Higher Education
Latest News from Aim Higher (August 2010)
UCAS
11.6% rise in applications
The latest figures (published on 15 July 2010) show an 11.6% rise with 660,953 applications for courses this autumn compared with 592,312 at the same point last year. The top three subject areas showing the biggest growth in applications are nursing (up 61.5%), design studies (up 34.8%) and social work (up 27%).
http://www.ucas.ac.uk/about_us/media_enquiries/media_releases/2010/160710
Clearing and Adjustment
UCAS have said that this year’s application cycle is more competitive than in previous years with increased demands for places on higher education courses and the cap on increased numbers. Clearing will be very competitive this year and opportunities limited. However, those students who achieve the grades asked for under the terms of their offers will be guaranteed places.
Mary Curnock Cook said: ‘For those that don't meet the conditions of their offer this year, the UCAS team is here to offer information and advice to help applicants make the right choices, which could include applying through Clearing, reapplying in future, accessing part-time or distance learning, or considering work-based options such as apprenticeships."
A dedicated section of the UCAS website is available to guide students through their different options after receiving their results.
www.ucas.com/resultsandnextsteps
Information on what to do if you don’t get the exam results you want from Directgov
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/Courseworkandexams/DG_066316
Clearing
For UCAS information on Clearing or to watch the UCAStv How to: use Clearing
http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/nextsteps/clearing
and for information on Clearing from Directgov
Overview of Adjustment
The Adjustment process is available from A-level results day on 19 August 2009 until 31 August 2010. An applicant’s individual adjustment period starts on 19 August or when their conditional firm (CF) choice changes to unconditional firm (UF). They then have a maximum of five calendar days (five 24 hour periods, including Saturdays and Sundays) to register and secure an alternative course, if they decide this is what they want to do. Once the adjustment period expires due to not securing a place in the five-day period, the applicant will move from ‘registered for adjustment’ back to the main ‘final place accepted’ category.
For further information on the Adjustment process or to watch the UCAStv How to: use adjustment
http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/nextsteps/adjustment
What to do if things go wrong
A revised edition of this Aimhigher booklet will be available to help students with their decision making when their results are not as expected. Deliveries will be made to the Connexions offices in time for advisers to use them in schools and colleges on results day and during the post results period. A small number of copies will also be sent to schools with sixth forms and to colleges.
Icould – A-level fightback
Read this advice from someone whose A-level results weren’t as expected and what she did when things did not go according to plan.
http://icould.com/features/a-level-fightback/
This web-based resource helps young people think differently about their future careers using real stories of people’s unique journeys, showing that in their careers real people change their ideas, goals and direction.
http://www.icould.com/yourfuture/
Finance
Student Finance England have reported that as of 5 July they have received over 560,000 applications, which is over 70% of the total they expect to receive by the start of term. From their forecasting approximately a further 200,000 applications have still to come in between now and the end of September. They are continuing to encourage students to apply as soon as possible and not to wait until they have a confirmed place.
Their core message is ‘If you live in England and are starting a higher education course in September 2010, but haven’t yet applied for your student loans and grants, you need to take action now.
Go online today at www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance and complete your student finance application as soon as possible.
Don't worry if your college or university place is not confirmed, your application can be altered and you don’t need to take up the finance if your circumstances change, but the sooner you apply, the more likely you are to have all your money in place for the start of term. Get your student finance sorted now for the start of term!’
Student Finance England is already doing a lot to prevent a repeat of last year. Read more in their latest stakeholder bulletin http://www.slc.co.uk/pdf/Stakeholder_Bulletin_Jul2010.pdf
New ‘Bridging the Gap’ publication
Student Finance England has updated its ‘Bridging the Gap’ publication, which provides information for disabled students on financial help and applying for Disabled Student Allowances (DSAs). To order a copy, please call the publication line on 0800 731 9133 quoting reference SFE/BTGB/V10 or download a copy from http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/DG_183342 (scroll down to disabled students allowances) or view PDF at http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@educ/documents/digitalasset/dg_183900.pdf
Disability Support in Higher Education
Directgov pages for disabled students http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/HigherEducation/DG_4000917
Employability
How likely are you to get a job when you leave university?
The latest HESA employment statistics by university and subject. The figures show that most of the STEM subjects come lower than the all-subjects average of 89.9%, which does not tie up with what employers are saying about the unfilled graduate level STEM vacancies and projected needs.
Also employment statistics by university showing how likely you are to get a job after studying at the various HEIs.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2010/jul/15/employment-statistics-university-graduates
7 job market trends to watch
http://www.careerbuilder.co.uk/Article/CB-296-Job-Search-7-job-market-trends-to-watch/
Companies hiring this summer
http://www.careerbuilder.co.uk/Article/CB-306-Job-Search-Companies-hiring-this-summer/
Six steps for first time job hunters
http://www.careerbuilder.co.uk/Article/CB-265-Job-Search-Six-steps-for-first-time-job-hunters/
Universities to Publish Employability Statements
HEFCE has asked all higher education institutions and HEFCE- funded further education colleges to publish employability statements on the help they provide to students to improve their employability and transition into work. This information will be published on the Unistats website by 31 August in time for prospective students to make informed choices for 2011 entry. Read more http://www.hefce.ac.uk/news/hefce/2010/statements.htm
Male and Female Participation in higher education
The Higher Education Policy Institute report, ‘Male and female participation and progression in higher education’ provides further information and analysis of the participation rates in HE as well as the employment outcomes of graduates using the most recent data collections by the Higher Education Statistics Agency. Download the analysis summary and full analysis at http://www.hepi.ac.uk/455-1850/Male-and-female-participation-and-progression-in-Higher-Education--further-analysis.html
Vince Cable sets out his views on the university, and wider, HE sector and his aspirations for it
http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/speeches/vince-cable-higher-education
Hilary Fox
Aimhigher Impartial HE Guidance Officer
Aimhigher Herefordshire and Worcestershire
University of Worcester
Henwick Grove
Worcester
WR2 6AJ
Tel: 01905 855252
Fax: 01905 855132
Mob: 07815958396
