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Why Study?

Going to university or college is a big commitment, in both time and money, but by getting a degree your child will be making a big investment in their future. It will increase their chances of getting a good job and improve their earning potential. For many young people it is their first taste of independence and an exciting opportunity to try new activities and meet new friends.

Planning any journey is always going to be difficult if you’re not sure of the destination. The same can be said when planning for the future. For the few young people who know where they want to end up, the planning is logical; for those that don’t it’s more difficult.

If university isn’t for your child, there is also a great range of further education options available including apprenticeship training, a degree level apprenticeship and other skills based traineeships to get them ready for work.

Explore our pathway below to find the best option for your child and don’t hesitate to contact the Take Your Place team if you’d like to talk through the options available.

Upcoming Events

Have a look at our list of upcoming College and University Open Event across East Anglia, as well as webinars and activities from the Take Your Place team. If you need further information please don’t hesitate to get in touch or contact the event provider.

University of Cambridge - Virtual Tour

University of Cambridge - Virtual Tour

Experience a virtual tour of the University of Cambridge for both undergraduate and postgraduate students

  • Online Event
  • 22 September Any time
College of West Anglia – Virtual Open Event

College of West Anglia – Virtual Open Event

VirtualCWA is here 24/7, which means you can drop in whenever, and as often as, you like to get information on your chosen course area, take virtual tours of our facilities, hear from our students and schedule 1-to-1 time with tutors if you wish

  • Online Event
  • 16 November Any Time
University of Suffolk Virtual Open Day

University of Suffolk Virtual Open Day

Discover what it would be like to be a student at the University of Suffolk from the comfort of your own home, simply register to attend one of our virtual Open Days

  • 24 April 0930 - 1430
View all events

benefits of going to university or college

A university degree is essential for some professions e.g. doctor, forensic scientist, teacher

Many jobs only recruit people with higher level qualifications, although they may not require a particular subject

Having a degree makes your child more attractive to employers, they'll have a greater choice of jobs and earn more.

The average salary for graduates is 30% higher than for non-graduates aged 25-30.

At university or college your child will develop essential skills they'll need in their career and working life such as communication, organisation, time management, team work, leadership and problem solving.

They'll be expected to work hard but university can also be fun. They can choose from a huge range of clubs and societies and there's a diverse social life.

Supporting your child through school

As a parent or carer you'll know that education is key to your child's future success and happiness. As one of the biggest influencers in your child's life, they'll turn to you for advice through each educational milestone.

Year 8/9 Choosing GCSEs
Year 10 Building life experience
Year 11 GCSEs and post-16 decisions
6th form college/Further Education college and researching next steps
Year 13/Level 3 Applications and exams
Navigating routes from school to employment

Post-18

University/ Bachelor's Degree

An academic course that's usually studied at a higher education institution. Learn through lectures, seminars, group projects and independent study. There's funding available to support you and you can study full or part- time.

  • Location: At a university, college or online. You could go away to study, stay local or go abroad.
  • Duration: 3 to 4 years.
  • Entry requirements: Universities set their own entry requirements. You'll usually need A Levels or equivalent qualifications.

It is worth half an A-level. An A* in the EPQ is worth 70 UCAS points, an A 60, B 50, C 40, D 30 and an E 20.

Apprenticeships

Intermediate, advanced higher and degree apprenticeships combine practical on-the-job skills training with off-the-job learning. You'll get training that is relevant to your job and be paid a salary. Start at a level to suit you, with support if you have special needs or a disability.

  • Duration: Intermediate – Level 2 (12-18 months), Advanced - Level 3 (24 months approx.), Higher Level - Level 4 or 5 (Up to 5 years), Degree - Level 6 (3-6 years).
  • Location: Typically you’ll spend 80% of your time in the workplace and 20% off-the-job with some study in a college, training centre or Institute of Technology (IoT). However this can differ between apprenticeships.
  • Entry requirements: Will be dependent on the industry, job role and apprenticeship level.

Degree Apprenticeship

Degree apprenticeships are a new type of programme offered by some universities. Students can achieve a full bachelor's or master's degree as part of their apprenticeship.

These programmes are being developed by employers, universities, and professional bodies working in partnership.

Degree apprenticeships combine working with studying part-time at a university. Apprentices are employed throughout the programme, and spend part of their time at university and the rest with their employer. This can be on a day-to-day basis or in blocks of time, depending on the programme and requirements of the employer.

They can take between three to six years to complete, depending on the course level.

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Jargon Busting

These are the common words you might find in higher education

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Resources

Discover our range of free student resources for information and advice on applications, course requirements and different pathways available to you.

Parent and Carers Higher Education Open Day
Parent and Carers Higher Education Open Day

Parent and Carers Higher Education Open Day

The open day resources are designed for Parents and Carers

  • Resource Pack
Art workshops at home
Art workshops at home

Art workshops at home

Inspirational art workshops for pupils working from home.

  • 15-30 mins each
Experiences that support my progression
Experiences that support my progression

Experiences that support my progression

This video resource and downloadable guide provides advice on how to make the most of your experiences when you are doing applications.

  • 14 mins

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