What’s in it for you?

At university you can:

• study something you really enjoy
• learn new skills
• improve your career prospects
• qualify for specific careers
• broaden the range of careers you have access to, including postgraduate courses
• broaden your horizons by meeting new people and seeing new places
• have fun – it’s not all work and no play!

What can you learn?

Universities and other higher education institutions (HEIs) in Scotland offer thousands of courses in different subjects, from accountancy to zoology. So you’ll have to do a lot of careful research if you’re going to make the right choice.

Courses are both vocational (job-related) and non-vocational (interest-related).

You don’t have to have a definite career in mind, and many graduates enter jobs open to those with a degree in any subject.

And it’s not just degrees! Higher education includes qualifications such as:

• Higher National Certificates (HNCs)
• Certificates in Higher Education (CertHEs)
• Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)
• Diplomas in Higher Education (DipHEs). 

You'll find more information on Scottish qualifications, and courses at universities and colleges throughout Scotland in our Learning Zone. If you want to look at courses elsewhere in the UK, look at the UCAS site at www.ucas.com

What qualifications do you need to get in?

You will normally need at least:

• three Highers for entry onto a degree (but for some courses five Highers are essential)
• one to three Highers for entry onto HNDs and DipHEs
• one to two Highers for entry onto HNCs and CertHEs.

You will usually also need extra Standard Grades.

Always check that you will have any specific subjects that are needed, and what the ‘going rate’ for entry will be. Some courses, for example, degree courses in veterinary medicine, need much more than the minimum!

Various Access Courses are also usually acceptable. For entry to HNC or CertHE, a relevant National Certificate or equivalent award is acceptable.

Some things to think about before you apply!

• Are you prepared to study full time for between one and five years?
• What sort of university or college do you want to study at? Town or country? Big or small?  
• Would you like to study a subject you have already taken at school or college, or would you like to take something completely new?
• Do you want to do a course that qualifies you for a particular career area (such as architecture or dentistry), or would you prefer to do a more general course (such as arts, social sciences or business studies)?
• If you have a particular career in mind, will the course you are considering get you into it?
• Will you have the qualifications, the subjects and the grades you’ll need to get in?
• Do you want to move away or stay at home to study?
• Have you found out everything you can about the universities and the courses you are thinking of applying to?
• Have you got another plan in case you don’t get into your first choice of course or university?
• What about the money? Are you going to have to work part time to make ends meet or will a student loan be enough?
• A combination of study and work experience is possible on sandwich degrees (and some other courses). Is this an option in the courses you are considering?
• Sponsorships and scholarships – are these available for the type of course you have in mind?

Progression routes

At some point you might want to go on to a higher level of study. So it’s important that you check carefully what progression opportunities your current choice of course might give you.

Will institutions offering more advanced courses recognise your qualification or give you any exemptions or credit?

You may have the chance to progress into higher-level courses with your qualification, but you may not automatically get into them. Severe limits on funding make it very important to plan your progression route carefully.

What is a franchised course?

This means that one institution runs a course, or part of a course, and another approves it, such as when a college runs the first year of a university degree programme.

It usually means that students have opportunities for progression within both institutions but it is worth checking to make sure.

What is an articulated course?

This is where an institution accepts a specific course (at a specific level) from another institution as an entry qualification for one of their courses (also at a specific level).

A university might accept a specific HNC from a specific college as a suitable qualification for entry into the second year of a relevant degree programme, or accept a specific HND for entry to the third year of the degree.

Check with both institutions beforehand whether the course you plan to do will guarantee you a place on the more advanced course at the other institution.

Summer schools

Many universities offer potential students the chance to attend a summer school. Generally, these opportunities are aimed at those who have already applied and been conditionally accepted but who are likely to fall short of meeting the necessary entry standard for a good reason, or who would benefit from a refresher course before beginning their studies.

As well as academic study, summer schools give training in study skills and provide an introduction to university life. We advise you to contact the institutions you choose to discuss what might be available.

Where can you get information about student finance?

Please read the yearly publication ‘Student Support Information Guide’ produced by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for more information on finance for higher education (HNC, CertHE, HND, DipHE and degree courses), including the Student Loans Scheme. Also look at our articles on 'Funding your studies'.

UCAS applications

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) acts on behalf of all UK universities (except the Open University) and all higher education institutions. The UCAS Directory lists all of the universities and colleges that take part in the UCAS system.

For entry in 2009, you must apply online, using the online UCAS service Apply. You can access this secure application system through the UCAS website, www.ucas.com.

If you want to apply for more than one course in 2009, the application fee is £17. You can apply for up to five courses. You can list the courses in any order as Apply will put them in alphabetical order. If you intend to apply for one course only, the fee is £7. We would advise against applying for only one course unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Application forms for 2009 entry should reach UCAS between 1 September 2008 and 15 January 2009, with the following exceptions.

1. If you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge, (you cannot apply to Oxford and Cambridge), you must return your form by 15 October 2008.
2. If you are applying for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science, you must return your form by 15 October 2008. You can only choose up to four medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science courses. You can use the other choice for another subject.
3. If you are applying for art and design courses through Route B, check the UCAS Directory for more advice. If you are applying through Route B, you must return your form between 1 January and 24 March 2009, preferably by 6 March 2009, to avoid the last-minute rush. If you make more than one choice, give your order of preference.  
4. You can make a late application up to 30 June 2009 (11 June 2009 for art and design courses through Route B) but we would advise you to apply earlier. Your choice of courses might be more limited and institutions will consider you only if there are suitable vacancies. 

Applying for law

You have to sit the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) as part of the selection process for Law at Glasgow University.

Applying for medicine and dentistry

You have to sit the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) as part of the selection process for medicine and dentistry courses in Scottish universities.

Applying for nursing and midwifery

You apply through UCAS for most Honours and some ordinary degree courses in nursing and midwifery at universities and higher education institutes.

For other ordinary degree and Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) courses, you apply through CATCH (Central Applications to Nursing and Midwifery Training Clearing House). Write to NES CATCH, PO Box 21, Edinburgh EH2 2YS for an application pack and information leaflet. You will also find information on their website at www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/nursing/recruitment/catch

Apply as early as possible for these courses.

For courses beginning in autumn 2010 and onwards you should apply through UCAS.

Applying to Barony College

You can apply through UCAS, or direct to the college, for HND and HNC courses at Barony College.

Applying to the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC)

You should apply through UCAS for degree, HND and HNC courses at SAC. For SAC Certificates or Diplomas apply direct to SAC.

Applying to the Scottish art colleges

You should apply through UCAS.

Normally if you are applying straight from school, you’ll enter the first year. Art colleges may consider you for entry into second year if you have a recognised foundation course in art and design, or a relevant HND or equivalent.

Degree courses at the four Scottish art colleges: Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (Dundee University), Edinburgh College of Art, Glasgow School of Art and Gray’s School of Art (Robert Gordon University) include a general first year which is similar to a foundation course.

For art courses there are two ways to apply.

Route A is the normal UCAS application procedure with five choices and a closing date of 15 January 2009. You are recommended to apply by mid-November 2008.

Route B has the later closing date of 24 March 2008 and only three choices. You can make a late application for Route B up to 11 June 2009. You are recommended to apply by 6 March 2009.

The Scottish art colleges will use Route B for many of their courses. You must apply using the appropriate route and so must check carefully which route to use with the individual college.

Each institution can give you details of their selection procedures, including guidance notes on developing an art portfolio. You will normally need to go for an interview.

Applying to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD)

School of Drama

You should apply directly to the academy by 15 January 2009. There are application fees. It costs £35 to apply for one course and £50 for two courses. You will be asked to go along for an audition or an interview (or both).  

School of Music

You should apply online through the online admissions service CUKAS (Conservatoires UK Admissions Service) at www.cukas.ac.uk. The application fee is £15. You also have to pay an audition fee.  You should apply by 1 October 2008. Most auditions will be held between October and December 2008, but some may be later. Phone the CUKAS enquiries helpline at 0871 468 0470 for more information.

Applying to the UHI (University of the Highlands and Islands) Millennium Institute

You should apply through UCAS for degree, HND or DipHE and HNC or CertHE courses at colleges which are academic partners of the UHI Millennium Institute. Contact the UHI Course Information Line on 0845 272 3600 for more information.

Where can you get more information?

Before making any decisions it is wise to do some research.

Most institutions have open days, usually between May and November, which allow you to visit the campus and speak to staff and sometimes students. Prospectuses are easily available. You may be able to obtain individual course leaflets. All you need to do is to write to or phone the relevant institution and ask for a copy. There is no charge.

PlanIT Plus also has comprehensive information on courses at Scottish universities and higher education institutes (HEIs). See Learning Zone.

Schools, colleges and local Careers Scotland Centres usually have careers libraries with more detailed information about higher education. Also, the websites of individual colleges and universities contain a lot of useful information.

Useful reference resources

• Higher Education in Scotland 2008-2009 (Continuing Education Gateway)
• Careers in Scotland 2008-2009 (Continuing Education Gateway)
• The Big Guide 2009 – helping students into higher education (UCAS)
• Degree Course Guides (CRAC)
• Student Money website at www.scholarship-search.org.uk/.

More information and advice

Remember that your careers adviser is available to discuss your plans and help you with your choice of course. Contact your local Careers Scotland Centre.

Useful addresses

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)

Rosehill

New Barn Lane

Cheltenham

Gloucester GL52 3LZ

Phone: 0871 468 0468
E-mail: enquiries@ucas.ac.uk

Website: www.ucas.com

Student Awards Agency for Scotland

Gyleview House

3 Redheughs Rigg

South Gyle

Edinburgh EH12 9HH

General enquiries: 0845 111 1711

Fax: 0131 244 5887

Website: http://www.student-support-saas.gov.uk/

Student Loans Company Ltd

100 Bothwell Street

Glasgow G2 7JD

Phone: 0845 026 2019

Minicom: 0800 085 3950

Website: www.slc.co.uk