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Latest from the blogs

Earn while you learn with a degree apprenticeship

Mon 18 March 2019 - 09:29

By Renishaw in UCAS advice

You no longer have to choose between a degree or an apprenticeship. A growing number of companies are offering degree-level apprenticeships, so you can study for a degree debt-free, while gaining hands-on commercial experience.

So, what does it take to be a degree apprentice? Craig Wakefield from Renishaw shares his experience of being a software engineering apprentice.

Craig Wakefield from Renishaw

“I studied computing, performing arts and geography at A Level, but my focus was on computing. I applied to universities via UCAS and was offered a place at both Bournemouth and Nottingham. My siblings had already been to university and I was keen to work towards a degree.

During that time, my computing teacher suggested I looked into apprenticeships and when I did my research, it was an absolute no-brainer. The software...

Mature Student or just barking mad?

Tue 5 March 2019 - 16:37

By Leanne Plaine in Mature students

Hey everyone! I’m Leanne, a mature student studying adult nursing. I am married, work part time, and have two sons one of which is on the Autistic Spectrum.

Now I know what you’re thinking, ‘wow she’s got a lot on her plate’ and yep, I sure do. I mean this all seemed a good idea at the time! 

I’ve wanted to be a nurse for a very long time but, you know, life got in the way, so here I am. Trying. Stressing. Not sleeping. But it’s all going to be worth it right? I mean if others can do this so can I.

Being a student, a mum, a wife, a housekeeper, and everything in between sure does keep me busy, I barely have time to have depression anymore so that’s a bonus!

College life is great though, I’ve met some of the most amazing people ever, we’re all like a bundle of issues together! I love my tribe, but come September I will move on to actual University and I can’t say I’m not bricking it!

On the flip side I am very excited...

Dealing with Stress - How to stay motivated?

Mon 4 March 2019 - 09:20

By Sophie Gibbons in First year

Now its March, the end of another chapter is gradually coming to an end where everyone will soon be sitting exams, completing a final major project with the aim of leaving College or Sixth Form with grades that can get you into the University or Apprenticeship of your choice!

So now it’s coming up to this time it’s important to remind yourself daily of what your main goal is, because otherwise I usually find myself getting distracted and demotivated which isn’t good especially with this being such an important time. Setting yourself goals and reminding yourself of these goals will push you to strive harder, revise longer and maybe make you read over that essay just one more time before the hand in day!

Setting yourself goals is also a great reminder that all this handful of emotions you are feeling now; stress, anxious, worried- will all be worth it in the end, for example when you finally find out you’ve achieved your AAB and get into Southampton University. You...

An International Student: Why I Decided to Apply to UK Universities

Wed 27 February 2019 - 14:21

By Coral Kim in International students

Moving to another country is a big leap. Moving to another country when you’re still a teenager and your adulthood has just begun – that’s an even bigger one. So applying to an overseas university is a difficult choice to make, and honestly, not for everyone.
 

But, as a Korean American faced with multiple options (Korean, American, and overseas unis), that’s the choice I made when I opened my UCAS account and applied to schools in England and Scotland. And maybe the one you will make as well. Here’s why.

 

1. The Degree Structure – What and How I Will Study
 

In some countries, notably America, going to university doesn’t always mean you will pick a course and study it for three/four...

University Interviews For Journalism

Fri 22 February 2019 - 08:07

By Rebecca Thompson in First year

University interviews can be especially stressful, and even more so if you can’t find anything a little more specific for your subject choice. So, if you’re applying to Journalism courses, here are some useful tips!

Re-read Your Personal Statement

Make sure you re-read your personal statement on the way to the interview, that way if they ask you anything about what you’ve written, you’ll remember! Especially if you’ve written about books, blogs, or podcasts, you might remember them and give them a quick flick through or listen. Also, it might just be able to keep you that little more calm in the middle of the questions.

Brush Up On Your Journalism

It’s always good to know a little more about what you’re applying for, and when it comes to journalism, you might want to be aware of the current news (world news if it’s your interest) and have some journalists you look up to. Some journalists you might want...

My Honest Thoughts on Studying English!

Wed 13 February 2019 - 09:26

By Chloe Brewster in First year

As the demand for STEM subjects seemingly increases in our society, often students who are interested in pursuing a more artistic (and certainly less scientific!) route may feel neglected in terms of discovering what ‘arts’ degrees are like. One of these degrees is English Literature, which I am currently studying as a single-honours degree, although I will change to a joint-honours course with French (another ‘arts’ subject) from September. And what better way is there to discover what studying English is like than by hearing the thoughts of a current English student?

Be prepared for a lot of reading

Yes, it goes without saying that every degree requires a significant amount of reading – especially independent research which extends beyond what is covered in lectures and seminars – but English is definitely one of the most reading-heavy (if such a term exists!) subjects that you can study at university!

Of course, reading books is less of a chore...

My Academic Plans for 2019!

Mon 11 February 2019 - 09:25

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

Wed 30 January 2019 - 11:21

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...

Three Tips For Your First Open Day

Mon 14 January 2019 - 09:41

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...

Revision tips for the New Year

Mon 7 January 2019 - 09:51

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.

...

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