Higher Education Moving into - After BTEC, A Levels or Access
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Moving into
Higher Education
After BTEC, A Levels or Access
Applying to University
Higher Education at an FE college
Higher Level Apprenticeships
2020/21
Careers &
Employability Service
INTRODUCTION CONTENTS
The global pandemic of Covid-19
has impacted all our lives beyond
In addition, we run a number of events
during autumn term enabling you to find 04 What is Higher Education?
06
recognition and the economic out about different courses. Make sure
impact may remain for some you attend to give yourself the ‘extra edge’ Going to University
time. If you are completing a when making applications. Pages 29 - 31 - Choosing where to study
level 3 programme, now is a good provide further information on these. - Choosing what to study
time to consider continuing with - Applying to UK universities
your qualifications to help your Starting with the basics such as ‘What is - Applying to universities
employment prospects. Higher Education’, this booklet takes you and colleges in the
through the process section by Republic of Ireland
Produced by Belfast Met’s Careers section. You can either read it all or dip in
- Studying Part-time Degrees
and Employability Service this guide and out as you need. Either way we hope
will help you: you find it helpful and informative.
> Understand your study/employment
options e.g. Higher Level Apprenticeships
The Careers and
Employability Team. 22 Funding for Higher Education
24
(HLA’s)
Alternatives To University
> Provide key information about - Higher Education at a Further
applying to universities and colleges Education college
- Higher Level Apprenticeships
> Help you decide on your next step. - Self Employment
- Getting a Job
28 Help from the Careers and
Employability Service
28 Useful Contacts
29 Events Calendar
Follow Us
The information contained in this booklet is correct at the time of going to print. Belfast Met Careers Service
However, students seeking entry to Higher or Further Education courses or employment
or training are responsible for clarifying detail in relation to their applications e.g. entry
requirements, closing dates etc.
@careersbmet
WHAT IS LEVEL 5 FOUNDATION
DEGREE
HIGHER EDUCATION? What does
it offer?
Designed and delivered through partnerships between employer
organisations, universities and further and higher education
colleges, this qualification combines academic and work-related
learning to offer you a route into a certain field of employment.
Higher Education (or HE for short) is You can also ‘top-up’ to a bachelor’s degree by undertaking an
additional one or two years of further study.
where you can study at an advanced Foundation degrees in Northern Ireland are normally accredited by
level, normally after you turn 18 Queen’s University or Ulster University e.g. UU Foundation Degree
years old. Most UK HE courses are in Software Engineering.
provided by universities, but an How long A foundation degree takes two years to complete full-time
increasing number are also offered is it? (or three years part-time).
at University Colleges, Further and
What do Entry requirements to a foundation degree tend to be slightly lower
Higher Education colleges, Business I need? than a Bachelor’s Degree. A minimum of a level 3 qualification or
schools, Agricultural colleges, as equivalent is expected. In addition, some courses may have specific
well as at specialist institutions, for GCSE* requirements.
example, in music and drama.
You may hear terms such as undergraduate
LEVEL 5 HIGHER NATIONAL
DIPLOMA (HND)
and graduate commonly referred to. An What does A Higher National Diploma is a vocational course provided by
undergraduate course is the higher education it offer? Further and Higher Education colleges in the UK. It aims to prepare
students for careers in specific industries, for example Business, or
course you are studying, and when you achieve
to ‘top-up’ to a full bachelor’s degree.
a degree and graduate you are eligible to
apply for graduate employment. However HE How long A HND takes two years to complete full-time
qualifications are more than just degrees, and is it? (or three years part-time).
there are HE qualifications at Level 6, 5 and 4:
What do Entry requirements to a HND tend to be lower than a full bachelor’s
I need? degree. A minimum of level 3 qualification or equivalent is expected.
In addition, some courses have specific GCSE* requirements.
LEVEL 6 BACHELOR’S
DEGREE
What does Designed to give you a thorough understanding of a subject, it will LEVEL 4 HIGHER NATIONAL
CERTIFICATE (HNC)
it offer? develop your analytical, intellectual and technical skills needed What does Many HNC courses cover the same subjects as an HND, but an
to enter a specific graduate profession or more general graduate it offer? HNC is one level below an HND. A Higher National Certificate can
level employment. A degree can also be used to progress onto help employed people working in a particular sector to aim for
postgraduate study. promotion or can be used to enter first or sometimes second year of
a full bachelor’s degree.
How long A degree takes three or four years to complete full-time (normally
is it? four years if you are doing a sandwich degree as this includes a year How long Usually delivered as a two year part-time programme.
in industry or abroad). Some degrees, such as medical courses, can is it?
take longer. You can also study for a degree part-time, which usually
takes four to six years. What do Entry requirements to a HNC are lower than to a foundation degree
I need? or HND, which should be a minimum of a level 3 qualification
What do The minimum entry requirement is usually a full Level 3 qualification, e.g. 1 A level or equivalent. However, other qualifications and
I need? such as three A levels, BTEC Extended Diploma or Access Diploma. experience related to the subject area may be considered for entry
In addition, some degrees may have specific GCSE* requirements but on an individual basis.
e.g. Science subjects.
*Generally GCSE English Language and Mathematics are required. Not all institutions/subjects
4 will accept alternatives. Applicants should check this out in advance of application. 5
GOING TO GOING TO
UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY
N.IRELAND SCOTLAND
Choosing a course and a Apply via UCAS Apply via UCAS
university or college can be a Fees: £4,395* Fees: Up to £9,250*
life-changing decision so do
as much research as possible
and start as early as you can.
This will help set you on the
right career path once you have IRELAND
completed your course and Apply via CAO
ensure you enjoy the time you Fees: Up to
spend studying it! €3,000*
ENGLAND
Apply via UCAS
Choosing where to study Fees: Up to £9,250*
Choosing where to study requires some WALES
Apply via UCAS
careful thought. Don’t forget
Fees: Up to
that tuition fees in England, Scotland and £9,000*
Wales are higher than in
Northern Ireland (see the Funding
for Higher Education section for more
information) so you may wish to take this *Please Note:
Fees quoted are correct at time of writing; fees for 2021 entry have yet to be confirmed.
into consideration.
You may also want to consider: Make use of the following resources to help in your research
> Reputation of the university – where
is the university placed in the league League tables and subject University Open Days
tables and what is its track record for rankings Explore the campus and gets insights
graduate employment? The Guardian: from staff and students. You can find
www.theguardian.com/education details of open days including online
> Location of the university – do you universityguide ones, and virtual tour videos on
want to study at a university campus www.ucas.com and university websites.
or one that is based in a town or city? The Complete University Guide:
www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk University websites
> Accommodation – what is available to league-tables The most up-to-date information on
you, especially in your first year, and degree content, entry criteria, student
are you happy with the options? support, accommodation etc.
Prospectuses
> Cost of living – how much are the Available in the Careers Resource
accommodation costs? What Centre in Titanic Quarter and Millfield. Universities & Colleges Fair
If you want your own copy of a Don’t miss the University & College Fair
about the costs of socialising? organized by Belfast Met in October. For
prospectus, you can download or
order directly from the University. further details, see page 9.
6 7
Choosing what to study
You may know what you the UK and Republic of Ireland, check Don’t be afraid to step Check the entry requirements
want to study, however many entry requirements and learn more outside the box thoroughly before applying
students are unsure about about the courses you are interested
their choices. Selecting which in. There is also our virtual Professions Check out the UCAS subject guides to It is vital that you check these carefully on
course to study is a key Allied to Medicine event scheduled for find out about a wide range of courses. university websites. If you are in any doubt
late October, for students considering Some may not be taught widely at level 3 email the university’s Admissions Team
decision that needs plenty e.g. Radiography, Anthropology, Energy, directly. If you are studying on a
degrees/professions in these areas.
of research. Consider these Check our Canvas Page and social Paleocology. You may find a subject of BTEC Extended Diploma or Higher National
points before making your media for further details closer to interest. Certificate/Diploma, it is recommended you
choices. the date. seek clarification by email from your chosen
Attend University Webinars universities regarding the distinction/merit
Use Course Search facilities profile required.
Find a course that suits your Check the university website for details
interests, talents and career Get help by using Course Search of these presentations on areas such as UCAS highlights that a number of students
aspirations. Ask yourself: facilities such as subjects, accommodation and virtual tours each year apply for courses where they did
www.ucas.com, of the university. not have or were not taking the correct
> What job would I like to do after Qualifications. For example not all
www.uniguide.co.uk
university Check if your course offers universities accept Essential Skills Level 2
> What qualification will I gain www.discoveruni.gov.uk instead of GCSE English and Maths –– so
an industry placement or study abroad
> What subjects interest me opportunities make sure you check this out. For some
> What are my talents and strengths In UCAS you can search for courses you may need a minimum of a
> What academic skills would I like undergraduate courses offered by UK grade B in GCSE Maths. Make sure
Universities and Colleges, including Some courses include a year’s work
to improve placement, usually in the third year of your predicted grades will at the very least
drama and music courses available from match those required.
conservatoires. Many of the courses a degree or second year of an HND or
Visit the Prospects Graduate listed will provide details about the Foundation Degree and, depending on the
Careers website employer, may be paid. This introduces you Discover Uni
course, start dates, entry requirements,
www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles selection criteria and admissions policy. to the world of work and provides valuable
relevant experience which greatly enhances www.discoveruni.gov.uk is the official
Some professions require a specific your employment prospects once you course comparison website that allows you
Want to study more than one to search for and compare undergraduate
higher education course. If you know graduate. Some courses also provide the
subject? course information across the UK. This is a
what career you want after graduating, opportunity to study abroad.
research the job in detail to see what useful resource to gain insight into student
Use the course search facility on UCAS satisfaction rates, graduate destinations
specific higher education qualifications Check the university’s website for further
to find combinations of subjects you and salaries, the percentage of students
are required. information.
wish to study. You can often decide how continuing on the course after a year, tariff
much time you would like to spend on points held by students who entered the
Attend Belfast Met’s Universities each subject
& Colleges Fairs and Events course previously, as well as accreditation
or professional recognition of the course.
E.G. Joint = two subjects studied
Get the inside track by participating in equally 50:50,
our online Universities and Colleges Major/Minor = time spent is
Fair 19th – 23rd October, as well as usually 75:25.
the Universities and Colleges Fair
for Creative and Media Arts on 19th
November. You will be able to chat with
university representatives from across
8 9
University Outreach Schemes and Kainos up to date details on how to apply. Interviews (MMIs) for Dentistry, Medicine,
Summer Schools https://www.kainos.com/careers/student- Nursing and Midwifery degrees. Both
and-graduates/earn-as-you-learn How Universities go about making you Queen’s University and Ulster University
Universities often offer potential applicants Real world experience, a real salary with a also interview applicants for their social
the opportunity to learn more about them
an offer
real job and a degree in Computing Systems work degrees. The College’s Careers and
by taking part in taster sessions and at the end. Apply Direct. To reach a decision on your application Employability Service Canvas page has
summer schools. They are particularly keen some universities may use one or more useful information to help you prepare
to attract students from disadvantaged Deloitte of the following: your UCAS personal for these interviews and get in touch
backgrounds onto these schemes and, statement, an admissions test, interview, with us for additional support: careers@
https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/
by participating, you will build confidence, audition or portfolio review.
careers/articles/brightstart-business- belfastmet.ac.uk
learn more about university life and get
additional help and support with your apprenticeship-scheme.html
Admissions Tests
UCAS application. An earn-while-you-learn higher Deferred Entry
apprenticeship with the chance to gain a If applying to Ulster University for Dietetics,
professional qualification in If you wish to take a year out before
For example, Queen’s University Pathway Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy,
• Audit & Assurance starting higher education, check whether
Opportunity Programme provides young Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging,
• Business & Financial Advisory your chosen universities will accept a
people completing year 1 of A Levels or Radiotherapy and Oncology and Speech
• Cyber deferred application before applying. More
a BTEC Level 3 with the opportunity to and Language Therapy at you are required
• Human Capital information on applying for a deferred entry
learn more about the university and receive to take the HPAT- Ulster aptitude test. Refer
• Governance, Risk & Regulation can be found at
additional support to make a successful to www.hpat-ulster.acer.edu.au for further
• Legal www.ucas.com/deferred-entry
UCAS application. Applications usually information and HPAT test registration.
open in October with the deadline in • Real Estate
November. You can find out more at: • Strategy & Operations For medical and dental degrees in the Tariff Points
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/ • Tax Consulting UK you may be required to undertake the Some universities will specify grades and
• Technology University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or others tariff points in their offers visit
wpu/PathwayOpportunityProgramme/
Apply Direct. the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT). www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
For the different types of programmes and Ulster University has a new graduate if you need to work out your UCAS points.
For details of other apprenticeships entry medicine degree with a minimum Only about a third of universities in the
schemes available check out https://
in the UK visit UCAS website address requirement of a 2:1 Honours degree UK use the UCAS tariff with the majority,
www.ucas.com/events/exploring-
https://www.ucas.com/understanding- and uses the Graduate Medical School including Queens University and Ulster
university/learn-about-uni-taster-course Admissions Test - GAMSAT. Health
apprenticeships/what-types-of- University, making offers based on your
apprenticeships-are-there/degree- Professions Admissions Test (HPAT Ireland) highest level qualification and grade.
Applying to competitive courses is used for health and medical courses in Others will require specific A Level, BTEC
apprenticeships
If you are considering application to the Republic of Ireland. Bear in mind that Diploma or Access grades.
Queen’s University Belfast you need to apply for these tests well in
competitive courses such as Nursing,
advance of making your UCAS application.
Midwifery, Social Work, Medicine, https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/ Additional Information
Dates may be subject to change at present
Dentistry, Veterinary or Pharmacy undergraduate/software-engineering- so check their websites directly. Visit Careers and Employability on
degrees it is very important to do your digital-technology-partnership-beng-
Facebook, ‘Belfast Met Careers Service’
research early and email university g606/#overview To find out if your chosen course(s) have and Twitter @careersbmet for details on
admission departments if you require any You will be employed as an apprentice of an admissions test, visit the admissions higher education events and news. Please
clarification. Thorough investigation will a leading technology firm and will combine test section on the UCAS website, check check regularly for the latest updates.
help you to work out where you might have traditional university study with valuable the entry profiles, contact your chosen
the best chance of success. work-based learning. universities and/or check their websites. It
Apply via UCAS to QUB. Visit www.ucas.com/connect/videos for
is your responsibility to find out whether the video guides on how to choose courses,
Degree Level Apprenticeships course(s) you have chosen are subject to apply, navigate student finance and use
FinTech any form of admissions test and to register
A degree apprenticeship is a job combined additional features such UCAS Extra or
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202021/ and pay for any such test by the relevant
with a university degree. You’ll be working Clearing.
financial-technology-21396 deadline.
with an employer for most of the time, with This programme is designed to produce
your tuition fees paid by the employer and industry focused graduates with an in-
Talk to friends/family who have or who
studying for the rest of the time. Within
Interviews are attending the universities you are
depth knowledge of core finance and
Northern Ireland there are a small number Some universities will choose to interview interested in to get an insight into what life
technology principles and a strong practical
of degree level apprenticeships e.g. for competitive courses. For example, is like at these institutions. You could also
understanding of how theory informs
Queen’s University uses Multiple Mini choose to visit the universities you are keen
10 professional practice See ulster website for 11
on, ideally prior to submitting your
UCAS application.
Applying to UK Universities How to use UCAS Apply Registration
The UCAS Process UCAS Apply is an online application Registering is the first step and it will
system that allows you to apply for up to generate your username and password,
If you are considering applying to full time See the five full-time undergraduate courses at which you will need every time you log in
degrees in the UK you will need to apply “Studying Part Time Degrees” section for universities and colleges in the UK. You to your application. Keep your login details
through the Universities and Colleges further details. can complete your application anywhere safe and secure.
Admissions Service (UCAS). Belfast Met that has internet access. The system
currently has 4 courses which require Key Dates allows you to leave a section partially 1. Go to www.ucas.com and click on
application through UCAS: Degree in Social completed, so you can return to it later. Sign In
Work and Foundation Degrees in Early Listed below are key dates for
Childhood Studies; Health, Physical Activity communication with UCAS for applicants Application Fee 2. Follow the online instructions to register
and Sport and Biological Science. applying to full-time degrees. When
you complete your part of the UCAS > If you apply to more than one course, 3. Write down your username and
Please note that St Mary’s University College, application with your Personal Statement, university or college, the cost is £26. password
Belfast does not use the UCAS scheme and you then send it to your tutor who has
applicants should apply directly to the college their part to complete before it can be sent > > If you only apply to one course at 4. When asked “How are you applying?”
– check out their website for more info. to UCAS. Check with your Tutor for the one university or college, you pay £20. choose “Through my school /college”.
www.stmarys-belfast.ac.uk deadline they require it by. Enter your campus college buzzword
The fee should be paid by credit or debit exactly as shown below:
Students wishing to apply to part-time Further details available at: https://www. card online. You pay when you have
degrees should apply directly to their chosen ucas.com/ucas-undergraduate-apply- completed your application and are in the
institutions. and-track process of sending it to your referee. You Castlereagh Campus enter Castlereagh21
can only complete one application in each
UCAS schedule for entry 2021. UCAS cycle. Millfield Campus enter Millfield21
19 May 2020 UCAS Apply for 2021 available Titanic Quarter Campus enter Titanic21
8 Sep 2020 First date completed applications can be submitted to UCAS
WATCH 6. Select your course co-ordinator from
1 Oct 2020 UCAS Conservatoires music applications deadline. Applications for dance, drama the drop-down list.
(6pm) and musical theatre courses may have a different deadline – check conservatoires’
websites. the ‘How To’ video on UCAS Apply
to ensure you complete each section 7. Make a note of your Personal ID
15 Oct 2020 Deadline for receipt of most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/ as you’ll need this if you call UCAS
fully. For example, ‘Additional
(6pm) science and for all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Customer Services.
Information’ allows you to talk about
15 Jan 2021 Deadline for applications for the majority of degrees except those with a 15 October your individual circumstances, such
(6pm) deadline. as your parental education, if you have You are now ready to start completing
been in care or involved in widening the application. The following sections
25 Feb 2021 UCAS Extra opens – applicants who have used all five choices and are not
holding any offers may be able to add another choice. participation activities. must be completed:
5 May 2021 If you receive all decisions by 31 March, reply by 5 May These pieces of information are > Registration
shared with universities and colleges > Personal Details
30 Jun 2021 Applications received by this deadline will be forwarded by UCAS to universities and > Additional Information
(6pm) colleges. After this time, applications are automatically entered into Clearing. alongside your application, so
> Choices
they may form a more complete
> Education
understanding of you as an individual, > Employment
4 Jul 2021 Last date to add an Extra choice through UCAS Track.
known as contexualised admissions. > Statement
5 Jul 2021 Clearing vacancies will be displayed in the UCAS search tool. > Declaration
> Pay and Send
19 Aug 2021 A level results published and applicants eligible for UCAS Adjustment can apply.
Adjustment ends 31 August.
20 Sept 2021 Last date you can submit applications to 2021 courses.
(6pm)
12
19 Oct 2021 Last date to add 2021 entry Clearing Choices 13
20 Oct 2021 Last date for Unis/Colleges to make decisions
Personal Statement Top Tips: Paying for your application After the application arrives at UCAS
You will probably take the most time over > Start as early as possible as it takes Once you have marked all sections as UCAS will contact you by email when each
the personal statement section and you time to write and get feedback from complete you will pay the application fee university makes a decision about your
should be prepared to do several drafts others. by credit or debit card and electronically application. You can also check the
and get feedback from your personal send your application to your referee. progress on Track. The following decisions
tutor and Careers Adviser. > Don’t be tempted to copy from the You will not be able to make any further can be made:
internet – UCAS uses anti- plagarism changes at this point.
You have 4,000 characters or 47 lines software. > Invitation – You may be asked to attend
to explain why you are interested in Your tutor will check your application and, an interview or audition, or to provide
studying at university, what it is about > Describe the experience(s) that first if there are any changes to be made, will a portfolio of work, an essay or other
the degree(s) that most attracts you, why made you think about a career in electronically return the application to you. piece of work. You reply to this via
you are a suitable candidate and what nursing or computing etc. or when If everything is in order your referee will Track selecting either accept, decline
relevant experiences you have. For some you knew for sure that you wanted to add a reference and predicted grade(s) and or request alternative date/time (To
high demand courses e.g. nursing, social study history at university. electronically forward your application to change the date you should contact
work, your personal statement will be a UCAS, usually in November or December. the university not UCAS).
core part of the selection process. > Don’t start with “I have always
wanted to be…” – it’s overused and > Conditional Offer – The university
UCAS have resources and tools to help impersonal. is offering you a degree place on
you generate a first draft: the condition that you will meet the
https://www.ucas.com/ > A degree is awarded through academic entry criteria set out in their
undergraduate/applying-university/ academic study and achievement. offer to you. You usually need to meet
how-write-ucas-undergraduate- Your academic experiences should these conditions by the 31st August.
personal-statement be in the order of 60-80% of your
personal statement rather than social > Unconditional Offer – can be made
Your personal tutor will be supporting content. Write about your current if an applicant already meets the
you in writing your personal statement course - What aspects have you entry requirements at the time of
but a Careers Adviser will also be happy found most interesting and why? application. Some universities also
to provide constructive feedback on What skills have you developed that make unconditional offers based on
your draft. you will use in university e.g. critical predicted grades or after interviews
thinking, independent research, and auditions. Effectively, it means that
Contact careers@belfastmet.ac.uk
essay writing, presentation skills. the university will accept you regardless
for details.
Don’t forget any technical skills you of what grades you actually receive on
have learnt. your current course. See Accepting
Unconditional Offers overleaf for more
> Type up your statement in MS Word information.
and check and double-check your
spelling and grammar. Ask someone > Unsuccessful Application – The
you trust to proofread it. (UCAS university has decided not to offer you
apply does not have a spellchecker). a place.
> When you have finalised your
Personal Statement copy and paste
it into UCAS Apply.
Further help and advice:
Check out these sites for more help on personal statements:
> www.which.co.uk/money/university-and-student-finance/getting-into-uni/how-to-
write-a-personal-statement-a3bfp7h4yv7s
> www.youtube.com – search “UCAS personal statement” for some useful videos
14 15
Replying to your offers Accepting Unconditional Offers THINGS TO UCAS Clearing
Once you have received decisions from Universities in England, Scotland and REMEMBER UCAS Clearing is another way to find a
all your choices, you need to decide Wales sometimes make unconditional before replying:
university place. You can become eligible for
which one(s) you want to accept. You offers as a way of persuading you to Clearing at different times, for one of the
can accept two offers – a “firm” and firmly commit to them. There are obvious > Make sure the course and
following reasons:
an “insurance” - and you need to advantages in having a guaranteed place university are right for you.
decline any others. The date you must at university but before accepting an > Try to visit the universities
> You receive no offers.
reply by is shown in Track. unconditional offer it is worth knowing: before you make your
decision. If that’s not
> You decline all your offers and as a result,
> Firm Acceptance > By accepting an unconditional offer as possible then attend their
do not hold any.
This is your first choice out of all your firm choice you are committing to virtual Open Days.
the offers you’ve received. If you go to that university, so you can’t > Once you accept offers,
> You do not get the examination results you
accept an unconditional offer you make an insurance choice or be including an insurance
hope for and your university choices do
are agreeing that you will attend entered into Clearing offer, you are committed
not confirm your place.
the course at that university, so you to those courses.
must decline any other offers. If you > You may be able to accept an > You apply after 30 June 2021.
accept a conditional offer you are unconditional offer as your insurance
agreeing to attend the course at that choice, allowing you to have a Lists of courses with vacancies in Clearing
university if you meet the conditions conditional offer as the firm choice. If you are holding no offers are published from 5th July until late
of the offer. However, a university may stipulate that September in the search tool on ucas.com.
their offer is only unconditional if you Don’t panic if you are not offered a You should check the list for suitable courses
> Insurance acceptance make them your firm choice, so be sure place at any of your five choices. You and then contact the university to find out
If your firm acceptance is a to check any terms attached to their offer can use UCAS Extra to apply to other more and see if they will offer you a place.
conditional offer you can accept before you reply. universities and colleges that still have You must have permission from a university
another offer as an insurance vacancies. You can only apply to one before adding your course choice in
choice. This can be conditional or Having a guaranteed place at university choice at a time so you will need to UCAS Track.
unconditional and acts as a back-up, should not mean that you apply yourself get in touch with each university you
so if you do not meet the conditions less on your current course. Remember are interested in to see if they will Note: Most universities publish details of their
of your firm choice but meet the that things may not work out as planned consider you. Find out more at www. clearing arrangements on their websites in and
conditions of your insurance, at university and also, in time, you will ucas.com/ucas/ undergraduate/ around July. You will need to act quickly if you
you will be committed to the want to move into employment and apply-and-track/ track-your- want to secure a place through Clearing after
insurance choice. Usually the entry will need to let potential employers A level results day in August. Some places are
application/extra-choices
requirements for this choice are know what you achieved in all accepted by the end of A Level results day.
lower than the firm choice. They can your qualifications.
Extra is available from 25th February
be higher or the same as your firm If you do better than expected
to 5th July.
choice but be aware that if you are NB: Many graduate employers will look closely
not accepted by your firm choice, it at your grades at A Level, BTEC and Access. If you meet and exceed the conditions of your
is unlikely you will be accepted for Aim to achieve the best grades you can. firm choice, UCAS Adjustment is a chance
an insurance choice that requests for you to reconsider where and what to
higher grades. study. Adjustment is available from A level
Please ensure you reply results day until the end of August. It’s entirely
> Decline Full details of how and when to reply to to your offers by the optional, and a lot of competitive courses
Once you have decided which offer your UCAS offers can be found at: appropriate deadline. will be full – but other applicants might have
to accept firmly and which (if any) to www.ucas.com missed their conditions or swapped a course
accept as an insurance, you must too, so it could be worth seeing what might
decline all other offers. If you do not be available. If you are unable to find a
want to accept any of the offers and suitable offer through Adjustment, you will
decline all, you will be eligible to use still be able to keep your course offer
Extra or Clearing, depending upon confirmed on results day.
your circumstances.
16 17
Meeting Entry Requirements Access Applicants
Applying to Universities & Colleges in the
Republic of Ireland It is very important that you check the Mature applicants, such as those
entry requirements for the courses you are completing Access diplomas, who are 23
interested in by visiting the institution’s years old on or before the 1st January in
There are 7 traditional as well as offering Ordinary Bachelor
website and contacting the relevant the year of entry may be considered by
universities in the Republic Degrees (Level 7) and Higher Certificates
(Level 6). Length of study and entry admissions team by email if necessary. both Universities and TU’s / Io
of Ireland (ROI) 4 of which
come under the auspices requirements can vary so make sure you
do your research carefully. A-Level Applicants Applying through CAO
of the National University of
Ireland. There is currently 1 There are many ways to find out A-level qualifications are widely You must apply for courses either online at
Technology University (TU) information on ROI courses: recognised in the ROI and you can find www.cao.ie or by completing and returning
as a result of the merger of 3 out the admissions points system for a paper application form to CAO. It is
Institutes of Technology (IoT). > Download the CAO Handbook from A-levels by visiting www.cao.ie and important that you read the CAO handbook
The remaining 11 IoTs have www.cao.ie . This provides full clicking on Student Resources – Applicant (available on the website) before submitting
applied to merge into a further listings of all courses available at all Scoring. It is worth noting, however, that your application.
4 Technology Universities. HE institutions. It also provides vital Applied or Vocational A Levels are rarely
information on the CAO process and accepted by ROI universities and, in
There are also 7 Colleges addition, you may not be eligible if you
Course Choices
of Education. how to apply.
have not completed GCSEs, AS and
There are two course choice lists on the
> Check out course search on A2 level in consecutive years and have
TU’s / IoT’s offer a full range CAO application and applicants may make
www.cao.ie. You can search by cashed in all A Levels in the same session.
of higher education courses, up to 10 course choices on each list:
institution or course name, which brings The IoTs / TU’s may be more flexible
degrees and post-graduate you directly to the institution’s website in their entry criteria and admission
> 10 choices may be made on the level 8
level studies which tend to be or course webpage to find details about requirements. However, it is advisable
list (Honours degree level)
primarily vocational in nature. the course, the university offering the to contact the institutions directly
> 10 choices may be made on the level
course, start dates, entry requirements for guidance on your own particular
7/6 list (Below honours degree level)
In addition, a number of other third level and selection criteria. You can also circumstances
institutions provide specialist education in find out what points were accepted for Please note: You need to rank your courses
such fields as Art and Design, Medicine, courses in previous years in in order of preference.This is different to a
Business Studies, Rural Development, ‘Points by Year’ in the ‘Student BTEC Applicants UCAS application, in which courses are not
Theology, Music and Law. Check out this Resources’ section. listed in any particular order.
site for a full list of institutions https:// Please note all of the 7 universities in the
www.education.ie/en/Learners/ > Participate in Belfast Met’s Virtual Republic do not normally accept BTEC
Information/Providers-of-Higher- RoI Universities and Colleges Fair Level 3 qualifications. IoTs / TU’s do, Key Dates
Education/List.html 23 October. This is your opportunity although they rarely provide guidance
Applications for entry to undergraduate to talk to Republic of Ireland university online regarding the grades required. CAO applications open 5th November
courses within these Higher Education and college staff face-to-face and ask You should make direct contact with the 2020.
Institutions are processed by the Central any questions about the courses you admissions teams of the institutions to
Applications Office (CAO). The CAO are interested in. clarify their requirements. > 20 January 2021 (5.15pm) – apply by
processes and timescales are very this date to avail of discounted fee of
different to the UCAS process and we > Attend university or college open €30.
would advise you to thoroughly research days and get a feel for what’s
actually like to be a student there. If you need help with any aspect
options and take care in filling out your > 1 February 2021 (5.15pm) – normal
of the CAO process, email
form. closing date for applications, €45.
> Check out the ROI prospectuses careers@belfastmet.ac.uk for an
Just like in the UK, the Bachelor’s from your campus Careers appointment with a > 1 May 2021 (5.15pm) - late
Degrees offered by universities in the Resource Centre or request a Careers Adviser application deadline.
Republic of Ireland come with “honours” prospectus directly from the
and are listed in the ROI as Level 8 universities or colleges you are
qualifications. Institutes of Technology interested in.
offer these Level 8 Honours Degrees
18 19Change of mind Offers Studying
Part-time Degrees
Unlike the UCAS process,you can change Unlike the UCAS system in which
your course choices. The CAO online universities make offers based on your
‘Change of Mind’ facility opens in early predicted grades, institutions in the
May and closes on 1st July at 5:15pm. Republic usually only issue offers once
You can use the online facility as many they have received your actual results.
times as you like to add, remove or re- For NI applicants with A level results this
order your courses for no extra charge until means decisions on applications are not
the 1st July at 5:15pm. normally taken until mid-August at
the earliest.
This will allow you the time and opportunity
to really know if the courses you have listed The table below shows the four main
are really the courses you want to study. rounds of offers:
You should make sure to attend open days,
talk to lecturers, other students, friends
and family as it’s much easier when you get
it right the first time around.
Deferred applicants; mature applicants; mature nursing/midwifery code
Round A applicants; some graduate entry pathways; applicants who may be required
(early July) to make visa arrangements; applicants who have completed an Access
course.
Round Zero Graduate entry medicine applicants; additional mature, deferred and Access
(early August) applicants; and applicants presenting QQI FET/FETAC for consideration for
entry to courses with a quota for QQI FET/FETAC applicants.
Round One All applicants applying on the basis of school leaving examination results,
(mid-August) regardless of year completed.
Studying full-time for three or Applications for part-time degrees are
Round Two and four years is not the only way submitted directly to your chosen
subsequent offers Offers are issued until the offer season closes, or until all places are filled, institutions(s), rather than through UCAS.
(late-August to whichever comes first.
to get a degree. Some students
mid-October) choose to study for a degree
The Open University offers part time,
on a part-time basis often to flexible degrees with no entry requirements.
Acceptance Funding your study in ROI combine with work or other Learning is completed entirely online.
commitments. Often it may be a You can find out the details of all the
All offers of places will be sent by Students who normally live in Northern cheaper option and since 2017 programmes open to Northern Ireland
post from the CAO together with the Ireland and choose to study at a HE funding is available for part- based students here: www.open.ac.uk/
necessary instructions as to how to institution in ROI (public university or time HE study northern-ireland
proceed. In addition, offers will be college) are not charged a tuition fee, (see page 23 for details).
presented online at the CAO website but have been required to pay a student Ulster University offers part-time
www.cao.ie and you may record your contribution charge of € It normally takes anywhere between 4 – 6 degrees in which teaching is delivered
acceptance online. Finance NI has traditionally provided a years to gain a degree through part-time on campus or entirely online or a
Student Contribution Loan to help cover study, depending on your motivation and combination of both: https://www
Offers will be issued independently in this charge. time available. Most universities have ulster.ac.uk/study/part-time . Ulster
respect of Level 8 and Level 7/Level 6 entry requirements for these degrees but University have an online portal for
courses, so that some applicants may However, the Irish government has will also take relevant prior experience/ applications for part time study.
receive two offers of places recently stated that, in light of Brexit, it employment into account when
simultaneously. If you receive more than will be reviewing the position on the fee
considering your application.
one offer (i.e. a level 8 course and/or level status of Northern Ireland students for
7/6 course) you are permitted to have the 2020 academic year. It is important
only one current acceptance in the entire to bear this in mind when applying to
CAO system. institutions in the Republic of Ireland.
20 21FUNDING FOR HIGHER Part time study
A part-time student studying at least 25%
all-ireland-scholarships
EDUCATION of an equivalent full-time course, can
apply for a tuition fee loan to the current
Uversity Scholarships
Uversity Scholarships provide financial
maximum amount of £3,206.25. He/She support to individuals 23 years or
Going to university or college is and https://www.housingadviceni.org/ may also be eligible for a tuition fee grant older who wish to pursue a Bachelor’s
an important investment in your housing-options-ni/student-housing for (up to £1,230) and course grant (up to degree in any subject in one of their
more information on the options available. £265 for books), with the amount available participating institutions in Northern
future. You will need to consider depending on the course intensity (at least Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
tuition fees, accommodation 50%) and your own household income. Scholarship amounts vary depending
and living costs. Finding out Funding
A maintenance loan is not available to part- on the recipient’s circumstances and
how much it will all cost and time students are allocated on a needs basis, which is
what funding is available is an Full-time study
assessed via application and interview.
Regardless of the type of higher education
important part of your research. course you are interested in, you need to Check out Uversity.org for more
apply for financial support through www. Repayment information and to apply.
Tuition Fees studentfinanceni.co.uk. Applications for
funding for full-time study usually open Full information on repaying your student Some charities and educational trusts
Tuition fees for NI students studying full- around Easter. You do not need to wait until loan can be found here: www.nidirect.gov. also offer grants and awards. For
time undergraduate degrees are currently: you receive an offer of a place from your uk/articles/repaying-your-student-loan more information check out: www.
> If studying in Northern Ireland: university or college and you can apply for nidirect.gov.uk/articles/bursaries-
£4,395* per year a tuition fee loan, maintenance loan and scholarships-and-awards
> If studying in England, Scotland and maintenance grant. Additional Financial Support
Wales: Up to £9,250* per year Sources of further information
> If studying in Republic of Ireland: All eligible students entering full time higher a) from Universities and Colleges
€3,000* per year education can access a tuition fee loan to Check out following sites for more
cover the full cost of their tuition fees. It is You may also be entitled to extra financial information:
Tuition fee costs for full-time Foundation paid directly to your university or college. support from your university or college.
Degree and HND courses at Belfast Met This could be a bursary or a scholarship > www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles
are in the order of £2,765 or more per year. The maintenance loan is to cover if you meet certain conditions set by your student-loans
accommodation and living costs. The exact university or college.You can find out
*Fees quoted are for 2020 entry. Fees for 2021 amount you can borrow will depend on what you might be eligible for by visiting
entry were not available at time of print. Check
> www.thescholarshiphub.org.uk
several factors, including your household the scholarships sections on university Search and apply for UK
institution websites for up-to-date information. income, where you live while you are and college websites. For example go to scholarships, grants or bursaries.
studying and whether you are in the final www.ulster.ac.uk/study/scholarships and
Tuition fees for part-time undergraduate year of your course. It’s also affected by Queen’s University at www.qub. ac.uk/ > www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
degrees and other part time HE any help you get through the maintenance
qualifications, such as Higher National Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and- Student support helpline:
grant. Student Finance NI will usually pay
Certificates, will vary depending on the scholarships/Scholarships to see the 0300 100 0077
the money into your bank account in three
institution and the course intensity. Check range of scholarships available.
instalments - one at the start of each term.
out university or college websites for a list > Belfast Met Student Funding
of their current fees. In addition, and dependent on personal or Officers are also available to provide
b) Specific Scholarships for HE (ie full study) broad information on Higher
family income levels, some students may
Accommodation be able to access a maintenance Education funding. Email
JP McManus All Ireland studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk
grant which is not repayable. There is also
Scholarship Scheme or phone 028 9026 5183.
University websites have information about support for childcare.
This scheme provides financial support of
the range and costs of accommodation
Please Note: Special arrangements are currently £5,500 per academic year to the
options such as halls of residence, purpose
in place for students applying for the following top-performing students from low-
built student housing and private rentals.
degrees in NI: Social Work, Nursing, Midwifery income households, intending to do an
You can also contact the university
and Allied Health Professional degrees e.g. undergraduate course in the UK or
accommodation office directly for more
Physiotherapy. Contact Student Finance NI for Republic of Ireland. Six scholarships are
guidance. Check out: https://www. available to the top Level 3 Extended
ucas.com/undergraduate/student-life/ more info.
Diploma students from further education
undergraduate-accommodation colleges: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/
22 23ALTERNATIVES TO UCAS TARIFF POINTS
UNIVERSITY for some popular qualifications
There are several alternatives to a South Eastern Regional College (www.serc.
full-time university degree, which ac.uk) with campuses in Lisburn, Bangor, BTEC
some students find more appealing. Newtownards and Downpatrick and Northern
Consider the following: Regional College (www.nrc.ac.uk) with
a y
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campuses in Newtownabbey, Ballymena,
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Higher Education at a Further and
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Higher Education College
Note: Some Foundation Degrees in NI D*D*D* 168
Higher Education (HE) courses at may require a UCAS application. Belfast D*D*D 160
Further and Higher Education Colleges in Met, for example, requires you to submit a
Northern Ireland include Level 4 Higher UCAS application to be considered for the D*DD 152
National Certificates (HNCs) and Level 5 following: 75%+ DDD 144
Foundation Degrees and Higher National
Diplomas (HNDs). 70-74% 132
> Foundation degree in Early Childhood
Studies DDM 128
Level 5 Foundation Degrees and HNDs are > Foundation degree in Health, Physical 65-69% 120
delivered as either two year, full time courses Activity and Sport
or three year, part time courses and are well > Foundation degree in Mechanical D*D* DMM 112
recognised by employers across the UK. Engineering 60-64% 108
These courses have lower entry requirements > Foundation degree in Biological Sciences
D*D 104
than undergraduate degrees but usually
allow you to progress into the second year of Colleges will hold information days for 55-59% DD MMM 96
a university degree, provided you achieve the potential students and these are a great 50-54% D*D* 84
required grades. As a result, they can work opportunity to learn more about the courses
as good back-up options to any university DM MMP 80
available, meet teaching staff face-to-face
applications you may make. and see what facilities the college has to D*D 78
offer. Regularly check college websites from 45-49% DD 72
All FE colleges in Northern Ireland also early January onwards for full details.
offer Level 4 Higher National Certificates MM MPP 64
(HNCs), primarily delivered on a part-time Meeting the entry criteria 41-44% DM 60
basis across two years. HNC’s have even It is important to carefully check the course
lower entry requirements than a HND or D* A* 56
entry requirements on college websites. Entry
Foundation Degree and usually allow you to criteria is based on UCAS tariff points (see 40% D MP MM PPP A 48
progress to year one of a university degree. table below). You can also use the UCAS B 40
Belfast Met do offer some full-time one year tariff calculator to work out your points:
HNC’s including Aeronautical Engineering, www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator MP 36
Engineering and Health Care Practice. There may be specific GCSE requirements M PP C 32
for some higher education courses. You D* 28
Applying to Courses should be aware that the Essential Skills
For HNCs, HNDs and some Foundation Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications D PP D 24
Degrees in Northern Ireland you should apply are not always considered an acceptable
A 20
directly to the relevant college as early as alternative to GCSE English or GCSE
possible, usually from January M P E B 16
Mathematics.
2020 onwards. C 12
For further information about entry criteria D 10
Check out college websites for a full list of and the application process you should
their HE courses and the entry criteria. As contact the relevant college directly. P 8
well as Belfast Metropolitan College E 6
(www.belfastmet.ac.uk) there is
24 25Higher Level Apprenticeships Self Employment Getting a Job
A Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) Further Education Colleges provide Many people consider self- If you wish to move into employment
is a great alternative to university. information about HLAs on their employment at some stage in their after your studies, it is advised you
Securing a place on this type of websites since they are advertising lives. Being your own boss, enjoying research the areas of work you are
apprenticeship allows you to become their ability to deliver the off-the- the financial rewards and job interested in. This is to ensure you
an employee of a local company, gain job training element of HLAs. In the satisfaction sounds very appealing. match the entry criteria and that no
a salary and get a head start on your majority of cases, you will need to But it’s a big leap, so it’s important to further study is required. There are
chosen career. Since your company be employed or about to take up think carefully first and get as much many ways you can search and apply
also covers the cost of any training, employment with a company in NI as advice and help as you can. for jobs, which our careers advisers
you will be able to gain a higher working for at least 21 hours per week For further information and advice on can help you with.
level qualification, such as a Higher to be eligible to apply. The college becoming self-employed, check out:
National Certificate, Higher National will support and assist you in finding Contact careers@belfastmet.ac.uk
Diploma or Foundation Degree, apprenticeship employers to apply to Invest NI: https://www.investni.com/ for more details.
without hefty tuition fees and running but does not guarantee employment. support-for-business
up student debt. This will be your responsibility. You may also wish to come along
Go For It: to one of our employment events
In NI there are currently HLAs Remember that applying for a Higher www.goforitni.com during the academic year. On
available in over 20 occupational Level Apprenticeship is the same as Wednesday 7th October there
areas including ICT, Professional applying for any paid employment. Enterprise NI: will be a Part-Time Jobs Fair. A
Services, Engineering, Life Sciences, You will need to research the position
www.enterpriseni.com Summer Jobs Forum, as well as a
Accountancy and Health Care. You and the company thoroughly, you will
will need to have achieved level 3 need to complete a good application Health and Social Care Jobs Fair
that will stand out and you also need to NI Business Info: www. will be aimed to be held in the
qualifications, such as a BTEC or A
levels, and may need to have gained perform well at interview. nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/ Spring and Summer Terms 2021.
certain GCSE grades: https://www. considering-starting-business At all these events, you will have
nidirect.gov.uk/articles/higher- The College Careers and Employability access to employers offering live job
Service can give you advice on how Prince’s Trust: opportunities. Check the Careers
level-apprenticeships
to present yourself to an employer www.princes-trust.org.uk/ Service’s Facebook and Twitter sites
and we are happy to review draft CVs help-for-young-people/support- from January onwards for details.
Apprenticeship opportunities can be
advertised by employers throughout and application forms. We also offer starting-business
advice and resources on job search Follow us on Facebook at ‘Belfast
the year eg PwC, October for the
skills and interview practice. Contact Shell Livewire: Met Careers Service’ and
following year, but the majority appear
from January onwards. Keep an eye Careers and Employability to make an www.shell-livewire.org Twitter ‘@careersbmet’ for news
on the NI Apprenticeship Portal: www. appointment to speak with a Careers on upcoming job opportunities and
nidirect.gov.uk/services/ search- Adviser. employment events.
apprenticeship- opportunities and Careers@belfastmet.ac.uk
regularly check job websites such as
www.indeed.com, www.nijobfinder. See also page 10 for
co.uk and www.jobcentreonline. additonal information on
com. Don’t forget to check
degree level apprenticeships. out the Careers and
Belfast Metropolitan College aims
to hold an Apprenticeship Fair in
Employability Service
Spring Term 2021 which will be a Canvas page for job search
good opportunity to meet potential advice and sample CVs.
employers face-to-face. Check
the Careers Service’s Facebook and
Twitter sites from January onwards for
details.
26 27You can also read
