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