Welcome to our Parent/Carer ‘UCAS Resources & Higher Education Option Information’ page. Our Advice, Careers and Employability team (ACE), along with curriculum staff and Personal Tutors, have been working hard throughout the year to support students in making informed decisions about their career plans. We have also been raising aspirations and encouraging students to consider Higher Education (HE) options, through exploring and making applications for university courses and higher or degree apprenticeships after their current Level 3 course.
We know that as well as the work going on in College to help students make informed choices on progression, you as parents/carers will also play an important role in supporting students to make informed choices and applications for Higher Education.
On this page you will find information, useful links and resources, which will equip you with the knowledge to best support students through this process.
Please take a look through the resources and links below, we thank you for your support. If you have any questions/queries relating to the above, please do not hesitate to contact the Advice, Careers & Employability team on the following email address: aceriverside@riverside.ac.uk
Parent presentation
Please find below our Parents HE/UCAS Presentation. This provides information about HE options and the process of applying for HE courses through UCAS.
In addition, below is a presentation from Student Finance England, which outlines financial support available for students wishing to access Higher Education courses. The will show current support and figures for students (2020) and give you an idea of financial support available. These figures can be subject to change for the forthcoming year. The 2021 Student Finance presentation and figures will be published around February 2021 and this can be shared once available. We will also invite you into College to attend a Student Finance Parents’ evening.
New parent student finance 2020
Parents and students can use the Student Finance calculator tool (available at www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk) to understand the types of student finance and how much financial support a student may be entitled to when attending university. Please note that until Feb 2021, figures suggested will be calculated on 2020 figures.
Why University?
University can offer students many opportunities academically, personally and professionally. Going to university can give students life changing experiences, including moving away from home for the first time or having the opportunity to study a subject they are truly passionate about. Our ‘Why University?’ presentation is attached below and outlines some of the reasons and benefits behind Higher Education at University
Making informed decisions
When thinking about going to university, there are so many things to consider! Whether to move away or stay at home? The best university for the course I want to study? What are the entry requirements?
The presentation below gives more information on how to navigate through the research process and how to make those all important decisions such as career opportunities, moving away from home and other information.
choosing the right course presentation
Completing UCAS applications
How do students apply to university? All students apply to university through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Services). Students have been provided with detailed step by step guides to help them complete their application, including videos on how to complete each section of the application. Personal Tutors and the ACE team are on hand at any point to support students throughout the application process and urge you to contact us if you need any further assistance.
Please see below a breakdown of each section of the application with a handy ‘how-to’ video on completing each section.
How To Register For UCAS Part 1:
How To Register For UCAS Part 2:
Personal Details Section:
Additional Information Section:
Choices:
Education:
Employment:
Here we have also included the UCAS Cribsheet. This contains the ‘Buzzword’ which enables students to link their application to college. Please also find the student guide, which is a written tool that provides information on what should be included in each section of the UCAS application.
We have also linked the UCAS document, similar to above, which details how to complete the application form.
ucas-undergraduate-application-form-a-printed-guide
Student Guide to UCAS applications 2021
Writing a strong personal statement
Writing a personal statement is the biggest part of a UCAS application. Some Degree Apprenticeships also ask for personal statements when completing applications. A personal statement is the opportunity for a student to sell themselves to the university or business they are applying to. Students are provided with comprehensive information on how to complete a strong personal statement. Subject tutors and advice team play an integral role in checking personal statements, to ensure they are as strong as they can be, before sending them off to the universities or businesses.
Please find below a framework which details the aspects of the personal statement that are important and how best to approach writing this.
How To Write A Personal Statement:
Not going to University?
We understand that University is not the chosen option for every student. There are other great opportunities for students who decide that University is not for them, ranging from Apprenticeships, work experience abroad and direct employment within a chosen career.
Please take a look at our ‘Not going to University’ presentation which gives information on alternative options to traditional University.
What Next, Alternatives for after College
Important websites
Please find below links to websites that provide a wealth of information relating to opportunities after college. These range from HE options, whether that be traditional university, or looking at Higher or Degree apprenticeship opportunities. There is also information on these resources about other opportunities such as taking a gap year.
www.ucas.com -This website provides a wealth of information on all things HE related and is the site which manages the majority of HE applications through UCAS Apply and UCAS Track. ·
https://www.opendays.com – A one stop shop to find out about open days /virtual tours
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship – The place to search local and national apprenticeship opportunities at all levels and make online applications. ·
www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk – Information point of financial support available. This website is also host to the student finance calculator. ·
https://www.ucas.com/alternatives/gap-year/gap-years-ideas-and-things-think-about – Here the UCAS page shares information on gap years, and lists some useful sites to consider when looking for gap year opportunities.
Students can also access the above information and further resources on their SOLAR page > Student Zone > Advice, Careers and Employability > More information for students.
Alternatively, there are some FE/HE colleges that offer HE courses. These allow students to apply directly and therefore don’t list provision on UCAS. Riverside college is one of these, we offer an extensive list of Higher Education courses, including Higher National Certificates (HNC), Higher National Diplomas (HND), Higher Apprenticeships, Foundation Degrees, Top Up Degree and Teacher Education PCET or PGCE. You can find more information on our own HE provision on the following link: https://www.riversidecollege.ac.uk/higher-education/
We thank you again for your support, and do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.
The Advice, Careers and Employability Team.