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Latest from the blogs

My Academic Plans for 2019!

Mon 11 February 2019 - 14:21

By Chloe Brewster in First year

As we ease into the first few weeks of 2019, we are typically bombarded with questions regarding what our new year’s resolutions are. From adopting a healthier diet (unfortunately, dark chocolate will never count as one of our 5 a day!) to picking up a new hobby, there is an expectation to find a resolution and appear to stick with it for a while. Instead of reiterating what you have probably heard before (and can no longer tolerate the ‘new year, new you!’ messages), I want to steer the focus of this post towards what I aspire to do and hopefully achieve in my academic life following the Christmas break.

In fact, one of my ‘resolutions’ is quite a life-changing one regarding my studies because I have already had to sort it out prior to finishing the first semester at my current university but, as time has gone on, I have become more convinced that I am making the right decision for myself. And, if 2019 should symbolise anything, it is that personal happiness is...

Why you should consider a two-year degree

Fri 26 July 2019 - 09:02

By Samantha Carmichael in First year

Since the House of Commons’ ruling on accelerated degrees, it is becoming likely that all universities could soon offer two-year degrees.

Yes – a fully accredited degree in just two years.

Where I study, at the University of Buckingham, they have been offering this alternative for over 40 years. Since the Commons’ announcement, people have been giving two-year degrees a bad rap, with one educationalist calling them ‘gimmicky’. This couldn’t be further from the truth. As a student who’s halfway through a two-year degree, I thought I had to shed some light on the concept of accelerated degrees, because there are many misconceptions out there.

Now these are the top five phrases...

What happens next?

Thu 19 December 2019 - 10:08

By UCAS in UCAS advice

So now you’ve sent your application you’re probably wondering what happens next. Look no further as we’ve got it covered in this short blog post!

1) Uni decisions 

Wondering when the unis will reply? If you applied by 15 January you’ll have a decision from each uni by 2 May.

Once a university has made a decision, you’ll see one of the following in Track:
  • conditional offer – you still need to meet some requirements – usually exam results
  • unconditional offer – you’ve already met the entry requirements and your place is confirmed. However, additional information such as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or proof of qualifications may need to be provided
  • invitation received – you’ve been invited to an interview. The date will usually be given in Track – if not, ring the uni for details
  • unsuccessful – you haven’t been...

Why pick an apprenticeship?

Wed 30 October 2019 - 11:22

By UCAS in UCAS advice

There are over 150,000 employers offering apprenticeships in over 170 industries in the UK – and this figure is increasing every year!

But why pick an apprenticeship? Check out our top four tips to why you should consider one.

1) Earn while you learn

We’ll start with quite a big draw – you’ll receive a wage and paid holiday. Depending on the employer, learning will either be on a one day a week basis, or in blocks of several days. They’re either offered in the workplace or at a local college.

2) Preparation for working

Each week you’ll be working alongside experienced staff while gaining job-specific skills and earning a wage! Due to the nature of your study it enables you to develop your knowledge and skills quickly. And your employer will provide you with practical experience so you can put your new skills to the test! What better way to prepare for full-time work?

All apprentices will work...

Three Tips For Your First Open Day

Thu 19 December 2019 - 10:09

By Rebecca Thompson in Applicant

When you get to the age where you can’t hide away from the fact that your future is on its way and you need to start choosing universities, you start looking into courses that interest you, and start visiting the universities for open days. Going to uni open days are quite important because if you are making the commitment to go to university, you surely want to know where you may spend the next few years. I went to my first open day a little bit ago, and these are the things I wish I’d have known before going.

1) Be prepared

Make sure you know you can go, can get there, and what you want to see when you are there. This means, make sure you book going on the day (you can find the instructions on how to do this if you need to on the university's website). Make sure you can travel there, so transport or maybe you can go with your parents who can drive you! Lastly, have a look at what times the talks you want to see are and maybe make a...

What you need to do before the deadline

Thu 19 December 2019 - 10:09

By UCAS in UCAS advice

15 January is the deadline for most undergraduate courses. If we receive your application by 18:00 (UK time) on this date, its guaranteed consideration by your chosen universities and colleges. There are some exceptions where a different deadline might apply – use our search tool to check when you need to apply for your course.

Has this deadline crept up on you? If the answer is ‘yes’ then you’re probably less prepared than you might have hoped. It’s never a good idea to wait until the very last minute when it comes to something as important as your university application, so if you haven’t already hit send, aim to do so as soon as you can. Here are some of the reasons why you need to set aside plenty of time...

You’ll need to pay for your application
If you’re applying independently you’ll...

Revision tips for the New Year

Thu 21 March 2019 - 15:37

By Tabitha Hempshall in Applicant

School loves to taint the Christmas holidays with the looming deadline of January mocks, so here are my top tips (that I actually use myself) for the coming weeks to help you revise no matter what the topic!

Tip #1: Textbook Checklist

This may sound incredibly obvious but one of the best ways to stay on top of revision when there are so many different topics to revise for each subject (especially at A-Level) is to make a checklist. I make a simple grid with each chapter and section from the textbook down the left hand side and 3 or 4 columns to the right of it. 

Simply print it off (or keep it digital if you wish) and fill in the date when you are going to revise each topic up until the test date. This creates a revision plan and ensures you cover each aspect of the subject. When you have revised simply highlight. If you plan in advance, you can even go over your weaker areas several times.

...

Paying for your application

Mon 6 April 2020 - 10:54

By UCAS in UCAS advice

You can only pay for your UCAS application when every section is marked with a red tick. If you’re applying through your school or college, they’ll be able send us your application after you’ve paid. If you’re applying independently, you can hit ‘pay/send’ straight away once your referee has completed their reference.

Payment won’t go through?

Make sure you:

  • enter the correct 16 digit number from the front of your payment card
  • enter the end date and start date, if shown, from the front of your payment card
  • enter the last three digits from the signature strip on the back of your payment card when you’re asked for the CV2 number
  • have sufficient funds in your account to pay for the application – for 2020 entry, it's £20 for one choice, or £25 for multiple choices. For 2021 entry, the application fee is £20 for a single choice, or £26 for more than one choice. 
  • ...

Got an unconditional offer?

Thu 19 December 2019 - 10:10

By UCAS in UCAS advice

If you’ve got an unconditional offer, it means the uni or college thinks you will succeed on their course. It also means that if you select them as your firm choice, you will definitely be accepted.

But it’s important to remember accepting any offer is a big decision – and it should be where you want to go! If it’s unconditional, or a conditional offer that changes to unconditional, if you firmly accept it, just make sure you think things through.

1. Qualifications matter

An unconditional offer may be reassuring and take a bit of the pressure off, but your school or college qualifications are still important. You might be on your way to getting a degree, but finishing your studies, doing the work, and taking your exams are all really important to prepare you for uni or college – you’re going to have to work when you get there too, and you’ll be straight into assignments, coursework, and for many courses,...

Applying to uni as a parent

Wed 5 June 2019 - 14:17

By Gemma King in Parents

Their are so many emotions when considering and applying to University for everyone, not just parents. Parents have a couple of extra thoughts… Will I have enough time to spend with my children? Where will they go when I’m in lectures? Will we cope financially? I have thought these things over and over in my head since I hit that apply button back in October. 
 

I have two children, and have been putting off applying for University for the last two years since completing my access course back in 2016. However as a single Mum and back with my parents, I have had to recalculate my finances, ensure all possible loans and grants are applied for and calculated so I know my budgets! Not to mention having to ensure my youngest is in nursery and my eldest has someone to drop off and pick up as the uni is around 40 minutes away from our new home. 

Thankfully my university has a nursery near campus (Top Tip: Ensure your Child's name is down on...

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