Y14 Induction - Careers Department

Head of Careers Mr J Davey

Higher Education

University Fees:

NI Universities : £3,575

GB Universities: up to £9,000

Republic of Ireland Universities: €2,500

European Universities (UNICAS): Free > €2,500

------------------------------------------------------

College of Further and Higher Education:

Belfast Metropolitan: £2,575

Why Higher Education?

Considering a STEM Career...

Top 10 Recruiting Industries in NI 2012 …

*IT*Engineering*Accountancy & Finance*Pharmaceutical & SciencePublic Sector*ManufacturingSales*Banking, Financial Services & InsuranceSecretarial & Administration*Construction & Architecture

*7 out of 10 = STEM related

Remember: STEM is not for everyone

You will do better in courses you enjoy Consider studying Arts / Creative courses Job satisfaction is important You may be a long time in your chosen career so

choose wisely!

UCAS

University and course research

UCAS website; University prospectus / website; Unistat

Choose Suitable Courses

You should consider: Your interests; Your academic strengths; What you enjoy studying; Your desired career path; Be realistic about entry requirements; A course with a lower entry requirement

UCAS Registration

Before returning to school on the 4th September, all students MUST have: Registered with UCAS using the buzzword:

KNOCKCAREERS10 Completed the Personal Details, Education

and Work sections on the UCAS application form

Started a first draft of a Personal Statement

UCAS Parent Guides are available in the Hall and online- www.ucas.com

Key to writing Personal Statements

It is a process that will require several drafts.

It should be: Short (47 lines or 4000 characters); Concise and relevant; Written in formal language; Well structured using paragraphs; Without errors in punctuation, spelling and grammar; Strong in its opening and closing statements

Writing Personal Statements

Word process and then paste into UCAS when complete

Seek parental help Submit to your Careers teacher for

further advice only after you have re-drafted a number of times

Be aware of similarity detection

Why do Admissions Tutors reject applicants?

No evidence of ‘enthusiasm’ or ‘passion’ for the subject

Spelling mistakes Repetition of words e.g. ‘interesting’ Poor structure No evidence of interest outside of the school

curriculum Lack of expansion on relevant areas Broad statements, no specifics Too much emphasis on hobbies with no links to

courses

Additional Advice

Make sure to keep your referee fully informed of your plans

Arrange post AS results appointment with your referee to discuss grades

Be realistic in your choice of courses Be aware that some courses require

Aptitude Tests All payment to UCAS by credit card Keep checking your e-mail for further

information

Key Dates and Deadlines

Open Days: UU: Wednesday 11th September (Open Evening -

12th September) QUB: Friday 13th September St Mary’s: Tuesday 17th September

Higher Education Conference at Methodist College: Evenings of Thursday 12th and Friday 13th

September (by ticket only)

Key Dates and Deadlines

School UCAS Deadlines: Early applicants (Oxford, Cambridge,

Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine): 30th September 2013

All other applicants: 25th October 2013

UKCAT: Registered before 20th September 2013 Test completed by 4th October 2013

Careers Advice Careers Staff will be in the Sports Hall for advice.

Mr Davey Mr McKenna Ms Hughes

Best wishes with your Year 14 studies!