HE and Student Finance
Deciding what to do after college can be a particularly tough decision to make.
Here’s a guide to finding your way.
Why go to University?
The media often focus on the negatives of going to University. They talk about the cost, the lack of jobs post degree, and the lack of work experience you have as a graduate. But, this is only one side of the story. University can be the best, most life changing experience. So, why go to University? Here are five reasons:
- Over two thirds of jobs in the UK ask for a degree. If you do not have a degree, you are cutting down your job prospects significantly;
- The average salary for graduates is 30% higher than for non-graduates aged 25-30;
- You get to study what you love with the best experts in that field;
- Life experience – no one can put a price on that! You get lots of opportunities at University that you wouldn’t get anywhere else;
- First taste of freedom. Meet people you would never have met, build your self confidence and learn how to cook and work a washing machine!
How much will University cost?
Have a look at this video:
Student finance is not as scary as it might first seem. You will not pay any money back until you have graduated and you are earning a good amount of money. That means you might even be four or five years into your job before you start paying any money back. Once you start paying, you only pay 9% over the threshold. This is not a lot of money. And, the money will come out of your pay before you get it, meaning you don’t have to budget.
What are the alternatives?
If you don’t go to university, what else could you do?
Some options include:
- Higher Apprenticeships – these now provide pathways to many careers traditionally followed by graduates.
- Job – there are lots of opportunities and trainee positions for school leavers. Some people choose to work first and go to university a few years later when they have a better idea of what they really want; others find their feet at work and never look back. Check out Notgoingtouni for advice about different routes and vacancy details.
- Taking a Gap Year – doing something different is a great way to try new things and find out what you like, and may help you make more focused choices.
Have you done your research?
Look closely at course content. Just as there is a difference between subjects at GCSE and A-level, so the jump from A-level to degree can bring a different focus. And that’s not forgetting subjects you can start from scratch. The Open University’s Open Learn offers free university-level modules in a wide range of subjects and can give you a taster of what a full course may involve.
Go on university open days and get a feel for what you like, both in terms of courses and the wider university experience.
Consider employment prospects for your chosen course – where have recent graduates ended up? To find out more, see the Higher Education Careers Services Unit’s What do graduates do?
Useful Links
Unistats How well is the university you are thinking about performing? The official website for comparing UK higher education course data
Success at School Career advice for schools and students aged 13-19. Search jobs, advice & find out about employers, work experience, courses, career choices, apprenticeships
Russell Group Universities Advice from the Russell Group about choosing GCSE and A level subjects
Oxford & Cambridge Outreach Service Information about applying to Oxford and Cambridge and the outreach activitiy they offer all in one place.
Bright Knowledge has lots of information and advice on choosing a university.
UCAS enables you to research your university choices and courses. You also apply for higher education courses through their website.
WhatUni.com helps you compare courses and universities.
Best Course 4 Me offers advice from past students who have taken specific courses, and links subjects studied with information on job prospects and potential earnings.
The Guardian University Guide has profiles of every university and course in the UK, league tables and student news.
Pure Potential is an independent organisation which raises the aspirations of thousands of sixth-formers every year, helping them to achieve offers from excellent universities.
Push Independent guide to universities.
Greater Manchester Higher Greater Manchester Higher is a collaborative network. The partnership is a part of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme, which will deliver a nationally coordinated approach to working with schools, universities and colleges to help people access higher education.