at the heart of connecting people to higher education

earning elong L Lif

For entry to university or college in 2012
Now that more routes are available, students of all ages are taking the life-changing step of entering higher education to improve their job prospects, change their careers, or delve deeper into a subject area of interest. This booklet offers essential information and advice to those returning to learn some time after leaving school.

2012

Published by: UCAS, Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, GL52 3LZ UCAS 2011 All rights reserved. UCAS is a registered trade mark. UCAS, a company limited by guarantee, is registered in England and Wales number: 2839815 Registered charity number (England and Wales): 1024741 and (Scotland): SC038598 UCAS reference number: UC016012 Publication reference: 11_049 We have made all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information in this publication was correct at time of publication. We will not, however, accept any liability for errors, omissions or changes to information since publication. Wherever possible any changes will be updated on the UCAS website (www.ucas.com). UCAS and its trading subsidiary, UCAS Media Limited, accept advertising for publications that promote products and services relating to higher education and career progression. Revenue generated by advertising is invested by UCAS in order to enhance our applications services and to keep the cost to applicants as low as possible. Neither UCAS nor UCAS Media Limited endorse the products and services of other organisations that appear in this publication. Further copies available from UCAS (p&p charges apply). Contact Publication Services PO Box 130 Cheltenham GL52 3ZF, email: publicationservices@ucas.ac.uk or fax: 01242 544 806. For further information about the UCAS application process go to www.ucas.com. If you need to contact us, details can be found at www.ucas.com/about_us/contact_us/. If you have received exceptional service from someone at UCAS and want to acknowledge it, then we would like to hear from you - please email your comments to employeeexcellenceawards@ucas.ac.uk. Further information can be found on our website www.ucas.com. Your views: we welcome your feedback on our wide range of products and services. Please email your comments to feedback@ucas.ac.uk. Please let us know which product or service your comments refer to.

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Contents
A new start Mature students facts and statistics 4 6

The UCAS applicant journey Step 1 Choosing courses Choosing your course chasing your goals Qualifications you can achieve Contacts for full-time and part-time courses Learning and teaching methods Choosing your university or college What kind of university or college? There are many routes into higher education Flexible admissions policies Step 2 Applying Getting your place The application process: completing your application Step 3 Offers, Step 4 Results, Step 5 - Next steps The application process: after you have applied The application process FAQs Step 6 Starting university or college What to expect life as a student

10 12 14 16 17 18 20 21

22 24

25 26

27

Money, money, money Sources of information and advice Useful publications Case studies

29 32 36 5, 11, 31, 35

Welcome to our guide to lifelong learning. As a former mature student myself - I studied for my first degree after beginning my career - Im a champion for lifelong learning. The chance to improve job prospects and the availability of more diverse entry routes into higher education (HE) have resulted in an encouraging growth in lifelong learning. Record numbers of students are applying to HE, with the largest increase being in those applicants aged 25 years and over. Academic staff are consistently positive about teaching mature students. They bring motivation, have a positive effect on younger students, and are willing to participate actively in seminars and group learning. As this exciting and occasionally daunting stage of your life begins, we hope the information in this guide will answer at least some of the questions that you will inevitably have. We hope you find this guide helpful. Good luck with your higher education studies! Mary Curnock Cook Chief Executive

A new start
The thought of returning to a classroom after a period of time can be daunting! There are so many factors to consider, such as whether youll be able to cope with the workload, arranging childcare, the effects on your lifestyle and your finances. The good news is that many mature students are already there: UCAS has seen a particularly large increase in the number of mature students entering higher education. Mature students study for many different reasons they may be trying to improve their job prospects, wanting to make a fresh start, or just wanting to delve deeper into their favourite subject. More and more mature students are entering higher education, so you wont be alone. Universities and colleges welcome mature students and value them not just for their enthusiasm, but also for their experience and skills. Because of this, course admission requirements are usually more flexible, and a wider range of qualifications is accepted for entry. If you are a mature student it is to be hoped that your job prospects will not differ significantly from those of younger graduates, as recent legislation has outlawed age discrimination by employers. Age limits in recruitment advertisements have become almost entirely a thing of the past as setting an age limit for a post is only lawful if there is a genuine occupational requirement or it is objectively justified. So if you are not happy in a job with limited prospects, or dont feel you are reaching your potential, now is the time to take the first step and read this guide - you wont regret it!
WHAT CHOICES WILL I HAVE TO MAKE?

find out about help with financing your studies, and lists of useful publications and sources of further information and advice.
WHAT IS HIGHER EDUCATION?

Higher education offers a diverse range of courses and qualifications, such as first degrees, higher national diplomas (HNDs) and foundation degrees. Many courses take place in universities, but plenty are also taught at higher education colleges, specialist art institutions and agricultural colleges. You can choose to study different courses depending on your preferences: there are thousands of options available that can complement your skills and interests. More information about qualifications you can achieve is given on page 12.
WHY CHOOSE HIGHER EDUCATION?
g

Many higher education courses provide a vocational programme that is directly related to particular work areas, such as accountancy, business administration, library studies, sports science and teaching. A higher education qualification is essential for initial entry to some careers medicine, chartered engineering and architecture, for example. A degree, diploma or HND usually improves your chances of obtaining a fulfilling job, and your earning potential. Higher education develops important transferable skills, such as numeracy, communication and information technology, which can give you an edge in the fast-changing world of employment. You may be at a stage in life when you can study a favourite subject for the sake of personal satisfaction. You can undertake studies full-time or part-time. A large proportion of mature students study part-time, fitting it in around their present work. If the course includes seminars, you can use this time to share and challenge others views in a neutral and stimulating environment.

The rest of this booklet deals with questions around choosing which subject to study, what qualification to aim at, where to study, how to prepare, how to decide what will suit you. Thinking hard at this stage will pay dividends later on. There are also sections on what to expect out of life as a student, how to

Case study

NAME: AGE: STUDYING: QUALIFICATIONS:

Jilly B 24 BSc in Social Policy at University of Bristol GCSEs, HNC Social Sciences from Open University

I left school at age 16, straight after my GCSEs and with no real career aspirations at the time I just wanted to find a job to be able to live independently. When I started considering higher education, I spent some time on individual University websites initially. The UCAS website had loads of really useful information on different courses and also student finance, which was probably the biggest concern for me as I was used to earning a full time wage! Another immensely useful website was the Prospects website which helped to think about my options from a career perspective. I started a one year course with the Open University for my own interest. At the time I had no intention of going into full time education, but I loved the subject and found the process of gaining new knowledge so rewarding that I wanted to be able to devote my time to learning rather than fitting it in around work. The lifestyle change was also a big draw I had always lived in the same town until then and was keen to get to know a new city and new people!

moving to Bristol; a city which we had visited and liked a lot (we still do!). We saved as much money as we could between receiving my offer and moving in September, sold the car and found the cheapest flat we could. Another huge concern was finances my partner would not be able to support us both but I found Student Finance England were very helpful and enabled me to calculate quite early on how much I would have to live on: the rest I make up by working between 12 and 16 hours a week and being careful how much I spend.

Get involved no matter what your age or interests.

I absolutely love my course and my life in Bristol. I have met some great people and find my subject engaging and the lecturers supportive. The work is certainly challenging, but not impossible; my advice would be to keep an eye on deadlines so work doesnt get left to the last minute (perhaps obvious, but easier said than done!) and dont be afraid to ask your tutor if you have any concerns. My Uni runs personal development workshops on things like researching for essays and note taking which are really helpful. The other massively important piece of advice is to get involved no matter what your age or interests there will be social events to interest you and like-minded people to meet. As in the workplace, age really does not feature and people will accept you for who you are.

I loved the subject and the found the process of gaining new knowledge so rewarding.
I came to Bristol with my partner and the thought of relocating was terrifying, particularly with the competition for jobs. But the course I wanted was not offered locally. After a lot of discussion we decided to take the chance of

Mature students facts and statistics

All universities and colleges welcome mature students because of the wealth of knowledge and life experience they have to offer, and strive to provide a wide range of flexible learning programmes to suit them. The proportion of mature students at individual institutions and on individual courses varies, but at most institutions, forms the vast majority of part-time students. In general, a sizeable proportion of the full-time student population in the UK is made up of mature students. As a mature student, university and college admissions officers will view you as someone who has worked out what you want and why you want it. They know from experience that mature students are highly motivated and often very successful in achieving their goals. The number of mature students applying to higher education goes up year on year, with a 12.1% increase in applications in 2010 over 2009. For 2011 entry, as of 15 January, the date by which applicants should apply to be given equal consideration, there was a small increase in mature applicants across the UK, with the 21-24 age group showing a rise of 1.86% and an increase of 0.32% from applicants aged 25 and over.
MATURE STUDENT DESTINATIONS

Leavers activity Full-time paid work only (including self-employed) Part-time paid work only Voluntary/unpaid work only Work and further study Further study only Assumed to be unemployed Not available for employment Other Explicit refusal Total

Full-time 48.9% 10.6% 1.5% 8.3% 11.8% 10.5% 3.1% 1.7% 3.6% 100.0%

Part-time 51.1% 10.0% 1.0% 14.9% 5.1% 4.4% 5.1% 1.9% 6.4% 100.0%

Reproduced with kind permission of HECSU/AGCAS, What Do Graduates Do? November 2010. Data comes from the HESA Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 08/09

The UCAS applicant journey

UCAS processes applications for nearly all full-time undergraduate courses in the UK, and we want the whole experience of applying for higher education to be as smooth as possible for you. There are six easy steps to applying for university or college, which are shown overleaf in the applicant journey. This guide concentrates on the first steps of the journey, and you can find more detailed information about all the steps at www.ucas.com.

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

Choosing courses
Use Course Search at www.ucas.com to find out which courses might suit you and the universities and colleges that offer them.

Applying
You can apply for up to five courses using the online application system at www.ucas.com.

Offers
You can check the progress of your application using Track at www.ucas.com, which will be updated as we receive decisions from universities and colleges.

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6

Results
We receive most exam results direct from the awarding bodies you can check the list at www.ucas.com. Check Track at www.ucas.com to see if youve got a place on your chosen course.

Next steps
If you have received different grades than expected, there may be other options available. You need to look at Track and course vacancies at www.ucas.com.

Starting university or college

You need to make sure you have everything ready, such as accommodation, finances, travel and child care arrangements, books and equipment required for the course.

STEP 1 CHOOSING COURSES

Choosing your course chasing your goals

WHAT SUBJECT?

You may have had a change in your circumstances that means you are able to pursue your interests or it may be that you need to catch hold of a fleeting opportunity before it passes you by, or perhaps a desire to learn more has crept up on you and is now irresistible. You may have a clear idea of what subject you want to study, or perhaps you arent exactly sure. Whatever your reasons, deciding on the right course is crucial if you are to have the best possible chance of success in higher education whatever age you are. As a mature student you probably have time on your side and you should be careful not to rush into your choice. Sometimes 17-year-olds, pressed with the demands of their school choices, take what amounts to pot luck on what they choose to study because they lack the experience and judgement that come with age and maturity. Where you live and how much you can realistically afford to spend will probably be key to your decision about where to study, but many students will still find that they have an element of choice, so the big question will be how to decide between the rival merits of individual courses.
YOUR GOALS

Take time to look at the Course Search facility on our website at www.ucas.com, where you can search for courses by subject and by university, see details of individual entry requirements, and follow links to the universities and colleges own websites and prospectuses. You can also view our UCAStv guide to choosing courses. Another option is to head to www.unistats.com to research, review and compare your higher education choices. This last site has information about teaching standards, an area also covered by the Quality Assurance Agency at www.qaa.ac.uk.
INFORMATION AND ADVICE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty, you are strongly encouraged to make early direct contact with individual institutions before submitting your application. You might find our two video guides Advice from disability officers and Disabled students helpful. Click on UCAStv on the homepage of www.ucas.com and scroll through the videos for students. You can turn on subtitles and view the videos in full-screen mode. Most universities and colleges have disability coordinators or advisers. You can look up their contact details on the Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities website at www.skill.org.uk/into_hefe/into_he.asp. It is important that you let your awarding authority, eg Student Finance England, local authority (LA) in Wales, local education and library board (ELB) in Northern Ireland, or the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS), know straight away if you have a disability and think you will need extra help or equipment on your course.

The better qualified you are, the more likely you are to find better paid, more satisfying employment. While it helps to have an employment goal in mind when you enter higher education, not all mature students are in that position, and even those who think they are certain of their plans might review them later. Many students of all ages change their minds by the time they graduate and each year thousands of graduates enter professions in areas unrelated to their studies.
ENJOYING YOUR STUDIES

For some mature students this can be a wonderful opportunity to develop ideas and enthusiasms and to pursue the studies of your dreams. Remember that there are many new and exciting courses in higher education in subjects which may not have been on the curriculum when you were at school. Browse through reference books and look at the prospectuses and websites for the universities and colleges concerned.
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Case study

NAME: AGE: STUDYING: QUALIFICATIONS:

Lise-Ann B 27 BA Hons Architecture at Birmingham City University A levels

I left school following completion of my GCSEs and went on to study A levels at College and completed these in 2001 at 18. During my A levels I was planning to go straight onto university to study Law however by the time I had completed my A levels I did not feel ready to move into further education. I therefore decided to take a year out and explore my interests. I began exploring the internet to find out about studying whilst working and found information about Open University courses. I also began to look at the UCAS website which I had become familiar with during my A levels when I was initially considering going into higher education.

I decided to pursue a place on an architectural course as I felt this would enable me to employ the skills I had acquired in my working life so far and also explore my creativity. My initial concerns about returning to higher education were financial. I was worried that I would find it difficult no longer having a monthly salary. I also still have a mortgage to cover which was a concern. Thankfully my background in financial services has given me the skills to manage a budget and be sensible with money, I have adapted well but I worry that I will graduate worse off than when I started my degree. I was concerned that I would find the return to studying a culture shock however returning to education was a very different experience as I was far more self-motivated and passionate about my studies than I had been at a younger age. I think the fact that I had chosen to study something I was interested in and that I was responsible for how successful I would be gave me the drive to manage my time well and embrace all aspects of my course. I am now in the second year of my degree and I have found the challenges of returning to education very rewarding. My advice to anyone considering returning to higher education would be to make sure you chose a course you have a passion for, if you love what you are doing the rest will fall into place and for the most part it wont feel like work!

After a number of job moves I realised I was not happy and I began to reflect on where my passions and interests lay.
Following my year out I decided that I was still not ready to undertake a higher education course as I was not sure exactly what I wanted to do, and did not like the idea of spending three years and lots of money on something that I wasnt passionate about. As a result I began working in the Financial Services industry for the next 7 years, achieving various industry qualifications but after a number of job moves I realised I was not happy and I began to reflect on where my passions and interests lay. This led me to begin exploring degrees that would combine my creative and logical interests.

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STEP 1 CHOOSING COURSES

Qualifications you can achieve

The range of qualifications you can achieve in higher education is wide.
DEGREES SANDWICH COURSES

Degrees are very widely recognised and respected, and come in many forms, for instance BA, BSc, BMus, BEd etc. Most higher education qualifications are at degree level, and can be broadly divided into full-time and part-time study. Part-time degree courses are normally taken over a longer period, usually five years or more. Precise times may vary according to individual institutions but increasingly they are able to offer flexible arrangements to suit your needs. You can usually gain a degree through full-time study over three years, though some courses take four years or longer, especially in Scotland. If you are interested in more than one subject, you may be able to study a combination as part of your course, for example, English literature and psychology. You can often decide for yourself how much time you would like to spend on each subject.
g

Certain vocational courses include a year of working within the industry as part of the course. This will usually be for the third year of a degree course or the second year of an HND and, depending on the employer, may be full-time paid employment. The purpose of this is to gain valuable experience in a profession you might consider after completing your higher education course.
FOUNDATION DEGREES

A foundation degree is the equivalent of the first two years of an honours degree, may be studied full- or part-time, and consist of academic study integrated with relevant work-based learning undertaken with an employer. It may be studied as a stand-alone qualification or upon completion you may progress to the final year of an honours degree. Visit www.ucas.com/students/ choosingcourses/choosingcourse/foundationdegree for more information and to use the foundation degree course search facility.
HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND) AND HIGHER NATIONAL CERTIFICATE (HNC)

Joint: the two subjects are studied equally, 50/50 Major/Minor: the time spent is usually 75/25 Combined honours: start with up to four subjects, and usually specialise in two subjects in years two and three.

HND and HNC courses are generally related to particular career areas, for example agriculture, art and design, business studies, or hotel and catering, and are validated by the Edexcel Foundation (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (Scotland). HNDs are fully recognised by employers as valuable qualifications and comprise units of study. They are usually taken full-time over two years, or longer if they are taken part-time or include work experience or a placement in industry. Some successful HND students later transfer to the second or occasionally the third year of related degree courses. HNCs are a popular part-time study option for those in work, though they can also be taken full-time.

MODULAR DEGREES

The majority of higher education institutions have now adopted a modular structure for courses. This means that students can build a personalised degree by choosing modules or units of study from different subject areas. In some cases, there is no doubt that modularity provides a wonderful level of flexibility and helps mature students to negotiate personalised programmes that perfectly match their needs. However, you also should be aware that this can be demanding: highly developed time management skills are a must and there may be constraints on what modules you can combine.

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STEP 1 CHOOSING COURSES

DIPLOMA OF HIGHER EDUCATION (DipHE)

Two-year full-time DipHE courses are offered by some universities and colleges. These courses are normally equivalent to the first two years of a degree course and can often be used for entry to the third year of a related degree course. There are relatively few DipHE courses and these are mainly linked to vocational areas such as nursing and social work.
NURSING COURSES

of the NMC Professional Register. The degree courses, whilst covering the standard nursing practice and education, also incorporate areas of academic discipline such as psychology, sociology, biology and physiology not included in the diploma curriculum. (Diplomas will be phased out between 2011 and 2013.) Details of the specific areas covered should be obtained from the individual universities and colleges. Find out more about degrees and diplomas in nursing on the NHS Careers website at www.nhscareers.nhs.uk.

Nursing courses vary between universities and colleges, but all higher education courses help to prepare candidates for admission to a relevant part

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CONTACTS FOR FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME COURSES

The Open University PO Box 197 Milton Keynes MK7 6BJ t 0845 300 6090 // www.open.ac.uk The Open University (OU) is the United Kingdom's only university dedicated to distance-learning. Visit www8.open.ac.uk/about/main/faculties-andcentres/national-and-regional-centres/ to find your local OU centre. The Open University in Ireland 110 Victoria Street Belfast BT1 3GN t 028 9024 5025 f 028 9053 6208 e ireland@open.ac.uk // www3.open.ac.uk/near-you/ireland/ The Open University in Scotland 10 Drumsheugh Gardens Edinburgh EH3 7QJ t 0131 226 3851 f 0131 220 6730 e scotland@open.ac.uk // www3.open.ac.uk/near-you/scotland The Open University in Wales 18 Custom House Street Cardiff CF10 1AP t 029 2047 1019 f 029 2038 8132 e wales@open.ac.uk // www3.open.ac.uk/near-you/wales National Extension College (NEC) Michael Young Centre Purbeck Road Cambridge CB2 8HN t 0800 389 2839 e info@nec.ac.uk // www.nec.ac.uk A not-for-profit organisation, the National Extension College has been providing distance learning courses for over 40 years, to help people of all ages fit learning into their lives.

Open College of the Arts Michael Young Arts Centre Redbrook Business Park Wilthorpe Road Barnsley S75 1JN t 0800 731 2116 e enquiries@oca-uk.com // www.oca-uk.com The Open College of the Arts was established in 1987 and offers courses in art history, creative writing, fine art, music, photography, film & digital media and textiles. Students can study courses to develop skills or to gain credits towards a degree. Association of British Correspondence Colleges (ABCC) t 020 8544 9559 e info@homestudy.org.uk // www.homestudy.org.uk The only trade association in the UK dedicated to distancelearning providers. National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) Renaissance House 20 Princess Road West Leicester LE1 6TP t 0116 204 4200/4201 e enquiries@niace.org.uk minicom 0116 255 6049 // www.niace.org.uk The NIACE aims to encourage all adults to engage in learning of all kinds, and has a direct concern with England and Wales.

Learndirect PO Box 900 Leicester LE1 6XJ t 0800 101 901 t 0808 100 9000 (Scotland) // www.learndirect.co.uk Learndirects Learning through Work allows you to gain a university level qualification without leaving the workplace. A flexible distance-learning scheme, it's based on the idea that learning forms an everyday part of your working life. Hotcourses // www.hotcourses.com

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Remember
g

Preparation and research is vital: spend time working out what is the right course for you. Make sure the course actually covers the areas you want to study. Courses with the same title can vary surprisingly in content. A very good way to differentiate between courses is by looking them up on the UCAS website (www.ucas.com). There you will find that 90% of courses listed in Course Search have Entry Profiles. Entry Profiles are compiled by university or college staff, and provide information about the course, specific entry requirements, career possibilities, and the qualities or experience admissions staff are looking for in applicants. They also provide information about an institutions admission and selection criteria and details about accommodation, access for students with special needs, open days and student life. Make sure you check whether any parts of the course are compulsory, and when you have to choose between options. Check what opportunities there will be to change track later in the course if you need or want to. Find out how many mature students are currently enrolled on the courses you are interested in. Getting to know and mixing with school leavers can be interesting and educational in itself! Mature students can play important roles as figures to whom younger students can relate. Your experience of life and work will bring an extra dimension to seminar and tutorial groups which will be highly valued.

HELPFUL WEBSITES

www.ucas.com www.ucas.com/students/coursesearch www.direct.gov.uk/unistats www.skill.org.uk

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STEP 1 CHOOSING COURSES

Learning and teaching methods

Many courses in higher education place considerable emphasis on your ability to learn independently. Methods and styles of learning and teaching will vary considerably, both from one subject to another and from one institution to another. The way courses are taught affects the number of hours spent on campus and the flexibility with which these can be managed. Some courses will include fieldwork, perhaps with residential periods away during holidays, and others will involve work placements or periods of study abroad. The time, cost and disruption implications of these need to be carefully assessed. The impact of this on the life of mature students is significant, particularly when family life has to be taken into account. Generally, arts and social science courses will use a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials, while technical and scientific courses will tend to place more emphasis on practical sessions, laboratory work and workshops. The hands-on approach will also apply to dance, music, drama, and art and design courses. The more practical the subject, the more practical the learning is likely to be, with an increased emphasis on doing rather than discussing. Learning and teaching methods akin to the old-fashioned classroom still exist, but increasingly you will encounter experiential learning - learning through experience or doing. The gaining of knowledge and understanding is still very important, but higher education recognises its own role in building transferable abilities and skills that will assist students throughout their lifetime of learning, training and work. In all cases you should read prospectus and website information carefully for each institution and course you are considering, to weigh up which approach will suit you best. You may also wish to find out the number of students likely to be entering the courses in which you are interested, the probable sizes of lecture and seminar groups, and the ratio of staff to students. This will give you some idea of the context in which you will be studying do not be surprised if, particularly in the first year, your lectures seem to be for very large numbers of students. Seminar groups are smaller and, once the ice is broken, you may well find that your life experience gives you a sound basis for contributing to the discussions. Many institutions encourage students to contact their tutors through email rather than relying on face-to-face meetings. Though this may seem impersonal, it is actually a very speedy and efficient way for a busy tutor to keep in touch with several hundred students. Another development which will be new to many mature students is the widespread move away from the three-term year in favour of two periods of study known as semesters.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

The traditional method of assessment in higher education has been the formal unseen examination at the end of the year, and this still exists though it is usually combined with continuous assessment during the year. The kinds of work that will need to be presented for assessment, apart from exams, include project portfolios, coursework, case studies and course presentations.

16

STEP 1 CHOOSING COURSES

Choosing your university or college

NEAR OR FAR?

If you have the flexibility to do so, it is a good idea to look as widely as possible to find the university or college and course which suits you best. Even if you are tied to a particular region, in many areas there will be some choice of universities and colleges within reasonable travelling distance. If you plan to be home-based, and want to apply for a highly competitive course, you may wish to research some alternatives offered by other institutions in the area. If you are limited to a single local university or college, you may want to look at the full range of courses it offers to see if there is something which appeals that you did not originally consider. The coverage of the United Kingdom by universities and colleges is patchy, and there are some regions, particularly rural areas, where there is relatively little higher education provision. Increasingly, however, higher education courses, or at least segments of them, are available in further education colleges. In some cases, the local further education college will teach most of a degree course, but it will be validated, and the degree awarded, by a university.

In other cases, the university may have franchised the first year of study of a course to be taught locally by the further education college, after which you transfer to the main university campus. The advantage is that you can take higher education courses close to home, but the disadvantage is that you will miss some of the benefits of studying in a higher education environment for at least a part of your course. If you are more mobile, you will obviously have a greater choice when selecting the university or college most suitable for you. Applying without having set foot in an institution is not a good idea, so take every opportunity to visit the places that interest you. To do this, you may find Open Days helpful. This is a publication that UCAS produces every year listing the open days, taster courses and education conventions that are held throughout the year. See page 33 for how to order a copy. For complete flexibility you can choose distance learning. The most well-known provider of home-based courses is the Open University (see contact details on page 14), but if this option is of interest to you it would be worthwhile to ask whether any of the courses you want to consider at other institutions are available in this mode.

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STEP 1 CHOOSING COURSES

What kind of university or college?

There are many different kinds of universities and colleges, each with their own distinctive character and merits. Some are centuries old; others have come into being more recently. Most are large institutions, but the student numbers vary considerably from one to another. Many offer a wide range of courses, but some may have a focus on, for example, technology or vocational courses. Higher education courses are offered by:
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CHECKING THE QUALITY OF COURSES

universities and colleges of higher education single-discipline higher education institutions, such as medical schools, agricultural colleges, colleges of art and design colleges that are within the further education sector, but which increasingly offer some courses at higher education level.

Newspapers publish all sorts of league tables, but these should be treated with some caution. They are unlikely to tell the full story and the factors they highlight may not be the ones which matter most to you. If you want to find out more about each of the universities and colleges in the UK from a purely factual point of view, then have a look at their prospectuses and websites. These can be accessed through UCAS Course Search at www.ucas.com. This will also give links to the Entry Profiles giving further information about courses. Courses are unlike most consumer products and the concept of a best buy is not really appropriate. What will be best for you might not suit somebody else. You may, for completeness, also wish to consult the survey data collected annually by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). See www.hesa.ac.uk for more information.
UNISTATS

The settings of universities and colleges vary enormously, ranging from large, multi-site, city-centre institutions to campus universities or small colleges in attractive countryside. While most universities and colleges have excellent facilities, there will often be significant differences between institutions in:
g

the provision of sports and recreational facilities the provision of support for mature students, for example, child care facilities opportunities for extra-curricular activities learning support.

The Unistats website (www.direct.gov.uk/unistats) can help you compare subjects across different UK universities and colleges. The site is brought to you by UCAS and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) on behalf of the four funding bodies of UK higher education. Find out what over 220,000 students thought about the quality of their higher education and how satisfied they were through the National Student Survey, UCAS points on entry, degree achievements and employment prospects.

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) 95 Promenade Cheltenham GL50 1HZ t 01242 255 577 f 01242 211 122 // www.hesa.ac.uk
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STEP 1 CHOOSING COURSES

ACCOMMODATION

TRAVEL BETWEEN SITES

Many mature students attend their local university or college, either part- or full-time, for financial reasons or because of family or other commitments. Many part-time students continue in their existing employment. In each case they are likely to be home-based. However, if you hope to move away in order to study, the availability and cost of accommodation will be an important factor, particularly if you have dependants. Many institutions have halls of residence, with or without catering provided, some single sex, some mixed. While a number guarantee first-year students accommodation, it is common for students in later years to wish to find bed-sits, flats or houses from the private sector with the help of the institution's accommodation office. An increasing number of universities and colleges make some specific housing provision for mature students and for their spouses and/or children. You should make early contact with the accommodation office, particularly if you need family accommodation. You will find that facilities and costs vary considerably from one institution to another. Unless you are in a particularly favourable financial position, you will probably have to make some sacrifices and shouldn't expect your general standard of living to match what you have been used to.

In recent years, many universities and colleges have expanded into additional premises and some institutions have been created through mergers of a number of establishments in a town or city. In either case, the result can mean considerable travel between sites. It is certainly common to have to travel between student residences and the teaching buildings and the costs and time involved may be significant. You should check to see what distances may be involved, whether frequent transport is provided, and how much it will cost you.
CHILD CARE

If you are going to need support of this kind, contact the student services office of your chosen university or college at an early stage to find out what child care provision is available, how much it will cost and whether it will give you sufficient time to study. Facilities vary considerably and there is often competition for places. It is therefore a good idea to apply early for places at a nursery or creche. Alternatively, contact Daycare Trust, a charity whose aims include promoting child care facilities within higher education, for advice on provision and benefits. You can also visit http://childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk/childcarefinder/, which is a government service providing information on local and national childcare.

Daycare Trust 2nd Floor, Novas Contemporary Urban Centre 73-81 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 0NQ t 0845 872 6260 f 020 7940 7515 e info@daycaretrust.org.uk // www.daycaretrust.org.uk

Childcare Link For information regarding childcare provision in your local area, go to // http://childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk

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STEP 1 CHOOSING COURSES

There are many routes into higher education

ACCESS COURSES OTHER ROUTES
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Some adults may not have the formal entry qualifications for higher education, but clearly exhibit the energy, enthusiasm and commitment necessary for successful study. Programmes specifically designed to offer an alternative route into higher education for older students are available throughout the UK, and are suitable for those who do not have qualifications such as A levels. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland these are known as Access to Higher Education courses and, in Scotland, SWAP (Scottish Wider Access Programme) delivers these programmes. They are mostly available through further education colleges, and some adult education facilities, community centres and colleges and universities. In practice, some programmes are linked to particular degree subjects and on completion may offer a guaranteed place at a particular university or college on a particular type of course. Others are not specifically tied to a subject area and concentrate on offering a general progression to higher education by developing key transferable skills, English or communications, numeracy and information technology, all with tutorial support. Access programmes are designed to be flexible: start and finish times can fit in with other commitments and many institutions run creches and nurseries. Most courses are modular in structure so you can build up credits at a pace that suits you and your circumstances. There are full-time and part-time Access courses. Find out more information and search for QAA-recognised courses at www.accesstohe.ac.uk. For information about programmes taught in Scotland, visit www.scottishwideraccess.org
NATIONAL VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (NVQS), AND SCOTTISH VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (SVQS)

The Open University (OU) offers a range of short courses called Openings preparing for study with the OU in particular areas, from management to arts, from understanding children to exploring sport. It also offers support in developing study strategies. A number of colleges and other institutions list courses that prepare you for further study but are not aimed specifically at higher education. It is important to check that the programme is going to offer a good grounding for the course of study you have chosen. It is advisable to undertake some study prior to starting the course. This could be a subject related to the course or general study skills. You can get advice on this from the college or university where the course is run. Pre-Access courses help when you are unsure about what you want to study you look at a range of subjects while building up your confidence and skills and checking that you do enjoy studying.

WHAT IF I ALREADY HAVE SOME QUALIFICATIONS OR RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE?

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

APL is the overall term widely used for the recognition of, and award of, academic credit on the basis of demonstrated learning that has occurred at some time in the past. This learning may have come about as the result of a course, or self-directed study, or as the result of experience either at work or in leisure pursuits. It is used in further education, adult education and higher education for the purpose of:
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Most employers readily see the benefits of involving their workforce in ongoing training, though some are more willing than others to invest money in staff development. Many employees now have gained NVQ/SVQ qualifications in occupations as diverse as agriculture, construction, beauty, leisure & tourism, and motor vehicle studies. Where the qualification is relevant and agreement can be reached, these qualifications will be taken into account in fulfilling the entry requirements for higher education.
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entry into a course or programme advanced standing on a course or programme credit against some of the outcomes of a course or programme that will count towards an award.

Arrangements for APL will vary between institutions. Look on their websites and contact the admissions tutor for the subject area you are interested in to discuss the possibilities..

STEP 1 CHOOSING COURSES

Flexible admissions policies

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
This is an extension of APL so that it includes assessed learning gained from life and work experience. It can gain you entry to a course of study, sometimes at an advanced level, but you must be aware that the collection and assessment of the evidence you have to provide is complex and timeconsuming. You still apply through UCAS, but you should contact your chosen universities and colleges first to discuss whether APL or APEL is acceptable and what evidence they will need. Both APL and APEL are used to help students progress onto a course where their previous learning overlaps with the area of study. It is far more difficult to use them between very different subject areas.
OTHER OPTIONS

Some mature students enter higher education with traditional qualifications while others start their higher education journey by enrolling for GCE A and AS levels, Scottish Highers, BTEC National or other qualifications. But it is always worth bearing in mind that many universities and colleges welcome mature students with other qualifications, such as Open University credits, Access course credits and professional qualifications, and do not always insist on prescribed qualifications when considering applications from mature students. If you have not been in formal education for some years, you could take an Access course at a local college to brush up your study skills. If you left school with few or no qualifications, this will help you to prepare for your return to study and at the same time get entry qualifications for your course. See page 20 for more information about Access courses. The standard entry requirements for school leavers are provided in Course Search on the UCAS website (www.ucas.com).
PROVIDING EVIDENCE OF YOUR ABILITY TO STUDY AT HIGHER EDUCATION LEVEL

There are various other return to study or similar programmes at colleges or adult education centres contact your local college or local education authority to find our whats available in your area. Visit www.learndirect.co.uk for other distance learning options. You can also work independently using library and internet facilities to improve your background knowledge and study skills in preparation for entering higher education.

When applying for university of college, you will need to provide evidence of your ability to study at the appropriate level, or evidence of relevant experience, or both. There are no standard entry requirements for mature applicants and exact requirements will vary. It is therefore a very good idea to make direct contact with the admissions tutors for the course(s) in which you are interested. You can ask for an appointment to discuss your situation and the options available before you make a formal application. Sometimes you will have to provide a detailed curriculum vitae (ie a written list of your education achievements and your employment history). Any qualifications taken several years ago for example, the CSE (Certificate in Secondary Education) or GCE O level will still be taken into account. It is important to be aware of the competition you may face when applying to university or college; whatever your age of qualifications, it is always more difficult to obtain a place at a popular institution or on an over-subscribed course.
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STEP 2 APPLYING

Getting your place

THE UCAS SERVICE

UCAS is the central organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges. This means that each year we process approximately two million applications from more than 600,000 applicants for places on around 50,000 courses. All applicants rely upon the high levels of customer service on which we have built our reputation. All the team here work hard to ensure that all applicants are given the support they need. We also offer students the opportunity to track the progress of their applications and to respond to offers, day or night, using our website. We do not deal with applications for part-time or distance learning courses. Application for these courses is made direct to the institutions concerned. Applications to the Open University and Open College for the Arts should also be made direct (see page 14 for contact details). We effectively act as an intermediary between you the applicant and the universities and colleges to which you apply. It is our job to ensure that there are fair, consistent and easily understood procedures which operate in the interests of both applicants and institutions.
APPLY

A relative or someone who is a friend only cannot act as your referee. Someone who knows you well and will provide an objective, professional reference is the answer if you are not in employment and have neither a tutor nor an adviser to help.
WHEN TO APPLY

There are three different application deadline dates of which you need to be aware:
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15 October application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for all medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses and for all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. 15 January application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for all courses except those listed above with a 15 October deadline, and art and design courses with a 24 March deadline. Visit Course Search at www.ucas.com to find out which art and design courses have a 15 January or 24 March deadline. 24 March application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for art and design courses except those listed with a 15 January deadline. Visit Course Search at www.ucas.com to find out which art and design courses have a 15 January or 24 March deadline.

The way to apply is online at www.ucas.com. If you are applying through a college or careers office that administers the Apply system, you will be given a buzzword to enter the system. If you are applying independently, you will be registering as an individual. Apply is also available in Welsh.
YOUR REFERENCE

It is in your interests to apply by these dates if possible. After these dates we continue processing applications in the normal way, although some courses do fill their places from applicants who apply on time. So long as you apply before 30 June, we will forward your application to your chosen universities and colleges for consideration. You can still apply after 30 June, but then you do not fill in any choices in Apply and we enter you straight into Clearing (see page 25).
COURSE START DATES

Your application will normally require a reference. Your referee will typically be:
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a tutor from your current or recent studies an adviser who knows you a present or former employer.

Although there are three application deadlines as listed above, it is important to check when the courses you are interested in will start, as some start between January and May. Check the start dates on the Course information screen in Course Search on www.ucas.com. For courses that start between

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STEP 2 APPLYING

January and May, you may need to apply well before the start date as the universities and colleges will need time to consider your application. You must contact the university or college direct for advice about when they need your application. Although some will be happy to receive applications right up to the start of the course, be prepared to send your application early. Please remember you do not have to apply for all your choices at the same time. You can add further choices (until 30 June 2012) as long as you have not used up all your choices and have not accepted a place. If you are studying on an Access course, you may well have been on the course for only a short time before you apply. Your referee might feel able to supply only an interim reference on the UCAS application by the closing date, in which case they can supply an updated reference direct to universities and colleges at a later date. Whenever you are applying, it is a good idea to make contact with the admissions tutors for the courses in which you are interested before you actually apply. Making informed, realistic choices on your application will increase your chances of success. Once you have applied, you will be able to use our interactive system, Track, to view your application, to add further choices where appropriate, to change your address, telephone details, to reply to offers and to cancel choices in which you are no longer interested. To log on to Track you will require the username created for you when registering for Apply plus the password you chose at the same time. Full details will be given in your welcome letter and the Applicant Welcome Guide that accompanies it.
THE APPLICATION FEE

UCAS CARD

The UCAS Card is more than just a card. You can use it as a discount card on the high street, but you get so much more than just discounts and offers in your favourite shops. If you're a mature student thinking about higher education, sign up for the free UCAS Card at www.ucas.com/ucascard to receive all these benefits...
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Save money on the high street with your UCAS discount card. Information about the courses and universities you're interested in. Expert help from Giles, the UCAS adviser with reminders, hints and tips. Unlimited use of www.yougofurther.co.uk, the UCAS student network website.

The application fee for 2011 entry is 22 for up to five choices, but there is a reduced fee of 11 if you decide to apply for one course at one institution only. This does not stop you from adding up to four more choices later, but you would then need to pay a further 11.

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STEP 2 APPLYING

The application process: Completing your application

COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION

You have a maximum of five choices to use as you wish. Up to four of these choices may be used for any one of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science, You have no more than one course choice at either the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge (unless you are already a graduate). If you are applying to more than one course at the same university or college, it would be advisable to refer to your different areas of interest within your personal statement. Before filling in your application go to www.ucas.com and have a look at our UCAStv video guides, which include:
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submit it until you are satisfied. However, once you have sent it, you cannot retrieve it. Most of the information requested is straightforward and factual, for instance personal details, previous employment and qualifications just remember the information you give must be true and complete. To help the universities and colleges reduce the risk of harm or injury to their students caused by criminal behaviour, our application asks whether you have any relevant criminal convictions. Such a declaration may not make any difference to an application, but false declarations can lead to expulsion.
PERSONAL STATEMENT

How to fill in your application Choose your courses Disabled students Entering your qualifications International students Personal statement.

Your personal statement needs careful thought and planning, and must be in your own words we run software which will verify that your personal statement is your own work. If your personal statement appears to have been copied from another source, we will inform the universities and colleges to which you have applied. They will then take the action they consider appropriate. We will also contact you by email. An experienced manager of support and guidance at a large college has this advice for mature students: Use positive action words to describe your experiences. This is particularly important for vocational courses; words like produced, observed, analysed and discussed all show that you can critically evaluate experiences. You then need to match this to your chosen institutions' general or course requirements. Avoid stereotyped phrases such as "I enjoy being with people" or "I'm a good listener". Try instead to make effective use of key linking sentences, such as "taking part in... has enabled me to...". In doing so, you should have a personal statement that is coherent, comprehensive and organised. If you have extra information you would like your universities or colleges to see, send them the documents direct after applying, quoting your Personal ID. Your application must normally contain a reference. If, however, you are applying to one university or college only and their admissions office has told you that it is unnecessary, you can indicate this. If you later apply to other universities and colleges, you will need to provide them with a reference direct.

When you apply online, all the instructions you need are automatically provided, together with comprehensive help text. Take care with your application, because you may not be interviewed and this could be your only chance to impress. If the idea of going to an interview is daunting, listen to the advice of one experienced careers adviser: Good preparation is the key to a successful interview. This means getting in tune with the interview panel by reading, whenever possible, the sort of newspaper that is a quality read rather than a tabloid. This is vital for keeping abreast of current developments in your chosen field of study. It is also useful to run through the different types of scenario you might face, such as an individual interview, writing an essay, a campus tour, making a presentation, a group interview. Time taken getting your application just right is never wasted. Applying online, it is easy to make changes as you complete the application. You simply don't
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STEP 3 OFFERS, STEP 4 RESULTS, STEP 5 - NEXT STEPS

The application process: After you have applied

AFTER YOU HAVE APPLIED

Dont forget that you can monitor the progress of your application online using UCAS Track, which also enables you to change your address details, reply to offers and cancel choices in which you are no longer interested. The following is a brief outline of some of the main points of the scheme.
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operates from the end of February to the end of June. Universities and colleges list their vacancies on Course Search at www.ucas.com. If you are eligible for Extra, you can refer your application electronically to any course with vacancies. Each year some applicants pass their exams with better results then expected. And this may mean that some will have not only met the conditions of their firm offer, but will have exceeded them. For these applicants the Adjustment period is an opportunity to reconsider where and what to study they have the option to find an alternative place, whilst still holding their original confirmed offer. Clearing is a service available between July and September. It can help people without a university or college place to find suitable vacancies on higher education courses. During Clearing, UCAS publishes information about vacancies at universities and colleges through the UCAS website and national newspapers. If you already have your qualifications and you have been unsuccessful, we would advise you not to wait until Clearing before contacting other universities and colleges direct to see if they are prepared to consider your application. The timing of confirmation of offers in July/August, and of the Clearing process, is largely geared to the needs of students taking qualifications like GCE A level, Scottish Highers or their equivalents. There is no need for mature students to wait until then if you are not awaiting examination results. Admissions tutors are more likely to have the time to give you individual attention earlier in the year.

We send details of your application to each of your choices. Each institution will consider your application independently and send us a decision to pass on to you. Universities and colleges do not know any details about your other choices. An offer may be unconditional, which means that the university or college is happy to admit you without any further qualifications or hurdles. If you accept the offer, you are placed there. In many cases, universities and colleges will make a conditional offer, which means that you have to satisfy whatever conditions are required of you before the place can be confirmed. The offer might, for example, be subject to satisfactory completion of an Access course. You can firmly accept one conditional offer, which means you have made a commitment to go to that university or college if you fulfil its conditions. If your firm choice is a conditional offer, you can also hold one other offer (which may be conditional or unconditional) as an insurance. This means that if you do not meet the conditions of the firm offer, but do meet the conditions of the insurance, you will be placed at the latter. Extra provides an additional choice through UCAS for those who have been unsuccessful at all five choices or have turned down all offers. Extra
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Please visit www.ucas.com for more detailed information and guidance about the application process.

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The application process FAQS

QUALIFICATIONS AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS YOUR APPLICATION

I cant find my certificates, cant be certain of my results, and dont know the awarding body details. What can I do? Check with the school where you took the exams to see if they can provide the results or confirm the awarding body. If they cannot provide the results, the awarding body should be approached for replacement certificates. If the school doesnt exist any more, try your Local Authority, as they may have taken over the records of the former school. Contact details for your Local Authority can be found at www.direct.gov.uk. If neither of these options help, contact the universities to which you are applying to discuss if they would be prepared to accept any alternative proof of qualifications. Do I need to have evidence of recent study?

Ive been working abroad, so my reference will be written in a foreign language. Do I need to get it translated and if so does it need to be a certified translation? Contact the institutions to which you are applying. They will definitely want the reference written in English, but may be happy for you to translate it. I want to add more details to the Employment section of my application. What should I do? If you find this section too small (for example, if you have had several jobs) and feel more information would benefit your application, send full details, quoting your Personal ID, to your chosen universities and colleges once your application has been processed by us. Alternatively, you can provide more details in your personal statement. Why cant I use a paper application form?

Check with the institutions you are applying to directly. See pages 20-21 for more information. Is it true you need GCSE English and maths to study at university, and if so what are accepted as alternatives? Most institutions do have general academic requirements; you should check their prospectuses and websites, and if necessary contact them to find out what they will accept as alternatives. Do I need a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check for the course Ive applied to, and if so how do I get one? This information is usually included as part of the Entry Profile on the UCAS Course Search at www.ucas.com, and would normally be specified as part of any offer made. If you need a CRB check the institution will normally initiate the process, but you should contact them direct with regard to timings and other information.

We will not send out any paper application forms for 2012 entry unless there are exceptional circumstances for needing one. Paper applications take much longer to process and phasing them out is part of our environmental policy. Apply is our secure web-based application system. It is easy and intuitive to use and will help you make accurate and timely applications. You can use Apply anywhere that has internet access and can rework and resave your application as necessary. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, there is a whole section dedicated to mature students on the UCAS website at www.ucas.com/students/wheretostart/maturestudents/.

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STEP 6 STARTING UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE

What to expect life as a student

COPING WITH STUDY FAMILY AND FRIENDS

One of the big things many mature students worry about is how they will cope with the academic work if they go to university or college. It may be years since they were in a classroom and they may not have been top swots then. The fact is that the university or college that takes you on will have confidence that you can cope with the work. It may be because of the life you have led to date, which includes achievements that equate with higher study, or it could be the results of your Access course.

It is important to prepare your family and friends for your change of lifestyle, as those around you will have to come to terms with many differences. Relationships are bound to change to some extent. Your views might alter significantly because you will be exposed to other ways of thinking and this can strain some relationships if you are taken unawares by it. Depending upon your personal family circumstances, you will need to discuss your plans in some depth with all those who are likely to be affected and come to a working agreement about how best to handle any area of difficulty. Sort out in advance areas such as finance, child care and travel, and negotiate priorities for the way in which you are going to run your life as a student. It might be a good idea to draw up a schedule of how you would manage your time in a typical week as a student. To do this, you will need to find out the likely timetable for the course you are interested in and roughly how much time you will want to spend on campus, for example, in the library, or at social events. You will meet many new people and make lots of new friends as a student. This will enrich your life and give you opportunities to contribute to the student community. You may not always find your course easy and life as a mature student will have its challenges, but you will have the benefit of studying with others who have similar interests and meet the same problems. They will be there to provide mutual support when the going gets tough, and they will value the support you can provide too. Watch mature student Susan Hallisseys case study of her experience of higher education at www.ucas.tv.

So what kind of basic study skills do you need?

You need to understand not only how to learn, but also how to:
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organise your time take notes read effectively research, analyse and draw conclusions write essays and reports.

An Access course will help you brush up on all these skills, but don't underestimate skills which you might take for granted. For example, if you have brought up a family successfully, there is a good chance that you know how to organise your time and are a quick learner because every successful parent is that.

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Money, money, money

NB. The information in this section was up-to-date when this booklet was published. You should visit the websites mentioned in the section for the very latest information. Going to university or college is one of the biggest investments you can make. Do you know how much it is going to cost you and what help is available? The links below will help you find the information you need.
THE COST OF STUDYING IN THE UK

Important information for students entering English universities and colleges from 1 September 2012 At the time of writing, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has announced changes to student finance, subject to parliamentary approval:
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As a student, you will usually have to pay for two things: tuition fees for your course, and living costs such as rent, food, books, transport and entertainment. Fees charged vary between courses, as well as between universities and colleges, so its important to check these before you apply. The UCAS Course Search at www.ucas.com/students/coursesearch will be available from mid-May 2011. Course fee information will be added in early July for each course, or you can contact the universities and colleges direct. If you're studying in Scotland and already live there, you normally aren't required to pay tuition fees. Check the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) website www.saas.gov.uk for further information.
STUDENT LOANS

Any university or college will be able to charge a graduate contribution of up to 6,000 a year. In exceptional cases, universities will be able to charge up to 9,000, subject to meeting much tougher conditions on widening participation and fair access. As is the case now, students in England will not have to pay up-front for their tuition, as Government loans will be available to most students. Students only start to repay these loans once they are earning over 21,000 per year. A new 150m National Scholarships Programme will be targeted at bright potential students from poor backgrounds. Students from families with incomes of up to 25,000 will be entitled to a non-repayable grant of 3,250 to help with loving costs and those from families with incomes up to 42,600 will be entitled to a partial nonrepayable grant. Loans to help with living costs will be available for all eligible students, irrespective of family income. Many universities and colleges will also offer non-repayable scholarships and bursaries to help students cover tuition and living costs whilst studying.

The purpose of student loans from the Government is to help cover the costs of your tuition fees and basic living costs (rent, bills, food and so on). Two types are available: loans to cover the tuition charges and loans to cover living costs. Both types of student loan are available to all students who meet the basic eligibility requirements. Interest will be charged on a varying rate up to inflation (RPI) plus 3%. In addition, many other commercial loans are available to students studying at university or college but the interest rate can vary considerably. Find out more information from the relevant sites below: England: Student Finance England - www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance Northern Ireland: Student Finance Northern Ireland www.studentfinanceni.co.uk Scotland: Student Awards Agency for Scotland -www.saas.gov.uk Wales: Student Finance Wales - www.studentfinancewales.co.uk

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All eligible part-time undergraduates who study for at least 25% of their time will be able to apply for a loan to cover the costs of their tuition, which means they no longer have to pay up front. They will not be eligible for maintenance support.

course, the NHS Student Grants Unit will send you a bursary application pack. If you are applying for a course that is funded by an NHS bursary, you should also visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students or www.saas.gov.uk.
ADDITIONAL HELP AND INFORMATION

There will be extra support for disabled students and students with child or adult dependants. For more information on the proposed changes in England please visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance.
NHS BURSARIES

The National Union of Students website www.nusonline.co.uk/info/money is another useful source of information. You can use UNIAIDs www.studentcalculator.org.uk to help you plan and manage your money.

NHS bursaries are available to UK students on courses leading to certain health professions. If a university or college offers you a place on such a

Want to see UCAS in action?

Visit www.ucas.tv to watch

applicant video diaries case studies how-to guides
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at the heart of connecting people to higher education

Case study

NAME: AGE: STUDYING: QUALIFICATIONS:

Paula A 41 BA Hons Business at Croydon College HNC Business, NVQ Level 2 in Computer Studies, Secretarial Certificate, O levels & CSEs

I left school in July 1985 at the age of 16. I did not know what I wanted to do apart from start work asap so I opted for a Private Secretarial course at Croydon College. This was on the advice of many who said that having a typing qualification would mean I would always be able to work. I loved travel and also looked at a two year travel course but typing won. My immediate circle of friends and I thought that working and earning money was more exciting than the thought of studying for A levels for me personally, if I had the choice again, I would have chosen the A levels! It was on the internet that I began to research higher education. As an adult I always regretted not studying for A levels/going to university. After a long term relationship ended, I decided to study and wanted to achieve something personally. I also thought it would be a way of meeting people. I work in London but Croydon offered evening classes which suited me.

the hard work. We help each other along and encourage each other at times when we find it all a bit overwhelming - actually when it comes to the end of term, we all find we miss the banter and college life and find ourselves at a bit of a loose end! I decided to study initially to achieve something personally, however as time has gone on, I have found I have enjoyed learning again; it has broadened my outlook and knowledge; has given me a sense of confidence and, therefore, I have benefited from the course both personally and academically. The lecturers are very supportive and committed also. I am now looking forward this year to celebrating with a BA Hons! It is worth all the hard work and I have made some incredible friends and learnt a lot about myself along the way.

I am now in my final year and can't believe how quickly time has gone.
At the age of 38 and not having studied since 17, the thought of studying again was quite a daunting one. I was concerned about how I was going to manage studying 2/3 nights a week on top of my own work and home commitments. However, we all seemed to be feeling the same. Some of the younger students taught me some study techniques they had learnt and I finally settled into semester one. I felt unsure about studying when I started the course but the course leader and lecturers soon eased my concerns and I felt quite excited at the thought of starting the course. The other students seemed really friendly, even though we were a very mixed group of ages and backgrounds. I am now in my final year and can't believe how quickly time has gone - don't get me wrong the course can be hard work and you have to be committed but the rewards are worth all
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Sources of information and advice

ACCESS COURSES DATABASE C2 THE GRADUATE CAREERS SHOP

Database of QAA-recognised Access to HE courses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Available online: // www.accesstohe.ac.uk Information about Access to HE courses in Scotland available from Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP):

Operated by the University of London Careers Service, but open to any graduates at any point in their careers, C2 offers impartial, independent advice on any matter related to jobs and careers. Several services are available, on a sliding scale of charges. For more information, contact: The Careers Group University of London Stewart House 32 Russell Square London WC1B 5DN

// www.scottishwideraccess.org
ADVICE FROM FURTHER AND ADULT EDUCATION

If you are currently taking a course in further or adult education, your tutor can help, as can your careers advisory service and careers library.
ADVICE FROM HIGHER EDUCATION

t 020 7863 6060 e c2@careers.lon.ac.uk // www.c2careers.com

DIRECTGOV GETTING INTO HIGHER EDUCATION AS A MATURE STUDENT

Schools and colleges liaison units within universities and higher education colleges will help mature applicants. Some institutions have city centre advice shops.
NEXT STEP SERVICE

Options for older people looking to get into higher education, and ways to combine study with work and family life.

The Service is a free, impartial and confidential service provided over the phone and on the web for adults seeking information and advice on courses and careers.

// www.direct.gov.uk enter Getting into HE as a mature student in the searchbox and follow the link.
EDUCATIONAL GRANTS ADVISORY SERVICE (EGAS)

t 0800 100 900 // www.nextstep.direct.gov.uk

CAREERS COMPANIES

Provides advice on funding available for post-16 education and training within the UK. Primarily concerned with helping disadvantaged students. EGAS Family Action Central Office 50l-505 Kingsland Road London E8 4AU

Some local careers companies offer an all-age information and advisory service. This is sometimes free, but a modest charge may be made. Look in your local telephone directory under Careers Service.

t 020 7254 6251 e email via website, click on Contact us // www.family-action.org.uk

32

OPEN DAYS

OPEN COLLEGE NETWORKS (OCNs)

Most universities and colleges offer open days which will enable you to get a feel for the institution and to find out more about its courses and facilities. As a help, each year we produce a booklet called Open Days, priced 3.50 and available from www.ucasbooks.com.
INFORMATION, ADVICE & GUIDANCE (IAG)

The National Open College Network (NOCN) is the leading credit-based awarding body in the UK, offering high quality, flexible qualifications. It originates from the Open College Network (OCN) movement first established in 1975 to recognise formally the achievements of adult learners.
NATIONAL OPEN COLLEGE NETWORK (NOCN)

Local lAG services for adults are delivered by a variety of organisations, including Careers Scotland, educational institutions, and voluntary and community bodies. They offer free information and advice to individuals. Contact details for your nearest lAG service are available at your local library.
LEARNDIRECT

The Quadrant, Parkway Business Park 99 Parkway Avenue Sheffield S9 4WG

Guidance about training and employment opportunities.

t 0114 227 0500 e nocn@nocn.org.uk // www.nocn.org.uk

QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY (QAA) FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

t Free telephone service.

0800 101 901 07:00-23:00, seven days a week. Learndirect Scotland: 0808 100 9000 Monday to Friday 08:00-20:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00-18:00. // www.learndirect.co.uk and www.learndirectscotland.com
LEARNING AND SKILLS COUNCILS

The agency safeguards quality and standards in higher education, checking how well universities and colleges meet their responsibilities. Head Office Southgate House Southgate Street Gloucester GL1 1UB

Work in partnership with employers, trade unions, colleges and higher education institutions to identify local needs and to encourage greater participation of all age groups in training and education. Major interest in providing opportunities and advice for those returning to learning.

t 0870 900 6800 e info@lsc.gov.uk // www.lsc.gov.uk

LIBRARIES

t 01452 557 000 e comms@qaa.ac.uk // www.qaa.ac.uk

Your local reference library will contain many of the sources of information you require and may have specially trained staff who will be able to help you.

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SKILL: NATIONAL BUREAU FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Scotland

Skill is a national charity promoting opportunities for young people and adults Unit 3, Floor 3 Radisson Court 219 Long Lane London SE1 4PR Free helplines: England t 0800 328 5050 (voice), 18001 0800 328 5050 (textphone) e info@skill.org.uk // www.skill.org.uk Northern Ireland

t 0131 475 2348 (voice and textphone) e admin@skillscotland.org.uk

Wales

t 0800 328 5050 (voice) 0800 068 2422 (textphone) e skill@skill.org.uk

Their free information service helplines are open on Tuesdays, 11.30 to 13.30, and Thursdays, 13.30 to 15.30.
WORKERS EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION (WEA)

The UKs largest voluntary sector provider of adult education.

t 028 9028 7000 (voice and textphone) e admin@skillni.org.uk

t 020 7426 3450 e national@wea.org.uk // www.wea.org.uk

Compare subjects and unis See job prospects for your subject Compare UCAS points See what 220,000 students thought

Visit www.direct.gov.uk/unistats

Case studies
NAME: AGE: STUDYING: QUALIFICATIONS:

Jacobus V 27 HND in Business Information Technology at London South Bank University School matriculation in South Africa

NAME: AGE: STUDYING: QUALIFICATIONS:

Helen P 35 BSc Podiatry at Huddersfield University Access to Health and Nursing

I left school at the age of 18 in 2001 after matriculation. In the UK there came a point in my life where I decided that I needed a change in what I do, so I started looking around for places close by to go and study at and then I just went on their websites and asked for more information on what there is available to study that would work with my weekly routine. I decided to go for it when I saw the amount of opportunities to study that are available and when I realised that I was in a dead end job. The biggest concern I had and still have is money worries due to the time in a week that I need to sit in class and having to meet all my deadlines, but I was fortunate enough to go self employed in what I was doing and therefore can now work whenever Im available and I can get to all of my deadlines if I put in some hard work.

I left school at 16 in 1992 and wanted to go into a caring career. I enrolled at college to do a practical caring course. I got employment with one of my placement nursing homes, where I stayed for 6 years, I then applied for a job as a dental nurse and remained there for 7 years during which time I enrolled on the access to health and nursing course. I have no idea what made me choose Podiatry - it looked interesting I suppose. I started my university life after all my 3 children were born, in 2006.

I would say to everyone try because Im glad I did.

I wanted to prove to myself I could get a good qualification, and help financially to my home whilst enjoying my job. Money worries were a concern, however I had looked into NHS funded bursaries and found that this could be overcome. Childcare and family commitments became a worry, but as the course was part time I managed to shuffle things around and made sure that these were sorted out prior to starting, Other than these issues I was more looking forward to starting than having major concerns. I am a couple of week away from finishing my course, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. There were times when I thought I could not make the deadlines given but the support you have from staff is great. I must stress that it has been the hardest four and half years I have ever had, and there have been many ups and downs, but my family have been my back bone, and given me the support and courage to keep going. I would say to everyone try because Im glad I did.

I decided to go for it when I saw the amount of opportunities.

The other little concern I had was getting used to the unknown technologies used in the university and for the units of the course. Constant interacting with these technologies is what helped me through it. What I would say to other people considering such a step is that the challenges are tough but very helpful if you work hard in completing it. I will recommend BIT because it is not only computing but also business related giving it a wide area for job opportunities.

35

Useful publications
ORDERING YOUR COPIES ONLINE: www.ucasbooks.com BY EMAIL: publicationservices@ucas.ac.uk
THE UCAS GUIDE TO GETTING INTO UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE 11.99 A brand new guide from UCAS to help you through the journey into university or college. Containing everything you need to know about the entire research and application process. Advice is provided for every stage, including choosing a course and institution, applying, receiving offers, results day and starting life in higher education. PROGRESSION SERIES UCAS, in conjunction with GTI Specialist Publishers, has produced these guides to help applicants access good quality, useful information on some of the most competitive subject areas. The books cover advice on applying through UCAS, routes to qualification, course details, job prospects, case studies and career advice. PROGRESSION TO ART & DESIGN PROGRESSION TO ECONOMICS, FINANCE AND ACCOUNTANCY PROGRESSION TO ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS PROGRESSION TO JOURNALISM AND BROADCAST MEDIA, FILM AND PERFORMING ARTS PROGRESSION TO LAW PROGRESSION TO MEDICINE, DENTISTRY AND OPTOMETRY PROGRESSION TO NURSING, HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL WORK PROGRESSION TO PSYCHOLOGY PROGRESSION TO SPORTS SCIENCE AND PHYSIOTHERAPY PROGRESSION TO TEACHING AND EDUCATION STUDENT FINANCE 7.99 Your guide to loans, bursaries, grants, tuition fees and preparing your own budget. Find out exactly how much university will cost you and how you can fund your studies. Get a realistic picture of all your likely outgoings - accommodation, food, travel, study costs, insurance and socialising - and work out a budget you can keep to. Published by Constable Robinson, in association with UCAS. HOW TO COMPLETE YOUR UCAS APPLICATION 12.99 A must for anyone applying through UCAS. Contains advice on the preparation needed, a step-by-step guide to filling out the UCAS application, information on the UCAS process, useful tips for completing the personal statement, top tips on what admissions tutors look for in applications and what makes them reject some applications. Published by Trotman. WHICH UNI? 14.99 One persons perfect uni might be hell for the next. Picking the right one means future happiness, academic success and brighter job prospects. This guide is packed with 80 rankings tables from a variety of sources, rating universities on everything from the quality of teaching to the make-up of the student population and much more. Published by Trotman DEGREE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 12.99 Students need to know whats relevant to them about the nature of the degree course theyre considering. Each description in this book contains a wide-ranging overview of the course area, details of typical course structures, career opportunities for graduates, recommended reading and website links. The descriptions are written by heads of departments and senior lecturers at major universities. Published by COA. INSIDER'S GUIDE TO APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY 12.99 Full of honest insights, this book takes you all the way through the university application process, providing all the information you will need to win your place at university. It guides you through the trickiest bits of the UCAS application, and reveals top tips on creating a personal statement. Published by Trotman. TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 16.99 Unique league tables enable readers to assess strengths and weaknesses of each university, including advice on how to select a course or university, guidance on how to apply and pay your way through university, detailed coverage of Oxford and Cambridge colleges, plus information specifically designed for international students. Published by Harper Collins. UK P&P: 4.95 FOR A SINGLE ITEM AND 7.95 FOR A MULTIPLE ITEM ORDER.

15.99 15.99 15.99 15.99 15.99 15.99 15.99 15.99 15.99 15.99

CHOOSING YOUR DEGREE COURSE & UNIVERSITY 24.99 With so many universities and courses to choose from, it is not an easy decision for students embarking on their journey to higher education. This guide will offer expert guidance on the questions students need to ask when considering the opportunities available. Published by Trotman.
36

Transform the end of the day into the beginning of your future
Birkbeck opens doors to a better job, a bigger income and a broader outlook. We specialise in evening learning, and help 19,000 Londoners t study into their lives every year. We are a leading research university and have the best teaching and some of the most satised students in London.

So, if youre thinking about your future, think Birkbeck.

www.bbk.ac.uk 0845 601 0174

Londons evening university

UCAS is the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK. Choosing what and where to study are very important decisions. Every year we help over 650,000 applicants apply to university or college in the UK.

UC016012