Thinking about going into Higher Education? It’s time to get researching!
On this page we outline:
Here are some tips to get you started:
- At the UCAS website you can search over 37,000 courses at over 370 higher education providers. The whole application system is online so you can track what is happening with your application, visit: www.ucas.com
- Do your research go along to visit universities and colleges at open events.
- Attend a higher education convention event organised in partnership with UCAS. A range of universities and higher education colleges attend these to meet potential students like you. One is held each year in Suffolk in June. Find a UCAS event.
- Compare each university/HE provider you’re considering on the Office for Students website.
- Get all the facts about student finance and loan repayments – student loans mythbusting.
- Disabled students and students with learning disabilities have the right to ask higher education providers to make things accessible. Visit the Disability Rights webpage about adjustments for disabled students and apprentices.
Writing a Personal Statement
If you’re applying for higher education, you will be required to write a personal statement. This can be intimidating, because probably have not have done anything like this before.
Your personal statement
- must be under 4000 characters
- no more than 47 lines
- talk about your passion, skills and experience
- make sure your passion for the subject shines through
- show that you have the skills and ability to study
Having to say how great you are and why universities would be lucky to have you can be tricky to do in 47 lines!
Applying to more than one university? Remember there is still only one personal statement so you’ll have to keep it quite general and not be too specific about the courses if they are slightly different.
For example if you’re applying for different courses in ‘childcare’, ‘child psychology’, and ‘health and social care’ at three different universities, it might work best to talk about your broad interests in child development, or social care.
For more tips and guides on what to put and what to avoid in your personal statement, check out the UCAS website.
If you’re Leaving Home for University
Leaving home to move away for uni is a big deal, and can be really scary. One of the ways you can reduce this fear is by being prepared for this change, and knowing where to go for support if you need it.
Take a look at the film below titled ‘Moving on’, which follows a group of young men on their journey to uni, and the impact this can have on your mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Higher Apprenticeships
Higher apprenticeships are level 4 qualifications, that means you can move on from a successful higher apprenticeship opportunity into higher education. For example a foundation degree, if you want to later on in your career. To find out more take a look at our page on apprenticeships.
“If you are confident about getting A Levels and want to progress but not necessarily into higher education, a good alternative is the the higher apprenticeship. These are aimed at young people who have the ability to get into higher education but want to develop professional, job-specific skills while working and earning a salary.”
Thinking about a gap year?
If you’re thinking about doing a gap year, it needs to be properly planned. Whether you want a year out to work and save up some money or have plans to go travelling, check out our advice on planning a gap year.
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Page updated on August 30th, 2023 at 10:50am