The Right Course and the Right University –
How to Choose?
Gemma SmithHead of International
Recruitment & Admissions
Edge Hill University
We’re here to help!
• Ask as many questions as you like!• Know what you are willing to be flexible about and know
what is absolutely non-negotiable• Be realistic
Liverpool Skyline by Night
The Location
What sort of University?
As you might expect, universities are not all the same…• Old or new?• Large or small? Average UK University size is 15 – 18,000• One campus or multi-site?• Quality and reputation; league tables, subject tables, national
student survey• Cost of degree
Which course?
Subject – area of study• What do you want to study!?• Is the subject you have chosen realistic with your predicted
results?• Take a look at how courses are delivered, search for different
courses in the subject you want to do and check out the details:• What are the modules like? Which are most interesting, or
most relevant to your career direction?• How's the course assessed? Exams, coursework,
presentations – what do you prefer?• What are the tutors like? Are they experts in areas you want
to learn about?
Entry Criteria
IB Grade UCAS Tariff Points
45 720
40 611
38 567
36 523
34 479
32 435
28 348
Entry Criteria
BTEC Grade UCAS Tariff Points
D*D*D* 420
D*DD 380
DDD 360
DDM 320
DMM 280
MMM 240
PPP 120
Making the Decision
Compile a shortlist of possible universities• For some students location will be critical• Others may be keen to go to a prestigious university and will
have to consider whether they can meet the entry criteria• For most students, it is a combination of factors• Good idea to use a grid approach
University A University B University C
Course 4 3 5
Location 5 2 4
Cost 4 4 3
We’re here to help!
Sources of Information• Universities represented here; websites and prospectuses• ucas.com• Guidance Counsellors at your School/College• British Council
www.ucas.com
Unofficial university league tables
• The Complete University Guide - freewww.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk
• The Guardian University Guide - freewww.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2015/may/25/university-league-tables-2016
• Times Higher Educationwww.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings
Rating based on student satisfaction, research quality, entry standards, student-staff ratio, prospects, etc.
We’re here to help!
Any Questions?
Gemma SmithHead of International Recruitment & Admissions
Edge Hill UniversityE: [email protected]
T: +44 (0)1695 657122W: edgehill.ac.uk/international