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University and Higher Education
Information on what education is and how to apply.
Centigrade matches your strongest interests and abilities with the most likely courses available
You can research and apply for courses
Going to University or thinking of applying? – join to get information, help with the UCAS application process, a FREE discount card, forums and more…
Doing the research
What sort of course do you want? Here are some examples:
- Bachelor degrees – are first degrees and lead to qualifications like a BA, BSc. They are usually 3 – 4 years long
- Foundation degrees – are a mix of work related and academic study, and are broadly equivalent to the first 2 years of a Bachelor degree
- HND/HNCs – are work related courses focusing on the skills required for specific professions. They take 1 - 2 years to complete depending on the method of study.
You’ll have to consider whether you’ll get the entry grades that you’ll need, and if you want to go straight to university or have a ‘gap’ year first.
Most people apply to university at 18+ so by Year 12 you should be researching courses and going to open days.
- Visit Open Days to find out when you can visit. Also check if your college is planning any visits that you can join.
- Unistats allows you to search for courses and gives information on entry points, employment prospects and student satisfaction with the course.
You can talk to your Personal Adviser and your college tutors about courses and you’ll also find plenty of information from the universities direct. If you’re not sure which courses might suit you could complete Centigrade OnLine as this can generate suitable course ideas for you – there is a fee to do this.
Register on yougo it will give you access to information about higher education, online forums as well as discounts in shops and stores.
The application system
Applications are made on line from the summer before you enter Year 13. You use a system called Apply that’s administered by UCAS. UCAStv explains what to do. Part of the application process requires that you complete a personal statement - this must be in your own words. UCAS and the universities have a Similarity Detection Service which compares statements and will spot if you've copied your statement from another source!
UCAS covers the majority of Bachelor, Foundation and HND courses, and specialist courses such as Nursing and Midwifery Diplomas
CUKAS covers entry to the seven Music Conservatories – you can apply to up to six simultaneously and track the progress of your application and reply to offers on line.
These websites also give you information about higher education and what you need to think about.
You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away.