Download - University: The Facts
University: The Facts
Mike Pollard
UK Marketing Manager
Introduction
Thinking about applying UCAS and the application process Student finance
Why study?
Interest in subject
Employability: Improved promotional and salary
progression Increased career choice Flexibility
Self-development
Social life
What to Study?
60,000 course combinations available Study of more than one subject New subjects Same course title - not the same content Career choice Teaching Assessment
Type of course
LEVEL Degree HND or Foundation Dip HE (Nursing)
STRUCTURE Modular Sandwich (thick or thin) Single, joint or combined Periods of study abroad
UCAS points tariff
BTEC Nationals
Key Skills
3 unit AS 6 unit A2 12 unit AVCE
Award Certificate Diploma Points
DDD 360 DDM 320 DMM 280 AA DD MMM 240 AB 220 BB DM MMP 200 BC 180 CC MM MPP 160 CD 140 A DD D MP PPP 120 B DE 100 C EE M PP 80 A D 60 B 50 C E P 40 D 30
level 3 E 20level 2 10
Where to Study?
Over 350 higher education providers in UK Beware of reputations Location Opportunity for part-time work Size Academic facilities Accommodation Social scene Campus/non-campus
Summary & How You Can Help
Reflection and research A subject they’ll enjoy! Support and guidance from school A realistic application
Why? What? Where? – in that order
Applying to university
How to Apply
www.ucas.ac.uk
University & Colleges Admissions Service
Everyone applies through UCAS except: Nursing / midwifery applications (NMAS) Art and Design foundation (direct) Part time courses (direct)
Timing of Application – UCAS dates
Spring/Summer 07 - Research and attend open daysSpring/Summer 07 - Research and attend open days
Sept 07 - Schools and colleges receive UCAS forms Sept 07 - Schools and colleges receive UCAS forms
15 Oct 07 - Closing date for UCAS to receive applications 15 Oct 07 - Closing date for UCAS to receive applications to Oxford and Cambridge, medicine, dentistry, to Oxford and Cambridge, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine/scienceveterinary medicine/science
15 Jan 08 - Deadline for all UCAS application forms15 Jan 08 - Deadline for all UCAS application forms
Deadlines
Student must adhere to school deadlines.
The earliest applications will get the places
Student is responsible for their application.
Teachers need enough time to write an excellent reference.
Application Form
UCASApply – online
Reference section completed by teachers
Three sections for student to complete:
Personal details and 5 course choices Qualifications – achieved/predicted Personal statement
UCAS Form – Personal Statement
Why this course / subject area? Evidence of understanding course
content and where it might lead Work experience (paid and unpaid) Key skills gained from activities such
as Duke of Edinburgh Career aspirations Involvement in non-examined
activities, e.g. music, drama Industrial sponsorships Year out details Social activities out of education
College reference
Motivation Commitment Reliability
Attendance Coursework handed in on time
Potential Strengths and Weaknesses
Work on own Leaders or followers Extenuating circumstances
Application progress
Interviews may take place An unconditional or
conditional offer is made• Example: 240 points to include
at least two 6-unit awards or equivalent
Applicant tracking service (UCAS)
Accept a “Firm” and “Insurance” offer
Kingston University Compact Scheme
Eligibility for students at compact colleges:
Full-time course at Kingston University Applying through UCAS
No family history of HE or EMA or Care leaver
Benefits:
£300 per year of study Flexible entry requirements Single contact for information, advice and guidance
Student Funding and Finance Issues
Student Finance – UK Undergraduate
Tuition fees and Tuition Fee Loans Maintenance Grants Maintenance Loans University and College Bursaries Additional Support How to Apply Repayments Nursing, midwifery and therapies different
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees of up to £3,070 per year (2007/8). Fees can vary between courses and universities. A Tuition Fee Loan is available. Can be paid up front. Available to all students, regardless of income Tuition fee loan is paid direct to the university
“study first, pay back when you’re earning”
Maintenance Grant
Up to £2,765
Means tested
Non-repayable
Paid in three instalments
Grant adjusted against student loan
Household Income
Level of Grant
Below £17,910 £2,760
Between £17,501 and
£37,425
Between
£50 and £2,759
Above £38,330 Nil
Maintenance Loan
To help with living and study expenses
Partly means-tested 75% non-means tested
25% means tested
Reduction in line with grant
Paid direct to the student
Paid in three instalments
Maintenance Loan Rates
2007/8 Max if receiving more than £1230 grant
75%
Non means tested
100%
Including means tested
Living away from home in London
£5085 £4735 £6,315
Living away from home outside London
£3280 £3,385 £4,510
Living at home £2,265 £2,620 £3,495
Disabled Student Allowances
Equipment allowance £4905 (to last the whole course)
Non-medical helper allowance £12420 (renewed each year)
General allowance £1640 (renewed each year and can be used to top up the other two allowances)
Not means tested
University and College Bursaries
IF Student receives the full grant of £2,765
AND University or College is charging more that that
THEN: University or College must provide a minimum non-
repayable bursary of at least the difference. Average is £305, but many are offering more than this.
Means Testing
Most living cost support is means tested.
The Local Authority assesses household income on the PN1 form – available March 2008
For most school leavers this will be based on:
Gross taxable income of resident parent(s) / partners / step parents
LESS deductions:
payments into pension funds
approx. £1,075 for each other dependant child
Method of calculation
Total gross taxable parental/spouse/partner income for financial year ended 5 April 2007 (plus any student income that must be used)
MinusPension payments and any tax deductible professional or employment-related expenditure to 5 April 2007
EqualsHousehold income
Minus£1075 for each other student or child in the household
Equals Residual Household Income - used to calculate level of support
Living Costs
Budgeting is an essential: Rent Food Clothes Books TV Licence Phone Transport Entertainment
Is it Enough?
Low income approx. £8,500 Middle income approx. £6,500 High Income approx. £4,500
Support available: Student bank accounts University student finance teams Emergency and Access to Learning Funds
Repayments
Tuition Fee & Maintenance Loans added together
Repayments start once pay is more than £15,000 pa
Repayments collected through PAYE
Repayment rate is 9% of earnings above £15,000 pa
Any outstanding balance (excluding arrears) is written off after 25 years
Additional payments can be made
Interest
Starts to be added as soon as first payment of loan received
Rate linked to retail price index and will fluctuate, currently 2.4%
SLC provide an annual statement detailing the balance outstanding and the interest added
Any balance remaining after 25 years will be cancelled
Gross income per year
Monthly repayment
£15,000 £0.00
£16,000 £7.50
£17,000 £15.00
£20,000 £37.50
£22,000 £52.50
£25,000 £75.00
Summary
Variable fees (up to £3,070)
Tuition Fee Loan (up to £3,070)
New non-repayable grants up to £2,765
Increase in maintenance loan
Guaranteed bursary for students receiving the £2,765 grant
Easy repayments
Further Information
www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk
www.nhspa.gov.uk/sgu/sgu.cfm
University Student Services Departments
DfES Publications: 0800 7319133