The Right Course and the Right University How

The Right Course and the Right University – How to Choose? Gemma Smith Head of International Recruitment & Admissions Edge Hill University

We’re here to help! • • • Ask as many questions as you like! Know what you are willing to be flexible about and know what is absolutely non-negotiable Be realistic Liverpool Skyline by Night

The Location Where do you want to go? • Country • Region / City • University Can you be flexible as to where you study your course? • Some courses very limited e. g veterinary medicine • Does location matter, or could you study anywhere? • Can the institution guarantee accommodation? • Big City? Campus? Leisure activities? • Cost of living?

What sort of University? As you might expect, universities are not all the same… • • • Old or new? Large or small? Average UK University size is 15 – 18, 000 One campus or multi-site? Quality and reputation; league tables, subject tables, national student survey Cost of degree

Which course? Subject – area of study • What do you want to study!? • Is the subject you have chosen realistic with your predicted results? • Take a look at how courses are delivered, search for different courses in the subject you want to do and check out the details: • What are the modules like? Which are most interesting, or most relevant to your career direction? • How's the course assessed? Exams, coursework, presentations – what do you prefer? • What are the tutors like? Are they experts in areas you want to learn about?

Entry Criteria IB Grade UCAS Tariff Points 45 720 40 611 38 567 36 523 34 479 32 435 28 348

Entry Criteria BTEC Grade UCAS Tariff Points D*D*D* 420 D*DD 380 DDD 360 DDM 320 DMM 280 MMM 240 PPP 120

Making the Decision Compile a shortlist of possible universities • • • For some students location will be critical Others may be keen to go to a prestigious university and will have to consider whether they can meet the entry criteria For most students, it is a combination of factors • Good idea to use a grid approach University A University B University C Course 4 3 5 Location 5 2 4 Cost 4 4 3

We’re here to help! Sources of Information • Universities represented here; websites and prospectuses • ucas. com • Guidance Counsellors at your School/College • British Council

www. ucas. com

Unofficial university league tables • • • The Complete University Guide - free www. thecompleteuniversityguide. co. uk The Guardian University Guide - free www. theguardian. com/education/nginteractive/2015/may/25/university-league-tables-2016 Times Higher Education www. timeshighereducation. co. uk/world-university-rankings Rating based on student satisfaction, research quality, entry standards, student-staff ratio, prospects, etc.

We’re here to help! Any Questions? Gemma Smith Head of International Recruitment & Admissions Edge Hill University E: gemma. smith@edgehill. ac. uk T: +44 (0)1695 657122 W: edgehill. ac. uk/international