By Fatskills Exam Guides Team — a small group of teachers, exam mentors, and ex-students who write about study habits, stress, admissions, and what actually helps in real student life.
(Helping Your Child Navigate Entry Requirements, Course Selection & Finances!)
Different universities have different entry requirements, so it’s essential to check each university’s website for specific details. Universities set their own standards based on course difficulty, subject relevance, and assessment methods.
✅ A-Level & BTEC Grades – Minimum grade requirements (e.g., AAB or 120 UCAS points). ✅ GCSEs Matter! – Some universities consider GCSE results (especially for English & Maths). ✅ Specific Subject Requirements – Some courses require certain A-Levels (e.g., Biology for Medicine). ✅ Additional Tests & Interviews – Some courses require entrance exams (e.g., LNAT for Law, UCAT for Medicine). ✅ Portfolio or Audition – Creative arts courses may require a portfolio, music & drama courses often need auditions.
Tip: If your child’s qualifications aren’t listed, call university admissions—some universities offer flexibility for the right candidate!
Universities use UCAS points to compare students with different qualifications. Some universities specify grades (e.g., ABB at A-Level), while others use points (e.g., 128 UCAS points).
| A-Level Grade | UCAS Points | |------------------|---------------| | A* | 56 | | A | 48 | | B | 40 | | C | 32 | | D | 24 | | E | 16 |
| T-Level Grade | UCAS Points | |------------------|---------------| | Distinction* | 168 | | Distinction | 144 | | Merit | 120 | | Pass (C or above) | 96 |
Tip: Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to check how different grades and qualifications translate into points.
✅ Core Modules: Must-study subjects for the degree. ✅ Optional Modules: Specialisation areas that allow flexibility. ✅ Assessment Style: - Coursework-based (better for students who struggle with exams). - Exam-based (ideal for those who perform well under pressure). - Practical-based (great for hands-on learners). ✅ Year in Industry/Abroad: Adds valuable experience but extends the degree.
✔ Campus-Based Universities – Everything in one place (e.g., Warwick, Loughborough). ✔ City-Based Universities – Spread across a town/city (e.g., Manchester, UCL). ✔ Large Universities – More resources & social opportunities. ✔ Small Universities – Close-knit communities, personalised teaching.
Tip: Encourage your child to compare courses carefully—even if the degree title is the same, content can vary significantly!
Attending open days (in-person or virtual) helps students get a real feel for university life.
✅ Things to Look for on an Open Day: Campus facilities (libraries, labs, sports, student support). Accommodation options (halls, shared housing). Teaching style (lectures, seminars, practicals). Social life (clubs, societies, nightlife).
Key Questions to Ask at Open Days: ✔ Entry Requirements: “Will you still consider my application if I miss a grade?” ✔ Assessments: “How is the course assessed—coursework, exams, or both?” ✔ Employment Prospects: “What careers do graduates from this course enter?” ✔ Study Support: “Does the university offer support for learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia)?”
Tip: Some universities offer travel bursaries for open day visits—check their website!
With tuition fees up to £9,250 per year plus living costs, university is a big financial commitment. Fortunately, student loans cover both tuition & living expenses.
✔ Tuition Fee Loan: Covers full tuition fees, paid directly to the university. ✔ Maintenance Loan: Covers living costs (rent, food, travel), paid to the student.
Based on household income:
| Household Income | Living at Home | Living Away (Outside London) | Living Away (In London) | |----------------------|------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------| | £25,000 or less | £8,400 | £9,978 | £13,022 | | £50,000 | £5,400 | £6,978 | £9,513 | | £70,000+ | £4,050 | £5,300 | £7,372 |
Tip: Parents are expected to contribute if the maintenance loan doesn’t cover full costs. Budget accordingly!
Applications Open: February (before results day). Deadline: At least 8 weeks before the course starts to avoid delays. Apply through: Student Finance England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, depending on residence.
✅ No repayments until earning over £27,295 per year (UK threshold). ✅ Repayments are income-based: Only 9% of earnings over the threshold. ✅ Debt is wiped after 30 years (even if not fully repaid).
Example Repayments
| Salary | Monthly Repayment | |-----------|----------------------| | £27,000 | £0 | | £30,000 | £20 | | £40,000 | £96 | | £50,000 | £171 |
Tip: Student loans don’t impact credit scores, so don’t stress about paying them off early!
Bursaries & Grants: Free money for low-income families, care leavers, and students with disabilities. Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA): Covers extra study costs for students with learning difficulties or disabilities. Hardship Funds: Available from universities for students struggling financially. Part-Time Jobs: Many students work part-time to cover living costs.
Useful Links: Student Finance Calculator UCAS Tariff Calculator Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
✔ Encourage them, but let them take control—it’s their future! ✔ Help with research, but don’t decide for them. ✔ Discuss finances early—budgeting is key. ✔ Keep things in perspective—university is about growth, independence, and opportunities!
Whether your child goes to university or takes another path, your support is invaluable. Wishing them all the success in their next chapter!✨
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