Thinking about more than one higher education course or subject?

To increase your chances of getting a place on a course we give you the option of applying to up to FIVE courses at once, usually all in a similar subject so that your application is relevant to all of them.  Please note, there are a couple of restrictions though you can only apply maximum of FOUR courses in any one of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science, the deadline for these applications is usually three months earlier (on or around) 15th October each year.

For more information on what and where to study visit UCAS

Choosing your higher education subject?

If you’re considering higher education, you’ll need to decide what subject, course type, and course provider is right for you. Here are some tips and advice to help you.

It’s important you choose a subject you enjoy and will help you reach your goals. Here are some things to help you choose the right subject for you.

• Think about what you enjoy day-to-day – maybe this could be part of a future job role?

• Explore different job sites and graduate career options to look for ideas on what you’d like to do once you've finished your studies.

• Think about your career goals and the qualifications required as part of a person specification.

• Take a look at our subject guides to get an idea of the types of subjects you could study, and the industries graduates go on to work in.

• Search for courses by subject to see what's available.

UK degree courses tend to be very specialised from day one, allowing students to focus on their chosen subject. However, there are others that allow you more flexibility in what you study. Make sure you read the course descriptions carefully, and click through to university websites (below) for further information

What to consider when writing your UCAS Personal Statement...

Why is it so important?

Before starting to draft your personal statement, have you…? 

• Researched courses and universities?
• Attended open days / H.E. Fairs?
• Spoken to Admissions tutors or people who may be familiar with the course/ institution you are applying for?
• Checked the deadline dates for submitting your UCAS application?

What Admissions tutors are looking for… 

 Evidence of:

• A realistic understanding of what the course entails
• Motivation and commitment
• Independent study skills, essay writing, note taking and research skills.
• Time management skills
• Enthusiasm to learn and go beyond the syllabus

What Admissions tutors are NOT look for…

• Quotes from other people!
• Random lists e.g., books I’ve read, countries I’ve visited, work experience I’ve done.
• It’s not WHAT you did it’s what you LEARNED from it that matters.
• Over-used cliches!   ‘From a young age’, ‘I’ve always been fascinated by’, ‘I have a thirst for knowledge’ or ‘the world we live in today’ etc.

What can go wrong? 

• Applicant commits GBH on English language ‘I so don’t want to miss this opportunity’
• Use of text phone language / abbreviations
• Sets out to impress but comes across arrogant
• Plagiarism
• Lying about experiences or qualifications.

Personal Statement ABC Rule

Good            What you’ve done                                  ACTIVITY

Better           What skills it has given you                    BENEFIT

Best              How these relate to your course             COURSE

Getting Started with your Personal Statement...

• Why have you chosen this course?
• How does this course relate to current studies?
• Is your choice related to a career plan?
• See UCAS website for advice and examples

Personal Information  -include relevant work experience – what did you learn / skills did you develop?

Other activities in and out of college – what have you learnt? How could they relate to the course you have chosen? 

Other considerations: 

• Word count – this is limited to 4,000 characters including spaces.   Approx. one side of A4 piece of paper or between 550-1,000 words.  Check your statement using the word count on your computer.
• Spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Be prepared to do several drafts
• Concluding statement – upbeat and positive. 

Where can you get further help?   

You can speak to tutors or careers staff at your sixth form or college and use online resources to research higher education:   

UCAS

UniGuide

University Open days

Discover Uni

The Student Room

Prospects - Graduate Careers Website

For young people with SEND (Health, Mental Health, Disabilities or Learning Disabilities)

The booklets further below explain key things students with SEND need to know about the support available.  Whichever university or college you choose, make sure you access the support you need.  Each institution has a team of advisers who can talk you through the support on offer and the adjustments and adaptations you need to succeed at your studies.