Whole booklet 2014 rmg's version

Lower Sixth Higher Education Programme You are going to be shown how to research the information that will allow you to make appropriate decisions concerning your future education. Further information can be gleaned through the various web links embedded here and through the school web site and the UCAS website 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 For Entry 2015 (There should also be a copy on your Group Base Notice Board) Date

Venue

Event

Presenter(s)

Monday 6 October

Dobson Theatre and with Tutors

Introduction to HE

RMG

Wednesday 8 October

Assembly

Looking forward to the year ahead

VI HE Team

From 13 October

Foundation Studies

Higher Education Sessions

RMG with small groups

Thursday 20 November

Optional Assembly

Foreign and Competitive universities

NDC with RMG

Tuesday 13 January

Dobson Theatre 7pm

Parental Higher Education evening

Soton Uni and RMG

Monday 19 January

Dobson Theatre

OF presentation to students on Admissions to university

An Admissions Tutor

Thursday 5 February

Dobson Theatre: Assembly

Indicator Grades and how to use them

RMG/GPH

Tuesday 12 February

Dobson Theatre: 7.00pm.

Lower Sixth Parents’ H.E. Evening

RMG and Southampton University

Wednesday 11 February

Group Base

Discussion of Indicator Grades Publication of Indicator Grades to Parents

Pastoral Tutors Via Parent Portal

From April – July

Various universities

Open Days Cardiff: Wednesday 24th April

RMG or website for details

Spring of LVI

H10: various lunchtimes

Seminar preparation for Oxbridge examinations LNAT/BMAT/HAT etc.

GSH

Thursday 13 August

Study Centre

Post Examinations Clinic

Guidance Team

Friday 16 August

Study Centre

Post Examinations Clinic

Guidance Team

1

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. Introductory meeting for those applying to university outside the UK

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 face-to-face from 3rd Thursday in August

September of Upper Sixth

New predicted grades communicated. Make applications through UCAS if not a PQA* candidate. Early applications are more successful.

* PQA = Post Qualification Application (GAP Year) 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.

December

UCAS close down for school applications.

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 Leavers

Post Examinations clinic. Results and Clearing. Help available in School.

September

PQA (GAP year) applications, following instructions from Summer booklet.

Open Evening. HE Clinic available on Open Evening for Old Edwardians making an application in their GAP year.

School UCAS closes each December

2

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 Oxford and Cambridge Organ and Choral scholarships 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. Do not make a CF/CI decision without discussing the implications with your tutor or RMG. 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.

3

How 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. http://www.britishcouncil.org/erasmus.htm

4

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/ research rich UK universities [see ‘redbrick’ below]. Please note that some of these competitive universities may ask for “extra” examinations for some courses.

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 22 members of The Russell Group. A list is also posted on the HE notice board in the Guidance Centre.

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 and the CUKAS website 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, Lancaster, 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. It is unusual to have students from KES making applications to these institutions, but there may be compelling reasons [ particular courses] which make them an appropriate choice.

Study beyond the UK 5

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 tutor will be necessary. The following research 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. Please look at the school website for more information: http://www.kes.hants.sch.uk/university-and-careers/studentresources/undergraduate-study-abroad 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 USA www.fulbright.co.uk USA www.acuinfo.com USA www.aucc.ca Canada www.studyinaustralia.gov.au Australia www.ghegoodguides.com.au Australia www.studyoverseas.com Worldwide

6

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.

Please view the student resources and links on our website: http://www.kes.hants.sch.uk/university-and-careers/links Business and Management

Arts/Creative/ Performance

Sciences – Physical and Chemical

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

Chemistry Physics Oceanography Meteorology Astrophysics Chemical Physics Natural Sciences

Engineering

Social Sciences and Law

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

Mathematical Sciences

Industrial Technology

Sports and Recreation

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

Aeronautical Automotive Chemical Civil and Structural Computer and Control Systems Engineering Design Electrical Electronic Environmental Marine Mechanical Mining and Minerals Naval Architecture Production Architecture and Building Architecture Land Management Estate Management Surveying Building Studies Town and Country Planning Valuation

7

Biological Sciences Biology Biochemistry Botany Zoology Physiology Microbiology Marine Biology Genetics Food Science Dietetics Behavioural Science Psychology Animal Sciences

I’m sorry, I haven’t a clue (what I want to do) Don’t Panic There is no compulsion for you to have a rigidly planned career strategy at this point – most students do not – but it is time to think about what will happen when you leave school in 16 months’ time.

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, Careerscape, CLIPS and Pathfinder live are all available as login options via the Student Guidance Intranet within school. Ask Mrs Mandley for your log-in details

Questionnaires

OIE, Fast Tomato, and others are available on application to a member of the HE Team

Profiling

If you missed out on the Lower School COA profile or on the Upper School Morrisby feedback sessions, please see our Head of Careers (Mrs Mandley) if you would now like to take that opportunity.

Researching The school still retains hard copy resources in our Guidance Centre library, but www.ucas.com is the most reliable and objective source for information concerning Higher Education in the UK. Our own web site, similarly, does not have a ‘product’ to sell to you – just information. Try to keep in mind the agenda behind the many, many web sites that will bombard you with information. Below is a sample of the books available to you.

Job Outlines/Working In series …

Trotman Green Guides Which? Series: Arts Degree Getting Into…. Series

HINTS Library Q & A Series Which? Series : Science Degree Insider’s Guide To Applying To University

Further links for general course ideas can be found throughout this publication.

8

UCAS Entry Requirements and Unistats

Each university course will have a web presence that provides 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. Unistats will also let you research the range of grades actually accepted and this can be useful if you are on the cusp of what is required.

How can this information 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 your 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.

A sensible candidate would make sure that his/her Personal Statement was a pretty close match to the skills and qualities indicated on the website or in the prospectus of the courses chosen on the application

How do I find Profiles on the web? 

To use the course search to find entry requirements, 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),



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 requirements’.



Click on this ‘and you will be taken to the main entry profile page.

9

Finding out more about University There are too many sources to list, but some of those we have found most useful are provided here. The main UCAS site is by far the most comprehensive and objective. 

www.ucas.ac.uk/students/coursesearch/



http://www.ucas.com/students/ucasterms



http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/



http://www.hotcourses.com/uk-courses/Undergraduatecourses/hc2_browse.pg_cat_tree/16180339/220704/p_type_id/2/page.htm



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/9618308/Which-degree-coursesdo-your-A-levels-suit.html



http://www.whatuni.com/degrees/courses/Degree-UK/qualification/M/list.html



www.guardian.co.uk › News › Education



Individual university websites eg: www.bath.ac.uk , www.soton.ac.uk



http://www.whatuni.com/degrees/courses/Degree-UK/qualification/M/list.html



http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/informed-choices.aspx



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://unistats.direct.gov.uk/ (Particularly useful when looking for graduate level employment statistics)  http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Choosing a University (The Student Room forum is student-led and not necessarily officially endorsed.) 

www.ucas.com/yougo/ .



Degree Course Offers by Brian Heap – available in each group base



CRAC subject guides – available in the Student Guidance centre

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.

10

I think I want to go to university, but I’m not sure which subject I want to study – what information do I need?

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 Tibetan

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. http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/choosingcourses/entryrequirements

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 , joint honours and Modular courses available. At, Leeds, SOAS , Sheffield etc all courses have time abroad – usually one year. Some courses are only available in combination. Use The Good University Guide and the HE noticeboard to compare the status of universities. Check if sandwich or Erasmus options are available.

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.

Course structure Look carefully to check that you like the sound of what’s on offer.

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.

Check to see if there are split finals in second and fourth years.

Some courses have assessment after the year’s placement.

Consider whether you prefer lots of contact time, exam-based assessment or flexibility in the options.

11

Requirements Entry profiles will tell you which A Levels are required and preferred. [See link above]

Often no specific language requirement, but look for proven ability to master a new language.

Languages at AS or Advanced Level.

Possible careers (Use “AGCAS: What do Graduates do?” and www.thestudentroom.co.uk

Especially strong business possibilities.

25% of graduates go into marketing or buying/selling.

Chinese apparently in demand BUT 16% unemployment is slightly higher than average for graduates. http://www.agcas.org.uk/communities/11Graduate-Labour-Market

Graduate employment % needs to be carefully considered against student debt.

Further action

Look at Unistats to compare graduate employment information

Open Days

Look at the list of open days published on the HE noticeboard. Sign up via http://payments.kes.hants.sch.uk/shop

It would now be worthwhile looking at areas of study which are related – or similar – to one that you have initially researched.

12

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 as some research has been done for you! However, a similar blank table is provided for you to use for your own research .

Subject area

Biology/Biological Sciences

UCAS Code (Use UCAS course search on www.UCAS.co.uk or Heap’s Guide)

C100/C200

Institutions that offer this course Institution 1. Bath

Grades required *

Subjects required Biology: Three A Levels to include Biology at grade A, plus Mathematics or another science subject. AAB

2. Exeter

*

Molecular Biology: GCSE Mathematics at Grade B or above.

Three A Levels to include Biology, plus one other science. AAB

3. Lancaster

*

AAB To include two science A-levels from Biol/Chem/Comp/ Env Sci/Geog/Maths/Physics/Psychology.

4. Leeds (Applied Biology)

*

A Level Biology, plus one further science and another A Level except General Studies. Double Science Award is NOT acceptable. Admissions policy on web site.

5. Cambridge

*

A ‘school’ within the faculty of Natural Sciences. A*AA required in three “hard” sciences. See website.

6. Glasgow

*

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 3

Lancaster

Information about their course

This degree offers you a diverse choice of modules in genetics, biomedicine, microbiology, ecology, physiology and conservation. You start your Biological Sciences degree studying modules such as Cell Structure and Function and Evolutionary Biology. The flexible nature of the course enables you to transfer to a more specialised degree programme after your first year.

In your second year, you will take modules including Medical Microbiology and Populations to Ecosystems. If you take our Study Abroad variant, you will spend the year studying at a partner university in the USA, Canada or Australasia. In your final year you have a choice of modules including Biology of Ageing and Global Change Biology.

13

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

14

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.

Follow this link to more information about the UCAS 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.

However, we have found that our students usually receive offers based upon their A level grades alone if they apply to the more competitive universities.

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.

15

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.

16

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:

ENGINEERING:Aeronautical: Chemical: Civil: Electrical and Electronic: Mechanical: Environmental Sciences: Geology: Mathematics: Medicine:

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

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

17

Finding the perfect match You will need to ‘SHORTLIST’ about ten possible courses and find out more about them.

Use the prompts within this publication to steer you in the right direction.

You will need to compare information as effectively as possible in order to eliminate courses from your shortlist.

Use the web-based or hard copy prospectus for each institution to complete your research, 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

Use the prospectuses in the Guidance Centre or online prospectuses to help you complete

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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 Ranking*

Rank order 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!

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BATH

UNI

Employment prospects (after 6 months)

No

Campus

22

Yes

14

7

On the day training

62

Teacher/ parent rating

Ranking of University ?

Position in Subject Table?

Miles from Soton My rating

AAB or A*AC or A*BB

Year in Industry?

Coach Education and Sports Developme nt

Russell Group?

Offer

Example

Course

UNI

A student’s self-compiled comparison table For CF/CI purposes You can create your own customized version of this comparative process via the Good University Guide

2 n d

Other comments

MORE LINKS Further useful websites to try for HE information: http://www.universityadvice.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.admissions.ox.ac.uk/forms/ucas.shtml http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCAS http://www.intercalate.co.uk/ (For Medics Vets and Dentists needing time in work-related environments rather than always in the university)

Finally If you are a PQA candidate, please follow the instructions in the Post A Level Advice booklet issued via parent portal in the June or July of your UVI year, and remember that the School UCAS system shuts down at the end of the Autumn Term.

Good luck in your research and your applications and don’t forget to ask for help if you encounter problems!

Ruth Greenwood Director, Higher Education

Use this space for any links you might want to save from your own research

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