There are many reasons to apply to go to University. For many School and College leavers going to University is simply the next step in their lives. For others it is a family expectation and of course certain careers require further study. Finally there are those who have no idea of a career they want to pursue and so this gives them yet more time to decide. Regardless of your reasons for applying my advice remains the same- Do your research!
Types of Undergraduate courses
Art and Design Foundation Year-This one-year qualification – often shortened to ‘Art Foundation’ – is widely recognised as a primary route to gain entry to some of the most prestigious art and design degree courses. The learning is tailored to a student’s specific area of art and design subject interest, so they can progress to study that area at degree level. For funding purposes, this course is classified as a further education course, so student loans (for tuition and living costs) are not available, even if you take the course at a university or college. However, UK/EU students under the age of 19 on 31 August of the year of entry will not be charged a tuition fee. As a result, many students choose to take this course straight after school or college, in their home town or city.
Foundation Degrees- are usually two-year courses (longer if part-time), that are equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree. They are not the same as a foundation year.
These can be a good destination for school leavers at 18, as they offer a qualification that can help gain degree entry. This route is a good option for students who need a course with lower entry requirements and fewer examinations, would prefer a vocational degree/to study while they work, or are not yet ready to commit to three years at university.
Foundation degrees often combine academic skills and knowledge with workplace performance and productivity. They may have been designed in partnership with employers, and therefore focus on a particular job role or profession, enabling you to gain professional and technical skills to further your career. They can be used as a standalone qualification for employment, but are more commonly used as the basis for progression to a final ‘top-up’ year, leading to a full bachelors degree. The final year may be taken at a different university or college
Bachelor Degrees- usually last either three or four years if studied full-time (although some courses are longer). You can concentrate on a single subject, combine two subjects in a single course (often called dual or joint honours courses), or choose several subjects (combined honours). Most courses have core modules which everyone studies, and many courses allow you to choose options or modules to make up a course that suits you.
Some bachelor degrees offer a sandwich year, involving an additional placement or year in industry, which forms part of the course. If you're an international student, you'll need to check you're eligible to work in the UK, or that your visa allows you to do a placement course.
There are also courses which include postgraduate-level study, known as integrated master's. Integrated master's being at undergraduate level, then continue for an extra year (or more) so you're awarded a master's degree at the end. These are most common in engineering or science subjects.
Degree or Graduate Level Apprenticeship- is a new type of higher level apprenticeship, which can lead to a bachelors degree as part of an apprenticeship. It is important to check the full details of a given job and apprenticeship with the employer and training provider. These courses are a good fit for students who want to gain work experience rather than studying full-time at university, but would like to achieve the same degree status. Students need to be highly committed – competition can be fierce and entry qualifications can be high.
After Studying your undergraduate course you could continue onto Postgraduate courses such as Masters Degrees and Doctorate Qualifications such as PHDs
Types of University
OXBRIDGE- This is the term used to group OXFORD and CAMBRIDGE Universities. These are amongst the most prestigious Universities in the world. In addition to an early UCAS application Deadline of 15th October in the year prior to starting courses you may have to sit and pass additional exams before getting invited for interview. Applications to OXBRIDGE need extra support and so you must make sure you let us know in the Sixth Form Team if this is your intention!
Russell Group- is a catch-all term for a group of universities with a shared focus on research and a reputation for academic achievement. The group includes the original six red brick universities- Universities of Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield. Russell group members are universities usually spotted near the top of the university league tables.
City based University- has buildings all around a city, so not everything is in one place. For example, you may have to walk to a different street for class, or to go to the library.
Campus based University- is situated on one site, with student accommodation, teaching and research facilities, and leisure activities all together.
Application Process (UK)
Applying to University in the UK is quite straight forward. We have a central admissions system that allows pupils to submit one application to up to 5 Universities across the UK. For help and guidance on applying to University anywhere else visit in the world please visit the Sixth Form Pages or ask any member of the Sixth Form Team!
The normal application cycle starts in May when the UCAS window opens for new applicants for University places in the following year i.e. UCAS window opens in May 2020 for Applications for Courses starting in Sept/Oct 2021
Your School or College will normally support you and sign you up centrally to ease their administration systems
Once you are registered with UCAS the application is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to complete
There are various sections of the form to complete so it takes time and is NOT something to be rushed. You can save and make changes right up until the form is submitted.
All parts of the form are IMPORTANT however you will need to spend considerable time drafting a PERSONAL STATEMENT
Look at the UCAS website to begin your journey!
Funding- University is an expensive business but it's best not to think of it as accruing debt as it's more like you are investing in your future and so will pay a little more in tax when you graduate and are earning over a fixed amount c./£25K.
UK Students can apply for funding for University via a government website. The link is given below. Tuition fees are split over the number of years you are studying and are paid annually directly to the Institution you are studying at. You can also apply for a maintenance loan to cover living costs. This is means tested so if you are living with your parents they have to also fill out a section declaring their income. The maintenance loan has to be applied for every year whilst you are studying.
Tuition Fees- are charged by universities and colleges to cover key elements of your course and academic life, as well as core services related to students’ well-being and experience on campus.
Tuition fees normally cover:
- lectures, seminars, and tutorials
- course admin costs
- access to course-related facilities and equipment (e.g. laboratories, studios)
- access to campus libraries and computer rooms
- support services for students
- student union membership
- field trips essential for completion of your course (travel and accommodation only)
- graduation ceremony
Tuition fees in England are around £9250 but this varies between courses so make sure you do your research!
Maintenance Loans are available to help with some of your living costs at university, e.g. accommodation, transport, food, and books. It’s unlikely this will cover all your living costs, in which case it’s up to you to make up the shortfall.
How much you get will work on a sliding scale, based on:
- where you’re studying – students studying away from home in London receive more to account for the higher cost of living here, compared to those living at home
- your household income – students from lower income backgrounds are eligible for more – this is often referred to as ‘means-tested’ finance, and requires your parents/guardians to provide evidence of their income
Whatever maintenance support you receive will be paid to you in instalments, at the start of each term
Click on the image below to link to a great You Tube channel with a whole raft of information videos on educational and life choices