Thinking about higher education
Choosing a higher education (HE) course is a big decision, possibly the biggest you have made so far. You are looking to choose not only a course of study but also a lifestyle commitment for three to four years. It pays to take the time to do this thoroughly using all the available resources.
Which course?
Think about your own circumstances, interest and abilities.
- Are there subjects you currently enjoy studying that you would like to continue?
- Do your predicted grades/points match the demands of the courses that interest you? If not, are there similar courses with lower entry requirements?
- What courses are open to you with your current qualifications?
- Which courses interest you?
- Some courses will require relevant work experience – do you have this?
- Do you have particular career in mind that may require a specific (or relevant) course?
- Do you need a degree to enter the careers you are considering? If you are unsure about going to university, research all the options, eg training, course opportunities at local further education (FE) colleges and local job opportunities.
- Even if you are fairly sure about the topic you wish to study it is worth completing the web based interest guide www.ukcoursefinder.co.uk.
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Type of course
Think about your preferred way of studying and what you wish to gain from a higher education course.
- Degree, Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree, Diploma of HE, Extended Degree.
- Vocational or non-vocational
- The structure of the course, eg full time, part time, sandwich, modular, combined (see How are the courses structured?) (hotlink)
- Course options eg specialisms (can you delay choosing until the end of the first year?) Are there subsidiary subjects on offer?
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Type of university
Universities, like the courses they offer, come in all shapes and sizes! Finding the right one for you can make all the difference to enjoying your study.
- Do you want to attend a campus university, where all the facilities, including accommodation, are close to hand?
- What percentage of first year students can the university accommodate in its halls of residence? (You can find this information in the front section of The Big Guide – produced by UCAS. See also www.bunk.com – directory of UK university accommodation.)
- What are the alternatives to living in a hall of residence? Find out what is available locally. Rents and hall fees can vary considerably from one institution to another, with London generally the most expensive place to live.
- Are there any hobbies or interests that you would like to continue at university? For example sailing, climbing, music, sport, attending concerts? Would this be possible?
- Do you like big city life or would you prefer somewhere less hectic?
- How easy would it be for you to get home, and what are the travel costs?
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The essential booklist
Research the courses that match your interest by using:
- The Big Guide (book and CD) – UCAS
- Degree Course Offers by Brian Heap
- Directory of University & College Entry – Trotman
- The Best University and College Courses by Brian Heap
- Degree Course Guides on a wide range of individual subject areas – Trotman
- The “Getting Into” series (various titles) – Trotman
- The Times Good University Guide 2005 – Times Books
- Student Book – Trotman
- The Push Guide to Which University – The Stationery Office
- University and college prospectuses – remember you can access these online via www.ucas.com.
Having read about it – visit it!
Do try to visit the institutions you are most interested in. There is no substitute for looking around the place yourself. Details of open days are available in a number of formats. They may appear on your school or careers bulletins and a free guide called UCAS University and College Open Days. The website www.opendays.com gives detailed information of open days and allows you to book online.
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Top Tips!
- Can’t find a reference book? Ask your careers adviser for help.
- Not sure what to study? There are thousands of courses to choose from! Look at What do I do if I don’t know what to study?
- Make use of the internet or just use one of the search engines. www.ucas.com can be used to list courses by subject and also to access university websites.
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