University After Sixth Form
A large proportion of our students at King Charles I School Sixth Form go on to some form of higher education after A levels, either to pursue degree level study at university or perhaps undertake a foundation art and design year. There are many good reasons why this is so. University study allows students to further their particular interests, while the experience of living for the first time with a degree of independence is an exciting opportunity. Perhaps most important of all, a degree is seen as a way of obtaining a better job and is a pre-requisite for many professions.
UNIVERSITY IS A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE
University isn’t just about learning; the experience will enrich your life. You will:
- increase your knowledge – study what you enjoy, you’re interested in and with the top experts in their fields
- get your first true taste of independence and freedom, build self-confidence, experience all aspects of student life, broaden your horizons and meet new people
- gain a qualification that’s internationally recognised – UK higher education qualifications are recognised and respected by employers and academics worldwide
- develop the essential skills you’ll need in your career and working life – communication, organisation, time management, team work, leadership, problem-solving
- increase your earning potential – having a degree makes you more attractive to employers, you’ll have a greater choice of jobs and you’ll earn more. The average salary for graduates is 30% higher than for non-graduates aged 25-30.
- experience student life – yes, you’re expected to work hard but university is also fun. Whatever your interests, there are a huge range of clubs, societies and a diverse social life on offer
WHAT TO STUDY?
- The important thing is to choose a subject you’ll enjoy that will help you reach your goals.
- Think about what you enjoy doing day-to-day – maybe this could be part of a future job role.
- Explore jobsites and graduate careers to look for ideas to work or study towards.
CHOOSING A TYPE OF UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
Most students study for an undergraduate degree. These are dynamic academic environments with lectures and seminars, usually made up of different modules adding up to the full degree. Each course varies in learning styles, assessment methods and topics studied – and students usually get to choose some of the modules you take.
- Usually three or four years beginning in September/October, and also known as a bachelor’s or first degree.
- Usually one subject, although a few are broader, or you can study two subjects 50/50 or 75/25.
- Some offer work experience – a ‘sandwich course’ where you work for a year in a relevant industry.
- After completion you graduate, opening up new career options and postgraduate study.
There are shorter qualifications too. These include:
- One year of a degree – a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
- Two years of a degree – a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
- Higher National Diploma (HND) or a Foundation degree, which combines academic study with workplace learning.
CHOOSING WHERE TO STUDY
Some students set their heart on a particular university, while others just want to choose the course they like the sound of best. Either way is fine, but there are a few things to check first.
Courses and universities have varying application deadlines and entry requirements, so it’s worth finding out more before going any further.
When you move on to find a course it’s advisable to go along to open days to see which university you prefer.
SUPPORT AT KING CHARLES I SIXTH FORM WHEN APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY
We are very proud of the support we give to students when applying to university. A large portion of tutor time is devoted to applying to university and we provide various documents to guide the way including a personal statement guide and a help sheet for completing the online application form. We also hold a Higher Education evening in June of Year 12. Guidance about the university application process, writing the personal statement, researching courses and universities and finance. University representatives attend the evening.
All sixth form students are given access to Unifrog website which is a detailed online tool to support students in searching for the best university course for them as well as helping students find apprenticeships if that is their preferred option.
Some useful websites to find further information about university:
