1: You and Higher Education
Introduction
Being clear on your reasons for studying in higher education is an important element in becoming a successful student.
Most students succeed and do well in higher education - but if you are unclear or unsure of your reasons for starting a particular course, you may become quickly disillusioned and disinterested in your studies.
This Section of the Trans:it Project is to help you clarify your motives for studying at this level, help you to identify your career aspirations, and to test your knowledge of higher education.
Contents of this section
Unit 1: What do you want from higher education?
This unit offers a self-assessment exercise that will help you to identify your motives for higher education.
Unit 2: Career Choice
This unit presents you with three self-assessment career choice exercise: on your career motives; on identifying your talents; and on personality and career choices.
There is also a list of websites you can visit to learn more about occupational and labour market information.
Unit 3: How much do you know about higher education?
This unit will test your knowledge about higher education - for example, about class sizes, assessment in HE, contact with tutors etc.
Workbooks
Recommended Websites and Reading
Websites
A UK government site that offers advice on all aspects of higher education, including choosing a course, applying to HE, funding etc.
A national site for anyone seeking careers information and advice; includes an online careers guidance exercise: 'Career Values'.
National Union of Students (NUS)
Represents the student voice, and contains information on the latest campaigns and research affecting study in further and higher education.
Reading
(Links below go to Amazon.co.uk)
The Virgin Guide to British Universities by Piers Dudgeon, published by Virgin Books.
This book offers student perspectives on all British universities, including social scene, cost of living, teaching etc.
Choosing your Degree Course and University by Brian Heap, published by Trotman & Co.
Brian Heap is a very experienced writer on the process of applying to higher education and the book provides a useful overview of which courses are available where, plus advice on choosing the course that could prove right for you.
The Times Good University Guide by John O'Leary, published by Times Books.
A book noted for its league table ranking to Britain's universities, which enables readers to assess strengths and weaknesses of each university. It includes over 60 tables giving the best universities for particular subjects.
Insiders' Guide to Applying to University by Karla Fitzhugh, published by Trotman.
This book contains essential tips for applicants, including reasons why universities reject a quarter of applications and offers practical tips on how to avoid being part of this statistic. The book offers a broad range of advice on application to HE, including why students should apply early, key differences between what the official information says and what actually happens and what to do if student's don't make the grade.
