New non- vocational " You don't have to do one of your A level subjects to degree level - the choice is so huge that you can do something completely different" - 1st year student, University of the West of England. Vocational Examples of Subjects Found in HE Familiar 11 Archaeology Behavioural Science Comparative Literature Demography Egyptology Film Studies Gender Studies History of Art Islamic Studies Jewish Studies Korean Studies Linguistics Movement Studies Natural Sciences Oceanography Popular Culture Quantitative Economics Race Relations Social Anthropology Third World Studies United States Studies Visual Arts War Studies Youth Studies Zoology Architecture Brewing and Distilling Civil Engineering Digital Design E- Business Fire Engineering Games Design Human Resource Management Internet Technology Journalism Knowledge Engineering Logistics Medicine Nursing Optometry Pharmacy Quantity Surveying Rehabilitation Engineering Sound Recording Teaching Urban Planning Vehicle Design Water Management X- ray Techniques Youth Justice ArtZoological Conservation Biology Chemistry Design English French Geography History Law Mathematics Physics Religious Studies Sociology Theatre Studies

Where to Study 12 Choosing where to study, just like choosing a course, is very much down to personal preference. Each year students from the South West take up their studies all over the country - be it Bristol or Birmingham, Cirencester or Cardiff, Exeter or Edinburgh, Falmouth or Farnborough, Gloucester or Glamorgan, Plymouth or Portsmouth, Southampton or Swansea. There are well over 300 institutions in the UCAS scheme including universities, colleges of higher education, and further education colleges that offer HE courses. Each has its own distinctive character so when deciding where to study you may want to consider the following: . How far away from home do you want to be - do you want to stay local or go somewhere different? . Would you prefer a large city or small town? By the sea or close to the hills? . What sort of academic reputation does the university have? . What's the social life like in the university and in the town/ city? . How much are living costs going to be? Remember these will vary greatly in different areas, with average weekly rents ranging from £ 60 - £ 80 and around £ 120 in London. . Do you want to live on campus or in private rented accommodation? And what's availability like? . What's public transport like in the town/ city - will you be able to get to university easily and cheaply if you choose to live off campus? . What are the student union and sporting facilities like? A lot to think about, but it is important to choose carefully because it is where you will be spending the next few years of your life. If you don't have a university or other higher education institution near you, you may be able to study towards part or all of a degree, foundation degree or HND at a local college of further education or with the Open University whilst living at home. Could this be a good option for you? Each university and college has a website and produces a prospectus that will help answer some of your questions - make the most of them. Also, have a look at the Unistats website ( www. unistats. com) to compare job prospects, university courses, and feedback from students. Aim to attend open days at the universities/ colleges you are most interested in. You'll get the opportunity to meet students and lecturers, as well as view the facilities and accommodation. It's a great way to get a feel for a place. Use the UCAS Open Days booklet and visit www. opendays. com to find out more. Study abroad If the idea of studying beyond the UK for all or part of your degree appeals, turn to the international opportunities section on pages 28 and 29. Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities ( including dyslexia) If you have a learning difficulty or disability, Skill is a national organisation that can offer you specialist advice and support on where to study. More details can be found on page 30. " Disabled Students Allowances ( DSAs) are not just for wheelchair users. If you are dyslexic you're also eligible but apply early as it takes ages ...." - 1st year student, University of Bath.