EvolveDurham School

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Time Session11.30 – 12.00 Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Mo

12.00 – 12.30 I’m the one that you want

EENY, MEENY, MINY, MO

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The aims of this session are:•To introduce students to the main areas of research when choosing a course and a university•To provide examples of what students need to research•To provide details of where to find further information

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• Semesters • Lectures • Seminars/workshops • Assessment• Lifestyle• Money

Insert title 1 Differences…

Insert title 1 • Subject area that interests you• Can you make the grade?• Course content/Assessment – exams Vs. coursework• Placements/Work experience • Professional accreditation/Career prospects

Choosing a course…

Insert title 1 • Where in the UK?• Size and type• Reputation: League tables, Friends, Family• Extra curricular and support facilities• Cost of living and social life

Choosing a university…

• Careers & Employment Service• Counselling & Mental Health Support• Disability Support Team• Welfare and International Support• Libraries & IT Open Access Areas • Study Skills Centre

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Choosing a universitySupport facilities

Halls of Residence

Privately Rented

Home

Choosing a universityAccommodation

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City Minimum Cost

Maximum Cost

Newcastle £69 £180

Sheffield £75 £130

Liverpool £72 £105

London £101 £226

Manchester £68 £131

Edinburgh £56 £215

Oxford £124 £183

UCAS Big Map 2012

Choosing a universityAccommodation costs

• Welcome Week• Students’ Union Officer• RAG Week• Student Media• Sports Clubs• Students into Schools• Societies

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Choosing a universityCampus Life

• Welcome to Britain’s number one student city*• Ranked 7th in the world for nightlife & 3rd in Europe**• Metro, Newcastle International Airport, Central Station, good road network, International Ferry Terminal

*Named best university city in the UK for three consecutive years (MSN Travel website).** the Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Awards (2010)

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Choosing a universityLocation

• Largest university in the North East• First class teaching and student support• Courses are designed to be relevant and

applied• Lots of accredited and safe accommodation• Graduate employment is 82.2%, the highest in

the region and 7.5% above the sector average (2009/10 DHLE Survey)

Northumbria University

• Award winning I.T. provision and 24/7 library access

• £135 million campus investment • £30 million sport facility - Sport Central• Award winning Students’ Union• Purpose built, award winning,

environmentally friendly facilities

Northumbria University

• Careers library/resources centre• University website• University prospectus• Subject brochure• Friends and Family• Alternative prospectuses• Open/Visit Days and organised visits• Higher Education and Careers Fairs

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I’M THE ONE THAT YOU WANT

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• Online application – ‘Apply’• 5 choices• UCAS Track• Application fee - £12 or £23• UCAS Extra

Insert title 1 The UCAS Application

• 15 OctoberDentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science and

Veterinary Medicine, Oxbridge• 15 JanuaryAll other courses• 30 JuneFinal deadline

Insert title 1 Application Deadlines

You will be asked to complete the following sections:•Personal details•Choices•Education•Employment•Statement•Reference

Insert title 1 The UCAS Application

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Why is the personal statement important?•Interviews are only used for certain courses•It’s your chance to sell yourself to the admissions selector•You need to stand out amongst the other applicants

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• An interest and enthusiasm for the subject area• Evidence you have thought about what you want

to do• Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation• A logically organised statement

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You need to cover:•Your current studies•Why you have chosen this subject area/course•Something about you as a person

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What bearing do your current studies have on your selection?

Application for Architecture degree

“Studying BTEC Level 3 Art and Design has provided me with the necessary research skills to gain different ideas and inspiration from a range of architects such as Gaudi, Douglas Cardinal and Sir Norman Foster, using their ideas to inspire me in their own designs.”

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What experiences have you gained from your studies?

Application for a Social Work degree

“My current HEFC Social Welfare course has improved my written and verbal communication skills as well as my analytical skills. Taking part in group presentations has improved my team and public speaking abilities. I am particularly enjoying learning about the history of the Welfare State in Britain. It has helped me to realise how important it is to provide support to those who need it the most and has made me even more determined to be a social worker.”

Insert title 1 Current Studies

What interests you about the course/subject area?

Application for Law degree

“The subject of law interests me deeply. I find the depths of its context fascinating, from how it has adapted to the development of technology. I am excited about studying law at university because I want to be able to help people. I find the prospect of fighting to win a case and improve somebody’s life very exciting.”

Insert title 1 Why this subject area/course?

Do you have a career goal?

Application for Business degree

“I believe a degree of this kind would assist me in my goal of being in a fast paced and challenging career in the banking industry. I want to organise, lead teams and carry out projects. I have my own innovative ideas and I am passionate about seeing them through. This course would provide me with knowledge and solid foundations to make this dream a reality.”

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What skills and attributes do you have?

Application for Business Studies degree

“Competing in sporting events has helped my team building skills and also my leaderships skills as I have been nominated to the role of team captain. I feel that I motivate others to succeed and have been able to listen and give instructions and advice.”

Insert title 1 The real you

What do you do in your spare time?

Application for History degree

“I am currently a volunteer in a museum, my role being to provide information about paintings and historical relics.”

Insert title 1 The real you

Do you have any relevant work/volunteer experience?

Application for English degree

“Throughout my studies… I have held down a regular job as a kitchen porter… I have proved myself to be a reliable, hardworking member of a team, building my character through the heavy demands the often hectic kitchen puts on me. This demonstrates that I am able to work well under pressure, as well as show proficiency in team working, time management and organisation.”

Insert title 1 The real you

Do you have any other achievements?

Application for Physiotherapy degree

“I have attended a 3 day “Exploring Physiotherapy” workshop where I sampled university life by attending presentations and workshops. I was particularly interested in paediatric physiotherapy and the experience has assured me that this is the right choice for me.”

Insert title 1 The real you

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Things to remember…

IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Guitar lessons; Member of Charity Group – helped organise fund raising events; Cashier – School Bank; Romania Link – helped organise fund raising events; Badminton Club; Causeway Coast Ramble Stage 2; Ski Trips; Form Charity Representative; Mini Bus Representative; Form Captain.

OUT OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Bronze Award, Silver Award, currently working for Gold Award; Elocution Lessons; Piano Exam grade 4 (Trinity); British Red Cross Practical First Aid Exam; Member of Badminton Club; Youth Fellowship – Treasurer; Church Choir; Girls Brigade – currently training to be a Sub Officer; Junior Leader of Holiday Bible Club ; Creche Helper in Church; Children’s Church Helper; Sunday School Teacher; Member of a Presbyterian Church in Ireland: team went to Wembley to run holiday Bible Clubs for Hindu children.

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Don’t provide a list of everything you’ve tried once

For many years now I have aspired towards a career in Business and Business Management and I have decided I want to pursue a career in the Business area. I would like to study Business Management and Business because the level I can study Business at, at the minute is really enjoyable and I want to continue my studies with this.

Insert title 1 Avoid repetition

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Liam_turns_me_on@

serial_killer@

murderman2003@

stalker-at-work@

thongsonawashingline@

(applicant’s name was Liam)

(applicant applied for nursing)

(applicant applied for social work)

(applicant applied for law)

(what can I say!?)

Be professional…

I would describe myself as a rather energetic person who is always looking for something to so with his free time. Previous failed hobbies include stamp collecting (too quiet), Rugby (too painful) and girl chasing (too ugly). But now I believe I am settled with my current interests, football and music. On the football side I feel that although I possess little skill I make up for it with enthusiasm. I am also an avid football supporter of my favourite team Crystal Palace (they need the help). On the music side I am a guitarist and singer in a local punk band

Insert title 1 Be careful with humour

The International Business Studies degree will allow me to expose myself internationally…

Insert title 1 Check it before you send it

Last year I co-wrote and produced the Junior House play. I found it very demanding but great fun. This turned into horror on the last night when one of the lead actors became ill and I had to play Tinky Winky from the Teletubbies. What a nightmare.

I can boast to be able to eat three cream crackers in less than thirty seconds without a drop of water. This small yet laborious feat represents my endeavour to succeed at even the pettiest of challenges.

Insert title 1 Think about what you’re telling us

I have pondered over this statement for some time now. At this point in my life it would be easier for me to list the careers that do not interest me rather than to try and focus on one that does. What I do know is that I am confused.

Money, money is the thing that most motivates me. I have a passion for money, spending, saving and even earning it (my favourite is counting). The idea of managing other people’s money gets me excited. This is why I am interested in accountancy and would like to become a chartered accountant.

Insert title 1 You don’t have to have a career plan

So what can I tell you about me? At Christmas time I like it quiet but New Year I like to party and tend to party the rest of the year away with friends and others but on the whole I’m just your average 22 year old. I hate the colour red, love the number 12 and have never or ever will play the National Lottery.

I am medium height 1.8m, slim and fit looking with short black hair and piercing black eyes. I am ambitious and taking life seriously. I normally wear casual clothes, often trousers and shirts for special occasions, however I can look elegant in a stylish outfit.

Insert title 1 Is this a university application?

When I first started looking for degree courses that would suit me, I carried out my research in the college learning centre (Library). My method was effective because I discovered the “Business Information Systems” course. This has the perfect mix of Business and computing for me. My next step was to look in the careers centre in Kings Lynn Town, in here I was able to access the UCAS web-site. I decided to get a list of every university that offered Business Information Systems. I printed myself a copy of the list and rang each university on the list to ask for a copy of the Undergraduate prospectus. They were delivered and there must have been about 15-20 prospectuses (my postman’s biceps have doubled in size!).This course was definitely for me, this is because I have always had an interest in computing and business, for as long as I can remember anyway. In the last few years especially my brain has been awash with entrepreneurial ideas, some I have made a reality and some stay locked in my mind for the right opportunity. Basically this course ‘jumped out and grabbed me’, others have been considered but this is the only one that made me want to pack my bags and leave tomorrow (believe me it did).

Insert title 1 Use the right level of detail

• Your personal statement is PERSONAL

• Make it interesting

• Don’t make things up

Insert title 1 Don’t forget

• Be aware of the UCAS deadlines

• You will be sent an acknowledgement and will be provided with a personal identification number

• DO NOT lose this number

• UCAS will send your application form to each of the institutions you apply to

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• Check progress of application on the UCAS website using ‘Track’

• Make a note of the deadlines for offers

• Reply by the deadline or your application could be declined by default

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UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)www.ucas.com

Nursing and Midwifery CouncilInformation and advice for anyone considering nursing or midwiferywww.nmc-uk.org

The Teaching AgencyRoutes into teaching, finance and how to applywww.education.gov.uk

Northumbria University Open Dayswww.northumbria.ac.uk/opendays

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Any Questions?

Keep in contact

• Follow us on Twitter @NorthumbriaGA• Join our Facebook group: Evolve @ Northumbria• Visit us on one of our Open Days:

Friday 27th June 2014Saturday 28th June 2014

Saturday 27th September 2014Saturday 25th October 2014