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Accepting an unconditional offer

Thu 25 July 2024 - 09:53

By UCAS in UCAS advice

You might have heard stories about unconditional offers, and how a friend-of-a-friend’s next-door neighbour’s cousin received one before they got their exam results. In the past this would probably have been quite rare, however some universities will make unconditional offers to exceptional applicants who don’t have their results yet. Some universities and colleges make unconditional offers based on an interview/audition, admissions test or predicted grades. There were over 30,000 unconditional offers made in the 2023 entry cycle.

Here, we explain what you need to consider if you’re thinking about accepting one of these offers.


Having an unconditional offer from your favourite university at an early stage of your application can be very reassuring. It means that if you select them as your firm choice, you will definitely be accepted on to the course, regardless of what grades you get in the summer...

Is work experience important?

Mon 22 July 2024 - 13:32

By UCAS in UCAS advice

A recent survey showed two thirds of employers look for graduates with relevant work experience because it helps them prepare for work and develop general business awareness. Importantly, one third of employers felt that applicants did not have a satisfactory level of knowledge about their chosen career or job.

To gain a better understanding of a career, organise some work experience or a few days’ work shadowing with an employer. It may not give you time to develop job-specific skills, but it can give you insight into the work involved. It also shows you have motivation and commitment. Some schools, colleges, and universities may be able to organise this for you but if not, research and contact companies yourself.

Alternatively, you could gain relevant work experience as part of a vocational programme, such as a BTEC diploma or...

The Application Process: An International Student's Perspective

Tue 18 June 2024 - 11:27

By Laura Klepeisz in International students

Laura Klepeisz graduated secondary school in Austria and is currently applying to university in the UK.


1. What most made you want to apply to university?

Firstly, because I don't want my education to be over yet. I feel it will be an opportunity to further enhance and develop the skills I have already gained. In addition to this, student life is full of enriching experiences. Not only does it present new opportunities, but it also broadens my outlook on life in general.

2. Of the application process, which element did you find most difficult?

The personal statement!  It is the key to making it or not making it for me, so I wanted to give it my all. It wasn't difficult to understand the application in general, in fact it was quite simple to understand. It is just that the statement is the most challenging aspect and requires hard work to complete.

3. Where did your interest in journalism begin?
...

How to look after your finances as a postgraduate

Wed 3 July 2024 - 13:29

By money.co.uk in Money

Taking on a postgraduate course is a big commitment, for both your time and your bank balance. But being smart with your money can make life much easier.

How much will it cost?
Not all postgrad courses cost the same. They very a lot, but the average for a Masters is around £11,000. How much it costs depends on:
• which course you choose
• where you study
• whether your course is full time or part time
• how much you spend on rent, bills, and entertainment

Postgraduate certificates and diplomas tend to be the cheapest, while master’s degrees and PhDs are the most expensive. Think about your reasons for studying and try to pick a route that won't leave you out of pocket.

Decide how you're going to study
If you dream about a care free student life, where you go out every night and wake up at midday, then think again. Be prepared to work hard and save.
...

How to fill in your spare time

Thu 11 July 2024 - 12:36

By UCAS in First year

I know the score, you’re at university and you’re there to study. Whilst you’re at uni, it can be a good idea to do something productive to fill the time in between studying. Here are my top ten suggestions to fill in any spare time you have!

1. Get a part-time job. A part-time job would be considered reasonably easy to a) apply and get, and b) to work around your studies. Not only will it fill your time, but you’ll be able to earn some money to fund your studies and social life.

2. Start a new hobby. Picking up a new sport or hobby is a productive way to spend your time. You will be channeling your energy into learning a new skill, and university is the perfect opportunity to do this.

3. Join a new society. Societies at unis often hold socials to help people make friends and socialise. Join a society that you wouldn’t normally join, you might surprise yourself by enjoying meeting new people with different interests to you. If you don’t...

University Tales: My first week (and a bit)

Thu 10 January 2019 - 14:50

By Itunu in First year

Journey to Uni
 
Early in the morning on the 17th of September I was up and ready to start the 2hour journey to the University of Birmingham. I didn’t feel nervous or scared I just felt ready. Ready to finally leave my home town and go to University. 
I arrived, set up my room, met my housemates and chilled with my family. When my family left the morning after I expected to be hit with an overwhelming sense of loneliness but it didn’t come- I felt at home. 
 
 
 
...

Do you need to take an English test to study at university in the UK?

Thu 10 January 2019 - 16:22

By UCAS in International students

By Petra Olsson from Cambridge English Language Assessment

In 2015, the UK’s Visa and Immigration service (UKVI) changed its rules affecting the English language tests needed to work or study in the UK. Many students have found the new rules complicated and are not sure if they need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or another kind of English test. This quick guide outlines the key facts about who needs to take a SELT and, more importantly, who doesn’t!

What are the different types of English...

Can you get financial help from grants, scholarships and bursaries?

Thu 11 July 2024 - 09:31

By money.co.uk in Money

You have to pay student loans back with interest after you graduate, but there are several other ways to help you pay for university that do not need to be paid back.

Universities offer help to support students with financial difficulties, to award achievements or to attract gifted students.

You can’t get Maintenance Grants or Special Support Grants when you start uni any more, but you may be able to get additional financial support in the form of scholarships, bursaries or grants:

Scholarships are awarded based on your academic achievements or abilities. They often cover all of your tuition fees for one year or more.

Bursaries are usually given as instalments each term or a one-off lump sum to help you out if you are struggling...

How to find a job

Thu 25 July 2024 - 11:25

By money.co.uk in Money

There are lots of resources on the internet that can help you find a job, successfully apply for it and perfect your interview technique.

• UCAS careers advice covers everything from writing your CV to how to get into specific industries.
• The BBC website features videos to help you prepare for finding a job.

What industry should you work in?
Your degree could help you get a job in particular industries. For example, a maths degree could make it easier to get a job in accountancy. Here is some advice on what careers suit your degree.

The five highest paid industries for graduates are:

• Investment banking (average salary £43,500)
• Law (£37,000)
• Financial...

Preparing for Exams

Thu 20 June 2024 - 10:11

By Anna J in Applicant

Hello!
 
I hope you're okay and not too stressed with exams and revision etc. I've done 2 exams so far this year and so I thought I'd share my top tips on how I prepare the day of my exam.

Morning and afternoon exams are obviously very different, and I know that everyone has one they prefer. Personally, I like morning exams much better because I feel fresher and more energised in the morning and so I'm able to concentrate for longer - most of the time anyway!!

So here is what I do on the day of the exam to help me feel prepared and calm.
 
1) Confidence
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the most self-confident person in the world. My motto for confidence is "fake it till you make it" and that works pretty well most of the time!
For both my exams so far, I've woken up early before college so I can...

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