Thinking about after year 13
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University qualifications are open to anyone of any age.
Different courses require difference entry requirements and all University courses incur a cost.
Courses can be full time or part time and many have work placement opportunities and year abroad opportunities.
What is Further Education?
At University there are different types of courses and they require different qualifications to apply for the courses.
Foundation Degrees
A foundation year is an extra year of study at the start of a university course. It allows students who don't meet the entry requirements for the normal course to fill in the gaps and go on to study a full degree
Undergraduate Degree
An undergraduate degree (also called first degree, bachelor's degree or simply degree) is a colloquial term for an academic degree taken by a person who has completed an undergraduate course. It is usually offered at an institution of higher education, such as a university.
Post Graduate & Master’s Degree
Postgraduate courses cover higher-level study, including master's degrees, doctorates (PhDs) and postgraduate diplomas. These typically require you to have completed an undergraduate degree, often with 2:2 honours or higher, before you can study them.
Types of master’s degree include:
- MSc (Master of Science)
- MA (Master of Arts)
- MEd (Master of Education)
- LLM (Master of Law)
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- MRes (Master of Research)
You do not have to study for a master's degree immediately after finishing your bachelor's degree - many people opt for further study after they have begun their career in their chosen field, particularly if they feel it would enhance their career prospects, or if they wish to specialise in a particular area of expertise.
Applications to enrol on postgraduate courses are made directly to the University.
UCAS - Postgraduate Courses
UCAS has a list of all terminology and abbreviations
UCAS Terminology
For help understanding Student Finance, please watch this YouTube video.
University study has to paid for by the student. The cost is currently capped at £9250 and repayment is only made when the course has been completed or the student has left university
Most universities offer various forms of financial support too, particularly (though not exclusively) to students from lower income families or applicants with special needs. You need to contact your chosen university to find out more information
Charitable and Educational grants are available for some students. For those with a disability there is a helpful fact sheet
For some courses in Health there are extra NHS bursaries
Many charities offer grants dependant on postcode, age,income etc
thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk
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