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: gemma.smith@edgehill.ac.uk

T: +44 (0)1695 657122W: edgehill.ac.uk/international