• University of Reading

A Parent and Supporter’s Guide to University Entry

Learn about the UK's university application process and how to prepare your young person for university and the student journey.

A Parent and Supporter’s Guide to University Entry
  • Duration3 weeks
  • Weekly study3 hours
  • LearnFree
  • Extra BenefitsFrom $54Find out more
Overview
Topics
Start dates
Requirements
Educators
More courses

Support your child to make informed decisions with this university parent guide

Navigating the Higher Education application process can be confusing for young people and their parents. This course will help you to support your young person in the university application process.  

You’ll explore the application timeline and key decision dates, such as when to register, and the deadline for submitting personal statements. This course will also address common concerns such as what financial aid is available, and what support services your young person will have access to throughout their time at university.

Download video: standard or HD

What topics will you cover?

Week 1

  • Course welcome
  • Our understanding of higher education and the options available
  • Myth-busting common concerns
  • Influencing factors and researching higher education

Week 2

  • The application process and key dates
  • Making the most of open days and visits
  • Writing the application and the support available

Week 3

  • Financial aspects of applying to university
  • Living costs at university
  • Hearing back from offers

When would you like to start?

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more

  • Available now

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Explore the range of higher education options available
  • Identify and understand key dates in the application process
  • Collect practical tips on how to make the most of university open days
  • Investigate financial implications of studying at university
  • Apply understanding of the process and being prepared for any unexpected outcomes

Who is the course for?

The course is for parents, carers, and supporters of students that are entering university and who may be leaving home for the first time.

This course will also be useful for staff in local authorities supporting children in care and teaching staff looking for CPD training and to learn more about the university process.

Who will you learn with?

Amy Faibrother

Amy Faibrother

20 years experience working in careers and Higher Education helping young people with their post 16 choices.

Who developed the course?

University of Reading

The University of Reading has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and enterprise.

Join this course

Start this course for free, upgrade for extra benefits, or buy Unlimited to access this course and hundreds of other short courses for a year.

Free
$0

Join free and you will get:

  • Access to this course for 5 weeks

Upgrade
$54

Upgrade this course and you will get:

  • Access to this course for as long as it’s on FutureLearn
  • A print and digital Certificate of Achievement once you’re eligible
Join and upgrade
New

Unlimited (New!)
$249.99 for one year

Buy Unlimited and you will get:

  • Access to this course, and hundreds of other FutureLearn short courses and tests for a year
  • A printable digital Certificate of Achievement on all short courses once you’re eligible
  • The freedom to keep access to any course you've achieved a digital Certificate of Achievement on, for as long as the course exists on FutureLearn
  • The flexibility to complete your choice of short courses in your own time within the year
Find out more about upgrades or Unlimited.

More courses you might like

Learners who joined this course have also enjoyed these courses.