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UCAS advice

Specialist careers advisors ready to help families on GCSE results day

Tue 6 November 2018 - 15:05

By Exam Results Helpline in UCAS advice

Teens and their parents waiting for GCSE exam results on Thursday (Aug 24, 2017) are being urged not to panic as the UK’s only specialist ‘pop-up’ exam helpline for students is open for them first thing on the morning of results day.

The Exam Results Helpline (0808 100 8000) is a specially-formed team of expert UK careers advisors who come together at the UCAS head office in Cheltenham once a year for the sole purpose of helping young people who receive unexpected exam results.

Created nearly three decades ago and funded by the Department for Education, the...

Thinking about postgraduate study?

Tue 26 March 2019 - 14:32

By UCAS in UCAS advice

According to the latest Graduate Careers Survey, an increasing number of 2017 graduates are intending to continue into postgraduate education rather than look for graduate employment. The survey of over 21,000 students shows that the number intending to remain at university to do a postgraduate course has risen to 26% - the first increase in postgraduate applications in over seven years. 

Why study postgraduate?

You may be one of the many students considering postgraduate study to help you stand out to potential employers. It’s a big...

The ultimate checklist for parents ahead of exam results

Fri 31 May 2019 - 11:37

By Exam Results Helpline in UCAS advice

While students across the country are nervously waiting their A Level results this Thursday (Aug 15) or GCSEs (Aug 22), a thought should be spared also for their equally anxious parents.

To help everyone going through the stresses and strains that inevitably come with this time of year, the Department for Education’s Exam Results Helpline opens at 07:30 on A Levels Day and will continue to be a lifeline of support and guidance until the end of the month.

Although students make the bulk of the calls, a quarter are from parents phoning to find out how best to help their youngsters take the next steps.

Here, Exam Results Helpline careers advisor Iwan Williams has outlined the ‘Ultimate Checklist’ for parents to ensure they can help their teenagers make the right decisions when the time comes.

So, what do parents really need to know?

1) The options: Having a solid understanding of the...

How a UK Degree Can Boost Your Career Opportunities

Tue 6 November 2018 - 16:01

By UCAS in UCAS advice

The main reason for anyone attending university is to get one step further to achieving their desired career. It’s important to attend a university where you are not only taught skills for future jobs in your studies, but also to learn from new cultural experiences, friendships, social life, and the everyday independency that may be new to you. Studying abroad allows you to learn these skills on another level, and why not do that in the country that is home to top English-...

Six things you didn’t know about an apprenticeship

Thu 10 January 2019 - 16:16

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Thinking about an apprenticeship? Take a look at these six reasons why it’s such a great option.
 
1)    You won’t have to pay fees
Worried about the long-term cost of uni? As an apprentice, you’ll graduate debt-free! Apprenticeship fees are paid by the government and employers.
 
2)    Higher and degree apprenticeships are assessed by employers
Apprentices study for a national vocational qualification (NVQ). You’ll get tested on practical, work...

Making the most of your time now you’ve accepted an offer

Tue 6 July 2021 - 12:29

By UCAS in UCAS advice

The wait to find out if you’ve met the conditions of your offer can seem like it goes on forever. To take your mind off it, here are three things you can be doing right now.

1. Check your status in Track – find out when you’re likely to hear back, what your status means, and what you should do next. It may change over the coming months, so make sure you keep an eye on Track.

2. Familiarise yourself with Clearing and Adjustment – if you’re waiting for results, they may be better than expected, or they might not be quite what you were...

Accepting an unconditional offer

Fri 20 December 2019 - 09:58

By UCAS in UCAS advice

You might have heard stories about unconditional offers, and how a friend-of-a-friend’s next-door neighbour’s cousin received one before they got their exam results. In the past this would probably have been an urban myth or at most, not the whole story. However, some universities are now making unconditional offers to exceptional applicants who don’t have their results yet. Some universities and colleges make unconditional offers based on an interview/audition, admissions test or predicted grades.

Here, we explain what you need to consider if you’re thinking about accepting one of these offers.


Having an unconditional offer from your favourite university at an early stage of your application can be very reassuring. It means that if you select them as your firm choice, you will definitely be accepted on to the course, regardless of what grades you get in the summer.

But there can be a bit...

Gap year or study?

Thu 21 March 2019 - 15:57

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Can't choose? Here's how to do both...

If you haven’t yet made plans for the next academic year, consider this – you already have everything you need for a unique, fulfilling gap year, right there in your rucksack.
 

In today’s super-connected world, there is a wealth of knowledge at our disposal. Whether it’s watching YouTube videos, listening to a podcast, or reading a blog, we can now learn almost anything online. All it takes is a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, and an internet connection.
 
So instead of spending thousands of pounds on an expensive gap-year package, some school leavers are deciding to simply spend that time learning – their way,...

Is work experience important?

Mon 24 June 2019 - 15:46

By UCAS in UCAS advice

A recent survey showed two thirds of employers look for graduates with relevant work experience because it helps them prepare for work and develop general business awareness. Importantly, one third of employers felt that applicants did not have a satisfactory level of knowledge about their chosen career or job.

To gain a better understanding of a career, organise some work experience or a few days’ work shadowing with an employer. It may not give you time to develop job-specific skills, but it can give you insight into the work involved. It also shows you have motivation and commitment. Some schools, colleges, and universities may be able to organise this for you but if not, research and contact companies yourself.

Alternatively, you could gain relevant work experience as part of a vocational programme, such as a BTEC diploma or apprenticeship. You could also consider an internship, a higher education course which offers a work placement (a sandwich course), or a...

Social enterprise – the stuff dreams are made of

Thu 10 January 2019 - 16:17

By UCAS in UCAS advice

If you’re motivated by your values, have an idea, and want to make the world a better place, social enterprise could be for you.
  • Social enterprises are businesses or projects people set up to focus on tackling social problems, improve communities, or create opportunities to improve people’s lives. There are various definitions of social enterprise, but a key feature is that they have a social or environmental objective – they’re driven by values.
  • You may recognise these examples of social enterprises – The Big Issue, One Water, the Eden Project, Divine Chocolate, and Jamie Oliver’s ‘Fifteen’ restaurant.
  • They make a profit and make a difference. Yes, they need to succeed and make money, but a key feature of many social enterprises is that half or more of the profit they make is reinvested into sustaining or growing the business. They often receive income from grants and donations, but also generate income from trading or delivering...

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