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The UCAS offers for 2011 highlight notable trends in higher education admissions, including the increase in offers at top universities and the emphasis on A* grades. Students applying to institutions like Cambridge, Oxford, and Imperial College should be aware of updated criteria, such as re-sits and the consideration of extra-curricular activities. Additionally, the importance of coursework and the shift towards vocational learning are outlined. Prospective students are encouraged to research courses thoroughly, engage in relevant experiences, and understand the implications of recent funding changes.
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Higher Ed Update Year 12 February 2011
UCAS Offers for 2011 • Use of A*s in offers: Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial … • Top universities: offers 1-2 grades up on last year • 5+ A*s at GCSE in most competitive subjects e.g. Medicine • Imperial College – A levels in one sitting! • Some universities/courses don’t accept re-sits
UCAS Offers for 2011 • Extension of aptitude tests e.g. STEP papers • Extra-curricular/work experience considered within entry criteria • Little change in offers of some local and popular universities: Portsmouth, Brighton, etc.
“Informed Choices” (VLE) • Russell Group – top 20 universities • ‘Facilitating’ subjects: Maths, English, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History, Languages • ‘Soft’ subjects “subjects with a vocational or practical bias” • Subjects required for different degree courses – invaluable • How subject choices can affect your future career options –extremely useful.
Vocational Courses & Universities • Access Agreements • No correlation between high achievement at degree level and traditional academic access routes • Common advantages to applied learning as a pathway to Higher Education were highlighted: • Firmer acquisition of time-management skills during KS5 rather than it being something they had to adapt to in the first year at university • Greater experience of and aptitude for presentational and collaborative work • Ignoranceabout applied learning routes continues to be an obstacle for parents, students and some HE institutions. E.g. Music student • Foundation Degree programmes • have been a very successful innovation in places like Oxford Brookes. • Funding arrangements unclear
£££ • Government cuts to university grants 2011-12 of 9.5% • Government will fund extra 10% increase in places 2011-12 but not 2012-13 • Tuition fees expect to raise university income by 10% by 2013-14 MONEY WILL BE VERY TIGHT FOR YOUR YEAR OF ENTRY!
What it all means for you • WORK EXPERIENCE – now an urgent priority • Extra-curricular activities • Extended Project Qualification? • Higher Education Research • VLE resources: is HE really for me? • Record detailed research about courses. Discuss with mentor • University visits