Applying to Higher Education

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Information Guide

As part of your career plan you may be thinking about going onto higher education at Gower College Swansea or at another institution.

Researching course options and entry requirements

Applying to higher education requires a lot of preparation and planning.  The College, via its Tutorial Programme and Careers staff, supports students through the application process.  It is, however, vital that students research their options thoroughly and gather as much information as possible in their first year.

The following list gives pointers and links to information useful in completing the research.

UCAS Deadlines

The college’s UCAS application deadline for courses starting in September 2017 is Friday 21st October 2015* with a final later UCAS deadline of Friday 13th January 2017.

The College provides full support to students applying to higher education and aim to process applications as quickly as possible.  However, as there are a large number of applications made, the College requires 28 working days to process and send your application form to UCAS or a higher education institution.

*  This deadline does not apply to those applying to Oxbridge, medicine or veterinary colleges.  Students applying to these colleges will be communicated these application deadlines through their tutor – the deadline is earlier.

Higher Education (HE) Day and Evening

During your first year you and your parents can attend the annual Higher Education Day and Evening.  Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to find out more about higher education and life at university.

Staff from a number of universities, accompanied by student ambassadors, will be able to answer individual questions on subject specific topics or, more generally, life as a student. The event includes advice on funding and applications.

Higher Education Visits and Open Days

There is no substitute for visiting an institution and seeing it at first hand.

NB. Some open days have limited places and need to be booked in advance.

Student Finance

  • Student Loans/Student Finance – www.studentfinancewales.co.uk
  • Fees, Bursaries and financial support – details for many institutions can be found via Course Search on www.ucas.com and in the Fees & Finances section of each course.

Parents/Guardians

Ask your parents/guardians to visit www.ucas.com/parents for information to help support you through the process of applying to Higher Education.

Reaching Wider

Reaching Wider is a project aimed at widening access to Higher Education for all students. The project focuses on students with disabilities, ethnic minority communities, Welsh medium learners and people living in ‘Community First’ areas.  We have a number of Reaching Wider Co-ordinators at the college who develop programmes designed to encourage progression from college to university.

As part of the initiative the college also participates in the Summer University programme* which provides students with the opportunity to enjoy a taste of life at a higher education level.   The feedback from those students who have taken part in this four week residential programme has been extremely positive.  The Summer University enabled them to meet new friends, broaden their horizons and help them make informed decisions about their future.

*Subject to confirmation