n Going to University
A university degree can provide entry to a wide range of careers and opportunities. According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) those who have degrees are more likely to be in employment and earn more than those with lower level qualifications. In order to progress to a specific career, such as to be a Doctor, you will be required to study that subject to degree level. An increasing number of careers now require degrees (especially for senior roles), these include nursing, teaching and many computing and technical jobs.
What subjects and qualifications your child chooses to study after Year 11, will impact on what subjects they can progress on to study at a higher level. If your son or daughter is interested in progressing on to university, it is always worth checking what the current subject, qualification and grade requirements are, for the courses they might be interested in studying. For example, to apply to study Medicine at University, students need to study A-Levels in Chemistry, Biology and either Physics or Maths and should be aiming for AAA/AAB grades. This information will be available in University Course Prospectuses and/or on their website. Students can also speak to their school careers adviser, a college course consultant or call the National Careers Service on: 0800 100 900.
Good news on tuition fees
Universities are now allowed to charge up to £9000 a year for tutition fees on degree courses. The good news is, that there no upfront costs. The Government offers tuition fee loans through the Student Loan Compnay. The fees are paid directly to the university and repayments are linked to earnings. Graduates will not start paying back any of their loan until they start earning £21,000 a year, where they will be required to pay back 9% of their income over the £21,000 threshold. For example, a graduate on a salary of £25,000, will pay back £30 a month (9% of £4000). Graduates will be required to pay tuition fees on their loan, which means the amount owed will increase each year with interest. If the loan has not been paid off after 30 years, the loan will be written off.
Students should also ensure to budget for living costs including acmmodation, food, bills, socialising etc. If your family income is less than £42,620 per year, you will be eligible to apply for a Maintenance Grant to help with living costs.
Each university will offer scholarships and bursaries, of which details will be available on their website.
Pathways to success Qualifications needed
Achievement levels
level 5–8 level 4
level 3
Types of career
PROFESSIONAL Chartered/ Management
ADVANCED
Technician/Skilled/ Supervisory
Academic path
Vocational path
Higher level qualifications
Degrees, Vocational Certificates, Diplomas
AS/A-levels level 2
INTERMEDIATE Operative/Skilled
GCSE Grades A*–C
level 1
FOUNDATION Semi-skilled
GCSE
Grades D–G Functional skills
City & Guilds ---------
BTEC L3
City & Guilds ---------
BTEC L2
City & Guilds ---------
BTEC L1
Follow the chart to plot your route through to the career of your choice
32
Occupational path
NVQ level 4 NVQ level 5
NVQ level 3 Advanced
Apprenticeship NVQ level 2 Apprenticeship
NVQ level 1
Entry level Certificate of (educational) Achievement
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