Careers information for students
Under construction!
I need information about university and student finance
This is a vast area, full of information...and misinformation! Here is your Careers Advisers' selection of reliable websites that we think are particularly helpful. Do let us know about any websites you feel should also be here!
As always, if you need help, reach out to your Careers Adviser!
Choosing a subject at university
Hopefully, by meeting different employers and representatives from universities, apprenticeships and other programmes, you have realised that life is rarely a straight line! However, it is still really helpful to understand the implications of our subject choices, be it in terms of accessing a particular profession, or understanding the skills and knowledge that you would gain.
|
UCAS Subject Guides give in-depth information about typical course content, linked degrees and possible career, apprenticeship and further study outcomes. |
|
| Prospects 'What Can I Do With My Degree' outlines careers directly linked to different degrees, and careers where a particular degree may be an asset. Typical salary information is included. |
|
| Informed Choices is a website sponsored by the Russell Group of universities. It is particularly useful in 1/ explaining the link between your post-16 choices and different university subjects, and 2/ showing the different degree subjects people doing your current post-16 subjects successfully applied for. |
|
Choosing universities
Choosing a university can be a minefield of negotiating university reputation (even sometimes stigma!) against the realities of what is offered in a particular institution! Make sure you spread your net wide in your early stages of research, and make sure you attend any university fairs or visits the school is offering.
| Do not be one of those people who spend more time choosing a pair of trainers than a university where you will usually spend at least 3 years! Visiting universities in person is essential. Although there are online campus tours, these really should be for 'pre-selection' only. Although the transport costs of university visits can be off-putting, think of them as a wise investment and a means of heading off a costly mistake. |
|
| League tables can be useful to generate names of particular universities associated with different subjects. You can of course use league tables for a global list of 'best universities' but this may not take into account your subject, grades and personal preferences. The Complete University Guide allows you to filter according to subject, location, student satisfaction, graduate prospects and research quality, depending on your priorities. |
Complete University Guide League Tables and Subject Rankings
|
| Uni Select is a bit of fun, which may generate some new ideas for you by creating university selections on the basis of a broader range of criteria, e.g. clubs and societies and sporting interests - have a go! |
|
Comparing universities to create your shortlist or final choice
You will need to narrow your university shortlist down to 5 for your UCAS application, then further down to 2, your 'Firm' and 'Insurance' choices. Research will really pay off in getting the best value and experience from university!
|
Course (look at the universities' own course pages)
|
Performance | Location and cost (look at the universities' own Virtual Tour and Accommodation pages) | Unique features (look at the universities' own course pages) |
|
Universities are obliged to collect information via student surveys. You can find all of this information on the Discover Uni website. The information includes:
|
|
|
Making your application
Under construction!
Student finance
University is expensive, so once you have ensured that you have applied for a good degree which will be worth your money, you need to apply for student finance and think about how to budget wisely. Here are some good sources of information, do read them carefully!
2023-2024 update: student finance can be particularly challenging for devout Muslim students, who are reluctant to take an interesting-bearing loan. Most students in this situation try to take tuition fees only, as these go directly to the university and are not held by you. However, there is good news! From 2025 a new, interest-free, student loan will be available. We will update you as soon as we know what this will look like!
| A complete overview of Student Finance. | |
| More information about student finance, and where to apply! | |
|
Many students are not aware that other, non-repayable, sources of finance can be available. Each university has its own selection (type grants, bursaries or scholarships into the university's website and see what comes up! There are also bursaries available for many NHS-related degrees. |
|
| Lots of expert information about how to make the best financial choices, from student bank accounts and travel to mobile phone deals! |
Money Saving Expert - Students
|
| Great ideas for making and saving money during your student years. | |
|
If you have a long-term health, or mental health condition or a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, you may be eligible for the Disabled Students Allowance, or DSA. Most neurodiverse conditions are covered. |
Preparing for university
I need information about apprenticeships
Under construction
I need information about T levels and other post-16 options
Under construction
I need information about where my subjects can lead
|
Choosing your GCSE options? Find out where your choices could lead! |
|
|
Choosing your A levels? Find out where your choices could lead! |
|
|
Choosing your undergraduate degree? Find out where your choices could lead! |
|
I need information about different careers and career areas
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Careers in History |
 |
|
 |
Architecture |
 |
|
 |
Engineering - A Beginner's Guide |
 |
|
I need information about which jobs and skills are in demand on the labour market now and in future
 |
Start in London - London Labour Market Overview |
 |
|
 |
|
I need to develop my skills, extra-curricular and supercurricular activities
Under construction
