Introduction It's decision time again! There are plenty of options for you to consider: . Higher education ( full or part- time) . A job with training . Take a break ( gap year, voluntary work). This booklet will help you explore all of these options. There are many factors that will influence your decision including: . Your attitude to study . The job or career you have in mind . Your financial situation . The state of the job market. If, at this stage, you really don't know what to do, keep your options open. Apply for a range of courses, jobs or gap year opportunities and make your final decision when your results come through. Expert help and advice is available from Connexions advisers in school and college or at local centres ( listed on the back page). But don't leave it too late. It will take time to do all the research and make the best decision for you. Start planning now. Published by: Careers South West Ltd, Connexions Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole, Connexions Somerset, Connexions Swindon, Connexions West of England and Connexions Wiltshire. Written by: Joyce Birnie, Rob Brown, Frances Butler, Mike Chant, Maggie Dalton, Sabrina Forsey, Mark Morris, Kate Steel, Denise Thompson, Lynn Winstone - all experienced professionals working in information, advice and guidance services in the South West. Grateful thanks to Careers Europe for assistance with the International Opportunities section. The publishers seek to ensure equal opportunities for all regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Edited and produced by Rob Brown and the SW CIOLA group. Information dates rapidly. Information was accurate at the time of going to press. You are strongly advised to check details before making firm decisions. February 2010 Copyright © SW CIOLA 2

3 Frequently Asked Questions Questions: Q: How can I get impartial help and advice without asking my teachers or parents? Q: Is it a good idea to take a gap year? Q: Must I move away from home to get a Higher Education qualification? Q: When can I apply to university? Q: When and where can I get information about my options in HE? Q: What can I do if I'm not taking the right qualifications for what I want to do at university? Q: Can I go to work earlier if I take a Foundation Degree? Q: How do I know which subjects lead to particular careers? Q: What can I study if I don't particularly enjoy any of my current subjects? Q: There are so many different places offering the subject I'm interested in - how do I decide where to study? Q: How do I apply for HE? Q: I am really anxious about writing my personal statement. How can I get help? Answers: A: Connexions advisers can help in many different ways, both locally and via a free national helpline and website. See inside front and back cover. A: It's different for everyone, but HEIs and employers usually welcome applicants who are motivated as a result of gap year experience. Seepages 5, 26 and 27. A: Not necessarily. Many undergraduates study at their local FE college, university orthrough distance learning ( but be aware of the lifestyle implications). See pages 5 and 12for all of your options. A: Usually during the autumn term of your second year of advanced level study, but there are exceptions. See the calendar on page 6, and page 15. A: The most effective way of starting is to be well prepared for a visit to one of the regional UCAS Higher Education Conventions. See page 7. A: There are many different types and structures of courses in HE, with a wide range of entry requirements. You need to discover which is right for you. See page 8. A: FDs and HNDs are vocational courses that can lead to employment after two years, or may even be taken part- time, whilst working. See page 9. A: Many subjects are vocational ( i. e. train you for a particular career), but others are studied for love of the subject, providing skills for many careers later. See page 10. A: There are approaching 55,000 courses to choose from at a variety of levels. Begin to explore and expand your horizons early, starting on page 11. A: It's important to understand how the style of institution, size, culture, environment and cost of living can determine how comfortable and happy you will feel. See page 12. A: For most courses you will apply electronically via UCAS ' Apply', though a minority of applications are via other systems or direct to colleges. See pages 13 and 17. A: The statement is challenging, but it is an opportunity for you to become confident about decisions, and to be sure that your chosen places want you too! See page 14.