Why Higher Education?
Benefits of Higher Education
Planning to study at higher education is a major life commitment and well worth putting some quality time into making the right decision. If well researched, a degree or higher education qualification could greatly improve job opportunities, lead to higher earnings and open doors to more interesting jobs.
However, a higher education qualification will not guarantee the above. It is therefore important to research your course thoroughly.
There are 2 key factors that you need to weigh up:
- What do you hope to gain from higher education?
- How much is it going to cost you and what help is available?
Gaining Entry to University
If you are an adult seeking a second chance in education it may not be necessary to spend 2 years gaining A levels to meet entry requirements. Access programmes are specially designed to prepare mature students for entry into HE and provide the underpinning knowledge and skills needed to progress to a degree or diploma course at a university or college
.
Advantages
Access to HE courses are invaluable as both a recognised qualification for applicants without standard entrance qualifications and to update or acquire relevant study skills and knowledge in a well supported environment.
Disadvantages
Undertaking an Access course is going to add an extra year to your budget planning. Find out how much the fees are for this course, what financial support is available and how many hours per week you can expect to be in the classroom.
Planning Ahead
What next after the Access course? Where does this lead to? What are you aiming for – personal achievement, a higher level of academic qualification, training, better career prospects?
It would be wrong to think that a degree qualification automatically improves job opportunities. There are other factors to take into account: like experience; competition for jobs; age; mobility; maybe further specialised training. Will you need to study a very specific degree course to attain the right knowledge and skills? You do not want to waste your time and resources.
To find out more go to http://www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/for the A-Z of Occupations on-line and to www.prospects.ac.uk the careers website for universities in the UK.
Choosing Your Course and University
Around 20% of students drop out of higher education each year because they did not think through their choice of subject or university. Find out about degree courses now! How far will you have to travel for the right degree course? Can you consider moving to study? Have you got enough free time for studying at this level and to cover all the course requirements, such as projects, assignments and revision for exams? What about juggling other commitments, such as home and family? Are you considering part-time and distance learning options, as an alternative to full-time study?
Go to the college HE Unit Website for information on local Foundation degree courses and careers information. Go to www.ucas.ac.uk for a comprehensive and up-to-date listing of degree courses, with links to university/college Websites.
How long do you plan to study?
The Access to HE course is one year in duration. (Hours of attendance may be between 12 – 16 hrs per week, typically up to four days per week).
Full-time Foundation degrees are 2 years, Honours degrees total a minimum of 3 years and longer for part-time and distance learning. Full-time courses may be between 12-16 hrs per week in a classroom, spread over four to four and half days per week.
What will it cost?
Access Courses
The tuition fee for the Access to Higher Education Diploma for 2012-2013 academic will be £1,000. You will also be required to pay an OCNSWR registration fee (currently £105.00 in 2011-2012), and a college administration fee set at £50.00 for 2012-2013.
Foundation Degree Courses
Course fees for full-time Higher Education courses, accredited by Bournemouth University and delivered at The Bournemouth and Poole College are £6,000 for 2012-2013. The BSc top-up will be £8,200.
International Students
International students have to pay the full cost of the course as set by the university/college. Go to www.ukcosa.org.uk for information. EU students will pay fees in the same way as UK/home students. If you have been settled in the UK for over 3 years, you can apply for financial support for maintenance (living costs).
For further information on fees, loans and grants etc., please see section entitled Information for New and Prospective Students 2012-2013; Financial Support for Full-time Students, together with:
www.direct.gov.uk/en/.../StudentFinance/Typesoffinance/index.htm
