What Shall I Study?

What shall I study?

Compared to your post-16 choices there is a huge range of courses on offer so keep an open mind and explore your options carefully. If you are considering studying a degree or similar qualification you could doodle a mind map of ideas to help you investigate the courses available, perhaps something like this…

Applying to university can seem a very daunting prospect. You may think; where do I start?; who do I talk to?; there’s so much information! Remember though, the more information you can get the better. It will help you to make You’ll then need to consider questions such as whether your qualifications fit the entry the right decision for requirements and the employment prospects the courses can offer. Remember that you you. need to be able to write about why you want to study this subject in your personal statement. It is sometimes possible to change courses in your first year but careful planning and research can help you avoid doing that.

This guide is designed to help lead you through your search and record what you find out. We hope that you will adapt it and expand it to fit your needs. On Future Where should I apply to? Morph you will find a list of information sources to help you in the resources Once you have decided which subject/s you are interested in studying you can start database. looking for more detailed information. To get a clear picture of your options you should consult several sources of information.

Here are some examples of information sources, check them off once you’ve used them: e.g. Newcastle University/College name Enter name here Enter name here Enter name here Enter name here Enter name here University

University website

Prospectus

Department webpages

UCAS www.ucas.ac.uk

Unistats unistats.direct.gov.uk (includes feedback from the National Student Survey)

Open day or visit

Admissions Tutor

The Times University Guide

Guardian University Guide

Virgin Guide to British Universities

Other…

N.B. Remember that people are information sources too! Admissions Tutors are happy to answer your questions, drop them an email or give them a call. They will be able to tell you all sorts of nuggets such as what they are looking for in an applicant, exactly what the course includes, what support is available for students e.g. maths tutorials etc. You will have your own ideas of what you are looking to compare e.g. cost of halls of residence, distance from home, style of teaching, hours of contact time, is the course accredited etc. so why not also create another table to help you keep track? University prospectuses are a great place to start your search and can give you all of the general information about the university and what the location has to offer, but also specific course details - so make sure you send off for a prospectus from all of the universities that interest you. Comparing the entry requirements

Once you have narrowed down your choices you may find it helpful to compare the course entry requirements. Check the university’s webpages for detailed information. Some points to keep in mind:

. The entry offers made to individual students can vary so many universities will give a range of points or grades required. . Courses that sound similar can have quite different grade or points requirements depending on where you study. . Make sure you are comparing like for like, for example, some courses will quote an average UCAS score and others a minimum. . Remember that you will want to have an insurance offer with lower grades than your first choice and that you should be comfortable with going there if it comes to it!

 Some professions approve or accredit degree courses which can then lead to what is known as ‘Chartered Status’ or membership of a professional body. Find out more on the Degrees section of Future Morph. Entry Requirements University and course Grades or points Other conditions e.g. Cost of fees Achievable for me? Yes/no required required subjects Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here

Higher Education can be very expensive Carrying out a work experience placement At this stage, if you have any questions but don’t let this put you off. There is in a related field before you start the course about the entry requirements it is definitely funding available to support you for your may be an advantage. If you have not worth getting in touch with the Admissions tuition fees and living expenses – just already done so it may be worth looking Tutor. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it remember that you may need to pay it back into as it will give you an insight into the again! Even a short conversation or email once you start working! There are lots of working environment and help to boost exchange with them can often tell you a lot places to look for further information but your CV. Some courses offer a placement more than the published details, for why not start with the financial help pages year – you may see it as useful experience example, how common is it for them to on Future Morph. but keep in mind, it will extend your time as take someone with your qualifications and a student. anticipated grades?

HEI and course Admission tutor contact details Date contacted What they said: Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here Enter here

Your personal statement Some things that you find out in using this guide will help you when you come to write your personal statement. Make a note of them here. We have added some sample headings to help start you off.

Why I want to study this course: Items the admission tutor will be looking for: What I need to do now: We hope you have found this a useful starting point, but feel free to adapt the guide to suit your needs. Good luck, whatever you choose to do!