It’s an exciting time as you consider your future, but don’t forget to consider all your options. Higher and degree apprenticeships are a different pathway to following the traditional route of going to university as a full-time student. They offer all the benefits of higher education, as well as the competitive advantage of gaining valuable work experience while completing your degree. You will not only be learning, but earning a salary, from day one. Your tuition fees are paid for by your employer and the government, so you will not be expected to pay any tuition fees or apply for a student loan.
Universities work in partnership with employers to develop and deliver these apprenticeships, which combine university study and on-the-job training...
You’ve decided to apply for a university in the UK. You’ve figured out (hopefully) the UCAS application system, you’ve chosen a course, and you’ve stumbled upon the various university rankings. But now you need to pick a university, where you’re probably going to spend three (or more) years of your life. How? How can you tell which one suits you best? Which one has the student life that fits you?
'Come to our open day.'
Sadly, that’s not an option. As much as you want to visit, you simply cannot afford (either in terms of time or money, or both) to do so. It’s a situation most international students face — I did, too. Then how on earth did I choose five universities, out of the countless options that the UK offers, without even being able to visit them?
1. Vlogs or blogs
Many universities have students that are active as either vloggers or bloggers — all five of my choices did! Lots of them...
As you may already know, university is significantly different to sixth form or college, which also applies to term dates. Although the academic year is somewhat shorter – often beginning in late September/early October and ending in May/June – universities do not have a half-term holiday, an aspect of sixth form that I really missed when I first began my studies last year.
However, some universities, including my own, have ‘reading weeks’ which, in other words, are like a half-term break. Usually situated in the middle of a semester, reading weeks serve the purpose of enabling students to get a head start for the work and reading in the remaining weeks until the longer holidays (and exam period!) begin.
Given that the workload at university can feel so daunting at times, a reading week is often strongly appreciated because it allows you to breathe for a little while without worrying about time constraints as you might experience during the semester. I...
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.
“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...
Exam season can be a stressful time for many, but with a bit of preparation you can do well! These seven tips will get you started:
1.Have a plan
Create a timetable in the weeks leading up to your exams. Jot down when your exams are and what topics you need to revise. You know yourself what subjects you may need to commit more time to so keep this in mind when planning your revision.
2.Take regular breaks
Shorter revision stints work much better than trying to do hours at a time. Try 40 minutes revision with regular ten minute breaks. This will keep you focused and help you retain more information.
3.Use Post-its
Keep Post-its with key info dotted around your revision space – these will act as reminders for the stuff you’ve previously revised.
4.Practice exam questions
These will be available at your school, college, and even online. What...
This week is National Apprenticeship Week which celebrates apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy. There are over 100,000 employers who offer apprenticeships and so far, we’ve received over 8,500 applications through UCAS Progress. This figure is increasing every year!
To get a better understanding of the journey you go through on an apprenticeship, we asked Amanda Dorsett from Resource Productions and Sadie Hawkins from IBM to share their experiences.
The thought of what to do after your post-16 qualifications may appear daunting, but there are many options for you to consider. From carrying on in full-time study to getting a flavour of work with your qualification, this short blog post looks at your options.
Study full-time
There are a few options available to you if you wish to stay in full-time study. Here’s a selection of what you may be able to study:
A levels – you usually study three subjects or more. There is a wide range of subjects available. They’re usually studied at the same time over two years.
Scottish Highers – the main qualification required for entry into higher education if you live in Scotland. There are over 60 subjects and you usually study four or five. Each Higher is made up of units – you need...
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!
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 can look back and...
If you’ve applied to a conservatoire, the next deadline to reply to offers is less than a month away. Some of our terminology can seem confusing at first, so we’ll talk you through what your offers mean and how you can reply to them!
Get on Track
To reply to your offers, first of all you need to log in to Track and select ‘Click here to view the current status of each of your choices’. ...