Lower Sixth Higher Education Programme

Over the next few weeks, you are going to be shown how to research information that will allow

you to make appropriate decisions concerning your future education.

We strongly believe that a University degree is still a natural and important continuation of your

education and appropriate preparation for the future. Experience tells us that approximately 98% of

you will continue into Higher Education in one form or another, and therefore everyone in your

year group will be provided with the same training in University Preparation. However, if you need

help to research other possibilities, please ASK; as always, your TUTOR is the most important

person in this consultative process, but you can also call upon any member of the Guidance Faculty

team.

HE Programme Timetable 2012 (There should also be a copy on your Group Base Notice Board)

Date

Venue Event Presenter(s)

Monday 6 February

Dobson Theatre and

IT rooms

Foundation Studies double session:

The UCAS Process and Research

Techniques, leading to the

compilation of a short list

RMG and FS Team

Tuesday 7 February

Dobson Theatre:

Assembly

Indicator Grades

RMG/GPH/PDJ

Thursday 9 February

Group Base

Publication of Indicator Grades

Pastoral Tutors

Monday 20 February

Dobson Theatre and

IT rooms

Foundation Studies:

Looking Forward to producing a

Personal Statement

RMG and the FS Team

Tuesday 21 February

Dobson Theatre:

7.00pm.

Lower Sixth Parents‟ H.E. Evening

RMG and Southampton

University

Monday 27 February

Dobson Theatre:

1.00pm.

HE: The Wider Perspectives and the

Pitfalls

Chris Fuller,

Southampton University

Thursday 15 March

Portsmouth Guildhall:

8.30am. until 11.15am.

HE Fair

HE Institutions

From April – July

Various universities

Open Days (Cardiff Open Day is on

25 April and is BEFORE A/S

examinations

RMG or website for

details

July

H10: various

lunchtimes

Seminar preparation for

LNAT/BMAT/HAT etc.

GSH

Friday 17 August

Study Centre

Post Examinations Clinic

Guidance Team

i

The Higher Education Applications Calendar

In order to have the best possible chance of success in your application to University, you should

aim to complete your research as thoroughly as possible to be ready for 1st September and „The

Application Season‟.

Entry into the Sixth Form Introduction to our work experience opportunities. Potential

doctors/vets/dentists need to gain work experience placements or

voluntary work as soon as possible.

October of Lower Sixth Potential Oxbridge candidates invited to an introductory meeting.

Students advised to seek extension work from HODs.

February

Begin HE Programme and research. (HoDs provide “Indicator Grades”).

Complete a shortlist of university courses and be ready to select your

Open Days. Discussion with tutors of the match between ambitions and

indicator grades.

March – July Visit University Open Days and HE Fairs. Details on website.

June/July Sit A/S examinations.

June/July „APPLY‟ training for UCAS.

Draft personal statement.

August Post Examinations clinic. Review plans in light of results. Decide to re-sit

or drop subjects at this point. Advice available in School.

September of Upper Sixth New predicted grades communicated. Make applications through UCAS

if not a PQA* candidate. Early applications are more successful.

Speech Day Deadline for Medics, Oxbridge etc.

October Half Term School Deadline for UCAS, for UVI students.

October-March Receive Universities‟ responses.

Make application for HE funding.

January of Upper Sixth Further AS modules. GAP Year placements to be sorted-out.

Spring of Upper Sixth

Make use of UCAS “Extra”, if necessary or decide on CF and CI courses.

Keep one lower offer as an “insurance”.

Summer of Upper Sixth A level examinations.

Post A Level booklet issued.

August Post Examination clinic. Results and Clearing. Help available in School.

September PQA (GAP year) applications, following instructions from Summer

booklet.

Open Evening. HE Clinic available for Old Edwardians making an

application in their GAP year.

School UCAS closes each December

ii * PQA = Post Qualification Application (GAP Year)

U C A S

All applications to university are made through “UCAS”, The Universities and Colleges Admissions System.

The online system for making an application is called APPLY and you will receive specific training in

how to make an application in the SUMMER TERM of your Lower Sixth year.

PQA refers to applications made once you know your A Level grades.

Please note that even if you take a year out, you will still need to use APPLY and log into the School‟s system, in the

September after your A Level results. The good news about APPLY is that you can do so from anywhere in the world

via www.ucas.com and then finding King Edward VI School Southampton. For this reason, it is ESSENTIAL that you

participate in the APPLY training in the Summer term – even if you won‟t be applying for another 14 months.

APPLICATIONS

Start in July THIS YEAR for Oxbridge Choral and Organ Scholars

Start on September 1st THIS YEAR for October the following year

Start on September 1st THIS YEAR for deferred entry applications

Start on September 1st (or before) NEXT YEAR for PQA

Choose up to four courses for Medicine, Dentistry and Vet Science

Choose up to five courses for other degrees

You may apply for more than one course at the same university, but you may not apply to the

University of Cambridge and to the University of Oxford in the same year.

Within your application, you will need to write a Personal Statement in which you demonstrate

your motivation for the subject you have opted to study. This process is lengthy: please allow time

for this to be approved by your Tutor. Even once you have successfully submitted your application

it may not leave School for a further ten working days.

As a Pre A Level applicant, you will then receive replies, either rejections (not too many we hope!)

or Conditional Offers based upon AS and full A Level examinations. You may be required to gain

specific UNIT grades, or a number of UCAS points.

You will eventually keep just TWO offers:

1. FIRM = the place you genuinely wish to achieve (CF)

2. INSURANCE = a further, „safety net‟ offer (CI) in case you have a bad exam day

Most applicants make a range of applications, from the ambitious to the safe, thus hoping to ensure

that they are not left without offers.

You are contractually obliged to go to your CI University if you make the grade, therefore you

should be sure that you WISH to go there.

Where there are doubts and difficulties, a Post Qualification Application [PQA] will probably be

recommended, wherever this is feasible. We strongly recommend that you visit the universities to

which you will make applications.

iii

What Do I Study?

There are approximately 50,000 HE courses to choose from in the UK, and they take a variety of

forms:

Single Honours

Modular Degree Courses

Joint Honours

Sandwich Courses (two types)

Combined Honours

Erasmus

Single Honours

The most common type of course: eg. BA Hons Geography.

NB you may have to study another subject in your first year before concentrating on one.

Joint Honours Combines two subjects equally: eg. French and German.

Be careful: there may be more work than for a Single honours course.

Combined Honours More than two subjects, but not necessarily all of equal status (Major and Minor subjects).

Modular Courses

In many universities these are largely replacing combined honours.

You can “build your own course” using “units” from different subjects although the choice is not

absolutely unlimited.

Sandwich Courses Involve time out of university on industrial or professional experience. (See Mrs Carrie Mandley if

you would like a work experience placement before university. Appointments can be made via KJ

in the Guidance Centre.)

Thick sandwich courses usually involve an entire academic year „out‟ of university. Thin sandwich

courses may involve a term out in each of your second or third years. Both schemes tend to have

slightly higher graduate employment rates than equivalent, non-sandwich courses.

Erasmus/Socrates One of a number of schemes created to enable students to spend time at a foreign university during

an HE course. Details are available online and via a compendium in the Guidance Centre.

iv

Where Do I Study?

Collegiate Universities

Campus Universities

Redbrick Universities

Technological Universities

Conservatoires

Modern Universities

Colleges and Institutes of HE

University abroad

Collegiate Universities

Cambridge, Durham, Lancaster, Oxford. Intimate atmosphere. Several thousand students in the

university, but you apply to a college of several hundred only.

Russell Group

The most prestigious UK universities (see below). Please note that some of these competitive

universities may ask for “extra” examinations for some courses. Please look at the School

website for further details.

Redbrick Universities

The traditional large city universities built in the late 19th/early 20th Centuries. Many are in the

so-called “Russell Group”: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, UCL, etc. There are now

20 members of The Russell Group, as Queen‟s College, Belfast has been admitted. A list is

posted on the HE notice board.

Music Conservatoires

Conservatoires prepare musicians for a professional career as performers or composers.

University Music is more theory based. Those who want to be professional players and follow a

university music route, can do a further year at a Conservatoire as a post grad if they want to

enter the performing profession. Please see Mrs Freemantle for further details.

Campus Universities

Buildings grouped on a purpose-built site; may be Redbrick such as Birmingham, or Nottingham,

but also 1960s built: Bath, Warwick, York, etc.

Technological Universities

Do not have a full range of subjects. Specialise in vocational courses or industry-led learning.

Modern Universities

Mostly on campuses on periphery of city: Surrey (Guildford), Warwick (Coventry), Essex

(Wivenhoe), but some are central: Aston (Birmingham). “New” Universities are usually ex

Polytechnics or Colleges, eg. Portsmouth or Staffordshire. They may not be particularly modern,

as the term “New” refers to their recent acquisition of university status rather than to the age of

the building.

Colleges/Institutes of HE

Award degrees, but not autonomously as do universities: N.E.W.I. (was Wrexham HE College).

It is unusual to have students from KES making applications to these institutions.

v

Study beyond the UK

We hold a seminar for students interested in this option in the Autumn Term of the LVI. Please see Mr.

Culver if you missed this seminar.

Despite the enthusiasm of the British for holidaying overseas, there has traditionally been a reluctance to

embark upon H.E. abroad. However, some students may contemplate EU options or HE outside the UCAS

system. Careful liaison with your Yutor will be necessary. The following exercises can be undertaken

before, during or after our HE programme and provide a framework for undertaking necessary student

research.

What is meant by study beyond the UK?

(a) Study as part of a UK based course (eg. sandwich element or Socrates/Erasmus placement).

(b) Study as a UK student based overseas for the entire course at a non UK university.

Why consider studying abroad? Possible reasons include to:

* Broaden horizons.

* Study a new subject(s) not available at home.

* Experience another culture.

* Enhance a curriculum vitae and improve job/career prospects.

* Learn or improve a foreign language.

* Take up a course for a competitive subject having been unsuccessful in gaining a place in.

the UK.

Where could I go? The more popular destinations include:

* EU Member States.

* USA.

* Australia.

* Canada.

* Other “up and coming” destinations such as the Caribbean (eg. for medicine).

It is important to check recognition of any qualifications back in the UK.

How much will it cost?

This will vary enormously depending upon the cost of living, tuition fees levied and the availability or

otherwise of loans, bursaries or scholarships. Each country and HEI is a different situation, so in depth

research is essential. We have had students who have taken up places in the USA, but the costs have been

higher than for places within the UCAS System (even allowing for recent changes). Do check what the

financial implications might be.

How can I research the topic further?

www.europe.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/students

www.allaboutcollege.com

www.hobsons.com/studyeurope

For non EU countries try:

www.international.collegeview.com 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

vi

Which Subject?

Don‟t be blinkered in your approach to academic disciplines – most subjects areas offer a broader

range of courses than you may realise. Look at the following groups of related subjects which are

available at University. Sometimes, you will need to explore around a subject to find exactly the

right course.

You may not even have realised that some of these subjects are available as degree courses – just

look at the index of HEAP. You can find degree courses from Sports Promotion to Planetary

Exploration listed in HEAP. The subjects listed below represent only a small selection, and are

intended just to make you aware of possibilities.

Business and Management

Accountancy

Business Studies

Management

Leisure and Recreation

Travel and Tourism

Advertising

Public Relations

Marketing

Retailing

Arts/Creative/Performance

Art

Design

Drama

Music

Music Technology

Theatre Studies

Media

Journalism

Creating Writing

Photography

Sciences – Physical and

Chemical

Chemistry

Physics

Oceanography

Meteorology

Astrophysics

Chemical Physics

Natural Sciences

Biological Sciences

Biology

Biochemistry

Botany

Zoology

Physiology

Microbiology

Marine Biology

Genetics

Food Science

Dietetics

Behavioural Science

Psychology

Animal Sciences

Engineering

Aeronautical

Automotive

Chemical

Civil and Structural

Computer and Control

Systems

Engineering Design

Electrical

Electronic

Environmental

Marine

Mechanical

Mining and Minerals

Naval Architecture

Production

Social Sciences and Law

Anthropology

Sociology

Psychology

Economics

Law

Communication Studies

Social Administration

Government and Politics

Peace Studies

International Government

Social History

Youth Studies

Cultural Studies

Medicine and Related

Sciences

Medicine

Pharmacy

Anatomy

Nursing

Pharmacology

Physiotherapy

Speech Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Optometry

Dentistry

Osteopathy

Geography and Earth

Sciences

Geography

Geology

Environmental Science

Environmental Studies

Earth Science

Marine Geography

Urban Planning

Architecture and Building

Architecture

Land Management

Estate Management

Surveying

Building Studies

Town and Country Planning

Valuation

Mathematical Sciences

Computer Science

Mathematics

Statistics

Actuarial Studies

Industrial Technology

Building

Metallurgy

Materials Science

Textiles and Clothing

Transport

Printing

Marine

Sports and Recreation

Leisure Studies

Sports Studies

Human Movement

Sports Science

Leisure Management

Tourism

vii

I’m sorry, I haven’t a clue

(what I want to do)

Don’t Panic

Aptitudes and abilities

You need to spend some time working out just what you like doing, what you‟re good at and what

you definitely DO NOT wish to do.

There are various questionnaires and Computer Tests that can help you.

Parametric Testing = Computer Programs: KUDOS, The Stamford Test (available through UCAS)

Questionnaires = OIE, Fast Tomato, and others

Profiling = Morrisby Test and feedback sessions. If you missed out on Morrisby in the

Upper School, please see our Head of Careers (Mrs Mandley) if you would

now like to take the test.

Researching Occupations

HINTS Library

Q & A Series

Job Outlines/Working in …

E Clips

Approaching HE from Advanced Levels

Which Science Degree?

Which Arts Degree?

CRAC Course Guidelines

Degrees with any Advanced Level subject

The Stamford Test (see above)

viii

I think I want to go to university, but I am

not sure which subject I want to study Here is an example of the sort of information you can find by using the sources of information in

the IT rooms and the information sources your tutor has explained to you. Please note the details of

the research you need on the following page.

Possible subject area

Oriental Studies

Related subjects that might be of

interest

(Use the CRAC Degree Course Guides,

Which Degree, Subject Information

boxes and Heap, but UCAS Course

Search is your easiest method of

research)

1. East Asian Studies 2. Japanese 3. Cantonese 4. Politics and Korean Studies

More information about the subject:

We suggest you use the UCAS Course Search option and Entry Profiles as you have

been shown, but electronic and hard copy prospectuses are also available.

Duration of course

Usually four years full time

Type of study

Most of our students will be full time

undergraduates

Full time, mostly. Part time at Central Lancashire. Modular at Lancaster, Leeds, SOAS and Sterling. All courses have time abroad – usually one year. Use The Good University Guide and the HE noticeboard to compare the status of universities.

Course content

Whatever your chosen subject, you

need to be sure it suits you

Language study with Literature and history of the culture. Some courses look at modern economy. Others more historically based. Some look at archaeology. Often combines another oriental language. NB usually small teaching groups.

Continued …

ix

Course structure

Look carefully to check that you like the

sound of what’s on offer.

Consider whether you prefer lots of

contact time, exam-based assessment or

flexibility in the options.

First year often extensive acquisition of new language. Long hours in language laboratory. One year “out” in country of appropriate language speakers. This varies from university to university, eg. Sterling = three months+ of a three year course, Oxford Japanese = four months in university followed by eight months (compulsory) in Japan. Split finals in second and fourth years.

Requirements

Entry profiles will tell you which A Levels

are required and preferred.

No specific language requirement, but often look for proven ability to master a new language. Languages at AS or Advanced Level.

Possible careers

(Use “AGCAS: What do Graduates do?”

and “Thestudentroom.com”.)

Graduate employment % needs to be

carefully considered against student

debt.

Especially strong business possibilities. 25% of graduates go into marketing or buying/selling. Chinese apparently in demand (see CRAC). BUT 16% unemployment is slightly higher than average for graduates.

Further action

Check resources available in various universities. Use the School’s W drive for a useful comparative check list.

Open Days

Look at the list of open days published on the HE noticeboard. Sign up.

It would now be worthwhile looking at areas of study which are related – or similar – to one that

you have initially researched.

A blank form is included for you to photocopy and take with you to any Open Day you may attend.

x

I know what I want to study at university

For those of you who know what you want to study, the example below provides the sort of

information that you will need to find for your particular course. You are in luck if you want to

study Biology or biological Sciences. A similar blank table is provided on page 20 for you to

photocopy and complete as many times as you need to. There are also resources on the shared drive

of the intranet.

Subject area 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 Grades

required

Subjects required

1. Bath (Biology) * Three A Levels to include Biology at grade A, plus Mathematics or another science subject. ABB

2. Exeter * GCSE Mathematics at Grade B or above. Three A Levels to include Biology, plus one other science. AAB

3. Lancaster * Two sciences at A Level (or Geography) at ABB or above.

4. Leeds (Applied Biology)

* A Level Biology, plus one further science and another A Level except General Studies at grades AAB-ABB. Double Science Award is NOT acceptable.

5. Cambridge * Not available except as part of Natural Sciences BCFO 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 4 Leeds Information about

their course Three year degree or four year sandwich degree with industrial experience. The BSc is modular with compulsory core units and options in all three years. In year one and two teaching is done through practicals and tutorials in addition to formal lectures. The final year involves a research project, which comprises approximately one third of the final year content. Assessments are spread through the course with formal examinations in January and June of each academic year.

xi

Finding out more

www.ucas.com

(Particularly, Entry Profiles)

Degree Course Offers by Brian Heap

CRAC subject guides

Individual university websites

UNISTATS

www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk

(Provides a question and answer page which is a useful starting point)

www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings (useful, but worth

using entry Standards as your objective parameter)

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/

(Please be aware that different sources will „rank‟ according to different criteria.

Entry points is the most reliable objective method)

www.russellgroup.ac.uk/our-universities.aspx

(Helpful information about 20 highly competitive UK universities)

www.unistats.direct.gov.uk

(Particularly useful when looking for graduate level employment statistics)

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Choosing a University

(Please note that The Student Room forum is student-led and not necessarily

officially endorsed)

In order to make sensible choices you should thoroughly research the information available

to you and compare the statistics available.

Entry Profiles and Unistats give information about the students who successfully apply for

the courses and about their employment destinations. Be careful to allow for very

subjective comments from undergraduate contributors to blogs or other unverified sites.

At the back of this booklet there is a list of other useful websites and a reminder that the

School‟s intranet can also be harnessed for your research and used to your advantage.

xii

Use this form (or copies of it) to research

related H.E. courses

Possible subject area

Related subjects that might be of interest

(Use the CRAC Degree Course Guides, Which

Degree, Subject Information boxes and

Heap)

1. 2. 3. 4.

More information about the subject:

(UCAS Course Search, Entry Profiles, HEAP, CRAC Degree Course Guides, Which

Degree, Degree Course Offers, and the appropriate prospectuses)

Duration of course

Type of study

Course content

Course structure

Requirements

Graduate employment

Further action

xiii

UCAS Entry Profiles

What are Entry Profiles

UCAS entry profiles make use of the internet to give applicants to Higher Education better

information about the courses they want to study. They provide such details as entry qualifications,

selection criteria and other information which extends far beyond that which was formerly

available. All of this is essential for making fully informed choices about HE entry and is reached

through the course search on the UCAS website. The UCAS “chat room” is also available through

yougo.co.uk.

How can Profiles be used?

To improve the match between pre HE study and HE courses.

To make the criteria for HE entry much clearer for applicants and their advisers, by showing

much more information than is currently available elsewhere.

To show other desirable characteristics which would support HE entry, such as work

experience. This encourages universities and colleges to say which factors

help to make an application successful.

To cater for applicants who have a wider range of post 16 qualifications and experiences.

How do I find Profiles on the web?

To use the course search to find profiles, go to the UCAS homepage at www.ucas.com.

Go to the course search link. Click on this, go to the appropriate year and follow the

instructions.

Once you have a search result (ie. a list of courses that meet your interests and search

criteria), you will see an EP symbol next to each of those courses that have an entry

profile.

Click on a course title and you will be taken to the course details page.

Under the section on information required to complete the UCAS application, there is a link

called ‘Entry Profile’.

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

xiv

The UCAS Tariff

The UCAS Tariff is the system for allocating points (numerical values) to qualifications used for

entry to HE. It establishes agreed equivalences between different types of qualifications, provides

comparisons between applicants with different types of achievement, and reflects the relative values

of the levels of achievement in post 16 qualifications.

The qualifications covered by the Tariff are available at www.ucas.com/candq/tariff.

The current “points” system at UCAS allocates numbers to grades in the following way:

A Level Points

Each A* grade = 140 points

Each A grade = 120 points

Each B grade = 100 points

Each C grade = 80 points

Each D grade = 60 points

Each E grade = 40 points

Occasionally, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) will allow the extra, fourth A/S grade to

contribute to the total demanded by their offer.

For example: A*ABb = 410 points

The A/S grade appears as a lower case letter and is worth 50% of the points allocated to the same

grade at A Level.

Please note that not all entry requirements are covered by the Tariff, but most of them now are.

They include Music qualifications as well as many other vocationally orientated qualifications.

If you would like to find out more about the way in which the respective values have been allocated

to the different qualifications, please consult the UCAS website.

It is worth noting that most selecting (rather than recruiting) universities still tend to make their

offers in terms of A Level grades rather than tariff points.

xv

The UCAS Tariff and you

How does the Tariff work?

Points can be combined together from different qualifications, eg. GCE AS/A2 with AVCE.

There is no ceiling to the number of points that can be accumulated, thereby recognising the full

breadth and depth of students‟ achievements.

AS scores will be incorporated into A2 level scores in the same subject – so no double counting.

Scottish Higher scores will be incorporated into Advanced Higher scores in the same subject.

Scottish core skills scores at Intermediate 2 will be incorporated into the scores for Higher core

skills.

How will HE Institutions use the Tariff?

The Tariff provides a facility to assist universities when expressing entrance requirements and

when making conditional offers.

Entry requirements and conditional offers expressed as points scores will often require a

minimum level of achievement in a specified subject eg. „300 points to include grade A at A

Level Chemistry‟ or „240 points to include 100 points (grade B) from A Level Mathematics‟.

ACTION:

1. In February, your tutor will communicate your “indicator” grades to you. These grades are

based upon subject teachers‟ evaluation of your A2 potential. (Remember that these grades

may change up to mid September of your UVI year.)

2. Assign points scores to them, using the tariff.

If you need help with working out the total, log on the UCAS website and use the online

calculator, accessible via quick links on the www.ucas.com home page.

3. Select an undergraduate subject you might want to study.

4. Using the HEAP and/or course search on www.ucas.com, identify two HE1s requiring:

Institution Institution

(1) The same points total as you expect to achieve ________ ________

(2) A slightly higher points total than you expect ________ ________

(3) A slightly lower points total than you expect ________ ________

5. Discuss the outcomes of your research with your Tutor, and discuss your likely choices with

him/her.

xvi

Stipulated A Level subjects for Higher Education These are generalised points; specific details should be researched for each university course using

the UCAS website.

SCIENCES:- Agriculture: Normally one or two sciences

Biochemistry: Chemistry plus one or two sciences

Biology: Biology plus one science (Chemistry is often required)

Chemistry: Chemistry, often plus Mathematics or Physics

Computer Science: Often not stipulated, but, for many, Mathematics is an advantage

Dentistry: Chemistry plus one science

Design and Technology: Art, Design or Physics may be required. Check carefully

ENGINEERING:- Aeronautical: Mathematics plus Physics

Chemical: Chemistry plus Mathematics and/or Physics

Civil: Mathematics plus Physics*

Electrical and Electronic: Mathematics plus Physics*

Mechanical: Mathematics plus Physics*

Environmental Sciences: Two science based subjects

Geology: Two sciences (Geology or Geography NOT specified)

Mathematics: Mathematics (but NOT always Further Mathematics)

Medicine: 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: Mathematics is required or preferred at some, not all

Archaeology: No specified subjects

Architecture: No specified subjects, but Mathematics often preferred for Architectural

engineering. A „Portfolio‟ of work is required

Fine Art: Art and a „Portfolio‟ at most

History of Art: No specified subjects

Business Studies/Management: No specified subjects

Classical Languages: Latin and or Greek

Classical Civilisation/Ancient History: No subject usually specified

Drama/Theatre/Performing Arts: No specified subjects, but a related subject is an advantage

Economics: No specified subjects Mathematics is an advantage

(approximately 60% will have Economics Advanced Level)

Education: No specified subjects, but a „major subject‟ is needed

English: English

Geography: Geography (Geography plus one science for BSc)

History: History (NOT always specified)

Law: No specified subjects (Arts or Science combinations accepted)

Modern Languages: Single honours: the language to be studied

Combined honours: two modern languages

Some courses offer languages ab initio

Music/Music Technology: Music advisable but not essential (for Technology, Physics is sometimes

preferred)

Philosophy: No specified subjects

Politics: No specified subjects

Psychology: No specified subjects, but some courses require scientific knowledge and

prefer a Science Advanced Level. A knowledge of Statistics is sometimes

required

Sociology, Social Studies et al: No specified subjects

Theology: No specified subjects

Details from The University Entrance Guide, published through UCAS

xvii

Finding the perfect match

You will need to „SHORTLIST‟ about ten possible courses and find out more about them.

You will find further „RESEARCH SHEETS‟ towards the end of this booklet and you can request

more from RMG or KJ, or download them from the shared drive.

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

your shortlist. A student-compiled comparison table is also available on

w:\HigherEducation\resarch resources.

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

try asking the following questions to help clarify your thoughts.

For each course at each institution you will need to make a note of the following information:

Subject code?

Type of course? (Modular, sandwich, duration etc.)

Is the University a campus or non-campus institution?

What are the options within the course? (Give details of choices

that appeal.) Are there compulsory elements/subjects within the

course?

Type of accommodation available in first year?

Is Hall of Residence guaranteed?

Is self catering available?

Does the Hall of Residence have a bar/other facilities?

Furthest distance from a Hall of Residence to the Students‟

Union?

Name of Admissions Tutor (if given) and a contact number or

e-mail address

You will also need to give serious consideration to matching your ambitions to your realistic

expectations:

Would you like the course?

Would you be able to cope with the academic/other demands of

this course?

What grades are required for this subject at this institution?

How many applications are received per place?

How is the subject ranked at this university compared to other

universities?

xviii

Getting started - Lower Sixth Higher Education

Programme - Tutor Period

You need a PEN!

You need your Tutor’s copy of Brian Heap’s Degree Course Offers

Don‟t think too much about this stage of the programme – you‟re almost certainly going to change

your mind – or vacillate – over the next few months. The course of preparation you undertake now

is simply to show you HOW to research.

Using the boxes below, QUICKLY list two or three subject areas you think you may be interested

in studying at University. (It will save you time and effort if you use sensible and probable subject

interests at this stage.)

Subject Related Subject [See HEAP]

Possibility / Subject 1

Possibility / Subject 2

Possibility / Subject 3

Now select just ONE of the subjects above and, using HEAP, find a related subject or

academic discipline that seems to be within the same field.

Get hold of a copy of the official UCAS University Guide.

Turn to the index to find your subject details and then find the TABLE appropriate for that

discipline.

Write down the COURSE CODE here …………………………………………………….

Finally, find THREE universities that offer a course which might interest you and add them to the

table below.

Eventually, you should complete the table by using a combination of HEAP, prospectuses and

internet research:

University UCAS Course Code Stipulated Subjects Grades Required

xix

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

Research Sheet

Institution

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?

xx

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!

xxi

A student’s self-compiled comparison table

For CF/CI purposes

UN

I

Co

urs

e

Off

er

Ru

ssell

Gro

up

?

Yea

r in

Ind

ustr

y?

po

sit

ion

in T

ab

le

Po

sit

ion

in S

ub

ject

Tab

le

Mile

s

fro

m

So

ton

My r

ati

ng

Teach

er/

pare

nt

rati

ng

Example BATH

Coach Education and Sports Development

AAB or A*AC or

A*BB

No

Yes

14

7

62

UNI

Employment prospects (after

6 months)

Campus

On the day

training

Other comments

xxii

King Edward VI School: Lower Sixth Higher

Education Programme

This document is also available within the School‟s intranet (shared drive) and the hyperlinks can

be accessed directly from there. You should also be able to access these links via the School website

by logging into the Student Guidance section.

Useful websites to try for HE information:

http://www.universityadvice.co.uk/

http://www.universitycourse.co.uk/

http://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfo/uk.map.html

(This is an excellent UK sensitive map of HE institutions)

http://www.ucas.com/search/index.html

http://www.ecctis.co.uk/

(We no longer subscribe to ECCTIS as it has been superseded by the excellent UCAS website, but

some information is available to non-subscribers). Course Discover is available through the Student

Guidance menu on the intranet.

http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/forms/ucas.shtml

http://www.undergraduate.hw.ac.uk/info/ucas.htm

http://www.aimhigher.ac.uk/applying_for_a_course/what_is_ucas_.cfm

http://www.glos.ac.uk/choose/ucasevents.cfm

(Please note that we will be running a coach to the Portsmouth event)

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate-study/application-and-entry/how-to-

apply/UCAS/index.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCAS

Good luck – but don‟t forget to ask for help if you need it, and to keep us informed of your

intentions!

If you are a PQA candidate, please follow the instructions in the Post A Level Advice booklet

issued via parent portal in the June of your UVI year, and remember that the School UCAS system

shuts down at the end of the Autumn Term.

Ruth Greenwood

Director, Higher Education

xxiii

Notes from HE Presentations