• 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.

4,594 enrolled on this course

A parent and a university student looking at a computer screen.
  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

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.

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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?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

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?

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.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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