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.
Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
3 hours
A Parent and Supporter’s Guide to University Entry
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.
Syllabus
Week 1
Researching higher education
Welcome
Welcome to A parent and supporter’s guide to university entry. Meet the Educators and find out what will be covered in this three-week course.
What do you know about higher education
Share what your current understanding is of higher education and your hopes and fears as your children consider what to do next
Researching higher education
It's natural to have concerns about your young person going to university. Over the next few Steps, we'll discuss what influences your young person's decision as they start researching their options.
Review and Reflect
Reflect on the topics covered in Week 1
Week 2
The Application Process
Starting the process
Welcome to Week 2, where we'll explore in more detail the application process as well as how you and your young person can make the most of key events such as open days.
Research
Over the next few steps, we'll be looking at what's involved in applying to university and look at a timeline of everything involved in the process.
Open Days (virtual and in person)
Before your young person completes their application, they'll likely need to gather information on their choices to make informed decisions. open days are one of the best ways to help prepare and understand their priorities.
During the applications
As your young people start writing their applications, now is the time to help make sure they have all the information they need. In the next steps, we'll look at how you can help during this time.
Review and reflect
Reflect on the topics covered in Week 2
Week 3
Finances
Waiting for offers
In this final week, we take a look at what happens towards the end of the application process, and help you, as parents and supporters understand the financial aspects of going to university
Student Finances
Over the next few steps, explore some of the living costs your young people may be choosing between and hear from some students on how they managed on a budget.
What if
In the next few steps, you'll be looking at the responses your young person might get from the institutions they apply to and what happens if they don't get the grades they were hoping for.
Review and reflect
Thank you for joining us on this course. This is your chance to ask any final questions you have as we reflect on what you have learned
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and learn at your own pace. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. 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.
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| Access to this course | tick | tick | Limited to 5 weeks |
| Access to ALL eligible short courses with additional benefits, for a year | cross | tick | cross |
| Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
| Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Ways to learn
Buy Unlimited to access this course and hundreds of other short courses for a year or Upgrade just this course for extra benefits. Or, join with basic access.
Unlimited
$23.33/month
Billed at $279.99 for a year
Endless possibilities!
- Access to this course
- Access to ALL eligible short courses with additional benefits, for a year
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Upgrade this course
$59
Unlock your expertise
- All of the above* for this course only, plus a printed certificate when you’re eligible
*Excludes access to all eligible short courses with additional benefits for a year
Basic access
Free
Try before you buy
- Limited access to course content for 5 weeks
Find out more about certificates, Upgrades or Unlimited. | |||
Find out more about certificates, Upgrades or Unlimited.
Learning on FutureLearn
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- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps, but you can complete them as quickly or slowly as you like
- 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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