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Gyfieithu i'r Cymraeg
Qualifications for getting into higher education
Education - Colleges / Universities
Colleges in the area
Universities and Colleges set their own entry requirements, so they vary widely.
If you are a ‘mature’ student (usually meaning that you’re aged 21 or over), and
have work experience but lack traditional qualifications, you could apply to higher
education courses through:
Open University
Foundation Year
or Course
Access to Higher Education Course
Open University
Want to get a qualification that will help you develop or change your career? Learn a subject in depth? The Open University – voted top for student satisfaction for three years running – could provide the flexibility, the qualifications and the top-class teaching you’re after. For most courses you don't need any previous qualifications.
With our world-leading blend of supported open learning and innovative course materials, you’ll get an exceptional learning experience ...more info
How much will it cost me?
The costs of becoming a student vary between different parts of the country and the length of the courses. Financial support is available so money does not have to be a barrier. The help you can get does depend on your family circumstances and the course you are doing. Some colleges and universities have burseries.
The Open University is funded by the Government to offer additional financial assistance so your courses could be free and you can get help with books, travel and childcare.
You can qualify for support if :-
The Open University is funded by the Government to offer additional financial assistance so your courses could be free and you can get help with books, travel and childcare.
You can qualify for support if :-
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You have children
You have a disability You care for adult dependants You are already in receipt of benefits or have low income |
Some courses do qualify for extra support, such as social work or teacher training
Choosing a University
Take care when deciding where you want to study at University. it is where you will be spending at least the next three years of your life depending on the length of the course you choose.
As you won’t be spending all of your time studying then you might decide to gear the university you choose towards your personality, perhaps you would like to mix within the community. These are the sort of questions that you also need to ask yourself.
Most universities have open days to which A-level students are invited. You can see what is available to you as a student, question any tutors or other students and take in a feel for the environment.
The cost of being a student these days has increased considerably. Therefore, look at the local universities first. This will enable you to reduce costs by continuing to live with your parents. Although you would end up with a less student loan to pay off, you may also miss out on valuable experience. For many student life provides a taste of life as an independent adult.
Think carefully about following best friends, girlfriends or boyfriends into universities where they want to study – you could spoil what you have as college years are difficult with all the studying you have to participate in.
Also relationships could turn volatile spoiling it for either party.
Decide what you want to Study
The course you choose doesn’t necessarily set the path for the rest of your life, but it is a good starting point. For those who have already decided on a career path i.e medicine, law etc., it is the next stage of the training process, for others it’s an opportunity to follow interests and see where they lead.
By the time you look at courses you will already have some idea as you made the first set of choices with your subjects at school for A-levels. This will just be a continuation process. If you enjoy and excel in certain A-level subject s then university will give you the opportunity to take your studying to a higher level.
When you have decided what area you want to study in, find out what universities run your chosen courses. You can find out more about each university with UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) web page www.ucas.com.
Obtain a prospectus for your chosen universities that run the courses you wish to attend. You can do this by contacting each university or direct from their websites.
Make a shortlist of all the courses that interest you
Discuss this list with you career’s officer and any teachers that could point you in the right direction and give you there views.
Find out about the courses available in each university:
a) What is the ratio of lectures to personal tuition?
b) How many other students will be attending the seminars?
c) Will the course be marked by continuous assessment, annual exams or just a ‘final’ exam?
d) Which system suits you best?
e) Does the course you have chosen give you enough degree of specialisation or breadth?
f) Does the course give the right qualification to fit in with your long-term aims?
g) Will it be recognised by future employers?
Finally ask yourself if you honestly believe you’ll enjoy the course you have chosen, think again if you are uncertain.
St Davids R C College
Ty-Gwyn Road
Penylan
Cardiff,
CF23 5QD
Tel: (029) 20498555
www.st-davids-coll.ac.uk/
Ty-Gwyn Road
Penylan
Cardiff,
CF23 5QD
Tel: (029) 20498555
www.st-davids-coll.ac.uk/
Coleg Glan Hafren
Trowbridge Road,
Rumney,
Cardiff. CF3 1XZ,
Tel: (029) 20250250
www.glan-hafren.ac.uk
Trowbridge Road,
Rumney,
Cardiff. CF3 1XZ,
Tel: (029) 20250250
www.glan-hafren.ac.uk
YMCA (Wales) Community College
Cleeve House
Lambourne Cres
Llanishen
Cardiff. CF14 5GP
Tel: (029) 20755444
www.ymca-wales.ac.uk
Cleeve House
Lambourne Cres
Llanishen
Cardiff. CF14 5GP
Tel: (029) 20755444
www.ymca-wales.ac.uk