How to Choose a University (UK)
Make sure that you start early enough., Decide if you want to do a distance learning course (such as Open University)., Location, location, location., Decide if you would prefer to stay close to home, or to look further afield., Decide if you would...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Make sure that you start early enough.
Ideally you should start looking for a university about 18 months before commencement of the course and start applying about a year before commencement.
British universities operate on first come, first served basis (more or less) and you do not want to be left out of your favourite course because you did not start looking early enough. -
Step 2: Decide if you want to do a distance learning course (such as Open University).
These are becoming increasingly popular as they require much less commitment. , Would you prefer to live in a busy city neighbourhood or in a quiet town in the countryside? Apart from its impact on your lifestyle, location will have a huge impact on your cost of living.
Cities are generally more expensive than towns, even when you live in university accommodation.
London and the southeast are the most expensive.
On the other hand, if you would like to have a part-time job while you study, a city will give you more work opportunities. , Do you prefer to live close to your family and friends or are you the adventurous type? , Working part-time while you study will help your finances, but it means that you will have less time for socialising or even studying. , Use Search Engines in education-related websites to find which universities offer your preferred course. , This can be very important when you are looking for a job after your graduation. , If you have no qualifications, you can also research educational institutions that accept people with few or no qualifications (e.g.
Ruskin College in Oxford, England).
Do you want a Russell Group University? (Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick, Liverpool, Nottingham, Imperial, Edinburgh etc.) ,, This is the only real way to make your mind up about a place.
Remember that this is somewhere where you will spend 3 or 4 years of your life. , Ask about assessments, modules, research interests and university life. , Find relevant rankings about the University as well as the department you are interested in. , -
Step 3: Location
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Step 4: location
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Step 5: location.
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Step 6: Decide if you would prefer to stay close to home
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Step 7: or to look further afield.
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Step 8: Decide if you would like to be full-time or part-time.
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Step 9: Narrow down your search by finding which universities offer your course.
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Step 10: If you want to do a specific career
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Step 11: check that the course is accredited by the relevant organisation (for example the British Psychological Society) - their website should have a list of courses they accredit.
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Step 12: Check that the grades required match with your ability level.
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Step 13: Visit the university websites and read about your courses
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Step 14: the city/town and the social life.
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Step 15: Go to an Open Day at the universities you are interested in.
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Step 16: If you are not able to attend Open Days (for example
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Step 17: if you are an international student)
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Step 18: contact course coordinators and lecturers by phone or e-mail.
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Step 19: Choose a university with good research and teaching reputation.
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Step 20: Speak to students who already study there or read an alternative guide
Detailed Guide
Ideally you should start looking for a university about 18 months before commencement of the course and start applying about a year before commencement.
British universities operate on first come, first served basis (more or less) and you do not want to be left out of your favourite course because you did not start looking early enough.
These are becoming increasingly popular as they require much less commitment. , Would you prefer to live in a busy city neighbourhood or in a quiet town in the countryside? Apart from its impact on your lifestyle, location will have a huge impact on your cost of living.
Cities are generally more expensive than towns, even when you live in university accommodation.
London and the southeast are the most expensive.
On the other hand, if you would like to have a part-time job while you study, a city will give you more work opportunities. , Do you prefer to live close to your family and friends or are you the adventurous type? , Working part-time while you study will help your finances, but it means that you will have less time for socialising or even studying. , Use Search Engines in education-related websites to find which universities offer your preferred course. , This can be very important when you are looking for a job after your graduation. , If you have no qualifications, you can also research educational institutions that accept people with few or no qualifications (e.g.
Ruskin College in Oxford, England).
Do you want a Russell Group University? (Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick, Liverpool, Nottingham, Imperial, Edinburgh etc.) ,, This is the only real way to make your mind up about a place.
Remember that this is somewhere where you will spend 3 or 4 years of your life. , Ask about assessments, modules, research interests and university life. , Find relevant rankings about the University as well as the department you are interested in. ,
About the Author
Nancy Jimenez
Writer and educator with a focus on practical organization knowledge.
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