University
Your Gateway to Higher Education
What is a university?
A university is a centre of higher education (HE) that offers advanced academic degrees and research opportunities. For most students, this is the next step after completing A-Levels, BTECs, or T-Levels. It is a chance to dive deep into a subject you love, guided by experts who are often leaders in their respective fields.
Why Choose University?
University is about more than just a degree; it’s a life-changing experience.
- Specialised Knowledge: Go beyond the curriculum and master a subject you are passionate about.
- Enhanced Career Prospects: Many professions – such as Medicine, Law, and Architecture – require a degree. On average, graduates also have higher lifetime earning potential.
- Independence & Soft Skills: You’ll learn to manage your own time, budget, and workload – skills that are highly valued by employers.
- Broaden Your Horizons: With hundreds of societies (from Quidditch to Investment Banking), university is the perfect place to find your "tribe" and meet people from all over the world.
Finding the Right Fit: The Power of Open Days
With over 160 universities in the UK, the choice can feel overwhelming. While websites and prospectuses are helpful, nothing beats visiting in person.
Top Tip: Book as many Open Days as possible!
It is vital to get a "boots on the ground" feel for a campus. An Open Day allows you to explore the facilities, speak to current students about the real experience, and see the local area. Sometimes a university looks perfect on paper, but you only know if it’s truly right for you once you’ve walked the halls and sat in the lecture theatres.
Start planning your visits
When researching and visiting, consider the "Big Five":
- The Course: Look at the specific modules. Two "History" degrees at different unis can be completely different.
- The Location: Do you want a bustling city campus (like Manchester) or a self-contained "campus" university (like Warwick or Nottingham)?
- The Style: Would you prefer traditional exams, or a course with more practical, hands-on assessment?
- Entry Requirements: Are the UCAS tariff points or grades realistic for your predicted results?
- The Cost: Research tuition fees, but more importantly, look at the cost of living in that area.
The Application Journey
In the UK, almost all undergraduate applications go through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
- Research: Use Unifrog (available to all Cottesloe students) to compare courses.
- The Personal Statement: This is your chance to shine. You have 4,000 characters to explain why you are the perfect candidate.
- Deadlines: Most applications close in January, but Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Oxbridge (Oxford/Cambridge) deadlines are much earlier, usually in October.
- Offers: You’ll receive decisions through UCAS Hub, ranging from "Conditional" (based on your exam results) to "Unconditional."
Life as a Student
Expect a shift in how you learn. You will move from small classrooms to:
- Lectures: Large group sessions where a professor presents core topics.
- Seminars & Tutorials: Smaller, interactive groups designed for debate and deep-diving into lecture material.
- Independent Study: For every hour spent in a lecture, you’ll likely spend two or three in the library doing your own research.
Is University the Right Path for You?
University is a brilliant path, but it isn’t the only path. Some students may prefer Degree Apprenticeships, which allow you to work and get paid while the employer pays for your degree.
Need Guidance?
If you’re feeling unsure, don’t navigate this alone. Speak to your Form Tutor, the Sixth Form Team, or book a session with our Careers Lead to discuss your options.
UCAS Pathway
What are UCAS Tariff points?
UCAS Tariff points translate your qualifications and grades into a numerical value. Many qualifications (but not all) have a UCAS Tariff value, which will vary depending on the qualification size, and the grade you achieved. This numerical value is used by HE course providers to assess whether you meet their entry requirements for a particular course.
How are UCAS Tariff points used?
Some universities, colleges, and conservatoires refer to UCAS Tariff points in their course entry requirements, but this doesn’t mean they won’t consider qualifications that don’t appear on the Tariff – so make sure you check the course entry requirements carefully!
Local Universities
For students at The Cottesloe School, there are several excellent higher education options within a short commute. These institutions frequently run "outreach" programmes and taster days specifically for local Buckinghamshire schools.
Buckinghamshire New University (BNU)
- Locations: Aylesbury (closest to Wing), High Wycombe, and Uxbridge.
- Why it’s a great local choice: BNU is highly focused on employability and professional skills. Their Aylesbury campus is a 15-minute drive from Wing and specialises in Nursing, Midwifery, and Degree Apprenticeships.
- Key Strengths: Nursing, Creative & Digital Industries, Aviation Management, and Sports Science.
- Website: bucks.ac.uk
The University of Buckingham
- Location: Buckingham (approx. 20–25 mins from Wing).
- Unique Selling Point: As the UK’s first independent university, they are famous for their two-year fast-track degrees. This allows students to complete a full BSc or BA (Hons) a year early, allowing them to enter the workforce or progress to postgraduate study sooner.
- Key Strengths: Medicine, Law, Psychology, and Business.
- Website: buckingham.ac.uk
University of Bedfordshire
- Location: Luton and Bedford (approx. 30 mins from Wing).
- Why it’s a great local choice: They have a strong focus on widening participation and supporting students from all backgrounds. Their Luton campus is easily accessible via the A4146 and offers state-of-the-art facilities.
- Key Strengths: Education (Teacher Training), Health Sciences, Computer Science, and Social Sciences.
- Website: beds.ac.uk
Higher & Degree Apprenticeships
An increasing number of Cottesloe students are now choosing to pursue Higher Education via Apprenticeships rather than the traditional UCAS route.
Local Employers: Many of our alumni progress into degree apprenticeships with major local employers such as Network Rail (Milton Keynes), Airbus (Stevenage), or Vauxhall (Luton).
Financial Support & Funding
Education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial background. There are several ways to access support to help cover the costs of travel, equipment, and living expenses.
Student Finance England
When you move on to Higher Education, you will typically apply for two main types of support through Student Finance England:
- Tuition Fee Loan: Covers the full cost of your course fees (paid directly to the university).
- Maintenance Loan: A loan to help with day-to-day living costs like rent and food (paid into your bank account).
Note: You only start repaying these loans once you have finished your course and are earning above a certain threshold.
"Free Money": Bursaries and Scholarships
Unlike loans, bursaries and scholarships do not have to be paid back.
- University Bursaries: Most universities offer extra financial help to students from lower-income households officeforstudents.org.uk/studentfinance/
- Scholarships: These are often awarded for excellence in academics, sports, or music, or to students from specific backgrounds -moneysavingexpert.com/family/grants-education/
- Hardship Funds: If you run into unexpected financial trouble while at university, most institutions have "Hardship Funds" to provide emergency support - gov.uk/extra-money-university-college-study
Higher Education Access for All: Understanding the Disabled Students’ Allowance
University is a challenge for anyone – but when you have a disability, it becomes all the more tricky to traverse the pitfalls of life on campus. Often, at the forefront of these worries is finding the money to be able to fund day-to-day living expenses, the cost of accommodation, and your lifestyle.
Thankfully, more is being done to account for the financial needs of students with accessibility requirements than ever before. Increasing levels of funding are being given to students, with the chief amongst those being the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Introduced in 1993, the DSA gives someone in higher education a small bursary to help support them financially through their time at university. But how much can they expect to receive? And who qualifies? There are lots of ifs, ands, or buts regarding the allowance. That’s why we’ve compiled this handy guide discussing all aspects of the DSA, and what they mean for you.
Read on to discover how much you might be able to claim, as well as how to, if you’re a student with a disability.
https://www.comparethemarket.com/loans/content/disabled-students-allowance-guide/
Discover the Open University (OU)
Discover the Open University (OU)
Are you ready to take control of your learning and achieve your academic and career goals? The Open University (OU) offers a unique and flexible approach to higher education, designed to fit around your life.
What makes the Open University different?
- Flexibility is Key:
- Study at your own pace, in your own time, and from anywhere in the world.
- Balance your studies with work, family, and other commitments.
- No traditional lectures or timetables – learn when it suits you.
- Open Access:
- No prior qualifications are usually required for undergraduate study.
- We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to learn.
- We support students from all backgrounds and experiences.
- High-Quality Education:
- World-renowned teaching and research.
- Expert tutors provide support and guidance throughout your studies.
- Access to a wealth of online resources and learning materials.
- Diverse Range of Courses:
- From undergraduate degrees to postgraduate qualifications and short courses
- Subjects include business, computing, psychology, law, engineering, teaching, and many more.
- Develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen field.
- Supportive Community:
- Connect with fellow students through online forums and tutorials.
- Access dedicated student support services for academic and personal guidance.
- Join online and in-person study groups.
Who is the Open University for?
- Working professionals looking to enhance their skills or change careers.
- Parents who want to study from home.
- Individuals seeking personal development and lifelong learning.
- Anyone who wants to gain a recognised qualification without putting their lives on hold.
Why choose the Open University?
- Career Advancement: Gain the qualifications and skills employers value.
- Personal Growth: Expand your knowledge and horizons.
- Affordable Education: Flexible payment options and student finance available.
- Globally Recognised: The OU is a respected institution with a strong reputation.
