Prince Henrys High School Sixth Form Higher Education Parents
Information Evening 2015 1
Slide 2
Options for students at 18+ Continue studying Higher Education
Gap year - work related volunteering travel Employment
Apprenticeship or training schemes 2
Slide 3
Destinations of PHHS students 67% in 2014 went on to Higher
Education 16% deferred entry gap year university in 2015 7%
apprenticeships 10% employment / training / other 3
Slide 4
What is Higher Education? Wide range of courses: first degrees,
diplomas and masters. Different levels of study, course duration,
teaching styles and assessment methods. Usually taught in
universities, colleges and specialist institutions such as art
schools, music conservatoires or agricultural colleges. 4
Slide 5
A traditional 3 year first degree Usually a three or four year
course also known as a bachelors, undergraduate or first degree.
These are delivered in academic environments with lectures and
seminars, usually made up of different modules adding up to the
full degree. 5
Slide 6
Shorter Undergraduate Courses Certificate of Higher Education
(CertHE) and Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE): one year
(certificate) and two years (diploma) of a degree course usually
academic rather than vocational qualifications. Higher National
Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) : one year
(certificate) and two years (diploma) of work related study.
Foundation degree: completed full time (over two years) or part
time over a longer period. This is a flexible vocational course
combining academic study and workplace learning. These are
qualifications in their own right but students can go into the
second or third year of a full degree after completing the original
qualification. 6
Slide 7
What are the benefits? 7
Slide 8
Why Choose Higher Education Students gain transferable higher
level skills. Career prospects and future financial success can be
enhanced. Some vocational careers require a higher education
qualification. Over their period of study students may gain clearer
insights into their future career path. Some students proceed onto
postgraduate vocational courses (e.g. PGCE or LPC). Students gain
more independence, self-confidence and responsibility. Students
will broaden their interests and knowledge Wider life
experience...! 8
Slide 9
The Process Students will be guided through the process by the
Sixth Form Team. This term and in the autumn term, the focus will
be on choosing courses and institutions and preparing the personal
statement. 9
Slide 10
What is UCAS? The organisation responsible for managing
applications to higher education courses in the UK.
https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting- started
https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting- started Their
services provide a centralised application service for prospective
undergraduates. 10
Slide 11
What is UCAS? For performance based courses in music, dance or
drama studying at a Conservatoire students there is a slightly
different system, the details of which can also be found through
the UCAS website: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/conservatoires
https://www.ucas.com/ucas/conservatoires Also look at
http://www.dramauk.co.uk/ for drama
courses.http://www.dramauk.co.uk/ 11
Slide 12
Key features of the UCAS scheme Your son or daughter can make
up to five choices in one application. The 2015 applicant fee was:
12 for one choice 23 for up to five choices. Applications received
by the key deadlines are given equal consideration. Invisibility
universities cannot see where else students have applied. 12 UCAS
received 653,637 applications 464,910 were accepted In 2012...
Slide 13
How to apply through UCAS The UCAS website :
www.ucas.comwww.ucas.com The UCAS parent page :
https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate
/getting-started/parents-and-guardians
https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate
/getting-started/parents-and-guardians The UCAS parent advice sheet
: https://www.ucas.com/sites/default/files/uc
as-parent-guide-2016-entry_0.pdf
https://www.ucas.com/sites/default/files/uc
as-parent-guide-2016-entry_0.pdf 13
Slide 14
Filling in the UCAS form 1) Personal details 2) Education 3)
Work 4) Course choices 5) Personal statement 6) School reference
14
Slide 15
How are students supported in their application at PHHS?
Students enjoy an extensive careers programme delivered primarily
by tutors during tutor time. Over the next few weeks students will
discuss Higher Education and other career paths with tutors and
work through the tutor programme study pack. Further support from
Mrs Webb & Mrs Tozer. Subject teachers will advise on subject
specific courses. One-to-one advice from Sixth Form Team and Chris
Brewster, Independent Careers Adviser based at PHHS. 15
Slide 16
Next Step Conference June 17 th students will be taken off
timetable for a series of lectures and workshops delivered by
visiting speakers on a range of topics : Student Finance Completing
the UCAS application / CV workshop HNDs (Higher National Diplomas)
Subject specific talks on such subjects as medicine, psychology,
teaching Choosing a course and Open Days Apprenticeships and other
alternatives to university Student Life Applying for Oxbridge
16
Slide 17
The UCAS journey 17
Slide 18
18
Slide 19
Choosing a subject In 2015 there were around 37,000 different
courses at 370 universities and colleges. Therefore, students will
need to do a lot of research. They will need to consider:- Ability
Interest Methods of assessment Employment opportunities 19
Slide 20
How to choose UCAS course finder
search.ucas.com/search.ucas.com/ University websites
Tutors/teachers/peers LRC and Sixth Form Office resources The Heap
guide www.heaponline.co.uk/ every student will have their own
log-inwww.heaponline.co.uk/ 20
Slide 21
What courses do students apply for? Top ten most popular
subjects nationally 2014 1. Computer Science 2. Physical Sciences
3. Law 4. Engineering 5. Social sciences 6. Biological sciences 7.
Creative and Performing Arts 8. Business related 9.
Nursing/midwifery /medical 10. Education Top ten most popular
subjects for PHHS students 2014 1. Business related 2. Creative
Media and Journalism 3. Psychology 4. History / Politics 5.
Engineering 6. Nursing/midwifery/medical 7. Biological science 8.
Physical sciences 9. Creative and Performing arts 10. Education
21
Slide 22
Choosing an Institution Course Number of students Tuition and
assessment methods Location Accommodation Fees/bursaries League
tables/unistats
http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/
22
Slide 23
UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS National top ten universities 2013 1.
Nottingham University 2. Leeds University 3. Manchester University
4. Edinburgh University 5. Manchester Metropolitan 6. Sheffield
Hallam 7. Birmingham University 8. Leeds University 9. Bristol
University 10. Coventry University PHHS top ten universities 2014
1. University of the West of England 2. Cardiff University 3.
Worcester University 4. Nottingham University 5. Swansea University
6. Oxford Brookes University 7. Birmingham University 8. Coventry
University 9. Birmingham City University 10. University of
Gloucestershire 23
Slide 24
Entry Requirements The UCAS Tariff: Entrance to University is
based upon AS/A2 level grades or points which are converted to a
tariff system as below:- GRADEA LevelAS Level A* A B C D E 140 120
100 80 60 40 60 50 40 30 20 24
Slide 25
Admissions Tests Some of the most competitive courses now have
additional entrance tests. These include: Medicine / Veterinary /
Dentistry (BMAT) or UKCAT Law (LNAT) Some subject specific tests at
Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities. 25
Slide 26
What is the Russell Group? The Russell Group is a collection of
24 British public universities that are committed to the highest
standards of academic excellence in both teaching and research
which receive around two thirds of all university research grant
and contract income in the UK. A majority of the members are
leading universities, making applications to these particular
institutions more competitive. 26
Slide 27
University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of
Cambridge Cardiff University University of Durham University of
Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Glasgow Imperial
College London King's College London (University of London)
University College London (University of London) University of
Leeds University of Liverpool London School of Economics and
Political Science (University of London) University of Manchester
Newcastle University University of Nottingham University of Oxford
Queen Mary, University of London Queen's University Belfast
University of Sheffield University of Southampton University of
Warwick University of York 19 members are from England, 2 from
Scotland, 2 from Wales and 1 from Northern Ireland. The current
members of the Russell Group are: 27
Slide 28
Entry to Russell Group Universities 2011201220132014 University
of Birmingham54125 University of Bristol2600 University of
Cambridge0220 Cardiff University2238 University of Edinburgh0000
University of Glasgow0001 Imperial College London1001 Kings College
London0100 University of Leeds3711 University of Liverpool0143
London School of Economics and Political Science1000 University of
Manchester1112 Newcastle University0311 University of
Nottingham3357 University of Oxford2000 Queens University
Belfast0001 University of Sheffield3131 University of
Southampton2020 University College London0001 University of
Warwick0102 Durham University0201 Exeter University0403 Queen Mary,
London0000 University of York0020 Total Russell Group
Entries25343638 Total University Entries for Year13512110198 %
Russell Group18%26%35%39% 28
Slide 29
After the Application UCAS will send an acknowledgement email-
check that they have recorded the application correctly. Note the
SERIAL NUMBER and use it in all correspondence with UCAS and
Universities. Note the password, enabling you to use the Applicant
Enquiry Service on the UCAS Website (24hrs a day!) Applicants will
also receive NOTES FOR CANDIDATES: keep this in a safe place as it
should answer most queries UCAS EXTRA (March to June) 29
Slide 30
Offers - ultimately students can hold TWO offers. CONDITIONAL
FIRM - first choice CONDITIONAL INSURANCE - back up If you gain the
grades for your CF you must go there or drop out of the scheme.
30
Slide 31
Student Finance Going to university is potentially one of the
biggest investments your son or daughter will make. You should
visit
www.ucas.com/parents/studentfinancewww.ucas.com/parents/studentfinance
http://www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk/ And student finance matters
at http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/
www.studentcalculator.org 31
Slide 32
Money, money, money While at university or college your son or
daughter will have two main expenses:- tuition fees- 9000 a year
living costs (such as rent / food / books / clothing / transport)
5-6000 a year 32
Slide 33
Financial Support Your son/daughter may be eligible for:-
Tuition fee loan a repayable loan to cover the cost of their
tuition fees. The student will only start repaying this loan after
they leave university and are earning above a threshold level=
21,000 A Maintenance Loan a repayable loan to cover some or all of
their living expenses, the amount received depends on factors such
as where they live when they are studying. Maintenance Grant a
non-repayable grant to help students from lower income households
with their living costs. Bursaries and scholarships from
universities and colleges non-repayable cash support. Bursaries are
usually linked to household income, where scholarships are usually
given to students because of achievement and excellence. 33
Slide 34
Gap Year Why? Students should analyse their main purpose in
taking a Gap Year as it will be then easier to research ideas. Gain
experience in industry / business Improve ability in a language
Volunteering at home or abroad in the charity sector Gain extra
qualifications Work with young people Travel Earn money To have a
rest this is not a good idea! 34
Slide 35
Gap Year Advantages 1) Time to think 2) Experience 3) Self
reliance/confidence 4) Enjoyment 5) Enhance CV 6) Finance 7) Best
Opportunity Disadvantages 1) R equires planning 2) Lose academic
motivation 3) Cost 35
Slide 36
7 things your son/daughter should do now 1) Start research
early 2) Know the deadlines 3) Register for a UCAS card 4) Search
for courses and institutions 5) Check entry requirements 6) Visit
course providers on Open Days 7) Gather material for the personal
statement 36
Slide 37
Parents Checklist 1) Check application deadlines 2) Encourage
them to attend Open Days - go with them 3) Check through their
application form 4) Advise on, and read, their personal statement
early 5) Ensure they have checked tuition fees and researched
student finance options - you will have to fill in financial
details 6) Make sure they reply to offers by the reply by date 7)
When they receive their UCAS confirmation letter, ensure they
follow the instructions for replying to the university. 37
Slide 38
Key dates for 2015 applications * 1 st October 2015 Deadline
for receipt at CUKAS of applications for music courses they may
consider you after this time but not all courses or colleges will
be available * 15 th October 2015 Deadline for receipt at UCAS of
applications for all medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine
courses and all Oxbridge courses * 15 th January 2016 Deadline for
receipt at UCAS of applications for all courses except those listed
above and Art and Design courses with 24 th March deadline Spring
2016Apply for student finance 25 th February 2016 UCAS Extra starts
for eligible applicants * 24 th March 2016 Deadline for receipt at
UCAS of applications for art and design courses except those listed
with a 15 th January deadline 38
Slide 39
Key dates continued... March May 2016 Final decisions made
about firm and insurance choices 30 th June 2016 Applications
received at UCAS by this date will be sent to the applicants chosen
universities and colleges. Applications sent later will be entered
into Clearing 18 th August 2016 GCE A level, As and Advanced
Diploma results are published and full Clearing vacancy information
starts 31 st August 2016 Adjustment closes 20 th September 2016
Final date to submit 2016 applications * STUDENTS WILL NEED TO PAY
AND SEND THEIR APPLICATIONS WELL BEFORE THESE DEADLINES SO THAT
STAFF HAVE TIME TO WRITE REFERENCES AND PROCESS THE APPLICATIONS.
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