Style sheets must be enabled to view this page as it was intended.

Higher Education

What is Higher Education?

Higher Education is a popular destination for young people in Medway with many 18/19 year olds choosing this option to continue their education. It may be the right choice for you, too. Every year about 350,000 students in the UK leave schools and colleges to start on degree courses. However, as many as one in ten of the students who start university drop out before the end of their degree course – and the major reason is choosing an inappropriate course. This is hardly surprising given that there are over 750 degree subjects and over 50,000 course combinations - from Accountancy to Zoology, from Media Studies to Sports Journalism. It is also possible to combine subjects either equally or by “majoring” in one subject with a “minor” in another (sometimes this actually can involve more than two subjects).

Entry requirements vary between institutions and even within them, depending on the subject to be studied. It is therefore important that you check carefully and be realistic about the grades you expect to achieve - to make sure that you have a reasonable chance of being offered a place. Check that by the time you plan to start a course, you will have the required qualifications. Details of entry requirements are available: direct from universities and colleges; on university/college websites; in university/college prospectuses; and on http://www.ucas.com/students/coursesearch/

When choosing your path through Higher Education there is plenty of help at hand. Staff at your school or college can give advice and your Connexions Personal Adviser is also ready to talk to you about your plans.

Allow TIME to research all subjects, courses, universities and entry requirements thoroughly.

New Higher Education Guides available for students and staff:

 

Choosing the subject and choosing a course

Choosing the subject. Think about the following questions:

Is it based on subject(s) you enjoy at school/college? Is it based on subject(s) you are best at? Is it based on a “burning career ambition”? Does it provide additional professional qualifications? Is it a “new” subject? Or does it build on previous knowledge? Can you specialise in one subject or combine subjects?

If you are not sure what you want to do...do you know what you don’t want to do? You could also try a psychometric or interest/aptitude test e.g. http://www.ucas.com/students/choosingcourses/choosingcourse/stamfordtest

Choosing a course.

Choose to study a course which you think is going to be interesting, stimulating and fulfilling for you. Consider the course title and check course content carefully – for each university and college. Each university/college will differ in its course content – even though the course titles may be the same. When choosing your course, it is important to remember that one course is not better than another – it is just different. The best course for you is the one which best suits you. Read prospectuses carefully to be sure you understand the course content.

 

Choosing an Institution: Location, Reputation and Open Days

Location: “Green field”, “redbrick” or city campus? Go away from or stay at home? New or old? Some universities are centuries old, others were built in the 1960’s and some are new. Is the university large or small? Some universities have over 15,000 students, others have 6,000 students. What are the costs of being a student in different locations? What is the ratio of male to female students? Some universities have several sites and separate franchised colleges – often miles apart. Are you sure about which site the course is being taught at?

Reputation: Many leading universities are very strong in certain subjects: but not necessarily in all subjects. Most universities are not necessarily good at everything! The best way to find out about the universities, colleges and courses that interest you is to visit. Go to Open Days and talk to staff and students.

Open Days: Go to Open Days! Experiential research – obtain a real feel for the university or college and courses that interest you. Check: teaching styles, facilities, new student induction programme, accommodation, cost of living and job opportunities in area (both part time and full time on graduation).

 

Checking entry requirements

Check that by the time you plan to start a course, you will have the required qualifications.

Details of all course entry requirements are set out: in university/college prospectuses; on university/college websites; and on http://www.ucas.com/students/coursesearch/

Some courses have Entry Profiles – see. http://www.ucas.com/he_staff/courses/entryprofiles/                                                             

Entry profiles provide clear, up-to-date information about degree courses. They can facilitate fully informed course choices: for example, when the same course title can mean a different experience, depending on the university/college concerned. Entry Profiles can help improve the match between applicant and course.

 

What are the different Higher Education Qualifications?

What is a Degree?

  • Usually takes three years.
  • Can take four years – if a year in industry or a year abroad is part of the course.
  • Can take four years – if there is a “foundation year” (in some degrees, this offers the chance to convert otherwise inappropriate entry qualifications during an additional year). Do NOT confuse a “foundation year” with a Foundation Degree.
  • Can take longer in specific subjects: for example, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Architecture.

What is a Foundation Degree (or HND)?

  • Usually takes two years.
  • Work and career related.
  • Lower entry requirements: typically 1 or 2 A levels.
  • Optional “top up” year will convert the qualification to an Honours Degree.
  • Foundation Degrees are gradually replacing Higher National Diplomas (HND’s).

What is a Sandwich Degree?

  • Usually takes four years.
  • Can include a single 12 month work placement OR two 6 month work placements.
  • Generally, tuition fees have to be paid but often at a reduced rate.
  • Sometimes, placements are found for the student – sometimes students have to find their own placements.
  • If choosing a Sandwich Degree Course, check with the university:

- that they will guarantee a list of employers.

- whether placement experience counts towards the final degree result.

- whether placements are paid or not.

- that placements are validated by professional bodies.

- that sandwich courses and placements will be available.

- what happens if a student cannot get a placement.

 

Some useful sources of information

Allow TIME to research all subjects, courses, universities and entry requirements thoroughly. Check out these websites below:

Some publications that may be useful:

  • Brian Heap, ‘Choosing your Degree Course and University’.
  • Trotman Publishing, ‘Which Degree?’.
  •  ‘The Push Guide to University’.
  • ‘The Big UCAS Guide’.
  •  ‘The UCAS Progression Guides’.
  •  ‘The UCAS Big Map’.

Back to Top