not need to apply for student finance as the government and some employers will cover your course costs.

See page 25

for further information about all the ways you can get into higher education.

6.

The differences How is university different to school?

School vs university

More choice over what you learn

Choose how to spend your money

Part of studying at university is having more free choice about the subjects you study. This includes choosing modules you’re really interested in.

You can apply to get a student loan so you’ll have your own money to pay your rent, bills and living costs (see page 21 for more info).

“Whilst studying for a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts I choose to study a module in Technical Theatre Production.”

- University of Gloucestershire Performing Arts student

Meet new people, make new friends

Choose when to work Check how many ‘contact hours’ the course has (this is taught time in lessons).

If there aren’t many you will be expected to learn more independently at a time that suits you.

Access to facilities You’ll have access to specialist facilities depending on your chosen course area.

“The uni gives you opportunities you don’t get anywhere else and the facilities are state-of-the-art.” - University of Gloucestershire Sports student

You’ll choose where to live You might decide to live in student halls in your first year or private rented accommodation, or if you’re studying close to home you might decide to travel in each day. (See page 19).

7.

There could be thousands of people at your university or college from all over the UK and the world. Many people make friends for life while studying.

You’ll be taught by lecturers that have come from a background in the area you are studying (see page 13).

Travel or get experience Depending on your course, you might have the chance to travel abroad or complete a work placement (see page 15).

Join a club, socialise and make friends There are lots of sports clubs and societies you can join, so you could learn a new skill or take up a new hobby such as skiing, gaming or learning a language (see page 17).

8.

Which subject?

There are over 50,000* higher education courses in the UK. You might even find some that you’ve never heard of!

Here are some examples of the subjects on offer: *correct as of 2019/20

Animal Biology Engineering

Social Work

Criminology

Fashion Design

Physiotherapy

Photography Film and TV Production

History International Business Dance

9.

Events Management

Sports Therapy

Paramedic Science

Nursing

Cyber Forensics

Computer Games Design

Teacher Training

Popular Music

There are loads of other subjects available all across the country.

Why not have a look on the UCAS course search (ucas.com) which lists them all?

How will I be supported?

Your Future Plan

Whether you know what you want to do after university or have no idea, Your Future Plan can help you develop the skills, experience and confidence to make your dreams a reality. We have careers consultants, work placement advisers, employability events and even Employability Awards.

Faith and spiritual support Regardless of your religious beliefs, you can find a spiritual refuge through our chaplaincy team. Regular events such as weekly prayer breakfasts, weekly dog-walks, mindfulness classes and discussions over tea and toast offer opportunities to join a supportive community and make new friends.

Get your own personal tutor

As part of Your Future Plan, while you’re here, you will have your own personal tutor, who will support you to plan your time at university and beyond.

Disability, dyslexia and learning support

We offer confidential and expert support services for students with disabilities and learning difficulties. Every student can access support to make the most of university life and progress to a rewarding career. We’re always happy to chat about support plans and answer queries so feel free to get in touch.

Student helpzones

With offices on every campus, our helpzones are your first port of call for information on all aspects of student life.

They can also signpost you to support from our Money Advice, Accommodation and Achievement Teams.

“My lecturers’ door was always open. The ability to speak to them daily pushed the quality of my work. They’ve helped me to believe in myself and to aim for something big.”

Julia Buck, University of Gloucestershire Graphic Design graduate

10.

Campus tour All universities and colleges are different but most of them will have similar buildings and services.

vs

Campus city university

Student accommodation

Town centre

Design Centre

Computing & Technology Suite Careers service Library and Information Services

The Media School

Students’ Union

Helpzone Teaching block

Food outlet

Campus university On a campus (like the one in the photo), the places where you learn, eat, sleep and socialise are all close together. At the University of Gloucestershire, we have Park campus which is a great space with everything you need in one place.

City university A city university might be more spread out and you may need to catch a bus to get to your classes.

11.

The best way to decide which type of university or college would suit you best is to visit on an open day so you can compare. You can start going to open days at any time.

Park Campus

12.

Teachers vs lecturers

Fumio Obata Senior Lecturer, Illustration

Comic artist for graphic novels, has also worked on animations for CBBC and pop band Duran Duran.

Lecturers at university are different to teachers.

University is a more informal setting and you’ll probably call lecturers by their first name. They have worked in the area they are teaching so they have hands-on experience to share with you.

Prof Adam Hart Biology Professor

Dr Jane Monckton Smith

Presented BBC4’s Planet Ant: Life Inside the Colony and BBC2’s Hive Alive.

Senior Lecturer in Criminology

Working with police to lead groundbreaking research in homicide, stalking and coercive control.

Anne Dawson

Head of School of Media

Andre van Roojen

Former ITV and BBC news reporter and presenter.

Lecturer, Computer Design

Former art director and games development for Sony and Intel.

13.

“The lecturers were insanely passionate about the industry” Aimee, University of Gloucestershire Journalism graduate

14.

Placements and travel

Jade

Journalism graduate

“It feels amazing to be published already. I’ve worked with ITV West Country, Bath Chronicle and even asked Hillary Clinton a question at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.”

University courses can include placements and international travel, giving you hands on experience and the chance to meet people that can help you land your dream job. Wherever you study, there will be a careers department where you can go for help and advice on setting up a placement or finding work.

Sport Business Management student

“I’ve worked for England Rugby Travel, Team GB Live and I’ve even travelled to Japan for the Rugby World Cup.”

David

Accounting & Finance graduate

“At the end of my placement I was asked ‘are you interested in a job in New York when you graduate?’

I said ‘yes’ and quickly!”

Isis

Performing Arts graduate

“I am now a professional actor and writer and I have been lucky enough to work on numerous short films, features and acted alongside Julie Walters and Colin Firth!”

15.

Lewis

Student life

Clubs & societies The Students’ Union will usually hold a Freshers’ Fair at the beginning of the year for new students where you can find out about clubs, societies and social events.

Through clubs and societies, you could learn how to ski, ride a horse, become a photographer or speak a new language.

Student Discounts and Advice

University is about much more than just studying...

17.

Most universities and colleges have a very active Students’ Union, which will organise clubs and societies, arrange student events, such as the summer ball, and also offer help to students if they have any problems.

Life skills “I’ve learnt to manage my money and time as well as getting the right balance between studying and social time. I can cook now too - I’m not a chef but I haven’t poisoned anyone, yet.”

The National Union of Students also offers advice on student life, as well as discounts on a whole range of products and services, from mobile phones to travel and clothes. Visit nus.org.uk for more information.

University of Gloucestershire Events Management student

18.

Where would I live?

When you go to university, you can choose to live in halls with other students.

This is a great way to make friends and settle in during your first year.

Alternatively, if you decide to study somewhere local then you could stay at home (which will save you money). This doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the student experience though, as there are still plenty of ways for you to make friends and get involved in university life.

Book on to an open day to find out more about accommodation and see the options available.

19.

20.

Money

Unlike most schools, you’ll probably have to pay tuition fees to study at university. But don’t worry - you won’t have to pay anything upfront.

You can apply for

Loans

Grants, bursaries and scholarships, which you will never have to pay back. Other money may also be available to students with a disability or requiring learning support, so they can afford the equipment and services they need. You could be eligible for a number of reasons, such as your parents or carers’ household income or because you achieve good grades at A-level or BTEC. To get an idea of how much you could be awarded visit gov.uk/student-finance-calculator

Student finance is often seen as something scary but in fact it’s the most common way young people pay to go to university.

It’s designed to be manageable and you don’t pay it back until you’re earning over £25,725 a year. Your repayments will be 9% of what you earn over £25,725.

For example, if you earn £27,000 a year you would pay 9% on the £1,275 over the £25,725 threshold (so 9% of £1,275).

This works out as £9.56 per month.

I​f you earn less, you pay back less. For example, if you earn £26,000 then that’s 9% of the £275 above the £25,725 threshold, which works out as £2.06 a month.

I​f you never earn over £25,725 you would never pay anything back.​ AND, after 30 years the loan is written off. *figures correct for September 2019/20. You can find out more at ucas.com/student-finance-england/ repaying-your-student-loan

21.

22.

Summer residential

Useful websites

Are you still considering your future choices?

Get a taste for university by applying to take part in a summer residential.*

Advice on next steps in your education

Student support and advice

careerpilot.org.uk Your choices at 14, 16 and 18. Explore different job sectors and how you can study and work at the same time.

nus.org.uk

These FREE residentials are for year 10 students who want to find out more about university by trying it for themselves.

You would have the opportunity to stay in university halls of residence for four days and try a range of subjects. You’d also meet current university students and make new friends through social activities.

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If you are interested in more information, email outreach@glos.ac.uk

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23.

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*Applications open for students from partnership schools only. Please get in touch if you're not sure if your school is a partnership school.

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gov.uk Click on the Education and Learning tab for information on applying to university, student finance, apprenticeships and more information on how to get in to HE.

Choosing a university or course ucas.com For a better understanding of what is available, use the course search to browse all UK higher education courses. There are also helpful videos to help explain the journey.

National Union of Students represents the interests of all students studying in the UK. Check out their website to find out about current issues affecting students, as well as discounts available for students through the NUS.

moneysavingexpert.com/students This website offers independent advice and guidance on student finance.

sacu-student.com For more information about careers, personal statements and subjects SACU will help you to think about your future choices.

The University of Gloucestershire glos.ac.uk/outreach Keep up to date with any free outreach activities you might want to try at the University of Gloucestershire.

glos.ac.uk/futureyou More information on the University of Gloucestershire and the courses available.

yourstudentsunion.com The University of Gloucestershire’s Students’ Union website where you can find information about different sports, clubs, societies and events.

24.

Routes to HE There are so many options. Check the entry requirements for the course you want to study to see which route will get you where you need to go.

Age 14+

School

GCSEs

Age 14+

Further education (school or college)

Level 3

Level 2

Apprenticeship Level 2

Higher education university or college

Higher apprenticeships Degree/ foundation degree

HNC/ HND

A levels

Apprenticeship

BTEC

25.

Age 16+

Age 18+

Traineeship

BTEC Level 3

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Employment Gap year 26.