Higher Education takes place at universities and further education colleges and normally includes undergraduate and postgraduate study. Higher Education gives you the chance to study a subject that you are interested in and can boost your career prospects and earning potential.

 

UCAS 

UCAS is the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Their main role is to operate the application process for British universities.

Students applying to British universities will apply through UCAS during the Autumn Term of Year 13. The main UCAS deadline is the last Wednesday in January of Year 13; students are advised to submit their UCAS application well ahead of this deadline.

UCAS posts regular updates through their social media channels and on their website: 

 

 

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UCAS Decision & Reply Deadline 

It is important that you respond to offers received to meet the decision and reply deadline you have been given in The Hub. Please remember, if you do not reply by this deadline, then your offers will be automatically declined. UCAS’s advice is that a decision is better than no decision. 

 

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UCAS Clearing

Over 75000 students use clearing to find a place, for many different reasons. It might be that they do not have a place, they might have a place but have changed their mind about what they want to study, it could be that they have not yet applied through UCAS for that year.

 

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Clearing Plus - the personalised way for students to find their place in Clearing

UCAS has bolstered their clearing process and students are now able to see a list of courses that they have been matched to in Track. This ‘match’ will be completed using the student’s application, what universities have told UCAS they’re looking for, and what previous applicants have gone on to study based on their grades and choices.

Students are in control, so if you find a course you want to be considered for, you can send an expression of interest, which means the university can then reach out to discuss things further. The Clearing search tool will still be available, with over 30,000 course options.

 

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Student Finance

Student finance usually consists of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan to help you with your university costs. Student finance usually opens for applications at the end of February in Year 13. If you change your mind and decide not to start at university this year, then you just need to let Student Finance England know. For the latest guidance around student finance, visit either of these links:

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'Know Before You Go' Guide

Student Minds have created a brilliant resource to support students with their transition to university, which you can download from the link below. 
This life skills resource helps you to anticipate, identify and navigate situations you will encounter when entering higher education. It contains information on many topics including paying bills, study skills, housemate issues, identity questions and embedded throughout is how to maintain good mental health and seek help as needed.

 

 

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'What Should I Take to University' Checklist

If you’re due to make the transition to university this Autumn, Career Map have put together this checklist to understand exactly what you will need: