We’re in the top 2% of universities in the world Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2013 We’re in the top 2% of universities in the world

We’re in the top 2% of universities in the world Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2013


An overview of the UCAS application

Daniella WaggEducation Liaison and Outreach

University of Portsmouth




Why go to University?• To get a degree!• Interest in a subject• Requirement for the job• Better pay prospects• For the experience• A new challenge• To gain new skills


Lots of choice!!!American Studies Architecture Biomedical Science

Computer Games Criminology Creative Writing Dental Hygiene Early Childhood Studies Engineering Forensic Computing Geology Hospitality Management Human

Resource Management Illustration International Development International Relations Journalism

Languages Marketing Operating Department Practice Palaeontology Product Design Quantity Surveying

Radiography Social Work Sport and Exercise Television and Broadcasting Web Technologies


What to consider when choosing a course?

Choosing the right course...• Subject!!• Entry requirements• Teaching and assessment methods• Core Vs optional units• Work experience and placements• Accreditation / Professional registration• Study abroad options• Employment stats• Student satisfaction






Other factors to consider……• Location & distance from home• Facilities/events and activities• Accommodation• City or Campus?• International Links• Research interests • Staff specialisms




Who or what is UCAS?• Universities and Colleges Admissions Service

• Manage applications to all Higher Education courses in

the UK

• Personal details

• Qualifications

• ALL university choices in one form – up to five

• Main focus is the personal statement




What is the ‘Personal Statement? • Proving suitability and enthusiasm for a

course

• Personal – it is all about the student

• Clear

• Concise – Up to 47 lines

• Positive




• For higher education?• For this course? • Career aspirations

Admission Tutors… what are they looking for?

• Work experience / shadowing• Part time jobs• Volunteering • College positions e.g student union,

prefect, student council

• Wider reading, articles, journals• Exhibitions, galleries• Knowledge of what is required

• How have current subjects affected your choice?

• What skills you have gained?• What have you enjoyed, field trips, units?• Academic skills … working to deadlines,

lab reports etc

Motivation – why are you applying?

Academic ability and potential

Active interest in the subject

Experience / hobbies

MAKE SURE THAT EXAMPLES ARE RELEVANT!!!



• UCAS acknowledges receipt of the application

• University Admissions Tutors assess each application

• Track application process online

• Possible invitation to an interview / auditions / supply

portfolio

• Decisions/offers made via UCAS track

CHECK E-MAILS REGULARLY!!!

What happens next?



• Conditional offer

• Unconditional offer

• Alternative course offer

• Unsuccessful

• Offers may be expressed in either grades or UCAS

points, for example, BBB or 300 UCAS points

Types of offer?



After the Offer? • Can only reply to universities once all offers are received

• Select firm choice

• Can also have an insurance choice

• UCAS Extra – for late applicants and those who

change their mind

• Results Day

• Clearing

Student Finance

Centre

Nuffield Centre

St Michael’s Road

Portsmouth, PO1 2ED

Tuition Fees

• Tuition fees vary from course to course, the maximum is £9,000 per year.

• Fees may rise each year in line with inflation.

• Fees at the University of Portsmouth will be £9,000 for full-time courses.

Student Finance

Centre

Nuffield Centre

St Michael’s Road

Portsmouth, PO1 2ED

Tuition Fee Loans

• Tuition fees do not have to be paid upfront. Eligible Home (UK) and EU students can apply for a loan to cover these costs, whether they study part or full time.

• Eligibility for the loan depends on residency status in the UK, and any previous study students may have done (either in the UK or elsewhere).

• Loans are repaid after graduation, depending on income.

Student Finance

Centre

Nuffield Centre

St Michael’s Road

Portsmouth, PO1 2ED

Maintenance Loans• Maintenance loans (for living costs) are available to

eligible full-time students from England.

• These loans are partially income-assessed.

• The repayment terms are exactly the same as the tuition fee loan.

• The amount of loan available depends on:

o Where the student liveso Household incomeo Whether they receive maintenance grant

Student Finance

Centre

Nuffield Centre

St Michael’s Road

Portsmouth, PO1 2ED

Maintenance Grants

• Maintenance grants (for living costs) are available to some full-time students from England.

• These grants are income-assessed, and do not have to be repaid.

Household Income Maintenance Grant

Up to £25,000 £3,387

From £25,001 - £42,620 Partial grant

£42,620+ No grant payable

Student Finance Centre

Nuffield Centre

St Michael’s Road

Portsmouth, PO1 2ED

Summary of government supportStudents living away from home

Household Income

Tuition Fee Loan

Maintenance Loan

Maintenance Grant

Total towards living costs

£25,000 or less £9,000 £4,047 £3,387 £7,434

£30,000 £9,000 £4,520 £2,441 £6,961

£35,000 £9,000 £4,993 £1,494 £6,487

£40,000 £9,000 £5,467 £547 £6,014

£45,000 £9,000 £5,519 £0 £5,519

£50,000 £9,000 £4,998 £0 £4,998

£55,000 £9,000 £4,476 £0 £4,476

£60,000 £9,000 £3,955 £0 £3,955

Over £62,143 £9,000 £3,731 £0 £3,731



Tuition Fees• You DO NOT need to pay these fees up-front

• You do not start repaying until after you finish your course and are earning over £21,000

• The loan is written off after 30 years



Key DatesMid September – Applications can start to be submitted to UCAS

15th October – Deadline for Oxford & Cambridge and applications for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine & veterinary science

15th Jan – Deadline for all other applications (except certain art & design courses)

24th March – Some art and design courses



UCAS Parent Guide

• Download from the website

• Ucas.com

• Hints and tips

• Useful websites

• Step by step guide



We’re in the top 2% of universities in the wo


What can you do next?• Visit Uni’s Book on to Open Days

• Encourage students to Speak to the careers team

• Do some research – websites & prospectuses

Websiteswww.opendays.comwww.ucas.com

www.moneysavingexpert.com

www.unistats.com

www.prospects.ac.uk

• Look at the Parent Guide on the UCAS website

Documents

We’re in the top 2% of universities in the world Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2013 We’re in the top 2% of universities in the world