University tips for Parents & Guardians

Every week we post a new blog, with advice from colleagues in the sector, or ourselves, on key university news, changes or topical debate. You can view a selection of our latest articles below, or select from the list of topics to narrow things down.

Have a blog idea? We also take requests!

by Ashleigh Little

posted on 19 Mar '24

What are the differences between sixth form and university?

University is an adjustment from what your young person has been used to at school or college. The key to this transition is preparation. Here are five key differences they might experience and some advice about how you can support them with them.

by Dr Morag Duffin

posted on 12 Mar '24

Where to study? A guide to the different types of universities

The higher education system in the UK is very diverse and your young person can study at a wide range of institutions, from traditional universities to further education colleges with higher education provisions, to smaller and specialist institutions. This blog will provide a guide to the options on offer for students.

by Marc Alner

posted on 5 Mar '24

An introduction to the allied health professions

Every year, thousands of students apply to courses such as medicine and pharmacy. These degrees are fantastic for those interested in becoming doctors or pharmacologists, among others, but competition can be very high. Quite often, students have not considered the wide variety of alternative routes they can pursue. I will provide a guide to some of these here.

by Ellie Campbell

posted on 22 Feb '24

A guide to university entry qualifications

As you help your young person make decisions about their future, it can be difficult ensuring that the qualifications they choose are accepted for entry to university. Here is some guidance on the typical qualifications (but there are others that universities may accept too).

by Jen Barton

posted on 1 Feb '24

How important are post-16 option choices?

As higher education advisers, we’re often asked by students and parents how important their post-16 options are for their future education and career prospects. This blog provides some top tips!

by Dr Ann-Marie Tupciauskas-Richardson

posted on 23 Jan '24

What’s involved in a student finance application?

In the current climate, financial worries are a concern to us all. This is especially true for those planning a big change, including students about to begin their university life. Here are some jargon-busting answers to frequently asked questions about undergraduate loan applications to help you support the young person in your life.

by Joe Glover

posted on 18 Jan '24

How to support your young person with their university and course choices

For many parents, it can be daunting as their young person decides to take the plunge into the university world. You may be thinking “What can I do to help?”. The three pieces of advice in this blog will give you the confidence to offer that support.

by Ella Sancassani

posted on 16 Jan '24

Foundation, bachelor, sandwich years and more – what are the different types of higher education courses?

While it is important for your young person to research different universities, choosing the right course should also be a crucial first step. There are over 50,000 courses to choose from in the UK alone, and it can be difficult to pick a course when the language used is unfamiliar. I’ve created this guide to outline the different types.

by Claire Churchill

posted on 10 Jan '24

A guide to university fair access and widening participation

Understanding higher education can be challenging – there are acronyms to learn, dates to remember, forms to complete and events to attend. This can be especially difficult for students, and their parents or carers, who come from under-represented groups within higher education.

by Chris Hakes

posted on 8 Jan '24

What are university league tables?

Common questions parents ask me when it comes to university league tables are ‘which ones should I look at’ and ‘how important are they for informing decision-making?’ All parents want their young person to go to a university that will give them the best outcomes and where they will be the happiest. League tables are one of many tools that can be used as part of the research process.

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