Information for Adult Learners Information for Adult Learners
CONTENTS
Welcome 1
What is a degree? 2
Type of degrees that are available 3
What do you need to get in to University? 4
Step by step guide 5
Can I fit study into my life? 6
Student profile and sample timetables 7
Can I afford to return to learn? 8-10
Financial Support for School of Health Students 11
Student Profile 12
How to Apply 13-14
What Services are available to help Students? 15
University visits and advice sessions 16-17
Alumni Case Study 18
Useful Websites 19
We can arrange for this material to be transcribed into an accessible format such as Braille, large print, E-text (compatible with screen-reading software) or digital audio such as CD. Please contact Finance Tel: 01274 233128
The University of Bradford - Confronting Inequality: Celebrating Diversity™ The University of Bradford is committed to promoting equality, diversity and an inclusive and supportive environment for students, staff and others closely associated with the University in conformity with the provisions of its Charter. Welcome
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Is this guide for me? This guide is for you if you are thinking about studying at university for the first time and it is some time since you last attended school or college. Students currently studying for an Access to Higher Education Diploma will also find it useful. We hope it will answer your questions about student finance, entry requirements, making an application and especially what it means to be an adult learner* at university. We welcome students of all ages at the University of Bradford. Around a third of our undergraduate students are over 21, so you will not be alone. In fact our students range in age from 17 to over 70. We find that adult learners make great students as you are committed, enthusiastic and well motivated. With your life and work experience you enhance the learning experience of all our students and help to create a more diverse and vibrant community. The Sunday Times University Guide 2012 has ranked us in the Top 20 for graduate-level jobs in the UK and Number 1 in Yorkshire. The 2010 survey by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) showed that 91% of our graduates went into employment or further study immediately after graduation. Our courses are designed with industry input giving students skills that they can apply straight away in the job that they go in to.
This is an exciting time to come to the University of Bradford: n £84 million has been invested in the campus, so you will be able to enjoy state-of-the-art facilities for your studies. n Our student accommodation in The Green is currently the most sustainable building in the world and the first student accommodation in the country to achieve an official BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating as a blueprint for eco-friendly living. n The School of Health Studies recently opened a new building on campus complete with new radiography rooms, clinical wards and a maternity unit to replicate those that you will find in a clinical setting. n The School of Life Sciences has recently updated its teaching labs with a £2.8 million refurbishment. n A new sustainable enterprise centre has just been completed; this will create an international centre of excellence for sustainable enterprise. n Our teaching is research informed. We don’t just refer you to the experts; we do the research here on campus to be the experts.
* The term “adult learner” is used throughout this guide to describe anyone of any age who is considering applying to university for the first time and who has had a break from education and/or who is applying with non-traditional qualifications.
Information for Adult Learners 1 What is a degree?
The next section looks at how a degree is made up. We then explore some of the different types of degrees that you can do and then finally we look at the academic areas that make up the University of Bradford. How a degree is made up
As the diagram below illustrates a degree is made up of building blocks of study at different levels. Each level is made up of different “modules” and each module is worth a number of “credits”, typically 10 or 20. At each level (or year) you need to take enough modules to make up 120 credits (for example, six 20 credit modules) and 120 credits from levels 1, 2 and 3 to be awarded a degree. Credits at level 0 do not count towards your degree as level 0 is a foundation year which prepares you for degree level study. Every degree is made up of a combination of “core” (compulsory) modules and optional modules.
Level Three The most complex, known as Degree 360 credits (including 240 from Levels One and Two) 3
Level Two Building on Level One, known as Diploma and level 2 also includes Foundation Degrees 240 credits (including 120 at Level One) 2
Level One The introductory level, known as Certificate 120 credits 1
Pre-Degree Level Foundation Year/Access Courses/A Levels/Level 3 Study 0
2 Information for Adult Learners Type of degrees that are available
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A Placement Degree includes a period of work experience Foundation Degrees are usually studied two years full-time or a equivalent to an academic year. Many degrees can be studied minimum of three years part-time. They are usually planned with over three years or four years as a placement degree. You employers to help give you the skills needed for a specific job, spend your first two years at university and commonly your through work based and flexible learning. They are equivalent third year will be spent in industry; putting the theory you have to two thirds of a degree (240 credits) and it is possible to learnt into practice, before returning to complete your academic “top-up” your foundation degree to an honours degree. studies in your fourth year. All our Business and Management and Engineering degrees are offered on a three or four year A Foundation Year does not lead to the award of a qualification basis. Other courses, for example Social Work and those but is a “preparatory” year of study to help you if you are not offered by the School of Health Studies include work experience quite ready for degree level study by giving you the skills and as an integral part of the course knowledge you will need to succeed. The Bradford Foundation Year in Combined Studies offers progression to a whole range of honours degrees across the university and we also offer foundation years in many other subject areas. The University of Bradford has 6 academic areas offering a vast range of degrees some of which are summarised below:
The School of Engineering, Design and Technology – offering degrees in areas of Civil Engineering, Design, Electronics and Telecommunications, Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Medical and Healthcare Technology.
The School of Health Studies – offering degrees in Midwifery, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy Diagnostic Radiography and Health, Wellbeing and Social Care.
The School of Computing, Informatics and Media – offering degrees in Computing, Computer Science, Film and Media Studies, Computer Animation, ICT, Photography and Graphics for Games.
The School of Life Sciences – offering degrees in Archaeology, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Clinical Sciences, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Healthcare Sciences, Integrated Science, Optometry and Pharmacy.
The School of Management – offering degrees in Accounting and Finance, Business and Management Studies, Law, Marketing and Human Resource Management.
The School of Social and International Studies – Applied Criminal Justice, Economics, Peace Studies, English, History, Interdisciplinary Human Studies, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Working with Children, Young People and Families
For a complete A-Z of courses offered at the University of Bradford, you can look at the following link: www.bradford.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/ or contact our Course Enquiries team on 0800 073 1225 for a copy of our Undergraduate Guide.
Information for Adult Learners 3 What do you need to get in to University?
We receive applications from adult learners from extremely requiring GCSE English and Maths can usually study these diverse backgrounds and with many different qualifications. If or the key skills equivalents alongside the Access Diploma. you have not studied for a while or you do not have the right The cost of the courses varies from college to college so it is qualifications you might need to do an Access course before worth checking out the cost before you commit. Many Access you start your degree. Most local colleges offer Access courses courses specialise in a particular area (Law, Science, Health, www.accesstohe.ac.uk/ for example) so ideally you need to have an idea of what you would like to study at university before choosing your Access The Admissions team will take relevant work and life experience course. into account when considering your application and you will also need to provide some evidence that you are capable of There may also be the opportunity to study A levels at your success in higher education. For many courses there is a GCSE local college. If you are working or are not able to find a suitable requirement which all students must meet. This is usually GCSE course of study in your area it is also possible to study A levels grade C in English, Maths and for some courses Science. Very through distance learning. often a key skills level 2 qualification is acceptable instead of GCSEs. You may also be asked to provide evidence of recent Another possible option, if you do not meet the entry study at the “appropriate level”. In this case “recent” usually requirements for your chosen degree, is to complete a means within the last three to five years and the appropriate foundation year. The University of Bradford offers a Bradford level is a level equivalent to A level study, such as an Access to Foundation Year which can be studied on a part-time or a Higher Education Diploma. full-time basis and can prepare you for degree level study in approximately 50 subjects across the University including Social Access to Higher Education Diplomas are widely accepted Work, Business and Management, Nursing, Psychology and across the University with only a few exceptions. Access Peace Studies. Progression to some degrees is guaranteed Diplomas are usually offered one year full-time or two years on successful completion of the foundation year and to others part-time at local Further Education colleges and therefore on successfully completing with a certain level of achievement. offer a quicker route into higher education than A levels or The foundation course includes modules in effective learning to other courses. There is also a distance learning Access Course help bring your essay writing, ICT and study skills up to scratch. available for students who require less support or have work There are also foundation year programmes in Engineering and commitments that prevent them attending a local college. Clinical Sciences for students interested in progressing to these These courses are designed to prepare adults who left school degree courses. Entry requirements for the Foundation Year without advanced level qualifications for higher education courses vary and details of the requirements and the course and they offer a supportive preparation for university. Course content can be viewed in the Undergraduate Guide or on-line start and finish times are often ‘parent-friendly’ and they offer at: www.bradford.ac.uk/undergraduate support and guidance with the application process. Students
4 Information for Adult Learners Step by step guide
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n Find out the entrance requirements for the course(s) in which n Check whether your chosen course needs related work you are interested. These are listed in our Undergraduate experience so that you can start to build up the experience Guide or on the website: www.bradford.ac.uk/ while you are studying. Some courses require you to have undergraduate work experience before you apply, for example you have to have 35 hours prior to application for Social Work courses. n If you hold alternative qualifications to those listed check whether you meet the entry requirements for your chosen subject at the universities you are considering before making an application. You will be able to speak to admissions tutors in person by attending University Open Day(s). Details of the University of Bradford’s Open Days can be found at: www. bradford.ac.uk/opendays - Alternatively you can forward your CV to the University’s Adult Learner Adviser, Caroline Priestley, who can liaise with the relevant admissions tutor to see if you will be considered or if you will need to undertake further study first. Ensure that you include full details of the exams taken, dates and grades achieved and details of related work experience. n If you have not achieved the relevant qualifications, speak to your local Further Education College(s) and see which course is the most suitable for you to enable you to progress to the degree course(s) being considered. Also make sure you have the relevant GCSE requirements at the right grades. If you have not achieved the required GCSEs please ensure that you study them as well.
Information for Adult Learners 5 Can I fit study into my life?
The university year is split into two semesters. The first semester starts towards the end of September and ends in January. The second semester is from the end of January to the end of May.
Lectures take place Monday to Friday and usually between the hours of 9am until 6pm. If you have children please ensure that you have a good support network in place to help with child care. We also have a nursery which is based at the University. Wednesday afternoons have traditionally been free for sports and recreation and no lectures take place. You may also find that there are whole days when you do not have to attend. Your timetable is likely to change between semester one and two.
The amount of contact time depends on the course that you are studying. For example if you are studying English the time that you will be required to attend will be a lot less than, for example, an Engineering student. This does not mean that the English student has less work to do; it is just that the Engineering degree involves a lot of practical work.
6 Information for Adult Learners Student Profile and Sample Timetables
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Claire I eventually got my choice of university to focus. The facilities are fantastic. The Deakin is down to two and chose Bradford simply library is excellent and the staff very studying because on speaking to the lecturers helpful. I have found the support to be Modern in the History department I found superb, if there is ever a problem either European them to be friendly, approachable and academically or personally there is History supportive. always someone to turn to. They always help and never make you feel like you It was the right choice; the University I am are not able to ask them anything. has provided support at all levels. I have currently in two children, a part-time job and various I find Bradford very easy to get around; my second voluntary commitments and have, over I travel by train which is great as I can year the past two years, become an expert drop the children at school and then studying juggler! The key is definitely being catch my breath before arriving for my Modern organised. I study when the children are day of study. European History. I went to University at school or in bed and I try and come at 18, but did not complete my course. I in to university as much as possible All in all studying at Bradford has been a always vowed that I would one day do a as I find if I am at home I am easily privilege and a pleasure. It is not always degree. At the age of 32 I started to look distracted. Before I know it the television easy and I do sometimes feel frustrated at going back in to education. I wanted a will be on and I will be phoning my mum! that I cannot give everything 100%, but university that would be supportive and I find coming in to university helps me the friends I have made and the work offered a course that appealed to me. that I do are all the reward that I need. Below are some sample timetables:
A TYPICAL WEEKLY TIMETABLE FOR A SOCIAL SCIENCE STUDENT
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 9.00 Equality & Inequality Introduction to Gender lecture followed Studies lecture 10.00 Introduction To Social by seminar Introduction To Social Policy followed by seminar Policy lecture lecture 11.00 12.00 Study skills and IT lecture 13.00 14.00 Psychological perspectives Interpersonal communication in human development lecture followed lecture followed 15.00 by seminar by seminar 16.00
A TYPICAL WEEKLY TIMETABLE FOR AN ENGINEERING STUDENT
TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 9.00 Mathematics Thermodynamics Mechanics of solids Mathematics Mechanics of lecture lecture lecture lecture machines lecture 10.00 Mechanics of machine lecture Mechanics of solids Mathematics tutorial lecture 11.00 Engineering drawing 2 hour Thermodynamics lecture Mechanics of solids Mechanics of solids Mechanics of solids lecture lecture lecture 12.00 laboratory 13.00 14.00 Engineering investigations Thermodynamics tutorial People and CAD two hour organisations lecture laboratory 15.00 Three hour laboratory and tutorial (for four weeks) 16.00
Information for Adult Learners 7 Can I afford to return to learn?
Being able to cope financially is a big worry for most students, If you already have a degree you may pay a different fee to regardless of age. For those students who have additional those above. Please contact The Hub on 01274 23 6637 for responsibilities, such as a mortgage or dependent children, it more information. can be an even greater concern. If you are coming to university for the first time you do not have Student finance is complex but there is a lot of help available. to pay these fees upfront. You can take out a tuition fee loan to In fact many mature students are surprised at the support they cover the cost of the fees that is paid directly to the University can access and are not aware that there are non repayable on your behalf. grants and scholarships available in addition to the repayable student loans. In order to get by some students may need Financial Support additional help from the University by means of a short-term The main form of financial help is in the form of loans. There loan or a grant from the Access to Learning Fund (ALF) and is a loan to cover your fees and a loan for maintenance. You student parents or students with dependant adults are given do not start to repay these loans until the April after you have priority for help from this fund. completed your course and not until you are earning over For detailed information on student finance get a copy of our £21,000 per year. The repayment is deducted from your salary booklet “Investing in Your Future” available from the Course in the same way as national insurance and tax – in some Enquiries Office (tel: 0800 073 1225) or visit www.bradford. respects it is easier to think of this as a “graduate tax” rather ac.uk/fees-and-financial-support/ and www.direct.gov.uk/ than a loan! There is more information about repayments later. studentfinance. Below is a brief outline of the fees and funding Not all students receive the maximum student loan. All students arrangements for new students in the 2012/13 academic year. are eligible for 65% of the loan but the remaining 35% is means-tested. There is also additional help in the form of non- repayable grants for childcare and dependant adults (usually a Fees for 2012/13 wife, husband, or partner) and a parents’ learning allowance to Standard Degree £9,000 per year* help towards the cost of books and other resources necessary for your course. Foundation Degree £7,500 per year* Foundation Year Clinical Sciences £9,000* The University has a number of awards and grants payable to certain students, for example care leavers. If you would like All other Foundation years £6,000* more information about what financial help might be available to you please email [email protected]. * Fees may increase slightly each year, in line with inflation
8 Information for Adult Learners Can I afford to return to learn? Continued
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What Financial Help How Much Can I Get? Where Do I Get It From? Can I Get? Tuition Fee Loan The fee you are charged (maximum £9,000 Student Finance England per year in 2012/13) Student Maintenance Up to £5,500 (living away from home, Student Finance England Loan outside London) in 2012/13 Maintenance Grant or Up to £3,250 in 2012/13 Student Finance England Special Support Grant National Scholarship £3,000 off your fees in year one of your The University Programme course. Free placement year if you are on a This will be assessed automatically. You need to be a sandwich course. student domiciled in England on a course with £9,000 fees and have a family income under £25,000 (as assessed by Student Finance by the deadline). Certain students such as care leavers and those with disabilities are given priority. Students also must live in an area where traditionally very few people attend university. For further details go to: www.bradford.ac.uk/fees-and-financial- support/university-support/national-scholarship- programme/ or email [email protected] University AAB £1,500 in year one. £1,000 in subsequent The University Scholarships years as long as achieving at 60% or above. You need not apply for this scholarship – you will automatically receive this if you get grades AAB at A Level (or equivalent). Award is based on grades, not tariff points. www.bradford.ac.uk/fees-and-financial-support/ university-support/scholarships/ Childcare Grant Up to £148.75 per week for one child, or up Student Finance England to £255 for two or more children in 2012/13 to cover up to 85% of approved childcare costs Dependants Grant Up to £2,642 for one adult dependant in Student Finance England 2012/13 Parents Learning Up to £1,508 in 2012/13 Student Finance England Allowance Child Tax Credit Dependant on income and circumstances HM Revenue & Customs Access to Learning According to need, determined by an The University Fund assessment of your income and outgoings You can apply for this fund after you have enrolled on your course. Disabled Students Non-means tested. Dependent upon Student Finance England Allowance assessment of needs. A general Disabled Students’ Allowance of up to £1,724 each year. A specialist equipment allowance of up to £5,161 for the entire course and a non-medical helper’s allowance of up to £20,520 each year and extra travel costs if you have to pay to attend university as a result of your disability.
You can apply for your financial support online at: www.direct.gov.uk/studentsfinance
Remember to include all your household income details to get the maximum amount of support that you could be entitled to and submit your application by the deadline to guarantee your funding is sorted in time for when your course starts.
Information for Adult Learners 9 Can I afford to return to learn? Continued
Repaying your Loans Financial Help for Social Work Students
Your loans for fees and maintenance are rolled into one. You Non-repayable bursaries for Social Work students are currently only pay back your loan once you’ve left university and are available from the NHS. The bursary is paid in three instalments. earning over £21,000. If your income falls below £21,000 your As the bursary contains a tuition fee contribution, the NHS is not repayments will be suspended. Your monthly payment rate will responsible for paying any tuition fee to the University. You do be based on how much you earn, not how much you borrowed. not have to use the fee contribution towards tuition fees if you So if your salary is £25,000 a year, you pay nine per cent of do not wish to do so. Students still have access to full support £4,000, which works out as £6.92 a week i.e. you pay 9 pence from Student Finance England including a Tuition Fee Loan (if for every pound you earn over the £21,000 repayment threshold. they are eligible). Please note that bursaries may be subject to This is deducted straight from your salary through the tax change because the arrangements are beyond the control of system. If you have not repaid your loan within 30 years then the individual educational institutions. the remainder will be written off. If you would like more information about the bursary visit The table below shows some salaries and typical repayment www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students.aspx amounts.
Salary Monthly repayment £25,000 £30.00 £30,000 £67.50 £35,000 £105.00 £40,000 £142.50 £45,000 £180.00 £50,000 £217.50 £55,000 £255.00 £60,000 £292.50 £70,000 £367.50 £80,000 £442.50
Your loans will be subject to interest. Interest will be charged at inflation* plus 3% while you are studying, and up until the April after you leave university.
From the April you are due to start repaying, if you are earning £21,000 or less, interest will be applied at the rate of inflation. What help is available if I study part-time? If you earn between £21,000 and £41,000 you will be charged interest on a sliding scale up to a maximum of inflation plus 3%. If you study at least 25% of a full time course you may be eligible for a non-means tested tuition fee loan to cover the Those who are earning above £41,000 will be charged interest cost of your fees. This is paid directly to the University on your at the rate of inflation plus 3%. behalf. There are no other loans and grants available. As some degree courses take four years you can apply for support for * At the time of writing the rate of inflation was 5.2%. up to a maximum of sixteen years (studying at 25% intensity). Application forms will be available on www.direct.gov.uk/ studentfinance from July 2012
Part time students can also apply to the University’s Access to Learning Fund after they have enrolled.
If you have any questions about Student Finance and Funding please contact the Student Financial Support Team on [email protected] or call 01274 236637
More detailed student finance information can be found on our website: www.bradford.ac.uk/fees-and-financial-support
10 Information for Adult Learners Financial Support for School of Health Studies Students
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Your application for fees and a bursary will be initiated by admissions staff in the School of Health Studies if you are offered and accept a place. They can be contacted on: [email protected]
* These courses are funded through Student Finance England.
** Residency requirements are that you have resided in the UK for three years prior to the start date of your course (for NHS Bursaries the start date of all September courses is 1st September) and have settled status.
For further information on NHS Bursaries please visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk
For further information on Student Loans please visit: www.direct.gov.uk
With the exception of the BSc (Hons) Health Well Being and Social Care* all courses are funded by the Department of Health. This means that your tuition fees will be paid for you and you will be able to apply to the Department of Health for a part income assessed bursary, provided you meet residency requirements**. The fees and bursary are non-repayable. The NHS bursary scheme includes dependents’ allowances and assistance with childcare within the income assessment.
NHS students in receipt of NHS funding are also eligible to apply to Student Finance England for a reduced student loan. Please note that the student loan does have to be repaid once you are in employment and earning over £21,000 per annum.
Uniform
For Diagnostic Radiography, Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy uniform is provided at the start of the course and is expected to last for the duration of your studies. Travel to Placement Expenditure
There is a possibility that you may be able to claim towards your placement travel costs, this is assessed on an individual basis and will be explained once you commence the course.
Information for Adult Learners 11 Student Profile – Midwifery Student
favours hands on methods of learning and teaching such as workshops, debates, art and problem based learning.
Everyone is really helpful at the University. They really do have your learning and interests at heart. I have four children and the University tries wherever possible to offer family friendly hours during our university time.
As an Adult Learner returning to education after a big gap I attended both the Re-Fresher’s event and ‘New to Bradford’ event and they were well worth it and really helped me to settle in to university life. During the Re-Fresher’s event I chatted to members of the university staff and they asked me to become a Student Ambassador, so I am enjoying working for the university and earning some money at the same time.
I was really pleased, as we started our placements in our first semester. Where ever possible the University tries to place people in the hospital and local communities nearest to them. Sarah started a Midwifery course in 2011; at the same time This would be either Bradford Royal Infirmary or Airedale her husband joined us to study Mental Health Nursing. General Hospital. When you are on placement you are required They have four children and moved the whole family from to work shifts, including weekends and nights, meaning we Cheshire so that they could both study here. have to be organised and flexible.
“After being made redundant from a 14 year career in banking I Bradford is an incredibly multi-cultural city with people from had the chance to follow my heart and do something for me. My many diverse backgrounds and cultures. As a result placements love of research, lifelong learning and interest in women’s health are really interesting and your experiences are very broad, this naturally led me to midwifery. I visited a lot of universities but will I am sure leave me in a very good position when I apply for immediately loved Bradford, in particular the method of learning; a post as a Midwife when my degree is complete. we rarely have lectures, instead the Midwifery Department
12 Information for Adult Learners How to Apply
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For all full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education you must apply through UCAS, which is the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Applications are made online and if you are currently on an Access or an A level course you should be able to get help with this process from your college. Further information is also available from the UCAS website: www.ucas.com. If you are intending to apply to the University of Bradford and have difficulty with any aspect of completing your application or with accessing the internet in order to complete your application, please contact Caroline Priestley, our Adult Learner Adviser, who will be pleased to help you. Contact details are 01274 235113 or [email protected]
You can apply for up to a maximum of five courses on one application and you can apply for more than one course at the same university. The main UCAS closing date is January 15th and during the period between September (when UCAS begin to accept applications) and 15th January the universities are obliged to consider your application. After that date it is at the discretion of the university whether or not they consider your application, dependent upon course vacancies. Late applications can officially be accepted through UCAS until the end of June.
It costs £22 to apply to more than one university through UCAS and for a single choice the cost is £11. Unless you are confident of receiving an offer from a university it is not advisable to limit yourself to one application in case you do not receive an offer. Although you can add choices later by paying the additional fee it may be too late as the options that you would have included may already be full. If applying for more than one course it is important to be consistent with your subject choices, as admissions tutors may see it as a sign that you are not committed to their subject if you combine too many different course options. Although universities cannot initially see the choices that you have included at other institutions, you only have one personal statement which they will all be able to see. Late Applications
You can submit an application up until 30 June but the institution would be under no obligation to consider you. Applications made after this date are entered for Clearing. Some adult learners apply after the initial UCAS deadline of 15 January and still receive an offer of a place. However, it is always best to apply before the January closing date for oversubscribed and popular courses and those requiring you to have an interview such as health and social work courses. If you have missed the UCAS deadline you can check on the UCAS website if the course is closed or still considering applications. If the course is closed it will have the letter ‘C’ alongside it to indicate that it is closed for new applications. Alternatively contact our Course Enquiries Office and they will be able to advise you if there are still vacancies on your chosen course at the University of Bradford. Part time Study
Applications for part time study are made online www.bradford.ac.uk/study/part-time/ you can apply online using the links on the website.
Information for Adult Learners 13 How to Apply Continued
Completing your application this case universities will often request, or your tutor may offer to provide, a second or a supplementary reference at a later date. The UCAS application form requires you to stipulate the course Some adult students, particularly those who are not attending for which you are applying, the qualifications you possess and college, are unable to supply a reference. This does not mean are working towards and to include a personal statement and you cannot apply. If you are unable to get a reference, please an academic reference. The qualifications alone will not be contact the admissions tutor for the course for which you are enough to guarantee you a place on your chosen course, you applying before you submit your UCAS application and they will will also need to ‘make a case’ in the personal statement. The advise you how they would like you to proceed. personal statement is a very important part of the application as it is your opportunity to convince an admissions tutor that you Offers wish to study on their course and that you have the skills and personal attributes to be successful. Adult learners often have Universities can either make you a conditional offer which a lot of positive points to include in their personal statements means that your offer of a place will be dependent upon you including experiences from work, family life, voluntary activities meeting certain conditions in your course(s), or you could and other interests and activities. From these experiences you receive an unconditional offer which means that you have met can reflect on the skills and knowledge that you have obtained all the academic requirements and the university is happy to and relate them to the course to which you have applied. accept you. Admissions staff will decide from viewing your application If you do not receive an offer you can email the admissions whether to make you an offer or not or, as in the case of some department who may be able to give you feedback about why university courses invite you for interview. If you are nervous your application has been unsuccessful. This feedback may about attending an interview at the University of Bradford and prove helpful for future applications as it could for instance wish to brush up your interview skills then you are welcome indicate that you need to obtain additional qualifications or to attend one of our interview preparation sessions which provide more evidence in your personal statement about your are advertised on: www.bradford.ac.uk/education-liaison/ skills or work experience. If none of your applications make activities-for-students you an offer you may be eligible to apply through UCAS Extra When you complete a UCAS application you are asked to which operates between mid March and the end of June. If provide a reference. This is usually an academic reference this process does not result in an offer you will automatically which would be written by a teacher or tutor for a school or be entered into the Clearing system which starts on the day college student. If you are on an Access to Higher Education that A level results are issued. Clearing is a process whereby course your tutor will provide you with a reference. Your tutor universities advertise their vacancies and students in Clearing may have to provide this early in your course (if you are on a can contact them to try to secure one of their places. For more one-year course) when they still do not know you very well. In information about the Extra system and the Clearing process consult the UCAS website (www.ucas.ac.uk).
14 Information for Adult Learners What services are available to help students?
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When you become a student at the University of Bradford we will do our very best to welcome you, support you through your studies and to help you succeed. We hope your time with us will be enjoyable and problem free but if you have any personal or academic issues you need to resolve while studying here we have plenty of services to help you through. Careers Service
The University has an excellent careers service that can help you from day one of your time here. Work placements, modules on careers planning, skills development, careers seminars and workshops are just some of the opportunities that are immediately available to you.
As we mentioned at the start of this guide, The Sunday Times University Guide 2012 has ranked us in the top 20 for graduate level jobs in the UK and as Number 1 in Yorkshire. The 2010 survey by the higher education Statistics Agency (HESA) showed that 91% of our graduates went into employment or further study immediately after graduation. Our courses are designed with industry input and we work with national, international and local businesses. Many of our courses can include a year in industry locally, nationally or even internationally. But even if your course does not include an integrated period of work experience we will help you if you would like to build on your experience. Summer Experience at Bradford is our summer placements programme designed to help our students enhance their CV’s through work experience. The “Money Doctors” For many students the ability to earn while you learn is important but this is particularly so for adult students who may Our specialist finance staff are always available to help you sort have given up a full time income to come to university. The out any financial problems and to guide you through student University can help you find local part time work on and off finance. If you would like further information you can visit: campus whilst you are studying and they can match your skills www.bradford.ac.uk/fees-and-financial-support and experience with a range of internal and external vacancies and give you help in applying. Student Counselling & Health Services
The Student Counselling Service provides an opportunity to talk confidentially and in private about any matter that may be causing concern. The aim of the process is to help you to understand your situation to the point where you can see for yourself the most appropriate course of action, with the help of our experienced staff.
The Student Health Service is a confidential and comprehensive service of health care. It is possible to make use of this service by registering with the Health Centre when you start at the University. Consultations and treatment are strictly confidential. Learner Development Unit
The Learner Development Unit provides support for your academic studies within a friendly and welcoming environment. They can provide one-to-one support and have specialist maths and English advisers. The unit also run workshops on academic writing, referencing, presentation skills, how to take and make effective lecture notes, and many more! If you are struggling with any aspect of your academic studies you can seek help from within your department or from the LDU.
Information for Adult Learners 15 University Visits and Advice Sessions
Accommodation The Students Union
We guarantee a place in University accommodation for all The Union aims to provide something for all interests and, in first year students who put the University of Bradford as their addition to having a bar and lots of social and sporting clubs firm first choice. In September 2011 we opened some new and facilities also offers support to students in particular through accommodation on campus, more information can be viewed at the Student Welfare Officer. The Union also has an Adult www.bradford.ac.uk/accommodation/living-at-the-green/ Adviser who can assist you with all manner of queries. Disability Service International Office
The University of Bradford positively welcomes applications The International Office provides support for all our overseas from disabled students. All applications will be considered by students. They also offer help and advice for students wishing departments purely on the basis of academic criteria. to take a year out to study abroad.
If you indicate a disability on your UCAS form you will be The University of Bradford Nursery invited to contact the Disability Office to discuss your particular requirements and will receive information about our facilities The nursery is purpose built to provide a high standard of care and the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). DSA is available for children aged 6 months to 5 years. The nursery offers full- to undergraduate or postgraduate disabled students and to time and part-time places to children of students and staff of part-time undergraduate disabled students who are studying the University. The current fees are available from the nursery. no more than 60 credits a year. For further information contact Parents are welcome to visit the nursery and meet the staff by the Disability Office on 01274 233739 or e-mail them at prior arrangement: Telephone 01274 234866. [email protected].
16 Information for Adult Learners University Visits and Advice Sessions Continued
www.bradford.ac.uk
Adult Learner Visit Events Open Days
Every May during Adult Learners’ Week we offer a workshop The University runs Open Days during the year. Once you which is designed to provide adult learners considering have visited our fantastic and welcoming campus and met our university with information about the options available and the friendly staff and students, we know that you will want to stay. application process. During the remainder of the year you can So book a place on one of our Open Days to see the University attend one of our drop in sessions; please contact Caroline for yourself. Priestley for more information [email protected] Our Open Days for 2012 are: University Taster Days Friday 12th October and Saturday 13th October
We run Taster Days throughout the year, these provide potential For further information or to book visit our website: students with the opportunity to sample the degree subject(s) www.bradford.ac.uk/openday they are considering and usually involve completing interactive activities and/or a mini lecture. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet departmental staff and see some of the excellent facilities. There are over 40 to choose from and they can help you with the decision and the application process. Making the decision to return to education is a big step, and the more you know about the course and the student life experience the better prepared you will be. Do book early as places are allocated on a first-come-first served basis. Details can be found at: www.bradford.ac.uk/education-liaison/activities-for- students Interview Skills Masterclass
Not all university courses interview prospective students before making an offer of a place. Some of the courses that interview at Bradford include all undergraduate courses at the School of Health that lead to professional accreditation, Biomedical Sciences, Optometry, Pharmacy , Clinical Sciences and the Media degree programmes. If you are applying for one of these courses and would like to brush up on your interview skills, Re-Freshers’ Event this session will help you to prepare. You will learn about the preparation that you need to complete, your body language Every year we run a two day free induction event for adult signals and answering interview questions. learners who are about to start their undergraduate course. This provides our new learners with the opportunity to meet other Full details of all the taster days and interview skills sessions students and make friends before starting their course, as well can be found at: www.bradford.ac.uk/education-liaison/ as meeting staff, receiving study tips and information about all activities-for-students the help that is available whilst studying at Bradford. All adult learner students due to start with at the University are sent an Campus Tours email of invitation prior to the start of their course. Attendance We recommend that all students interested in applying to the is optional, but as you can see students who have attended the University attend an Open Day as these provide prospective event previously highly recommend it; applicants with the opportunity to speak to tutors, current These are some comments from the event that we ran in 2011: students and to have a tour of the campus. But if this is not possible we are happy to organise a campus tour for you so n “I found out about the varied support services that are that you can see the facilities before making an application. available throughout the University for all students” Please contact Caroline Priestley [email protected] n “I’ll come to the induction week feeling comfortable that I know where I am going and where to find help. I am really excited about starting life at the University of Bradford”
n “It was great to make new friends that are on the same course”
n “Knowledge and insight into University life and what to expect”
Information for Adult Learners 17 Alumni Case Study
Leanna Thorpe – Graduated in 2009 with a Law Degree. soon realised it was a very friendly, relaxed university where the lecturers were more like friends. I was always spoken to as an I decided to do a degree in 2006 after taking voluntary adult and never patronised. I found that the lecturers had great redundancy from my job of 13 years in a bank. I never really respect for adults returning to education and encouraged any liked my job and had always fancied myself as a Midwife. experience you could bring to group sessions. Unfortunately when I was studying my Access course I soon realised I wasn’t particularly good at Human Biology but I Having four children and studying full-time just made me appeared to excel at Law. My lecturers at the time persuaded become very strict and organised I learned to never waste any me to apply for the LLB at the University of Bradford School of opportunity to study. I took my Law books with me everywhere; Management. I really never thought I would be offered a place children’s birthday parties, whilst the kids were in the ball pool, as no one in my family had ever gone to university, but to my caravan holidays and camping. My children were very proud delight I was. and always encouraged me. My Law books still have evidence of our relationship as the pages are covered in sand, sun I remember my first day at university when all the students had cream, cornflakes etc but that was inevitable considering where a welcome day in a huge lecture theatre, I was petrified; I called they went. my mum during break and said I wanted to come home as I didn’t belong there. She told me to stop being nervous, I was Looking back I realise it was hard work but I was passionate 36 and had as much right to be there as everyone else. I had to succeed to encourage all of my children that it is never too never even been in a lecture theatre before and I am so glad I late to try your best at everything. In 2009 I graduated with a went back in. I was paranoid that someone would be checking 2.1 in Law. I was, and still am amazed that I did it in the end my spelling or looking at what I was doing, but of course this considering I wanted to go home and that I thought I would never happened as everyone is too busy with their own work. never fit in. I did fit in and made some amazing friends with fellow students and lecturers along the way. I have four children and at the time my youngest was just 18 months old and my eldest was twelve. My daughter asked me Studying at the University of Bradford was a wonderful when I returned how my first day at the new school had gone experience and gave me great confidence It is not the scary I was aware she was just about to start her new school so I place I thought it would be and I actually missed it like mad reassured her that it had been great. once I left.
I was still slightly nervous for the next couple of days and I I am a mother of four, yes, but I am also a Bachelor of Law and wanted to know if real students used pencil cases or because I I’m very grateful to the University of Bradford for helping me get was studying Law was I expected to write with a fountain pen? I there.
18 Information for Adult Learners Useful Websites
www.bradford.ac.uk
Please find below a selection of useful websites that Student Finance England contain information to help you with your higher education application. Information about student finance including the application process, loans, grants and tuition fees can be found at: University of Bradford www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk Information about all of the undergraduate courses available Money Saving Expert at the University, including the course content and entry requirements can be found at: www.bradford.ac.uk/ This web site includes 20 key facts about student loans and undergraduate some useful finance guides: www.moneysavingexpert.com UCAS: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service Access to Higher Education
This website contains information about all UK institutions and Information about the Access to Higher Education Diploma, courses, application guidance and on-line forms: including the opportunity to watch a video of current students www.ucas.com speaking about their experience and a course finder facility: www.accesstohe.ac.uk Specific advice aimed at adult learners can be found at: www.ucas.com/students/maturestudents/furtheradvice For further information on any of the above contact NHS Careers Caroline Priestley Adult Learner Adviser (Education Liaison Team) Lots of information about NHS careers, pay and benefits and a 01274 235113 course finder facility: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk [email protected] www.bradford.ac.uk
Information for Adult Learners 19