The power to choose is yours: make the right choice and the possibilities are endless Welcome 3
>>Welcome
Contents 4 Welcome 5-113 Making the right choices 12-15 Welcome to our young person’s guide to University life 16-17 university, a sort of mini-prospectus to give Student life 18-21 you a taster of what university life is like. Careers 22-23 Subjects 24-25 We offer advice and information We encourage you to think a lot F inance on a range of issues including: about yourself because that is where you really need to start – Questions and answers 26-27 p Choosing your options in with who you are, what you’re Who’s been to the 28-29 Year 9 like, what you’re good at and University of Birmingham? 30-31 p Making choices about what what you want to do in the future. How they did it to do after you finish your 32-42 compulsory education Find out more p What courses you can study A-Z jargon buster in higher education and what careers these might lead to As you go through p How to finance your studies the guide, if there and deal with debt are words you don’t p What university life is like p Qualifications and pathways understand look them into higher education up in the jargon buster p How some of our current at the back. undergraduates made their journeys from school to university p How our former students (alumni) – some of them famous – have made their journeys from university Your teachers also have to where they are today some additional fun quizzes that you can try. 4 Making the right choices University life 5
>Making the right choices<< >University life>>
If you are in Year 9 or Year 11, it’s a really important time for you. The decisions you make now could affect your future and what you will be doing over the next two years – so you need to think carefully and What is the difference between further education and higher education? make the right choices. What is a university? Further education is study in the sixth form at school or sixth form A university is a place of higher education where you continue college where you take courses to further your education after taking to learn after you have finished your secondary education. It has your GCSEs. Higher education colleges and universities offer you lots of teaching and research facilities in many subject areas the chance to study for higher-level qualifications such as degrees. and has the authority to award degrees at Bachelor, Masters Thinking about options At sixth form, it is important and Doctorate levels. The word is also used as a noun to As a rule, you can think about this in terms of your approximate Choosing your options – the to choose the right courses describe the buildings and grounds occupied by the institution. age as well: further education is something you might do post subjects you will be taking in for your future higher education 16 – between the ages of 16 and 18; higher education is something Years 10 and 11 for your GCSEs study and career. If you already you might do post 18 – after the age of 18 and after your further or courses you will be taking in have an idea what you want education studies. Years 12 and 13 – may be one to do, make sure you check of the biggest decisions you will out what subjects particular have to make in your school life. university courses require.
GCSE choices can be quite If you’re not really sure yet important for future university what you’d like to do, try to study. It is important to get keep your options open with a balance of subjects, as this the subjects you pick to study gives you more choice later at sixth form or college. Certain What is higher education? on when you to have to decide subjects – like Maths, English, What should I think about first? Higher education is the term we give to the learning on future careers. History, and Geography – are that takes place once you have finished your A levels useful across lots of different Think about or equivalent qualifications. A university is just one of the places you can go for higher education study: you can also Some university courses will ask university courses. p Yourself: know yourself as a person – your likes, dislikes, skills, for a specific number of GCSEs aptitudes and attitudes go to a college of higher education or a college of further education where they offer higher education qualifications. at specific grades; eg, some p What you want to do: further study, go to university, have a career medical courses ask for five or or get a job and earn some money Higher education is also about making good choices more GCSEs at A* or equivalent. p How you learn best: through exams, coursework or practical work about your future and taking charge of your learning Some courses, eg, Economics or p The options available for you to take: the compulsory and optional so that you can have a more rewarding career. Accounting, may ask for a Grade ones as well as other opportunities other than GCSEs and A levels A or B in Mathematics, if A level p Specific GCSE requirements: those needed for any course at university, Maths is not being studied. which you are already interested in p Where to get help and advice: there may be people to help and guide you as well as printed and online resources that you will find useful 6 University life University life 7
Why should I go to university?
You don’t have to go to university if you don’t want to but here are five reasons why you Teaching and learning
should consider it if you want more out of life. In school your teaching is probably highly structured and well organised for you. When you study at university you make the 3 More thinking and decision transition from this structured approach to the independence and self motivation that you will eventually need for your time – Going to university professional working life. 1 will help you find out more More choices and better about your chosen subject – It’s a fact 2 chances More money in your but equally, it will help you of modern life that most pocket – Once you have find out more about yourself employers want their new your university qualification and what you really want to recruits to have a university you are more likely to land do with your life, especially degree; sometimes the subject that great job with the in terms of your career path: of your degree matters and terrific salary, so you will so going to university will give Taking more responsibility have more money in your you three or four years in sometimes it doesn’t – it Teaching methods depends on the nature of the pocket. Don’t forget to which to think and make job: so having a degree gives you pay back your student better decisions. You will be expected to take responsibility for organising your more career options and better loan though! own work, for working in groups, meeting deadlines and seeking Teaching methods used might include: chances in the jobs market. help when you need it: you will need to manage your time so p Formal lectures (about an hour in length) that you have a balance between your leisure activities and time p Smaller group seminars spent in personal study. You will have to do lots of independent p Practical classes research using books and computer-based learning, the internet p Personal study in libraries or elsewhere 5 More social life, and original sources of material in the university’s library. p Personal projects lasting from a couple of weeks to a term friendships and p Group projects which can last a term or more opportunities – Most people Don’t worry though; you will be guided by your tutors to p Laboratory-based work 4 More freedom andEveryone make loads of new friends work in teams on group projects, and to talk about your independence – from all walks of life and work and make more formal oral and written presentations. needs to be able to look after from many different countries, themselves sooner or later and some of these friendships and being at university gives last a lifetime; you also get you the skills to do just the chance to explore hobbies that, looking after your diet, and interests you never dreamed health and fitness, money, of before: so this could be relationships and general ability the best time of your life with to cope with modern life: opportunities not to be missed. so there is some freedom here and you will become much more independent. 8 University life University life 9
Library facilities
Our students have access to one of the UK’s largest academic libraries at the heart of our Edgbaston campus, containing over 2.5 million books and 3 million archives and manuscripts. A further Active at Birmingham ten libraries and resource centres cover every subject offered at the University, ensuring you have the opportunity to develop At Birmingham, you are expected to take a more active role expertise in your chosen field. in managing your learning, as more of your time will be spent undertaking different forms of research to help you discover All students have free access to email and the internet, solutions and answers for yourself. We call this ‘enquiry- with dedicated computer facilities on campus. based learning’. It develops skills sought after by graduate employers who value creativity and independence as well as leadership and problem solving. We will support you to become an enquiry-based learner and use a range of teaching methods to encourage you to develop your own ideas. Lectures and seminars
Learning support Lectures are intended to give you food for thought, and are an opportunity to listen to academic staff sharing their knowledge and discoveries with you. You are expected to build on this, carry As a student here you have a personal tutor, who will help you to out further reading around the subject and use your analytical monitor and reflect on your progress and provide help and advice with skills to critically examine the information you are being given. any study-related issues. You have regular meetings with your personal tutor in an informal and supportive environment. An additional range Seminars offer the opportunity for you to discuss your ideas of support is available, from the welfare tutor based in your school or in smaller groups and listen to other people’s opinions. Tutorials department, to members of the library academic liaison teams who can are carried out on a one-to-one basis or in small groups, and help you find what you need from our extensive libraries, archives and you can discuss your written work with your tutor. other information resources. Specialised learning support services are available for students with disabilities.
Visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ students/support 10 University life University life 11
Where will I live? Different universities will offer different types of accommodation; so where you live while you are a student will depend on many factors, including what the university has to offer and what you want. What do you want? p It has access to rented If you really don’t want to go into The guarantee scheme is subject Having your own space a tailor-made support service The campus p Do you want to live away accommodation nearby halls, most universities will help to conditions, however, which you Settling down to university life for students living at home in the As Birmingham is a campus from home? p It has accommodation you find alternative housing in will learn about if you apply. can be a challenging time, and local area. Like residence-based university, the campus itself p Do you want to live at home? available within travelling privately rented accommodation. it is important you have your committees, it organises sports becomes your own back p Do you want to live on distance of the campus own space where you feel teams and social events such as yard. The campus has all your own? p Some accommodation Accommodation at Birmingham safe and supported. We aim cinema trips and club nights out. the facilities of a busy town: p Do you want to share a flat has en suite facilities Our student villages (halls of to provide you with the right bars, cafés, shops, banks, with one other person? residence) provide a secure and accommodation where you can Private sector housing a hair salon, and its own p Do you want to share a New kids on the block comfortable environment. There study, eat, sleep and socialise If you are not eligible for railway station. house with several people? As a first year undergraduate are student mentors at each site in informal surroundings. University accommodation p Do you want to be in student, if you choose to live to help you settle in, as well as all under the guarantee scheme, a hall of residence? away from home, you are usually the facilities you will need, such Living at home or choose to live off campus, p Do you want to self cater? put into a hall of residence on as launderettes, shops and cafés. Some students may choose you may decide to share a p Do you want to be catered for? or very near the campus; so not to move into university house with other students. p Do you want en suite facilities? you get to meet lots of people All study bedrooms have a accommodation due to cost Accommodation Services at in the same situation as you. telephone, which can be used or family commitments. Living the University of Birmingham What the University of Some halls are catered and to make internal calls to friends at home and commuting to will help you find suitable Help and advice Birmingham has to offer: some are self catered. The across campus, free of charge. university is a good option if you accommodation in the private All University of Birmingham p It is a campus university with self-catered halls are obviously To give you flexibility in the live locally. It certainly doesn’t sector, from the wide choice of Villages have a site manager, accommodation on site cheaper because you will be in way you study, 100% of study mean your student experience properties in the local area. We assistant manager and site p It has halls of residence charge of buying and cooking bedrooms give unlimited should be any different from also operate a successful flat- co-ordinators; so if you need p It has catered and your own food. If you pay a access to the internet and that of students living in halls search scheme, which enables to report that something needs self-catered halls little extra for a catered hall, University computer network. of residence. You will still have students to get in touch with repairing, require help or have a p It has a housing scheme your meals will be provided access to all the same academic, one another before they arrive, problem, there is always someone for undergraduate students, for you as part of the rent. With this in mind the University social and sporting facilities. allowing them the opportunity there to listen and lend a hand. which allows them to live guarantees a place in The Freshers Off Campus to rent houses as a group. on site in their first year University accommodation Society (FocSoc), run by to all first-year undergraduate the Guild of Students, offers home and EU students. 12 Student life Student life 13 >Student life - MORE THAn JUST STUDY<< NEW for 2016! Learn more The University’s state-of- www.birmingham.ac.uk/students the-art £55 million sports There is so much available for you centre with its fantastic to do as a student it’s unbelievable 50-metre swimming pool – but it’s up to you whether or and other unique sporting Most universities want you to make the most not you take advantage of all the facilities. of your time with them; so what you do in your fantastic opportunities on offer. Learn more Student life can be as exciting spare time is just as important as what you www.sport.bham.ac.uk as you make it. achieve during your lectures and seminars. The best you can be We have a School of Sport and p A 25-metre swimming pool Clubs and societies If you can’t find a club or society Students’ union its mission ‘to enhance the The Guild’s Community Action Your future employers aren’t Exercise Sciences (SportEx for p Seven squash courts Birmingham has over 200 that matches your interest, you When you go to a university, you student experience’ is achieved Scheme (ComAc) gives you just interested in your academic short) where you can study the p Grass pitches for rugby, clubs and societies for you to can always get a few other automatically become a member through providing a wide range the chance to get involved in qualifications – they’ll be looking subject in great detail, which football, cricket and choose from and they cover like-minded people together of the students’ union. At your of activities and services. over 40 student-led community for a well-rounded and experienced works closely with University other sports an incredible range of topics and start one of your own! chosen university your union projects, such as working person who can contribute in many of Birmingham Sport (UBS). p A Cybex Fitness Suite and interests, including: representatives will ensure that Your first contact with the Guild with homeless people and positive ways to their organisations. This means that we are pretty with an extensive range Music, arts and entertainment the views of the students on your is likely to be during Welcome helping refugee children to good in the sports arena. Our of cardiovascular and Sports We continue to invest in music campus are considered within Week – a week of activities to develop their reading skills. That is why the other really big teams compete at a consistently resistance equipment, through a number of music the university itself, the local introduce new undergraduates American football features of university life are high level in inter-varsity sports as well as a strength scholarships open to promising community and on a national to student life. The week is The ARC Hang gliding level. Not only that but they designed to make sure you things that help you develop and UBS is recognised as a and conditioning facility Windsurfing musicians but we also have: The Guild’s Advice and as a person, like sport, the centre of excellence for a range p Two symphony orchestras organise all sorts of fun activities take advantage of the discounts Representation Centre (ARC) is numerous clubs and societies of sports, especially hockey, We also offer fitness Arts, music, dance, p A Big Band and great entertainment as well. available to students, get to know another service run by students run by students, music and the badminton, squash, golf, assessments, personal drama and theatre p A number of choirs the campus and the city, make for students. Services range arts, and the activities and events rugby, triathlon and athletics. fitness programmes and p A symphonic wind band At Birmingham, our students’ friends, join clubs and get through from advice on housing, student American dance organised by the student unions. personal training. p A brass ensemble union is known as The the process of registering as a rights and the law, to individual Cheerleading Great facilities p A chamber choir Guild, which is also the student as easily as possible. support and campaigns on Guild Musical Theatre Group Sporting life at Birmingham Our high levels of achievement Sports scholarships are available name of its building. housing, finance, sexual health As at many universities, sport require excellent facilities and for exceptionally talented athletes. Science, technology We even have our own art Get involved and study issues. Students is definitely a big part of life at we have some great ones and politics gallery – the Barber Institute The Guild of Students As well as our sporting activities, are welcome to drop into the Birmingham, from inter-varsity for you to enjoy, including: The great outdoors – which houses an important Run by students for students, clubs, societies and musical centre to chat about issues in Community Action competitions (that means p International-standard water- Birmingham also has its own collection of major works of art, the Guild of Students is the hub activities, you can also get a safe, relaxed environment. People and Planet we compete against other of undergraduate student life. involved in our student radio based synthetic floodlit pitches outdoor activities centre in an Student Industrial Society ranging from the 13th to the universities) to taking part in p Two sports halls and three idyllic location on the shores 20th century and paintings by station BURN FM or the sport just for fun or to keep fit. activity rooms (including of Coniston Water in the Lake artists such as Monet, Manet, The Guild at Birmingham student newspaper Redbrick, one for martial arts) District; any student can visit. And that’s just a few of them! Renoir, Degas, Rubens, Picasso was one of the first student both run by students as part and Turner. Entry is free! unions in the country and of the Guild’s vital place at the heart of University life. 14 Student life Student life 15 You have to work hard to get there: you have to work hard when you’re Don’t just take our word for it there: you have to pay for it. That doesn’t sound too good does it? PETER Yet, every year thousands of young people like you choose to go to ‘It’s great to be able to study something you’re passionate about.’ university and stay for three, four, five or even more years of their lives. LAURA Peter, BA in African Studies and Development ‘The University has given me so much… you can learn new things, try new things, work on your personal and professional development Why? Because it’s fun being a student! 10 You can see for the first time what your future might be like outside the boundaries of your course and change yourself for – and it looks good the better.’ Here are 20 reasons why it really is fun to be a student and Laura, Bachelor of Commerce why going to university can truly be the best time of your life. 11 You can learn lots of new skills that will help you throughout your whole life STEFAN 1 It’s not like going to school at all – it’s different and much better, especially your relationship with your teachers 12 There are lots of people on hand to help you out personally ‘One of the best things … is the network you develop, the people with and professionally whom you come into contact and the ideas you can bounce around.’ 2 You have a really good reason to be away from home and no Stefan, Computer Science and Software Engineering one tells you what to do, when to get in, when to go to bed 13 You discover things you never knew about yourself and when to get up 14 You gain loads of confidence in yourself and your abilities 3 You really feel like a grown-up – an independent person with a life of your own 15 You find out about all the careers that are now open to you NICOLA 4 You are studying subjects you love and are really interested in 16 You become part of a great community of people and really feel that you belong somewhere ‘I have learned so much over the past few years, while gaining a great 5 You have the option to study abroad for a whole year rapport with the lecturers and making friends that I will keep for life.’ 17 You are exposed to all kinds of exciting experiences and get the Nicola, MEng Mechanical and Automotive Engineering 6 Lectures and seminars are fun and inspiring and you share them chance to do things you would never have done anywhere else with people who like the same things that you do 18 Even after you finish your studies, your university stays a part 7 You make lots of new friends from all over the UK and abroad of your life 8 There’s always someone to talk to and go out with 19 You may meet your future husband or wife! 9 The social life is fantastic – there are so many things to do and see 20 You collect fantastic memories and good friends to last you a lifetime 16 Careers Careers 17 >Careers - What can I study >>Careers - Subjects, and where can it lead?>> Did you know careers and qualifications>> that University of Birmingham There are so many subjects to study now in further was named University of You might find that subjects are grouped differently at university and higher education and so many places it can the Year for lead that it can be confusing unless you know where Graduate Employment in from how you are used to seeing them at school. Individual universities to start – and where to start depends on whether ‘The Times and The may also group the subjects they offer in ways that are different from Sunday Times Good or not you know what career you want to do. University Guide 2016’? one another, which may be confusing but don’t let it worry you! I know exactly what I want to do I don’t know what I want to do Here’s how we do it Engineering and Physical Medical and Dental Sciences There are many other areas That’s great: That’s okay – no problem: at Birmingham. Sciences within these subjects that you can The College of Medical and p Chemical Engineering study and you will find a complete Dental Sciences offers a range p You need to look at your chosen career and see p You need to talk to people who can help you, like your Arts and Law p Chemistry list of the undergraduate courses of undergraduate what degree or other qualifications you need careers advisor at school/college or your Connexions advisor p Civil Engineering on offer at the University of p English, Drama and American programmes spanning: p Next you find a course that fulfils this for you and see p With your advisors, put together a list of subjects you like and ones p Computer Science Birmingham at: www.birmingham. & Canadian Studies (includes p Biomedical Sciences what entry requirements (a list of subjects and grades, you are good at, as well as noting your personal strengths and p Electronic, Electrical and ac.uk/students/courses Film and Creative Writing, p Dentistry and sometimes additional things as well) you need to abilities (skills); then see what careers might be suitable for you Systems Engineering and Linguistics) p Medicine p get on that course at the institution of your choice p When you have found a career you might like, start looking at p Mathematics But, as we’ve said before, History and Cultures (includes p Nursing p Don’t forget to look at vocational courses, as they may be courses and qualifications: if you want to keep your options open, p Mechanical Engineering you should also remember that African Studies, Classics, p Pharmacy tailor-made for certain professions, if that’s what you want go for more general courses and qualifications that would suit p Metallurgy and Materials 60–70% of graduates go on to Ancient History and p Aim to get the required subjects and grades and start applying to several different career paths rather than very specific ones that p Physics and Astronomy find jobs that are not related to Archaeology) www.birmingham.ac.uk/mds get on the course or courses you want at your chosen institutions only lead in one direction p Languages, Cultures, the degree they studied. Next p While you are applying, start looking at ways to finance p Find the right course for you and look at the entry requirements Art History and Music www.birmingham.ac.uk/eps we will try and show you how your study, too (list of subjects, grades and sometimes other criteria) you need to get (including an optional year Social Sciences subjects link to careers. p Keep it broad – don’t forget to look at vocational qualifications and abroad in Music) Life and Environmental apprenticeships or on-the-job training opportunities as well as degrees p Law (includes Criminology, Sciences p Business (includes Accounting, Finance, p Aim to get those subjects and grades and start applying and Law with Business p Biosciences (includes Economics and Marketing) What if I can’t find a career? for the course you want at the place you want or a Modern Language) Biochemistry and Human p Education (includes Initial p Start looking at ways to finance your study if you need to p Philosophy, Theology Biology) Key factors Teacher Training) Don’t worry – not everyone knows what they want to do or finds a and Religion p Geography, Earth Sciences What you can study and where it p Government and Society career straight away. If you still want to get a degree but you don’t (Geology) and Environmental can lead is also going to depend Careers and Employability Centre (includes Political Science know what career you want to do afterwards, then go for the more www.birmingham.ac.uk/cal Sciences on a number of key factors: and Sociology) general degrees with a broader sweep. For example – if you take a At Birmingham, the Careers Network has a variety of services that will p Psychology (includes p The subjects you like and p Policy, Politics and Economics degree in English, Maths or Science, you will find that they cut across help you identify options, and develop and work towards your career Neuroscience) are good at (includes Social Policy and so many other subject areas that they are useful for lots of different goals. They can also help you prepare your CV (curriculum vitae) and p Sport, Exercise and p Your choice of career Social Work) careers. Sixty to seventy percent of graduates go on to work in find internships. Internships give you practical experience in a wide Rehabilitation Sciences p The qualifications you need careers that are not related to the degree they studied at university. range of professions and can often be a key way into a future job. (includes Physiotherapy) to achieve it www.birmingham.ac.uk/ They can last anything from a week to a year and are a good way of socialsciences gaining experience during university holidays. www.birmingham.ac.uk/les 18 Subjects Subjects 19 >ENGLISH, MATHS AND SCIENCE; WHERE CAN THEY LEAD?<<< There are some subjects that you have to study for GSCE, but after this it is for you to choose the ones SCIENCE you want to do. However, further study of English, If you enjoy Science find out more about the following jobs: Mathematics and Science can lead to a range of careers; p Biochemist p Marine biologist p Biologist some of which you may not have considered before. p Physiotherapist p Chemist p Psychologist p Dental hygienist p Sports scientist p Dentist MATHEMATICS p Surgeon p Doctor p Teacher If you love Maths, here are just some of the jobs you might consider: p Earth scientist p Vet p Accountant p Engineer p Zoologist p Banker p Environmental scientist p Business manager p Geologist p Economist p Financial consultant p Statistician p Tax inspector p Teacher ENGLISH If you would like a career involving English here are some of the jobs you might consider: p English teacher p Actor p Journalist p Advertiser p Librarian p Archivist p Proofreader p Broadcaster p Publisher p Curator p Writer p Editor English is such a broad subject that it has an application for almost any job because it involves written and spoken communication and most jobs have an element of these in them. So a degree in English could be extremely helpful. 20 Subjects Subjects 21 >>OTHER SUBJECTS; WHERE FOREIGN LANGUAGES Modern foreign languages are also incredibly popular and linguistic skills are very highly CAN THEY LEAD?<<< valued by employers. The entry requirements for many university courses often stipulate that you need at least a GCSE in a foreign language, but if it is your favourite subject and you are taking A levels in several languages, then you might want to become one of the following: p Civil servant It’s good to be able to choose the subjects you want to study and p Interpreter there are lots of them to choose from. You can do a degree in most p Linguist of the optional subjects you will find on your school curriculum, p Financial advisor If you combine p Foreign correspondent your language skills too. You can study them on their own or with another subject. p Language teacher p Lawyer or solicitor (European law) with other subjects Here are just a few examples p Local government officer like IT or Business, p Public administrator HISTORY you will be much p Translator sought after in the GEOGRAPHY History has always been a popular humanities subject and like jobs market. Geography it has many potential areas of study from archaeology ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS and ancient history to the present day. With a degree This is a huge subject and an extremely popular one at that because p Lawyer or solicitor in History you could be any of the following: it is so varied and relevant to our world today. With a degree in p Media worker There are lots of other subjects you can study that develop really useful skills, much sought after p Archaeologist Geography, you could go into any of the following professions: p Researcher by employers. So, if you do fancy something new and exciting, take a look at the following: To help you choose the best course for p Cartography (map making) p Archivist p Teacher If you are interested in science, you could your interests and skills – and to find which p Climatology p Curator (in a museum) If you are interested in the arts, p Tourism guide or manager study for a degree in these subjects: subjects you are best suited to study and p p Genealogist Environmental management p Writer/publisher you could study degrees like: at what level, check out the UCAS website Historian p Environmental Management p Land management p p Classical Literature and Civilisation below. Here you will find some great advice Heritage/historical site manager p Natural Sciences p Social services p p History of Art and useful tips. p Bioinformatics (Biology and p Health services p Creative Writing Computer Science) p Law p Music www.ucas.com p Medicine p Planning p Religious Studies p Dentistry p Sales and marketing COMPUTER AND p Surveying And for budding athletes: Happy hunting! INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Or, if you like history or languages: p Teaching p Sport and Exercise Sciences p Archaeology p Tourism p Sport, PE and Coaching Science Here’s a subject you can’t get away from anywhere! It affects us at school, at home and at work. p African Studies p Water management p Applied Golf Management Studies It’s HUGE! p Russian Studies The computer industry is not only one of the most popular but it is one of There are over 50,000 higher education courses you can apply for through UCAS; many of the fastest growing, with new technologies emerging all the time. which you have not yet even heard of. Visit www.ucas.com to see the huge variety available. p p Computer engineer IT consultant p p Computer/IT manager Software designer p p Computer programmer Systems analyst p p Electronic or electrical engineer Web designer p Graphic designer 22 Finance Finance 23 < Many people worry about how much it will cost to go to university. However, help and assistance is available. The other good news is that you don’t have to pay your For more details of the Never be afraid to ask p The Job Zone p Money Matters scholarships on offer, fees up front either. for help in managing your Job Zone, run by the Guild The University of Birmingham visit: www.birmingham. money. You can get helpful of Students in partnership has a great website for you advice from your family and with the University Careers to visit to make sure that ac.uk/ugfunding Support, loans and awards nine per cent of £4,000 – which during their time at university. other trusted adults but Network, helps you to find a you have the right financial There are two types of loans to is £6.92 a week. The repayment Some take part-time jobs and also from your university. job to fit around your studies. knowledge before coming help new students cover the costs process is simple, as it is taken others take temporary jobs This service, based on campus to the University. Have some of university or college: tuition fee automatically from your wages during holidays. Job vacancies and staffed by students, will fun and play the Money loans and living cost loans. through the tax system. are usually advertised by the help you to find a part-time Matters game where you can students’ union and/or university, or temporary job. Vacancies experience a virtual life as a Tuition fee loans are available to Most universities also have a and are rarely for more than advertised are rarely more first-year student at Birmingham. help pay the cost of your tuition range of bursaries and 16 hours per week during than 16 hours per week fees and contribute to the cost of scholarships on offer that term-time. There are usually during term-time and you Will you make the right your learning at university. They students can apply for. Unlike jobs at the university as well as p Disabled Students’ don’t have to waste financial choices? are paid directly to your university student loans, bursaries and within the local environment. Allowances time searching. Come and find out at: or college by the government. scholarships do not have to be Students who face extra costs www.cashclever.bham.ac.uk paid back. Each university will It’s a good way to earn some as a result of a disability may Living cost loans – sometimes have its own range of support; extra money but you do need to be eligible for help from their called maintenance loans – are so you’ll need to see what is be able to manage your time well local authority in the form of a available to full-time students to on offer and whether you are so that you can study and do your Disabled Students’ Allowance. help pay for living costs, such as eligible to apply for them. part-time work without getting too food, travel, and accommodation. tired. If you have had a part-time Supporting yourself The website www.yourfuture.direct. job while at school, you will have at Birmingham You don’t have to pay your tuition gov.uk has lots of information about gained some good experience fee loan and your living cost loan university finance. towards managing this. p Awards and scholarships back until you finish your course Birmingham has both a bursary and have left university, and are Supporting yourself Budgeting and scholarship scheme. earning over £21,000 a year. Learning how to handle your There are also scholarships Part-time work money and manage on a budget for studying particular subjects. You repay your loans back at You can of course support is a good skill to start acquiring For more information on all a rate of nine per cent of your yourself in all sorts of ways now – even if you are just financial help available visit: income over £21,000. So if your and approximately nine out managing your pocket money on www.birmingham.ac.uk/ salary is £25,000 a year, you pay of ten students find paid work a weekly basis. Keep a notebook ugfunding or account book if it helps. 24 Questions and answers Questions and answers 25 >>>Questions and answers> I love both History and English and really don’t know which one to study at university. What should I do? It is important to make the right choices about what subject or subjects you want to study and what degree you want to take at university, especially if it is specifically linked to your chosen career. However, if you can’t choose between two favourite subjects and you want to keep your career options open, apply to do a Joint Honours I have a disability: can I still come to university? degree (see page 36) where you study two subjects for 50% of your Yes you can and our Disability and Learning Support, and Counselling time – or a Major–Minor degree where you study one subject for and Wellbeing services are there to give you a hand. They provide 70% of your time and the second subject for 30% of your time. support for all disabled students at the University; support that I want to come to University but I don’t think I will do very I want to be an engineer but don’t know which area of engineering meets your individual needs. Their aim is to help you to achieve your well in my A levels. What happens if I fail them or don’t get to go for. How do I find out which area of engineering is best for me? full potential while you are studying. We have teams of people trained very good grades? You should visit the University on undergraduate open days to help and offer support and advice: the Counselling and Wellbeing There is always something that can be done. You could ask for (visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/opendays) so that you can meet staff and team (visit: www.as.bham.ac.uk/studentlife/counselling), and the extra tuition and help in preparing for your A level examinations existing engineering students. You can ask questions, get advice and see Disability and Learning Support team (visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ at school. If you don’t achieve the A level results you need, you which of the engineering disciplines most appeals to you. You can look students/support). can always go through Clearing (see page 33 for more information) out for taster courses and masterclasses (visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ or you could defer your entry and resit your examinations at a masterclasses) to make sure that you have chosen the right engineering college of further education. discipline for you – and we have a lot to choose from. You may also like to visit our engineering website: www.birmingham.ac.uk/eps I am really close to my family and worry about getting homesick if I go to university. Lots of students get homesick at first but then they make new friends My family don’t have very much money but still want me to during Welcome Week and through the incredible number of events, go to university. Is there any financial help available for us? clubs and societies on campus, and soon settle down. When the going The short answer is ‘yes’. Financial support is available from the does get tough, there are student mentors to talk to and we have a No one in my family has ever been to university, so I don’t know government and from universities to assist with paying your tuition 24-hour student-run telephone counselling service. An alternative is much about it and don’t know whether I’ll fit in. fees and your living costs. Student loans can be used to pay for your to go to the university closest to where you live so that you can stay at Birmingham welcomes students from a wide variety of social and fees and a maintenance loan is available to cover your living costs while home; you’ll still have access to the same academic, social and sporting cultural backgrounds and is committed to encouraging more applications you are studying. You only have to start repaying the loans once you have graduated and are earning an annual salary of more than £21,000. facilities as those students who live on or near campus. For information from families and communities who have little or no experience about Welcome Week visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/welcome of higher education. Our Access to Birmingham (A2B) Scheme You could also get sponsorship, take a health-linked course with NHS (visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/a2b) was created in 2001 to do just funding, and get yourself some part-time work to help support yourself that and is designed to help students from the Midlands find out about through your studies. See our finance section on pages 22–23 and visit what studying at university involves. A2B students will also be invited to our website at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ugfunding an enhanced induction day before starting university to offer information, advice and guidance for the important first term. You’ll soon fit in as you make new friends and find lots of things to get involved with on campus. 26 Who’s been to the University of Birmingham? Who’s been to the University of Birmingham? 27 < Paul Manning Ben Shephard My experience at uni also Subjects studied: Dance and Drama: taught me so much about Graduated: 1996 Sport and Recreation Management getting on with people Subject studied: Earth (Joint Honours) from completely different Sciences (Geology) Graduated: 1997 backgrounds to me – being Current position: Coach Current position: Co-presenter of Good able to communicate with and retired professional cyclist Morning Britain: former presenter on people with whom I have who, after winning a gold ITV1’s GMTV programme and on Sky nothing in common – and also medal in Team Pursuit Cycling sports; also known for Krypton Factor, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, allowed me constructive time Xtra Factor, Dance X, Dancing on Ice, was inducted into the British having a cameo role in Harry Potter and to really work out what I Cycling Hall of Fame and the Half Blood Prince, and climbing wanted to do career-wise. awarded an MBE in 2009 Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief in 2009 Living and studying in Birmingham Bearing in mind it is over ten I had no idea what I wanted The fringe benefits weigh up I kind of fell into presenting: Once you have had the Young people need to realise best lived up to my expectations years since I left University you to do with my life when I left too! I met my wife in my first I worked as a runner for the experience of presenting live that life is one long learning in the excellent education that realise that getting where I am school. Just over three years year and now we have two weather department and the television, you thrive on it and experience and a good education the University provided. The today hasn’t been an overnight later, I had started work for kids. I have made life-long Weather Network in Hockley, you don’t want to do anything at school and university is an knowledge, enthusiasm and success! A lot of dedication and important part of that. Today friends who I still see now doing everything from buying else. It’s the most exciting, Channel 4 and my TV career there is a much wider range friendliness of the personalities focus on the goals in mind has had begun. By taking a chance ten years later. They were presenters’ sandwiches to picking thrilling thing in the world – of places to do that study in my time there was really allowed me to fulfil my ambitions; at uni, I met all sorts of people, the best years of my life and up their dry-cleaning. One of the there’s nothing like it. It’s and a vast range of subjects infectious and made study while the support of a well- experienced all sorts of things I wouldn’t want anyone to producers suggested I give it a go, terrifying because you have to allow people to follow a a really enjoyable experience. funded and structured sport and was able to figure out miss out on that experience. so every now and again they’d let no safety net – you can’t do it particular career path or just has undoubtedly made it easier what I most wanted from life. me practise presenting the travel again if something goes wrong study a subject they enjoy. My education has no obvious link for me to achieve so much. I did a joint honours degree and weather when we weren’t – but that’s also the thrill of it. Do some research and you to my sporting career as it was a are sure to find something It’s a big commitment choosing in dance, drama and sport on air and I really enjoyed it. different subject area. However, I have really enjoyed the challenge that will excite you. to carry on learning, spending and recreation management I hadn’t thought about being The other thing I enjoy it provides you with the important of working with a team of riders money not earning, not getting so I certainly don’t have the a TV presenter before that, but the most about my job is skills such as time management, aiming to perform to the best of on the career ladder. But unless background or training that once I’d decided that was what communicating with people. goal setting and working towards our ability in major championships you have a cast iron idea of what many of my colleagues do in I wanted to do, I worked hard to I love meeting people from deadlines. In addition, being self over the years. it is you want, which rarely if ever journalism or politics. Instead, I get as much experience and meet different walks of life, from sufficient in your general life or happens, going to university learned the performance side of as many people as I could. There politicians to ordinary people career becomes a lot easier after could well be the single most what I do and being comfortable isn’t one set route into television who have had something spending three or more years important thing you ever do. in front of people at university, so the most important thing is extraordinary happen to them getting through your studies. which is a vital part of my job. building up contacts and getting – every single person that to know the industry. comes in has a story to tell. 28 How they did it How they did it 29 >>>How they did it<< Four of our former undergraduate students speak about Shayan – Medicine how they made their journeys from school to university. Shayan’s first contact with the University ‘I would not be where I am today without the support of Outreach was back in 2004 when he attended at Birmingham and the various programmes on offer. Without it, the Year 10 Health summer school at I would never have thought to apply to university and without the Bethany – English applicants who have successfully secured places at the University, but Wheelers Lane Technology College. A2B scheme I would not have been confident enough to apply Bethany graduated with a first-class degree who have gone on to become student ambassadors who I have had the ‘The week-long event opened my eyes to such a competitive and demanding course.’ in English and then chose to stay on at the pleasure to work alongside. This has been an extremely rewarding to higher education, university life and University to study to become a primary experience.’ to the world of medicine. Talks from the Shayan is now a Foundation year 2 (F2) doctor working school teacher. Bethany came from admissions tutor at the medical school in the West Midlands. Baverstock Academy. and practical sessions put on by current students inspired me to apply to such a challenging course. ‘Participating in both the Acedemic Jodie – History Enrichment Programme (AEP) and the Access to Birmingham (A2B) Jodie (a former President Kennedy School ‘In college I applied for the Academic Enrichment Programme (AEP). scheme has made an immeasurable difference to my life. Without and Community College student) was The week-long residential introduced me to students currently studying Gary – International Relations it I am uncertain that I would have applied to higher education, and on the Academic Enrichment Programme medicine, one of which was to become my mentor for the following and Political Science now three years on I have a first-class degree from a Russell Group (AEP) and applied through Access to year. I gained further experience of university life and made friends with Originally from Cadbury College in university. Furthermore, even if I had decided to apply to Birmingham, Birmingham (A2B) in 2008, successfully people that helped me along the way at college and with whom I’m still Birmingham and a former A2B applicant, without the alternative offer of the A2B scheme I would not have met gaining a place to study History. in touch to this day. It was also at this summer school I heard about the Gary graduated in International Relations the standard entry requirements and therefore would have missed Access to Birmingham (A2B) Scheme and scholarship fund that was and Political Science and was President out on the incredible experience that the University of Birmingham She then completed a Law Conversion course and has since available to students with a background like mine. I didn’t realise of the University’s Guild of Students has provided.’ gone on to qualify as a barrister. Jodie will shortly be commencing how useful this scheme would be for the following five years of during his time here. her Pupillage which is the final year of practical on-the-job training study at Birmingham, one I am so grateful for. ‘As the first generation in my family to attend college let alone for barristers in London. Her focus as a barrister will be primarily Gary strongly believes that everyone has the right to fulfil their university, AEP had a significant impact upon my future career on human rights, immigration and criminal defence. ‘In my first year I became a student ambassador for the University. potential through education and that the student’s voice should aspirations. Before attending the AEP I was uncertain that a Russell I got involved with both the Year 10 and AEP summer residential be heard. He succeeded in doubling the resources spent on student Group university would be for students with no experience of higher Jodie was fortunate enough to receive a bursary award from the programmes, as I had first-hand experience of what a difference representation while at the Guild and enjoyed being involved in education at all; however, the week residential soon made me realise Human Rights Lawyers’ Association allowing her to spend three these programmes make and wanted to continue inspiring students shaping student life at Birmingham. that a redbrick university education was and should be accessible months working with capital defence attorneys in Texas, USA. to come and study. I have mentored many AEP students over the for students like me. I was apprehensive about spending a week Jodie was placed with the Texas Defender Service (TDS) in Austin five years I have done the programme, many of whom are now He chose to stay on at the University, becoming a postgraduate away from home, but the mix of academic taster sessions and social via the London-based charity Amicus, and was sent out as a legal studying medicine here at Birmingham. student, taking a part-time Masters degree in Local Government. activities made it one of the most enjoyable weeks I had spent prior intern to work with attorneys representing vulnerable and poor He also began working in Training and Development for the National to attending university. clients facing the death penalty. ‘In my fourth year, I applied to study for an intercalated degree at Union of Students as the West Midlands Area Convenor, helping Imperial College London. I graduated in July 2013 with a degree local colleges set up and develop their own student unions. ‘While at University I was keen to get involved as a student ambassador in Medical Sciences for Infection and Immunity. Without my initial to provide younger students with the inspirational role models I had experience of university life and having had the chance to apply Gary’s university experience helped him develop the confidence experienced on both Open Days and the AEP. In this role I have to Birmingham, I would not have had the opportunity to apply and skills needed to work in an area that really motivates him. worked on two further AEPs, where I have not only mentored for a second degree at another prestigious institution. 30 Find out more Find out more 31 >Find out more>>>>> UK UNIVERSITIES, HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES AND CAREERS CAREERS AND JOBS INSTITUTIONS AND FURTHER EDUCATION COLLEGES Leaving school, college or university? Careers and educational opportunities UK universities and colleges Plotr is a free service for young people in the UK and worldwide To search for courses at UK universities and colleges go to: www.ucas.com who are about to leave school, college Target is a great site for young people. or university. The site provides detailed It gives information and advice about Active map of UK universities and higher education institutions university and college opportunities together careers, gap years and educational The University of Wolverhampton has developed a UK active map of universities EDUCATION AND LEARNING with careers advice, job vacancies and opportunities at home and abroad. and HE institutions (visit: www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfo) – once there you can click vocational guidance. Useful information inside the map on the name of the institution you want to find out about (or in the Visit https://targetjobs.co.uk/ The Directgov public services website right-hand panel) and you will be transferred to your chosen university website. Play the plotr game to find a career you’ll for more information. (http://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk) love: www.plotr.co.uk/game has some really useful information for young Complete University Guide people about their education, learning For information on all UK universities and advice on which university and careers. to choose visit: www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk BEING A STUDENT IN BIRMINGHAM If you want to know what it’s like to be a student DEVELOPING SKILLS in Birmingham, visit www.visitbirmingham.com FOR UNIVERSITY or if you want to find out more about being a student at the University of Birmingham, visit skills4uni our You Tube channel (www.youtube.com/user/ If you have extended projects and assignments unibirmingham) to find lots of information and to do, visit: www.skills4uni.bham.ac.uk great videos. You can also join us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/unibirmingham) and Twitter Here you will find interactive activities, videos (twitter.com/unibirmingham). and resources, which help you through a project and also help you to develop the independent learning skills you will need for university study. 32 A–Z jargon buster A–Z jargon buster 33 >>A-Z jargon buster< Jargon is a type of shorthand language used by people who work in a certain profession that can be very confusing for people who don’t. Higher education is full of jargon; so, if you’ve ever wondered what all those words, initials and acronyms mean, here’s your chance to find out with our A–Z jargon buster. A B C D Civic university – one of the A level – Advanced level Admissions – the admissions Assessment – this is the process Bachelor degree – the degree Campus university – a university universities established in the Degree – a higher education Diploma – a qualification for qualification you usually take office of a university or college of measuring your progress by most students go for first; it takes where everything you need is on 19th and early 20th centuries qualification usually taken after students between the ages after doing your GCSEs and handle your application and looking at such things as your three or four years to complete and one site, including all the buildings in major industrial areas and big doing your A levels or equivalent of 14 and 19 that offer a mix offered in a whole range of enrolment into the place; so that’s written work, exam results, can be taken in lots of subject areas used for teaching, administration, cities – and basically meaning and split into undergraduate or of classroom learning, creative subjects: you will need two who you need to ask for when you presentations and interviews. such as arts (BA), music (BMus), facilities and living accommodation: ‘of the city and its people’; first (Bachelor) degrees, and thinking and hands-on experience. or three (sometimes more) A phone up to talk about getting in. science and technology (BSc), Birmingham is a campus university; Birmingham is one of them. postgraduate or second (Masters It can be studied at foundation, levels to get into a university. Assignment – a piece of work education (BEd), engineering in fact it has two – one in and Doctorate) degrees. higher and advanced level. Admissions tutor – a person, you must complete and hand in (BEng), and law (LLB): when Edgbaston and one in Selly Oak. Clearing – this is about putting See www.gov.uk/courses- Access schemes – some such as a lecturer, who decides by a given date for marking and your degree is awarded you can the right person in the right Department – most universities qualifications universities encourage young whether or not you will be grading; assignments in higher put the letters after your name, City & Guilds – nationally place at the right time; it is a divide their subject areas into people from their local areas – offered a place at the university/ education are usually much for example – John Smith BSc. recognised qualifications in system operated by UCAS in departments so students belong Dissertation – every student’s who normally wouldn’t attend college you have chosen; there bigger than they are at school. vocational (work-based) and August each year that matches to the department that teaches favourite piece of work, a their institution – to think about is usually an admissions tutor BTEC – stands for the Business skills training but these are not students who have not yet been their course; some universities dissertation is a long (10,000- and work towards applying to for every subject or course. and Technician Education generally used to meet university placed – or have not met the have colleges, schools or word), sometimes very long take a degree; it’s about giving Council, the body that validates entrance requirements, so terms of their offer, to a suitable faculties instead – some even (80,000-word), essay that opportunities to those people AS level – stands for ‘Advanced the BTEC qualifications (Award, you need to check whether university (or other institution) have a combination of these, contributes to the final mark or whose backgrounds may not Supplementary’ level and is a Diploma and Certificate); the the university you want to and degree programme. but you’ll soon get used to it. grade awarded for your degree. support their entry into higher qualification you can take at the BTEC qualifications prepare you attend accepts them or not. education: at Birmingham the end of the first year of your A for work or for higher education. Core modules – these are DipHE – Diploma in Higher Doctorate – taken after your first scheme is called Access to level course; so the AS level is modules that are compulsory, Education; a qualification degree, this is any research degree Birmingham or A2B for short. equal to one half of an A level. Bursary – this is money you so you can’t opt out of them; approximately equal to two years (PhD, DPhil), that allows you to might be given as an award, you just have to grin and bear of a three-year degree; often use the title ‘Doctor’ before your grant or scholarship if you have it and accept that you really available in vocational (work- name, or the letters PhD after it; the right qualifications and need to know this stuff! based) subjects like Nursing. some people prefer to use PhD experience to qualify for it. after their name to avoid being mistaken for a medical doctor! 34 A–Z jargon buster A–Z jargon buster 35 E F G H Enquiry-based learning – this Foundation course – a one-year Further Education (FE) – this Gap year – this is when you Guild of Students – the union Hall of residence – Honours degree – most puts you right at the centre of full-time course that prepares you comes after secondary education decide to take a year off after of students at Birmingham is the accommodation (living quarters) Bachelor degrees are honours your own learning, so instead for entry to a degree programme when you have taken your finishing school or college before Guild of Students, sometimes just for students providing kitchens, degrees, but a degree may be of sitting quietly and listening to in a particular subject; you usually GCSEs; you need further going to university; you might called ‘The Guild’, which is also bed linen and other facilities: awarded with or without honours someone tell you what you need take this when you don’t quite education qualifications spend the time getting work the name of its building; as the some halls also provide meals depending on how well you to know, you are encouraged have the right qualifications or before you can go on to experience, earning money, first purpose-built students’ union while others are self-catering. do in your final assessment; the to be active and go and find experience to start the full-length higher education. travelling or doing something in the country, Birmingham’s classification of honours degrees out for yourself – this way degree programme straight away. else you really want to do. Guild of Students is the centre Higher Education (HE) – after are First-Class, Upper Second- you become an independent Further Education college – of University life; their main aim secondary school you can go Class, Lower Second-Class learner and a great detective! Fresher – a student in their an educational institution you Graduate – this is the name is to help students have a better on to further education and then and Third-Class, but if you don’t first year at university/college can go to after you finish your you are called when you have experience while at Birmingham higher education where you achieve enough marks to achieve is called a ‘fresher’ because secondary school education that successfully completed your by offering a wide range of study for a degree or higher-level any of these, you are awarded they are new and fresh. offers academic and vocational degree; for a few months before activities, services, societies qualification at a higher education an Ordinary degree instead. (work-based) courses; some that time you are a ‘graduand’. and social events. institution, such as a university. Freshers’ Week – sometimes offer degrees validated (checked HNC (Higher National called ‘intro week’ or ‘welcome and approved) by a university. Graduation – usually refers to the HEI (Higher Education Certificate) – this is a vocational week’ as well, this is the first week ceremony where you are officially Institution) – an educational course roughly equal to two or of your first term of your first year given your awards, but it can also establishment that offers three A levels. at university and is packed with mean the successful completion academic and vocational fun events and entertainments of a degree, so you graduate. courses and qualifications; HND (Higher National organised to help you settle in, some offer degrees validated Diploma) – a vocational make new friends and find out by a partner university. course approximately equal everything you need to know to the first two years of a about your chosen university three-year Bachelor degree. and its students’ union. 36 A–Z jargon buster A–Z jargon buster 37 I J K L M Independent learning – this Internship – a fixed period of Joint Honours – a type of first KS – stands for Key Stage; Lecture – an educational talk Masters degrees – once MFL – this stands for Modern is about learning how to learn time spent in an industry finding (Bachelor) degree where you after Key Stage 4 you go given by a member of teaching you have completed your first Foreign Languages and is for yourself rather than relying out more and helping with study two subjects, say English on to post-16 education. staff to a group of students, undergraduate Bachelors degree, a popular subject at many on someone else to tell you specific projects for anything and History, in equal depth; you usually a much bigger group you can choose to do a second universities; it might include what you need to know. from a week to a year. would study English for 50% of than you are used to at school. postgraduate degree qualification the study of French, German, your time and History for the other and this is known as a Masters; Italian, Portuguese, Russian, International Baccalaureate ITE – stands for Initial Education 50% and your degree would be Lecturer – apart from being so you can have a Masters Spanish, and Chinese (IB) – this is an exam, roughly Training and is a step you need a BA in English and History. someone who gives a lecture, qualification in the arts (MA) and Japanese. equivalent to A levels, taken at to take if you want to become a lecturer is a well-qualified business (MBA), engineering the end of secondary education; a qualified school teacher. person, perhaps even a specialist (MEng), science (MSc), Modern universities – these the two-year International You can take the Postgraduate in their particular subject. philosophy (MPhil) and law are higher education institutions Baccalaureate is recognised Diploma in Secondary Education (LLM); however, in some subjects that have been granted as an acceptable qualification (QTS), or the Postgraduate Live in – living on campus, for you can also take a Masters university status since 1992. by universities around Diploma in Primary Education example in a hall of residence. qualification while you are an the world. (PGCE Advanced). Study is undergraduate – the MSci in Module – a short course taken as usually for one year, full time. Live out – living off campus, Maths and Physics, for example. part of some degree programmes; IELTS (International English for example in a private some are compulsory (you have Language Testing System) – house, or rented flat. Mature student – older than to do them) and some are optional English test for those who do not most other students (above the (you can choose to do them); a have English as a first language; age of 21 in England, Wales programme that is made up of a it is managed by the British and Northern Ireland or above number of separate short courses Council and partner organisations 20 in Scotland) and have where you are given a mark and is one of the most widely probably not come straight from or grade for each module is accepted qualifications school; some mature students called modular. by British universities. are very mature indeed and might be in their 40s or 50s when they take their degrees. 38 A–Z jargon buster A–Z jargon buster 39 N O P R New universities – these NVQ – National Vocational Old universities – these are Personal development and universities and colleges take Professor – a very senior tutor Reading list – a list of books were founded in the industrial are any of the universities Qualification; qualifications our oldest higher education planning – this is a means by a dim view of it – they may even with expertise and experience and other material (for example; cities of England in the Victorian established in the 1960s; the that are work-related and institutions, like Oxford and which you can record, monitor, prevent you from completing your in a certain subject who may be journal articles, articles on the era and which achieved university term is also used to describe cover the skills and knowledge Cambridge, established between build and reflect upon your degree: to see what the University the head of a department, often internet) that you are expected status before the Second World former polytechnics and colleges needed to do a particular job. the 13th and 15th centuries and educational, personal and career of Birmingham says about it, carrying out important national to read in preparation for your War – they are Birmingham, of higher education that were historically linked to the Church. development; it can now be search for our Code of Practice and international research work. degree course or programme Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, given university status in 1992, done online, too: at Birmingham on Plagiarism on our website: – BUT please don’t rush out Manchester and Sheffield. or colleges that have achieved Open days – when higher we have an electronic facility www.birmingham.ac.uk Prospectus – a printed and and buy everything in advance; university status since then. education institutions open called >>Progress>> which online brochure (a bit like a try to access the material first Refectory – a posh name for their doors to those who want to enables you to do this. Portfolio – a collection of your catalogue) produced by a through libraries and second- a university or college cafeteria, Nightline – a telephone attend in the future; it’s a great original work that may have to university or college advertising hand book shops and, if you’re restaurant or dining room where counselling service, usually run opportunity to be shown around Personal tutor – a personal be submitted as part of your their institution (especially its not sure, check with your chosen anyone can go for refreshments. by students for students, with the university or other education tutor is there to help you and course assessment; it also facilities and life in the local university before doing anything. the purpose of offering help and institution and meet some of is responsible for looking after refers to the carrying case area) and courses (degrees Reference – usually a written support with a range of problems. the staff and existing students. your personal wellbeing as well in which you keep the work. and other programmes) to Reading week – a week during statement (although it can in as your academic progress encourage students to apply. term-time when there are no or some circumstances be given NUS – stands for the National Oxbridge – the collective while in higher education. Postgraduate student – few lectures and seminars so over the phone) prepared by Union of Students; run by (joint) name for the two oldest sometimes called ‘postgrad’ you can do lots of reading and a person who knows you, such students, it provides research, universities in the country, Plagiarism – this is where you for short, this is a student who studying for your course; it is not as a teacher or employer, about welfare information and services Oxford and Cambridge. copy someone else’s work and already has their first degree an excuse for a week off – sadly! your abilities and character; to its members and is also the pretend it’s yours; it’s a sort of and is now doing another this person is known as a national body that represents cheating or stealing when you higher one such as a Masters, Redbrick university – these ‘referee’ and they will receive and campaigns on behalf of don’t acknowledge the real a Doctorate (PhD) or a PGCE. universities may well be built enquiries about your academic all students in the country. source of the information, using nice red bricks but the term and other achievements and ‘redbrick’ originally referred to will hopefully say nice things six civic British universities that about you as a person! 40 A–Z jargon buster A–Z jargon buster 41 S T U Research-led university – Sandwich course – nothing universities have two semesters Students’ Union (SU) – Tariff – the list of points you Transcript – a detailed list of UCAS – Universities and the word is derived from a Latin research-led universities, like to do with bread and fillings, and some have three terms. most universities and colleges score for each of your further classes or courses a student has Colleges Admissions Service, phrase meaning ‘a community Birmingham, are those where a although the principle is the same have a students’ union and you education qualifications, so taken at college or university, with the organisation that handles of teachers and scholars’. very high proportion of staff and as the sandwich you eat; it is a Seminar – another form of automatically become a member that with the right number of marks or grades for each subject. most university applications; students (usually postgraduates) four-year course that involves teaching at university, overseen when you begin your higher points you can get into your students fill out an online UCAS are engaged in research of 12-months work experience as by a lecturer in which smaller education studies; these unions chosen university to do a Tutor – an academic who form; UCAS then forward it to some kind with some projects well as academic study – so groups of students discuss organise and offer a range of particular degree programme. supervises the work of individual the universities the student wants being of international stature. the study is the bread and the and work on particular subjects helpful services and represent students (tutees); so a tutee to apply to – it also oversees the work experience is the filling. together; it is less formal than all students at their particular Term – the academic year in is a student whose work and/ process to check that no student Russell Group – this is a lecture. establishment – it is also the universities is normally split into or wellbeing is supervised finds themselves with more an association of 24 major Scholarship – money name of the building where three terms of between eight and by a particular tutor. than one place and it does try research-led UK universities awarded to students with high Single honours – a type of the student’s union is housed: twelve weeks long, with a long to match students with vacancies formed in 1994 with the aim of academic achievement to help undergraduate first degree SU – the abbreviation for vacation (about three months) in Tutorial – another university as efficiently as possible. promoting the interests of these support their education. awarded for study in one main Students’ Union, also sometimes the summer. (See also Semester) teaching tool where a small universities where teaching and subject, such as Law or Medicine. abbreviated in reverse as group of students meet a tutor Undergraduate – sometimes learning take place within a Self-catering/self-catered ‘US’ – Union of Students. Thesis – a dissertation (a very, to talk about their studies; called ‘undergrad’ for short, a culture of research excellence; halls – halls of residence with Sponsor – a person or very long essay) containing the some tutorials may be offered student doing their first degree. they then share new thinking shared kitchens where students organisation that accepts the Summer school – courses results of an original piece of on a one-to-one basis. and ideas with one another – have to prepare their own meals. responsibility for all or part of and lectures held at a university research to support a particular University – an educational Birmingham is a member. your student fees or expenses. during the summer vacation; argument, usually written by establishment for higher Semester – this is another they are also held to give school a student for their degree. education that has been word (American usage) for Student societies – groups pupils a taster of what life might awarded university status by ‘Term’ and is used to describe where you can get together be like at university. Parliamentary Statute and which those terms that are about with like-minded fellow students grants academic degrees at all 15-weeks long rather than the and have fun doing something levels, in a variety of subjects; shorter 8–11 week ones; some you enjoy, such as archery, hang gliding or chess. 42 A–Z jargon buster What difference V Y Vocational course – any Year abroad – a year abroad will you course that is intended to train can be one of the most exciting and prepare you for a particular parts of some degrees offered career or job; they often involve by universities; it means that practical work experience, or you spend one year of your doing projects similar to what programme studying at a goes on in the workplace: a university in another country; vocational qualification therefore, it is especially good if you is specific to the world of work want to develop your languages rather than academic study. skills or if you want to work abroad when you have finished your studies – but not all programmes offer a year abroad. make? 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