choosing courses and institutions€¦ · choosing your course but how do i choose my degree...
TRANSCRIPT
© University of Reading 2006 www.reading.ac.uk15 September 2009
Choosing Courses and Institutions
www.reading.ac.uk
Why go to University?
• You need a degree for some jobs
• Study something you enjoy
• Better career prospects and earning potential
• Transferable skills
• Social opportunities
• Meet new people
• Develop confidence and independence
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www.reading.ac.uk 3
The
admission procedure
• UCAS is a central clearing house
• The only method of entry to UK degree programmes
• 5 choices
• Decisions are made by universities
• All Applications done electronically
www.reading.ac.uk 4
Timeline• 1st September 2009
Applications for 2010 entry begin
• 15 October 2009
Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, Dentistry, Medicine and Vet Science
• 15 January 2010
Closing date for 2010 applications.
• End March 2010
Majority of decisions made
• Early May 2010
Deadline for applicants to make replies to offers
www.reading.ac.uk
What can you study?
• Traditional subjects- English
Literature, Maths, Geography
• Vocational-Teaching, Pharmacy,
Social Work
• Unusual courses- Theatre Arts,
Education and Deaf Studies,
Meteorology, Surf Science,
International Football Management
• Combined Courses – Music and
Maths, Management and French
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www.reading.ac.uk 6
Choosing your course
But how do I choose my degree subject..?
What do you like?
What do you need?What are you good at?
But how will I know if it’s right for me..?
Search Internet
Books in the careers library/ University materials
League Tables/Good University Guides
Talk to your Careers/Connexions Adviser
But until I’m there how will I know what it’s REALLY like?
The Course
www.reading.ac.uk
Where can you study?
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• 350 institutions in the UK• City or campus• Size• Reputation• Travel time• Range of facilities
www.reading.ac.uk 8
Social LifeVenues on campus
Cultural events
• Theme nights
•Quizzes
•Karaoke
•And much more …
End of term events
• Freshers
• Christmas
• Easter
• Graduation
Union Night club
• Live bands
•National DJs
•Comedy
•A wide variety of nights
• Departmental concerts
• Orchestra performances
• Drama
•Multi cultural Events
Student Life
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Sports Clubs
AikidoAmerican Football ArcheryAthletics Boat Club Badminton Basketball CanoeCaving CheerleadingClay pigeon CyclingCricketDanceFloor ball
GolfFencingFootball (mens/women) GolfLacrosseHockey (mens/womens) Karate Kung FuMountain Biking MountaineeringNetball RifleRowingRugby (mens/womens)
SailingSkiingSnooker & poolPoloRidingSquashSub AquaSurfTable TennisTae KwondoTai JitsuTennis TrampoliningUltimate Frisbee
Student Life
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Societies
Afro Caribbean Agriculture Amnesty international Archaeology Armed Forces Art Asian Belly Dancing Biological Sciences Business Catholic Chess & GoCheerleading Chinese Circus Skills
ConservativeDramaElectronic Music English EntrepreneurFair-trade French Games & Role Playing History Indie Italian Jewish Law Lib Dem
Literature & journalism Millennium Volunteers Motorbike Music Muslim Photographic Poker Student bands and Live music Roller coaster Wine Appreciation Young greens Writers
Student Life
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Type:
Location:
Residence:
Campus? City?
At home?
Away from home?
Hall of Residence place guaranteed in Year 1?
A mixture of criteria based on YOUR individual interests and priorities...
Year 1:
Year 2:
Year 3+:
Flat, bedsit, shared house? Housing office to help?
Back into halls?
The Institution
www.reading.ac.uk 12
Accommodation
• Campus or city-centre?
•Type of accommodation
•Letting periods
•Facilities in accommodation
Reception, Cleaners, Kitchens
Choosing
www.reading.ac.uk 13
Factors to consider…
Facilities:
Social:
Library, computer labs, teaching rooms etc, 24 hour access?
Cafes, restaurants, bars,
nightclubs, sports, societies, cinema etc
Sandwich Year
Opportunity to study abroad
Atmosphere (crucial!)
Scholarships and bursaries
Other:
Can you be happy at this University?
Choosing
www.reading.ac.uk
What do Universities look for?
Enthusiasm
• An inquiring mind
•A desire to study at university level
•A burning desire to study the subject
•“Spark”
Interest in the field
• Research
•Knowledge
•Thoughts and awareness
•Some evidence of activity outside school/college
Applying to university
© University of Reading 2006 www.reading.ac.uk
Motivation Commitment
Experience Knowledge
Technical Skill Interpersonal Skills
Academic potential
Aspirations Enthusiasm Dedication
What do Universities look for?
Applying to university
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• Opportunity for many new experiences
• Independence and freedom
• Great social opportunities
• Great sporting opportunities
• Great recreational opportunities
• The most exciting time of your life…?
Planning ahead gives you more to enjoy...
So… what will university mean to you?
Choosing a University