University Guides August 17, 2010

• How to tackle Clearing this year

  With the publication of A-level results fast approaching, many teenagers will be wondering how best to deal with Clearing. As the BBC reports that around 150,000 of some 660,000 prospective students will not be able to secure a university place this year, our advice is be prepared!

  Read through our Clearing page, look at the FAQs, make a plan for results day: you will need to realistically consider all your options.

  Bear in mind that there are alternatives to going to university this year: re-sitting exams and re-applying next year, consider flexible learning, taking a gap year or getting some work experience. If you are unsuccessful in securing a university place for 2010, you could avoid delaying the start of your higher education by studying for your degree abroad. As the graduate job market has become highly international, so the higher education market is becoming more so, with many European universities offering degrees accredited by a British university. A Star Feature is a consultancy service providing advice and support to British students and their careers advisors on international higher education. They have seen a marked interest in the number of British students looking to take their degree abroad.

  Whatever you do, don’t panic and remember that with all the advice offered to you, from your family, friends, your school and careers advisor, and websites such as ours, this is your decision and you must decide upon what you want to do.

  Read the BBC article here.

  Read our feature article about studying overseas here.

• Can British students afford to wait?

  Can British students
  afford to wait for a place at a British university if they miss out during
  clearing this year? As universities announce
  that there will be very few places available during clearing this
  year, British students could be advised to look abroad to continue their
  education.  Many universities in
  Europe have places available this autumn and, farther afield, Australian and
  New Zealand universities welcome applications from British students in time for
  the 2011 academic year.

  In recent years, studying
  overseas has become well established in subjects such as medicine, dentistry
  and veterinary medicine. In 2010 there has also been an increase in students
  looking abroad as a way of differentiating themselves from their peers and
  gaining experience vital to a successful career. The increased presence of EU
  students at British universities is a visible reminder that the graduate job
  market is highly international. 

  A Star Future, a careers advisory service providing information about international
  undergraduate education to schools in England, has seen a marked increase in
  the number of students looking to take their full degree abroad. This can be seen as a response to both
  global realities and national pressures.

  Mark Huntington, Managing
  Director of A Star Future, comments “When government advice amounts to deferring
  entry or starting up a business, it is clear that there is no strategy to
  actively assist school leavers who miss out on a place at university this
  year.  We advise any student who
  wishes to get on with their education without interruption to look at options
  abroad. These may often work out cheaper than studying in England even before a
  further rise in the cost of university education. In the long term, studying
  abroad could be the smartest way to avoid the imposition of a graduate tax but
  it will definitely be excellent preparation for an international career.”

  While studying in
  English-speaking countries such as USA or Australia is currently unlikely to
  work out cheaper than studying in England, many degrees at European
  universities are now taught in English. Furthermore, many universities now
  offer degrees that are accredited by British universities.  For example:

  • University of Groningen, The Netherlands: One of the world’s top
    universities, it teaches 8 undergraduate degrees in English in subjects such as
    psychology and international relations. As of 3^rd August, there were
    still places available on some courses. Annual tuition fees approx. £1,400
  • Prague College, Czech Republic: A private university college offering small class
    sizes and excellent work experience opportunities. All degrees taught in
    English, some accredited by Teesside University. Annual tuition fees approx. £3,000

  Clearing can be a
  frustrating process for students and teachers alike. When looking for the right
  move, the answer could simultaneously be further away and closer at hand.

  Article supplied courtesy of A Star Future.

  About A Star Future Ltd
  A Star Future Ltd is a marketing consultancy service that provides advice and support to
  British students and careers advisors. We visit over 100 schools each year to
  deliver presentations on international higher education and we also provide
  specific advice to individual students.

  Since 2006 we have conducted
  extensive research into the attitudes and opinions of British students when
  considering international education. We are happy to share the results of our
  research which reveal the increase in popularity of certain destinations and
  types of courses over time.

  A Star Future was founded by
  Mark Huntington, a former accidental international student.

  For further information
  about which universities currently have vacancies, please
  contact:
  www.astarfuture.co.uk
  study@astarfuture.co.uk
  0191 440 0894; 07720 343777 or 07769 581149 (mobile numbers)
  A Star Future Ltd, Gateshead Office, 34 Earls Drive, Gateshead NE9 6AA