www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk

Time to say goodbye to the A-level?

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:27:22 +0100

Should we phase out A-levels? As the headmistress of one of the UK's leading state grammar schools is encouraging pupils to switch to the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB), today's Independent newspaper carries a feature by Professor Don Nutbeam, vice-chancellor of Southampton University, questioning whether A-levels now serve students, universities and prospective employers as well as in the past.

Nicole Chapman, headmistress of Chelmsford County High School for Girls in Essex, feels the IB offers a broader curriculum and is a better preparation for university.

Prof Nutbeam comments that recent changes such as the arrival of diplomas, the introduction of a modular structure, applied subjects and the extended project, have tackled the perceived narrowness of A-levels, but risk confusing students and their parents, who are faced with 'an ever expanding smorgasbord of, as yet, untested options'.

He feels universities currently exacerbate the problem, continuing to rely on A-levels as the primary form of assessment and offering ever more highly specialized degree programmes. From the age of 15 'young people progressively learn more and more about less and less'.

The IB diploma is an equivalent alternative to A-levels. Students study across six mandatory academic areas, with three subjects studied to a higher level and three to a standard level. This ensures a breadth of experience across the core subject areas, which include experimental sciences, maths, and social studies, as well as a second language. Students also study the theory of knowledge, and are required to complete an extended essay through independent research.

The professor says, 'now is an ideal time for our new Government, with its fresh perspectives, to engage in a more productive discussion of alternatives'. When it comes to universities he concludes that several, including the University of Southampton, are examining ways to offer a more flexible, customised, programme, which will help develop the generic skills and attributes important to today's students and employers.

For the full feature, see the Independent website

Students Look Abroad to Find British Degrees

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:52:25 +0100

A record number of British students are looking abroad for their university education this year, and one of the beneficaries could be the reputation of British university qualifications.

An increasing number of UK universities have campuses or have signed collaboration agreements with international universities and colleges to deliver their degrees. Prague College in the Czech Republic offers Teesside University degrees in International Business and Management. It has seen a huge increased in British visitors to its website, to the extent that it has appointed a dedicated team of advisors to help British students.

Mark Huntington, Managing Director of A Star Future Ltd, a UK based marketing consultancy has been recommending Prague to British students for a number of years with some success. This year, however, is proving to be a breakthrough. He says “Prague College offers a range of different subjects from business to computer studies. With the exception of its graphic design and fine art courses which are now completely full there are places available for students starting on 27 September 2010. Unlike many European universities Prague College also has its own hall of residence and can offer incoming students a place in halls for their first year. Tuition fees are around £3,000 a year and therefore cheaper than studying at a British university while living costs are estimated at around two thirds the cost of a major city in the United Kingdom.”

Commenting on the rush to find places abroad, Mark Huntington said, “We are not surprised that international universities are looking very attractive to British students at the moment. While there are options available, this is no way to make up for the estimated shortfall of 170,000 places in British higher education. While we understand that students are keen to get on with their studies, going abroad without proper planning can make for a bumpy transition. However, for those who are committed to getting on with their higher education no matter what it takes this might be a small price to pay.”

A number of European universities have announced placed for this coming term and details of all available courses can be found online at www.astarfuture.co.uk.

For further advice, The Complete University Guide has lots of information for prospective university students, including Choosing a Course, Choosing a University and Studying Overseas.

Choose the right A levels for your future university course

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:55:58 +0100

The London School of Economics is open about some of its 'not preferred' subjects - including drama and business studies - but at present but no other top university seems prepared to be quite so frank. In the past Cambridge has admitted to less preferred subjects, but this year their spokesman denied that students having one of those subjects at A level would be disadvantaged.

As this year's students face the toughest competition for a decade for university places, Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group of top 20 UK universities, has denied the existence of blacklisted subjects that would cause applicants to be rejected outright.

She said all Russell Group universities give positive lists of which subjects are most desirable for particular courses - for example chemistry is a required subject for those applying to study medicine. They do not list subjects that might be considered undesirable but provide 'very clear and comprehensive information on required A-level subjects and which ones will not be considered when making admissions decisions'.

But John Bangs, former head of education at the National Union of Teachers, is one of those who strongly suspects the top universities do have an unofficial blacklist. He told the Guardian newspaper, 'The list is built on the assumption that these subjects are easier than others and not academic enough.'

He believed the Russell Group were 'using a filter to stop people they don't want from getting into their universities' and added 'they have no concern about fairness. ... If they have this list, let them publish it and show us the evidence that these subjects are easier.'

When selecting A levels future students can check out the Complete University Guide's advice on course requirements - Wendy Piatt says students should take 'very careful note' of the requirements for their desired degree courses before picking supplementary A-levels.

Is university worth the trouble?

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:48:02 +0100

Going to university can provide exciting and diverse opportunities and experiences. However, as hundreds of thousands of students work through the clearing system to try and secure a coveted university place, an article in The Independent looks at what higher education can offer and alternatives to a university course.

For prospective students still looking for a university place, The Complete University Guide offers lots of useful information on the process and the Clearing FAQs supply answers to some commonly asked questions.

If you are wondering if going to university is the best option, you might consider some alternatives to full-time study or flexible learning.

For more on The Independent's story >

If you need advice on Clearing, getting into university or your results and options, email our advisor James Seymour at clearing@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk.

Students find London cost-effective

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:33:13 +0100

An annual poll of student expenditure and earnings from part-time work suggests that London is the most cost effective city for students, with Dundee coming second place. The survey also found that average weekly student expenditure was £185, reduced from more than £200 in 2009. For more on this article in The Independent >

The Complete University Guide offers lots of advice on student finance: financial support and budgetting >

If you'll be studying in London, take a look at our featured article on Living like a Londoner >

UCAS advice and Clearing

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:08:38 +0100

As an article in The Independent reminds us, Clearing should not be seen as a bargain basement or last-chance saloon for those who have failed all of their exams; going through the Clearing system doesn't mean that you have failed. It could be that you have had offers of a university place, but not received the required grades, or you might have changed your mind about which subject to study or indeed where to study. Clearing is supported by a team of advisers – experts whose knowledge and understanding make the university admissions process easy and simple to use. Their advice is not to panic and to remember that chosing the right university and the right subject is an important decision as you will be spending at least three years studying the course. Bear in mind, also, that there are alternatives to full-time study, such as part-time or distance learning, which may be appropriate for you.

To read this article in full >

To see The Complete University Guide's Clearing FAQs >

For information on Flexible Learning >

For advice on Choosing a Course and Choosing a University >

Click here for the UCAS website; UCAS Exam Results Helpline 0808 100 8000; UCAS Customer Service 0871 468 0468.

Clearing 2010

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:09:40 +0100

As exam results are published in England, Wales and Northern Ireland today, there are warnings of a huge shortage of university places, with some universities not taking part in Clearing at all. This year, more than ever, it is important that you make the right and best choice for your particular situation.

For advice and information from The Complete University Guide, see Clearing FAQs, Results Day, What if I just miss my grades, advice for parents, and Real life experiences of Clearing.

If you have a question about Clearing and your options, email our advisor James Seymour for advice and information clearing@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk

UCAS Clearing 2010 >

The Independent's Clearing 2010 >

University students disatisfied with lecturers' performance

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:48:00 +0100

An article in The Independent today highlights the fact that around one-third of university students are unhappy with assessment of their work and the feedback they get back from lecturers. This is in spite of the insistence that standards would rise with the introduction of top up fees of up to £3,225 a year.

The University League Table 2011, published by The Complete University Guide, ranks UK universities by assessing their performance in nine quality factors. Prospective students can create their own customized league table and compare universities. The Subject Tables list 62 individual subjects, ranking the universities within individual subjects.

For more on The Independent's article >

For advice on choosing a university >

How to tackle Clearing this year

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:14:08 +0100

With the publication of A-level results fast approaching, many teenagers will be wondering how best to deal with Clearing. As the BBC reports that around 150,000 of some 660,000 prospective students will not be able to secure a university place this year, our advice is be prepared!

Read through our Clearing page, look at the FAQs, make a plan for results day: you will need to realistically consider all your options.

Bear in mind that there are alternatives to going to university this year: re-sitting exams and re-applying next year, consider flexible learning, taking a gap year or getting some work experience. If you are unsuccessful in securing a university place for 2010, you could avoid delaying the start of your higher education by studying for your degree abroad. As the graduate job market has become highly international, so the higher education market is becoming more so, with many European universities offering degrees accredited by a British university. A Star Feature is a consultancy service providing advice and support to British students and their careers advisors on international higher education. They have seen a marked interest in the number of British students looking to take their degree abroad.

Whatever you do, don't panic and remember that with all the advice offered to you, from your family, friends, your school and careers advisor, and websites such as ours, this is your decision and you must decide upon what you want to do.

Read the BBC article here.

Read our feature article about studying overseas here.

goCarShare launched

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 06:58:39 +0100

Driving somewhere? Say no to empty seats. Get your car seats earning money and meet fun people by sharing the journey.

Need a lift? No problem! Search for someone who will drive you to your destination. The cost? goCarSharing is virtually always the cheapest way to travel.

goCarShare is a website to built to help people share car journeys, matching passengers and drivers traveling to the same destination. It has an easy-to-use search function designed around Facebook, and a rating system to help weed out bad drivers or unreliable passengers.

The next time you're planning a car journey, try goCarShare.

If you're deciding which universities to apply for, click here for advice on making the decision; or visit our university profiles which include useful links to maps and travel information.

Need advice on Clearing?

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 12:43:41 +0100

Looking for advice on Clearing, on your options and finding a university place? From Monday 16 August, for two weeks, The Complete University Guide's advisor James Seymour will be on hand to offer advice and information – email him at clearing@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk

Read what students have to say about their experiences of Clearing >

The Complete University Guide, helping you make the right choices: what to study, where to study, results day, clearing FAQs.

Facing clearing this year?

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:09:00 +0100

A-level students facing Clearing 2010 can do much advance preparation ahead of results day on Thursday. The Complete University Guide has lots of information to help you, including advice on courses, our university league table, and university profiles.

Make a list of possible courses and universities – this will be easy to check against the Clearing listings.

Think about alternative courses (perhaps a joint course with another subject instead of a single subject course) to maximise the choice available. Start ringing possible universities straight away (places at good universities can be filled very quickly).

If you think you may not have a place, regularly check UCAS Track. If you become eligible to use Clearing an 'Add Clearing choice' button will become available on your Track Choices screen. Or, check directly with your firm and insurance choices as soon as possible.

Check the official Clearing listings in The Independent, the UCAS website, or the websites of individual universities to find where there are vacancies in your subject. We recommend always using the official listings as they are always the most comprehensive and up to date.

For more information on Clearing >

For advice on results day >

For alternatives to full-time study >

Take a gap year!

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:51:36 +0100

With a limited number of university places available through clearing this year, prospective students will be considering their options and many will be contemplating taking a gap year. There are a number of reputable organisations that can help you organise your gap year, and if you chose your opportunity carefully, you will develop the kind of maturity and enterprise that will help with both your university application and your future career.

Advice on taking a gap year >

Useful gap year links >

Featured article on volunteering with African Conservation Experience >

University places in short supply

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:56:54 +0100

With just a week to go until the A-level results are published, a number of universities have already stated they will have no places available through clearing. The BBC reports that with record levels of applications and financial restraints on university places, it looks as if students will face a shortage of places in clearing this year. However, Pam Tatlow, chief executive of the Million+ group of new universities, says young people should be reassured that there will be some places available through clearing.

For more on this story >

For advice and information on clearing >

Finding Student Accommodation

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:20:24 +0100

Do you already have your university place for this year, or are you still waiting for exam results and Clearing? After choice of university and course, your most important decision is where to live. UNITE is the UK's leading private provider of student accommodation – see our interview with Shane Spiers, Managing Director of Property Management for UNITE, where he shares his advice on looking for student accommodation.

Visit our pages on Where to Live, with advice and information on all aspects of finding student accommodation, and Money covering student finance and budgeting in detail.

Scottish National Exam Results Helpline

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:00:44 +0100

Students in Scotland have received their exam results, with a new record pass rate for Highers, at 74.6 per cent this year. More than 160,000 students received their results by post yesterday (5 August 2010) with around 35,000 students getting their results a day earlier via text message or email.

The National Exam Results Helpline (0808 100 8000) offers information, advice and support on a whole range of options including UCAS course vacancies at colleges and universities across the country, Clearing and exam re-sits. To see this story in full, visit Skills Development Scotland.

If you're still looking for a university place this year, don't panic! Check out The Complete University Guide where you will find FAQs on Clearing and help on choosing what to study and where to go.

Other useful sources of advise include the National Exam Results Helpline (0808 100 8000), Scottish Clearing which lists vacancies at universities and colleges all over Scotland, and UCAS for their Clearing Advice and Clearing vacancies in Scotland.

Student bursaries are up, but top universities still too 'greedy' says NUS

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:26:04 +0100

Universities in England have slightly raised the proportion of their income that goes to bursaries for less well-off students, according to the latest figures from the Office for Fair Access (Offa), but it's not evenly spread and the National Union of Students (NUS) is calling for changes to the system.

Offa's figures for 2008-09 showed that the total amount universities spent on bursaries had risen to £344m, up from £219m the previous year and this coincided with an increase in the income universities raised from tuition fees set above the basic minimum.

Offa's Director, Sir Martin Harris, said the continued expenditure showed a "strong ongoing commitment to widening access", but stressed they must maintain bursary spending levels: "With applications at a record high... we must continue to make sure that disadvantaged students... are not disproportionately among those affected by this increased competition for places."

But NUS President Aaron Porter said that 15 of the richest universities - from the Russell Group and 1994 group - gave less than 20% of their additional fees income on bursaries, whereas 18 newer universities offered more than 25% in cash to poorer students.

He said the system allowed "greedy university heads" with poor records on access to spend less reaching out to disadvantaged students.

"Vice-Chancellors and Offa should be calling for a better system, not patting themselves on the back," he said.

For more information on student funding see the Complete University Guide's money pages, and for this story in full see the BBC website

Scottish Clearing

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:41:03 +0100

Scottish Clearing starts in earnest today as students in Scotland receive their exam results. Fierce competition for places is not expected to materialise as demand for places in the Scottish universities is expected to increase by around 5%, rather than the 31% predicted earlier this year.

The Complete University Guide contains knowledgeable, useful sections on What to do on results day and Clearing. Use our unique University League and Subject tables as you work through the vacancy listing.

Other useful links include Scottish Clearing which lists vacancies at universities and colleges all over Scotland, and UCAS, where you can read their Clearing Advice and search for Scottish vacancies in Clearing, including part-time courses.

Scottish Exam Results

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:39:48 +0100

Scottish exam results will be published on Thursday 5 August. If you don't yet have your place at university and will be entering Clearing, The Complete University Guide has plenty of useful information on Clearing and on making it work for you. If you want to research courses, check out the pages on Choosing a Course and University Course of the Week.

The UCAS website has lots of advice on how to use Clearing. For Scottish-specific vacancy listings visit Scottish Clearing.

New Student Book Card launched

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:50:35 +0100

The new Student Book Card from National Book Tokens will help students budget for their all-important course books.

This simple two-part gift card allows parents to add value on one card and students to buy textbooks with the other. Course books are a critical resource for successful students and research shows that books are often the last things on students' shopping lists.

After extensive focus group research with students and parents, Jenny Sheils, Marketing Executive at National Book Tokens stated, "Books tend to be low priority for students before they start university of college. There is sometimes an element of shock when it comes to how much they can cost, particularly for parents who can often end up paying for them. The Student Book Card is an ideal budgeting tool as it creates a ring-fenced fund specifically for book buying."

The Student Book Card is accepted in chain, independent and campus bookshops across the UK. It can be topped up in-store with any amount from £1 to £250 - money loaded onto one card automatically shows on the other. The card and is available to purchase in UK bookshops and online from www.studentbookcard.co.uk.

Professors speak out - 96% against privatisation of university education

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:43:33 +0100

A poll of 500 professors resulted in an overwhelming, 96.2% majority against government proposals to encourage the growth of private universities in the UK, even as the first new private sector college to be granted university college status for 30 years was announced, BPP College of Professional Studies.

The University and College Union (UCU) has highlighted the professorial poll to warn minister David Willetts against privatisation plans, pointing out that private universities are not subject to the same academic rigour or public scrutiny - and that their proliferation could seriously damage the UK's international reputation for the provision of top quality university education.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said the news could mark the beginning of a slippery slope. 'Encouraging the growth of private providers and making it easier for them to call themselves universities would be a disaster for the UK's academic reputation. It would also represent a huge threat to academic freedom and standards.

She added, 'It is essential that David Willetts listens to our finest minds instead of being wooed by a private sector more interested in profit than probity.'

David Willetts said: "The coalition Government is committed to promoting a wider range of educational opportunities ... and matching the skills employers want.' He added that it was healthy to have a 'vibrant' private sector working alongside traditional universities.

Full story on the UCU website

When the dust settles, how will students fund their studies in future?

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:29:30 +0100

If you're feeling confused by all the conflicting reports over the future of university funding that isn't surprising. Last week, Universities Secretary Vince Cable said the coalition was keen to investigate the idea of a variable graduate contribution or tax. That was quickly followed by senior Conservatives saying the government was unlikely to back this idea.

Money is certainly needed - this year we are told that the demand for university places has risen by 70,000, so a total of 660,953 people, including foreign students, applied in time for the 30 June deadline to start full-time undergraduate courses at UK institutions this autumn, compared to 592,312 last year. Now some estimates say there will be no places for as many as 200,000 applicants. Most authorities agree that having a greater proportion of young people going on to tertiary education is a good thing but that requires funding.

Vince Cable outlined a possible system where graduates would pay an increased rate of taxation, which would be higher for higher earners. Meanwhile Lord Browne's review of fees, which is due to make its report this autumn, is expected to lift the cap on individual universities charging more, so fees could go up to around £7000 a year.

Other moves to cut costs have also been mooted - two-year degrees, more students studying part-time, by distance learning or living at home, and expanding the role of private institutions.

For a fuller discussion of the questions and answers on what the situation is now and could eventually be, see the BBC's feature Q & A on University Funding. The Complete University Guide's own pages on finance will help to give you a picture of the current funding possibilities for students who are looking at going to university this year.

Steep rise in first and upper second class degrees - maths and languages lead the way

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:03:32 +0100

As final year students await news of their degree results it has been revealed that almost twice as many first class degrees are being awarded by UK universities today, compared to 14 years ago - this is the most startling of the latest figures compiled by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

There is also a notable increase in the percentage of those getting an upper second, from 42% in 1995 from to 46% in 2009 - that translates to a total of 131,480 students gaining a 2:1 last year.

Mathematical sciences saw the sharpest rise in students getting an upper second class or above going from 48% in 1995 to 62% last year, while those taking language degrees (including English) tend to do very well, with 74% obtaining a 2:1 or higher against 51% in computer science. Both have seen significant rises in the top grades.

This is all good news, especially set against the the recent announcement by the Association of Graduate Recruiters that four out of five employers now looking for graduate employees are insisting on a minimum 2:1 grade - so the bar is getting higher. But it also needs to be seen in context - over 15 years, the number of students awarded a 2:2 has remained fairly steady at roughly 77,000 to 81,000.

So if you graduate at that level today you will find yourself up against almost 140,000 better-qualified rivals - nearly 30,000 more than you would have done in 1995.

For league tables of which universities gain the best honours degrees in which subjects, see the Complete University Guide's 2010 tables. For more details of this story and graphs of results see the BBC website.

When a 2:1 is not enough - what employers, and graduates, really want

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:47:25 +0100

The graduate jobs market is getting tougher, say all the media - employers want minimum 2:1s, shout the headlines. A BBC survey of employers and students gives a sample of the true situation.

In the financial sector it reports some recovery after last year's collapse in graduate jobs. The international accountancy firm, Ernst and Young, has increased its graduate intake by 30% since last year and plans to recruit 900 university leavers for 2011.

But it's tough competition. The company wants people to have 2:1 degrees, but it's not an automatic cut-off, 'if [applicants] have a good story tto tell we are interested in hiring them,' said a spokesperson.

The firm's UK head of graduate recruitment also suggested young people might have to look further afield than the City of London:

'Graduates need to get on their bikes for work this year... There are some fantastic opportunities to work for major global organisations like Ernst & Young, based in towns up and down the country such as Reading and Southampton, which provide the same career development opportunities.'

Supermarket chain Aldi reports that the volume of graduate applications for the group's management scheme, with its attractive £40,000 starting salary rising to £61,000 in three years, is now 12,000 applicants for every 50 places. There's an online form, plus a requirement for a 2:1 degree and evidence of leadership and commitment outside of studies.

"Graduates who stand out from the mix are those that combine academic and non-academic skills and experiences," says Aldi head of graduate recruitment Richard Holloway.

"Leading a local or university sports team, carrying out voluntary or charity work, having a part-time job, or going the extra mile to reach individual potential is favoured over first-class honours."

Even getting an interview depends on a persuasive CV. Aldi advises applicants to provide an informative, succinct and spell-checked account of achievements, qualifications and skills, not spreading beyond two pages.

It even gives the best font to use - Arial 11 point.

For information on graduate employment generally, and the tables for which universities offer the best employment figures, see the Complete University Guide's Graduate Prospect pages. For more on this survey plus students' own experiences of looking for jobs, see the BBC website.

Top student services at Sheffield - 2010 Leadership and Management Awards

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:52:42 +0100

The University of Sheffield has won the 2010 award for Outstanding Student Services Team, and York St John University the award for Outstanding Student Admissions Team, in the second ever annual selection by the Times Higher Education Awards, presented at the Grosvenor House Hotel this month.

Launched last year amid what the THE calls 'the gloom of deep recession' the awards were designed to celebrate the leadership, management, financial and business skills of the higher education sector - they have sparked an enthusiastic response around the UK and for 2010 there were 264 entries across the 18 categories.

Other winners include the University of Newcastle, for their Research Management team, and the University of Derby, for Leadership and Management.

The judges said that their choice of winners 'demonstrated the professionalism and dedication that underpin the UK's world-class research and teaching enterprise and give the sector an unrivalled body of best practice.'

For a full list of winners, see the THE website.

Wanted - graduates with flair, vision and a passion for John Lewis

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:47:15 +0100

Students who share in this country's love affair with the John Lewis Partnership can now look forward to new opportunities for making a career with the company. From September this year the John Lewis recruitment programme begins two new graduate schemes, one in buying, one in merchandising.

In the past, would-be buyers have had to apply for the general management scheme and then work their way into head office but now can apply to start at entry level to become an assistant buyer, and within 3 to 5 years if all goes well they could be buying globally and handling multi-million budgets.

Sophie Milliken, the group's graduate recruitment manager, says they are looking for people with flair, vision and a passion for the John Lewis ethos - that's good service to customers and profit sharing for staff who become "partners" in the business.

For merchandising you need to be able to look at the numbers and forecast product sales. "We're looking for people with maths skills who are good at thinking logically. They will work alongside the buyers. The buyer might see a range of products and say 'wow', and the merchandiser has to bring them down to earth and start talking about units and figures," says Milliken.

Graduate trainees start on £24,000 plus the partnership bonus, while an assistant buyer can earn £23,600 to £32,800. Fully-fledged buyers earn between £43,000 and £87,250 plus bonus.

More details on this story from the Independent website

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/higher/graduate-news-john-lewis-in-search-of-flair-and-passion-1995535.html

'Fresher Freshers' to grow their own

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:39:24 +0100

The traditional image of university students as cash strapped with less than perfect diets could be about to change with the introduction of a new scheme from Homebase and the National Union of Students (NUS) to allow thousands of undergraduates to grow and eat their own fruit and veg. With rising student debt and high food inflation impacting on student dietary habits, the introduction of the 'Fresher Freshers' initiative couldn't come at a better time.

Launching on Friday 28 May, the Grow Your Own' (GYO) scheme aims to promote a long-term behavioral change amongst some of the most financially pressured in society, who often struggle to eat a balanced diet. The average student leaves university with £20,000 worth of debt^{^[1]}and recent research into student eating habits^{^[2]} showed that 63% of students have changed their diet to eat less nutritious food as a result of financial pressures. With food inflation rising to 2.6% in April^{^[3]} and £200 million of university funding cuts just announced, this effect is only likely to increase.

The Homebase scheme will provide plants, seeds and tools, as well as advice and support from local stores, to universities that have provided land and staff to support the initiative. Campus activity will include creation of GYO societies, development of plots and polytunnels, the implementation of veg box schemes and the sale of produce back to fellow students and local communities.

Matthew Compton, category manager, garden horticulture at Homebase says: "This initiative is about creating a generation of graduates with healthier, greener and more pocket-friendly eating habits. If students learn at this influential life-stage to grow healthy, fresh food for themselves and their local communities we hope they will take those skills and that passion on into later life. The GYO category increased 30% year on year in 2009 and we want students to be able to benefit from this social trend."

Susan Nash, Vice President of Society and Citizenship of NUS says "Recent NUS research has shown us that 42% of students would grow their own fruit and vegetables if given the facilities and tools. The 'Fresher Freshers' initiative offers universities and students that opportunity and we are looking forward to seeing the fruits of our labour in the near future."

The initial rollout will see capital, product and expert support provided to the University of Bradford Union, Leeds University Union, Liverpool Guild of Students, University of Gloucestershire Students' Union, University of Bristol Union, Students' Union Royal Holloway and University of Kent Union.

Student Sarah Taylor, who has been involved in a growing project at The University of Gloucestershire, says: "With virtually no experience of growing food or gardening when I got involved in the project, I've learnt far more than I ever expected. The practical skills, community involvement and the love of growing and cooking food are amongst the many pleasures of the project that I will take with me throughout my life."

Students can log on to the online community http://www.getintogardening.co.uk/ get recipe ideas, growing tips and chat to other 'grow your own' enthusiasts in the forum section.

[1] Survey by Push student guides, August 2008
[2] Sodexo University Lifestyle Survey, March 2010
[3] British Retail Consortium, May 2010

If the cap lifts - how much will students have to pay for their courses?

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:53:33 +0100

Everyone is expecting the cap on university fees to be lifted - but by how much? Recent reports in the media claimed the Browne review of university funding was considering allowing fees to be raised by £1000 a year for five years - which would mean students at Oxford and Cambridge could end up paying around £7000 a year.

The Browne review is not due to make its final report until the autumn. But according to a recent Independent article the Russell Group of leading UK universities has announced its members would consider radical steps such as going private if there was no way to increase cash for the universities. This came in the wake of the coalition government's announcement of a further £200 million cuts to higher education.

There is a possibility that Labour MPs might band with Lib Dem rebels to vote down proposals to raise tuition fees.

The Russell Group is clear that the fees cap would need to be lifted in order for universities to maintain standards in the face of such cutbacks. Director General of the group, Dr Wendy Piatt said, 'Without clear means of increasing their income, meeting these challenges begins to look like an impossible task. There is now a real risk that we could lose academics who have been responsible for discoveries that have changed the lives of millions of people for the better or tutors who have inspired generations of students and turned them into outstanding doctors, engineers and entrepreneurs.'

More on this story from the Independent website, and advice and information on all aspects of student finance on the Complete University Guide's money pages

New head of loans company must repair 'calamitous reputation' say students

Wed, 26 May 2010 10:15:09 +0100

The National Union of Students has welcomed the departure of two executives at the head of the troubled Student Loans Company - both the Chief Executive, Ralph Seymour-Jackson, and the Chair, John Goodfellow, have stood down.

The new head of the SLC is Sir Deian Hopkins. He faces an uphill task to put things right after last year's debacle, when thousands of students were left without resources at the start of their university career.

The NUS President-Elect Aaron Porter warned, 'Processing delays, along with recent redundancies, website problems and confusion over repayments do not bode well for the organisation's ability to avoid a repeat of last year's loans fiasco. We wish Sir Deian Hopkin well in getting a grip on the SLC, which is a lifeline to millions of students.

'This is an opportunity for the Student Loans Company to put its previous calamitous reputation firmly behind it. We will be seeking cast-iron guarantees from the new leadership that students will never again be left without vital financial support.'

Students for courses beginning in 2010 have again been urged to put their applications for loans in as early as possible to avoid delays - the date for non-means tested loans has now passed, but for means-tested loans the deadline is 25 June.

For advice and information on student finance go to the Complete University Guide's money pages, and for more on the NUS statement see their website.

Coalition promises more university places - but no word yet on fees

Thu, 20 May 2010 10:59:34 +0100

The Tory/Lib Dem government has pledged to increase the availability of university places in England, but insists it must await the findings of Lord Browne's independent review before making any proonouncement on fees.

The government has not yet said how many new university places it is prepared to fund. As regards fees, it will judge its proposals against the need to 'increase social mobility; take into account the impact on student debt; ensure a properly funded university sector; improve the quality of teaching; advance scholarship; and attract a higher proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.'

Nick Clegg's party campaigned strongly on the promise to scrap fees altogether, but the Conservatives now say: "if the response of the government to Lord Browne's review is one that the Liberal Democrats cannot accept; then arrangements will be made to enable Liberal Democrat MPs to abstain in any vote".

The NUS today published an open letter to new Deputy Prime Minister Clegg asking for immediate clarification on the Government's stance on the future of student top-up fees.

However, the Russell Group of top universities has just recommended that fees should be uncapped - their second submission to the Browne review suggests, 'an increase in graduate contributions is the only viable and fair way to secure the future of the UK’s world class higher education system and the universities’ vital role in educating a workforce for the global economy.'

New institutions challenge the old guard's dominance

Thu, 20 May 2010 07:56:55 +0100

The position of "old" universities established before 1992 is continuing to be threatened by younger upstarts in the table compiled by The Complete University Guide in association with The Independent. Although Oxford remains at the top of the university pecking order for the third year running, with Cambridge and Imperial College London again in second and third place respectively, there has been movement in the middle ranks.

And there have been noticeable shifts, too, in the fortunes of universities in the top 20. Lancaster, for example, has risen from 12th to eighth place in the 2011 league table because of an improvement in its student satisfaction score and because graduate prospects are better as shown in the numbers getting graduate jobs or undertaking further study six months after leaving university.

"Lancaster gives students contact with some of the best teaching staff in the UK," says its vice-chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings. "We have a bustling and newly transformed campus, and students love the sense of community."

The university has been working hard to improve the employability of its students, according to Professor Amanda Chetwynd, pro-vice-chancellor for colleges and the student experience. "We have put our centre for employment, enterprise and careers in our main square, right at the heart of the campus, which means it is in the students' minds," she says. "As a result, students come in to it a lot more than they used to."

Students are also being urged to start thinking very early in their degree courses about what they want to do when they graduate, and they are offered short periods of work experience over the summer or at Easter. For the full article in The Independent >

Textbookexchange.co.uk saves students from book store monopoly

Tue, 11 May 2010 12:01:36 +0100

Students from universities across the UK are beginning to wake up to the extortionate prices book stores and publishers charge for new textbooks.

Recent studies have shown that students use, on average, 12 different textbooks over their time at university which can cost upwards of £200. Savvy students have long attempted to side-step these costs using their library or buying used textbooks from their older peers. However, libraries only provide limited numbers of books, forcing students to wait in line and buying used was only possible when you had the right contacts in the year above.

An entrepreneurial student from the London School of Economics saw these problems and created a solution that wrestles the expensive issue of textbooks into a smooth, stress-free, cheap one. He envisaged a website where students could buy and sell textbooks without being charged any commission. The idea is now a reality in the form of TextbookExchange.co.uk, which draws the interest of students who want to get a better deal on textbooks.

Sanjay Dave, an LSE student from Dartmouth, plans to use TextbookExchange.co.uk. "As a law student, I spent almost £300 on books last year. I'll definitely be buying online. I am not going to Waterstones. They don't have too many used books," he said. Thousand of students in the UK feel the same way, Textbook Exchange could not have come at a better time, with money on everybody's mind in the current climate, students are looking for alternatives.

"Students have always bought and sold used textbooks, but usually to people they already know and in a very informal way, what TextbookExchange.co.uk tries to do, is become the go-to place where a much wider selection of books is available. This means bigger savings for buyers and a larger audience for sellers." Says Textbook Exchange founder, Janak Shah.

Students are constantly looking for ways to supplement their student loan, selling textbooks on the exchange means that they are able to set their own prices, rather than having to accept ludicrously low offers from stores.

A key feature of the exchange was making the service accessible to all and the site has been carefully molded around ease-of-use. "You enter what you have, or what you want and we'll do the rest." Janak Shah says. "We've also differentiated ourselves from the likes of Amazon and Ebay in that we don't charge a fee or commission to those selling their books. Our service is completely free."

Although some texts are now available in electronic form, students still seem to prefer books in physical form, which means the future looks bright for TextbookExchange.co.uk .

Top universities up in arms over Russell Group's evidence on fees

Tue, 11 May 2010 09:23:41 +0100

Angry students from 20 leading universities are demanding that the Russell Group reveal evidence it has submitted to the government's review of tuition fees, which the Group has so far refused to do.

Students say they do not see why the views of the influential Russell Group should not be made public, alongside the views of other university groups which have already been published.

Attempts by students from Oxford University to use freedom of information requests to force the publication of the Russell Group's submission were rejected by the government.

Emmanuel Akpan-Inwang fom the student's union at the London School of Economics said it was 'completely unacceptable' that evidence from their universities that so directly impacts on students was being kept hidden.

However, the Russell Group is rejecting any claim of secrecy, saying that the submission to the fees review was always intended as part of a wider report on student funding which will be published in the next few weeks - it does not want documents to be seen 'out of context'.

The students have drawn up a formal protest letter which asks the Russell Group to publish its evidence immediately and to give a firm date for the publication of its full report.

Call for tax breaks for graduate recruiters, as number of applicants doubles

Tue, 04 May 2010 15:23:21 +0100

High-profile employers are more than ever inundated with applicants for graduate schemes and apprenticeships - British Gas revealed last week that it received more than 65,000 applications for 600 schemes, that is about twice as many as usual.

The employment magazine, Personnel Today reports that mobile phone operator Vodafone also had over 3,000 applicants for the 50 places on its graduate scheme, launched last year, while retailer Debenhams received 2,000 applications for the 25 graduate trainee places available this year, from advertising only on its own website and graduate career websites.

The latest Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) survey into the graduate recruitment market revealed that there are, on average, 48 applications for every position. The AGR has been lobbying government to devise tax breaks for employers who up their intake of graduate recruits.

The news comes as the latest figures on youth unemployment have been released at 929,000 - and would have hit exactly 1m without the 71,000 quarterly jump in student numbers.

More information on this and related stories from Personnel Today website.

University Open Days - why they are not to be missed

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:30:36 +0100

Students in Year 12 (lower sixth) who are thinking of choosing their university for next year, or those who in year 13 who haven't applied pre-A Level this year, there is clear advice from teachers and universities alike - make time to go to the Open Days!

Most universities have excellent websites and prospectuses and of course the Complete University Guide will give you the latest league tables and profiles, but for helping you make the final decision there's nothing to beat going to the campus and taking a look at the facilities and accommodation for yourself, talking to current undergraduates and tutors, checking out the surrounding town or countryside.

Mandy Firth, head of undergraduate recruitment at Keele University, believes that an open day can also help prospective students to make the final choice of degree they want to do.

"We encourage students to book in advance so they can get their hands on a programme and make a plan to get the most out of the day. There are a lot of things going on and people need to know what they want to ask about. It's probably best to come up with a list of questions beforehand and to know who to talk to."

Nottingham University events officer Jenny Wardrop also thinks that a pre-application open day is good for people in Year 12 or 13 who want to narrow down their choices. Nottingham's June and September weekends will each attract 20,000 visitors and it runs eight more mini "campus tour days" throughout the year.

Charles Elder, Bournemouth University's press manager agrees: "Picking your university is about getting a gut feeling by talking to staff and students, and seeing if you're going to gel. This is your chance to look behind the scenes."

A full schedule of university open days is available on the Open Day website, and you can see more about open days on the Independent online

Student vote is wooed by the three main parties

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 09:47:30 +0100

As the election looms, what are the three main political parties offering for students and higher education generally?

At the recent National Union of Students conference, the newly popular Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg asked students to 'shout loud' for what they wanted. He said the plans to lift the cap on tuition fees was 'wrong' and his party's manifesto would phase out tuition fees over the next six years, while Tory leader David Cameron said 'top-up fees have to stay' but promised an 'early replayment bonus' on student loans as well as other benefits.

Gordon Brown made no mention of fees but confirmed that Labour would offer 20,000 extra university places this year and said they have always fought for fairness - he told NUS members he would spend 'every waking hour fighting for your future.'

Students unions still say politicians are "hiding behind" a review, due to report after the election, to avoid questions on university funding and student fees. The new incoming president of the NUS, Aaron Porter, said he was disappointed by the lack of open debate.

The National Union of Students is keen to mobilise student voters over the issue of fees, particularly in constituencies with a large student population. They have asked candidates to pledge not to vote for an increase in tuition fees - so far 800 candidates have signed up.

"Come polling day any candidate who hides behind the review and refuses to come clean on their position on tuition fees will be punished at the ballot box," said Mr Porter. Current NUS President Wes Streeting agreed: "We are determined to hold parliamentary candidates to account, and help students in every constituency to understand which of those candidates is prepared to back student interests – on the record, and on a clear promise."

More details on this story from the BBC website and also from the NUS

The better your university, the better your career network

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:57:56 +0100

'It's not just what you know but who you know' is an old saying that's never been truer. The people you meet at university can have a major influence on your career, so the 'better' your university - better teaching, better facilities, and better peers - the more useful those contacts will be.

Adrian Furnham, Professor of Psychology at UCL is an expert on the workplace and he is quite clear: 'The people one bumps into as a student can come in very useful in later life.'

MBAs are particularly good at making the best use of networks and contacts made during university. 'UK [business] schools are boosting their efforts to meet increasing student expectations beyond the course itself,' says Jeanette Purcell, chief executive of the Association of MBAs. According to Amba, the key elements needed for a flourishing alumni network are frequent opportunities for networking, both online and in person, easy access to a good range of alumni groups and events wherever you are in the world, and continuing support with career and personal development.

But it need not only apply to business students - the Oxford Business Alumni network has 7,000 members, half of whom are business school graduates and half from across the university. Alumni regularly come back to help with recruitment and careers. The broad mixture is helpful to business and non-business students alike.

For information on business studies and other careers, you can see 2010 news and views on the Complete University Guide league table pages For more on this story, see the Independent website.

Calling all mums - on-line help with jobs and retraining

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:42:53 +0100

In the UK many mums give up careers to raise a family or take a break for a few years while they have young children. When they'd like to go back to work it isn't so easy - their industry may have moved on, perhaps offering fewer opportunities, and their own priorities may also have changed. Retraining is almost always a good idea.

Now a specialist website, www.workingmums.co.uk offers help with all aspects of retraining, starting with getting people to focus on what they want to do. That means your interests as well as your available time and finance, lifestyle needs - childcare may be an issue - and ambitions.

Some retraining can be costly, so it's essential to consider if you can manage the expense, and check out retraining programmes that offer financial help to mums and schemes that allow mums to work from home. Other careers may require retraining over a considerable period - the website can help you to consider other paths that might lead more quickly to an equally rewarding career.

All these factors and options are considered on the site, as well as details of jobs available, news and views - there are personal experiences and advice on offer too, so lots of support for anyone (and you don't have to be a mum, of course) who wants to get back into the workplace after a break.

University of Essex teams with Kaplan for online degrees

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:38:53 +0100

Kaplan Open Learning is an internationally recognised organisation offering online flexible higher education for those who can't or don't wish to take up university-based courses. Affiliated to the University of Essex, it offers both university Foundation and BA honours degrees in the areas of Business Management, Criminal Justice, and Financial Services

Many prospective students are busy with full or part-time work, are living in remote areas or have other demands on their time. So online study is fast becoming a highly popular option. The Kaplan foundation courses offer considerable flexibility, and require no A level or other qualifications - the course managers and tutoring experts will consider what kind of education and experience you have, and what you want to do in the future, and they help you tailor your course to those requirements.

A degree from Kaplan Open Learning's online tutor-led courses are similar to a traditional campus classroom but allow greater flexibility and a high-level, personalised support from tutors and advisers - the model has proved highly successful in the US and their award-winning programmes are working just as well in the UK, with quality assured by the University of Essex. For those thinking about promotion, a career change or starting their own business, an open learning course could well be the answer to gaining the necessary skills.

Universities in the digital age

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 08:48:27 +0100

Modern Market = Modern Marketing: Why universities should look to digital marketing to attract international students.

Britain's universities are working hard to attract international students. With the University and College Union (UCU) reporting 6000 lecturer job losses last year due to the recession, and the government announcing British Universities are to expect a £950 million cut in funding over the next 3 years, higher education institutions need to look elsewhere for financial support. The average non-EU student tuition fees for arts and science undergraduate degrees are around £10,000 per year, and with the potential to reach £20,000 depending on the course and establishment, the financial benefits for cash-strapped UK universities to recruit international students is obvious.

Having a strong online presence is vital. In China (the nationality that makes up a majority of non-EU admissions) agencies such as JJL Overseas Education and Consultancy Service assist in the enrolment of most Chinese students into UK education institutions. With agents taking anything from 10% to 25% of the enrolled students' yearly tuition fee from the establishment, universities could benefit immensely by cutting out the middleman and marketing to students directly. Statistics show that 31.7% of the 338 million Internet users in China are students. It is likely that students already look to the Internet as their primary source of information on UK universities, so, in order to draw them away from agents, it is crucial to ensure that websites target the right market, and that usability is optimised.

Localised research will give an insight into what students are looking for. A prominent London university points out that whilst business, law, and economics degrees are popular with their Chinese students, performing arts, media and psychology degrees are the chosen topics for Japanese. Marketing the subjects that are more likely to be popular within a nationality is more likely to bring ROI.

Usability can be improved by incorporating an interactive element to the university's site. Although the original content should provide users with a bulk of the key information, many young people now look to blogs and forums to help them answer specific questions. By providing potential students with a chance to do this on the site (as opposed to an off-site forum/blog) the site automatically becomes more 'user-friendly'. In turn this ensures the university appears in-touch with the needs of students coming from overseas.

Social network sites are also a modern and effective way to market to potential international students. A vast majority of SNS users are young people (aged 16-24). Again, it is important to keep in mind the locality of the market. Although Facebook and Twitter maybe the initial SNS that spring to mind in the UK, in China www.renren.com is popular with the student demographic. www.renren.com also allows users to access the site from mobile phones. Forty six percent per cent of Internet users in China are mobile, with a majority of those being teens. By implementing a good mobile strategy, universities again appear more in-touch with their young target market and are able to reach a potentially vast audience.

Although Britain is currently second only to the USA in attracting overseas students, the competition is growing. France, Singapore and Germany are just a few of the countries who have employed strategies to attract potential international students, and with recent and upcoming changes to the UK's student visa policy, it is more important than ever for the UK's higher education institutions to up their stakes in international marketing. The key to their success is to embrace modern technological advances.

University in 2010/11? Apply now for funding, says UCAS

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:35:56 +0000

If you are starting your university course this year 2010/11, the advice from UCAS is to get your application for finance in as soon as possible - but definitely before 23 April, if you want to ensure your first payment arrives before the start of term.

After all the delays and worry last year, it really makes sense to apply early - even if you have not been accepted on a course you can still apply, says UCAS - just put your first choice on the finance application and let Student Finance England know if it changes later.

Deadlines are 23 April for those who are applying for 'non means-tested' funding; 25 June for those who are.applying for means-tested finance. There is a single application procedure that covers loans, grants and bursaries.

And if you still haven't got finance for the current year 2009/10 it isn't too late - you can apply up to 9 months after the start of the academic year.

Check out the details on the UCAS website and apply online, plus you can find lots more advice on fees and finance on the Complete University Guide pages.

Because it's worth it - why students should grab the chance of going to university

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:51:51 +0000

Worried about top-up fees? Wondering if university is really worth the debts you'll probably run up? Well the message for you is - don't even think about throwing in the towel. As a graduate you will still have an average 157% greater earning power than those who quit studying after A-level, according to figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Ian Brinkley, associate director of the Work Foundation, says the 'premium' graduates can earn has remained constant over the past decade and is set to continue, especially in sectors where demand is likely to be high, such as business services, IT, computer services and the creative and cultural sector.

Courses in science, engineering, mathematics or computer-related subjects will attract greater financial returns than humanities or arts degrees, he suggests.

Plus of course, there are wider and long-term benefits - Wes Streeting, president of the National Union of Students, says university brings a network of friends and broader experience. Although graduates are accumulating record levels of debt he believes university is about more than financial reward and in any case they still face a better economic outlook in the long run.

Government bodies, employers, and student unions alike agree that taking a degree is good not only for the student, but for the country as a whole - analyst Andreas Schleicher says improved graduate job prospects have a knock-on effect for the wider economy.

To see what career options look best and what sort of earnings you might expect, look at the Complete University Guide's Prospects pages. For the background to this story see the BBC website.

Fewer students and higher university top-up fees 'vital' to UK prosperity?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:24:31 +0000

The UK's top graduate employers have said that the country's 'prosperity and productivity' depends on a major overhaul of its policies towards universities. The Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) is calling for a phased increase in student top-up fees and an end to the government's 50% target for participation in higher education.

The AGR says the moves are vital to raising standards, and that the 'artificial' 50% target has devalued degrees.

In its Manifesto for Graduate Recruiters the AGR urged political parties to support the gradual removal of the cap on student top-up fees by 2020 and to help launch a national savings scheme to prepare families for the cost of higher education.

The seven central recommendations are:

1) Abolish the artificial 50 percent target for higher education
2) Introduce the Higher Education Achievement Report to revise degree classification system
3) Lift the cap off student tuition fees and drive up standards
4) Embed employability skills in all degree courses at all institutions
5) Best practice and resources for university and school careers services
6) Introduce tax breaks for employers of graduates
7) Introduce a more flexible visa system for employers

Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the AGR, said: 'These proposals reflect the views of 750 major employers which collectively recruit around 30,000 graduates a year in the UK.

'In our opinion, there has never been a greater need for government, employers and universities to build a shared vision for higher education. I do not believe it is overstating the case to say that the UK's prosperity and productivity are depending on it.'

However, the University and College Union said recent reports from the Royal Society and others revealed the failure of British business to pay its fair share for the benefits it receives from UK higher education.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'The future for the UK is at the forefront of a high-skilled knowledge economy and we won't get there with less graduates. ... It is time that business started to make a proper contribution to university funding, instead of parroting its siren calls to increase the debt of students and the burden on hardworking families struggling in tough economic times.'

Full details of the AGR manifesto.

British universities launch in India and Pakistan - Imran Khan leads Bradford move

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:47:49 +0000

Bedfordshire is already there, Lancaster announced its programme last month, and Bradford - led by former cricketer and politician, now chancellor of the university, Imran Khan - has successfully launched degree courses in Pakistan. The three universities are motivated by the enormous potential of the country's young population - 100 million people under the age of 25 - and the ambition to gain an international profile.

At the end of 2009 Bradford University set up seven degree programmes at Pakistan's Namal College, founded by Imran Khan three years ago, to improve employment prospects for locals. 'When I was campaigning during the 2002 elections in Mianwali, I was appalled at the high level of unemployment among the youth,' says Khan. So far, 68 students, including eight women, have enrolled on degree courses in subjects such as mobile computing and web engineering and will be receiving Bradford degrees.

Bedfordshire is running Masters' courses and some undergraduate degrees in partnership with the highly-regarded Comsats Institute of Information Technology in Pakistan, and Lancaster University will be following suit - students at Comsats' Lahore campus can sign up for computing, communications systems and business administration and receive both a Lancaster and a Comsats degree. With 1,000 students now in Kuala Lumpur and another 350 in India, the move 'is part of an attempt to have a diversified set of geographical relationships in countries which we think in the long-term are going to be very important,' says Paul Wellings, the Australian-born vice-chancellor of Lancaster.

It's a huge advantage for British universities to secure a future flow of high-quality postgraduates from abroad. Mark Cleary Vice-Chancellor of Bradford said: 'Long-term I don't think there's so much of a future in trying to keep growing your undergraduate numbers. What we're trying to do here is attract students to the UK for postgraduate programmes.'

Full story by Lucy Hodges in the Independent newspaper. More details of courses for overseas students in the UK can be found on the Complete University Guide's 2010 pages.

Golden reward for language graduates in UK job market

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:54:07 +0000

Languages are a key to financial success it seems - a new report featured on the graduate employment website, Milk Round, gives the mean salary of language grads three years after finishing university ahead of those with degrees in engineering, maths, physics, chemistry, and astronomy.

At a time when foreign language teaching is under siege in UK schools and colleges, a leading employment magazine, Personnel Today reports that employers rate language skills as highly important, second only to IT skills.

In a poll of 500 employers, the journal found that job candidates with a second language had the 'x-factor' for 40 per cent of recruiters. French (34 per cent), German (25 per cent), and Spanish (23 per cent) were seen as most useful, with a strong second tier emerging, for Polish (15 per cent), Urdu (12 per cent) and Punjabi (9 per cent).

Dr Lid King, the government's national director for languages commented that the research showed UK employers were demanding candidates with languages and that 'having these skills can really give young people entering the jobs market the edge.'

Full story at the Milk Round website. For details and comparisons of language courses in UK universities, see the subject tables in the Complete University Guide's 2010 League Tables.

Fast-growing success for two-year foundation courses

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:15:09 +0000

Universities are being encouraged to offer more foundation degrees, after the take-up for these two-year vocational courses has soared in the past two years. Figures from Foundation Degree Forward (FDF), which promotes employer links with higher education, report that enrolments rose from 27,825 to 99,740 between 2007-9.

Universities secretary Peter Mandelson said that he wanted to see universities offering more of the flexible two-year courses, reflecting the changing nature of university applications - having earlier admitted that it was likely more people would miss out on going to university this year. The FDF say the growing popularity of these shorter degree courses obviously reflects all the hard work put in to meet the needs of employers and students.

Foundation courses are worth two-thirds of an honours degree, and have no formal entry requirements. At the moment, two thirds of the foundation courses on offer are at further education colleges. Some employers (such as Rolls Royce, Balfour Beatty, Tesco and Norwich Union amongst others) offer financial support for employees studying foundation degrees as a work-based learning option - more information on this is available at the Ucas site. For discussion of courses and length of time/entry requirements, the Complete University Guide offers an up-to-date assessment.

Story in detail from the BBC.

New university courses needed for over-50s

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:30:39 +0000

UK universities are being encouraged to develop new courses for the growing numbers of 'baby-boomers' now heading towards retirement. A report by Universities UK, the association representing university leaders, says the ageing population is a 'serious challenge' for higher education institutions.

Practical courses such as moving from full-time to self-employment, ageing healthily, human rights and environmental citizenship, are all recommended and in the US there is already a growing demand for courses on gerontology.

Nicola Dandridge, of Universities UK said, 'The idea that people stop making a useful contribution to society when they reach the age of 60 or 65 is outdated. We are facing a situation where older people are living longer and healthier lives and have, as a consequence, a huge amount to contribute. Universities have a significant part to play in harnessing that contribution.

'This report examines the role universities can play in finding fresh ways of adapting and supporting older people. Of course, proposals to support older people into universities must be considered in light of the current funding climate facing the sector. On the other hand, to ignore the potential contribution older people can make to our society and economy is short-sighted.'

Full details of the report on the BBC website.

Overseas students must have 'GCSE-level' English to study in UK

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:02:17 +0000

The Home Office has confirmed there will be tougher restrictions on non-EU students who want to study in the UK. The Home Secretary announced that all applicants must have English skills at the level of a GCSE in a foreign language, and that students must be taking a course of more than 6 months if they wish to bring their dependents.

Students taking standard 3-year degree-level courses will be able to bring their dependents and will still be able to work part-time, whereas those undertaking below-degree level courses will only be able to work a maximum of 10 (rather than 20) hours a week.

The UK is the second most popular destination for students from overseas, after the USA. Here in the UK we welcome more than 350,000 international students each year, more than 20 per cent of the world’s share - and that number has increased steadily over the past few years.

For more information on which countries overseas students come from, where and what they choose to study, see the Complete University Guides's latest league tables for 2010.

Student complaints about universities mount up - time to name the worse offenders?

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:17:30 +0000

Student ombudsman Rob Behrens believes there should be more openness about universities that are consistently the subject of student complaints. The total number of complaints shot up to 900 last year - a 23 percent increase on the previous year - and are expected to rise even more steeply this year.

The ombudsman scheme has been going for five years now, and though it has been called a 'toothless tiger' by some, because many complaints are rejected and overall compensation levels are low - just £670k in the last five years - Behrens says that a review of 3,000 students gave it a thumbs-up overall, seeing it as independent, producing high-quality decisions and giving good value for its cost of just over £2m a year.

But the respondents also felt that improvements could be made, and an overwhelming 79 per cent of them wanted the names of cricitized universities to be published. The majority of universities view this as likely to be counter-productive and lead to 'league tables of complaints'. The University of Bath said it would amount to 'naming and shaming'.

Behrens is planning to consult further, but says his job is 'not to be popular, but to do things that would add to the credibility of the scheme.'

To check student satisfaction ratings on individual universities, look at the latest Complete University Guide league tables for 2010. And to see a full account of the kind of complaints students make, in Lucy Hodges' full story on the Independent website.

University challenge as funding cuts bite deep

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:49:29 +0000

Figures will be released on 16 March giving details of precise funding cuts for each university. The £500 million worth of cuts will inevitably increase the competition amongst students hoping to gain places next year. Ucas has said that as of late January the number of full-time graduate applicants had gone up by almost 23 per cent compared with 2009 - the fourth year in a row to see a significant increase.

Overseas students account for a good many of the extra numbers, and there is a rise in mature students seeking to beat the unfriendly jobs market. But those who do secure a place also face larger classes and a cut in facilities as universities try to cope with the drop in funds.

The government points out that more people than ever before do now take advantae of a university education - a record 2 million students this year, some 390,000 more than in 1997.

More details from the Independent website.