Choosing your university and your course

When choosing a course you should research opportunities thoroughly to make sure you apply for those most suited to you.

 Things you can do to help you with your decision:

  Start creating short-lists and researching the universities

• Identify careers related to your skills, qualities, likes, dislikes and what you want by researching careers on www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u
• Use library resources in the school library e.g. looking at where subjects lead in ‘Making Connections’
• If you do not know where to start use Careers Match or Kudos, available in school.
• Find our about the different courses on offer e.g.:
  • Single Honours – 1 subject
  • Dual Honours – 2 subjects 50:50 or major/minor
  • Combined studies – mix and match
  • Sandwich course – work placements
• Look at the career prospects following courses – where have previous students gone to?
• Ensure you meet the entry requirements
• Know the course content  and individual modules
• Understand the course structure; are there options to change direction?
• Look for teaching and assessment methods to suit your learning style
• Find out more through university league tables and teaching quality information available on e-learning.

After deciding on which course you wish to apply for it is time to start planning your university choice.  It is important to research your options fully; this is a major decision.

Things to consider:

·         Which country do you wish to study in?

·         Would you like to be in a large city, smaller town or village?

·         Are you planning to work part-time?  If you are what are the local opportunities i.e. pubs, supermarkets, restaurants.

·         Do you prefer a quiet area or one with a busy night life?

·         Would you like to be at a small or large university?

·         Do you prefer to be with mainly school and college leavers or to include a higher mix of mature students?

·         If you wish to stay in student accommodation in the first year, does the college guarantee it? Do you want an en-suite bathroom, self catering?

·         Are the sports and extra curricula activities you like on offer?

·         Surroundings

·         How far – do you want to be close enough to travel home?

·         Cost of travel

Where to find out more:

·         Prospectuses

·         The internet including Student sites and Blogs

·         Directories

·         CD-ROMs

·         University open days

·         Careers fairs and conventions

www.opendays.com  -UK open day dates

www.skill.org.uk  -insight into student experiences