Another Academic Year, More UCAS Applications
As the new academic year arrives again, that also means that prospective students all over the UK, and across the globe, have begun the all-important and stressful UCAS application process.
Chances to apply for university through UCAS for the academic year starting in 2016 and 2017, for those who have decided to defer the year, begun on Tuesday September 1st.
With application deadlines being as soon as Thursday October 15th for applicants that are hoping to go to Oxford University or Cambridge University and/or are applying for Medicine/Dentistry and Veterinary Sciences courses- the pressure is truly on for the future students.
There are various universities and subject courses for students to choose from, and the crucial decisions of just picking five universities to apply for whilst picking the right course is one that is a difficult task for many each year.
Vanessa Jackson, the Course Director of BA (Hons) Media and Communications at Birmingham City University advises: “To look around as many universities as possible and really think about where you feel the most comfortable and which also course suits you best”.
And in relation to the Media courses offered at Birmingham City University, to: ‘Also try and get some media related work experience.”
However, in regards to work experience, Jackson stresses that: “It is not essential, but it's always useful, and it really shows that you are serious and committed to working in the media.”
Jackson also adds: “If you have not got any work experience - what have you got that demonstrates your passion for the media?”
“We are looking for enthusiasm for the media, and a knowledge of it - so watch more TV, listen to more radio, etc. And be prepared to talk about your own opinions and what you watch or listen to. Also start to think about what sort of career you are interested in, and do some more research into it.”
Every year, students panic about one particular element of the UCAS application- the personal statement. Which requires students to tell admissions tutors of their chosen universities and courses, why they want to study at that institution and what they have done that therefore makes them stand out from other applicants.
On the subject of the personal statement, Jackson says: “I want to see that you have taken advantage of the opportunities that you have had, and hopefully you have done lots of media related things over and above what you have had to do with school or college.”
“It is always good to see if students have their own blog, or can show films they have made etc. What I do not like is when people say things like 'media is all around us, and since I was a small child I have wanted to work in it'. Tell me what you have actually done, and actually made.”
Despite the competition for university places being vigorous and recent changes in the Government policies making it tougher for future university students, Jackson urges applicants to: “not be put off applying”.
For more information about the UCAS application process- including how to write your personal statement, visit: www.ucas.com.
If interested in applying to any of the Birmingham City University courses, visit: www.bcu.ac.uk.
As the new academic year arrives again, that also means that prospective students all over the UK, and across the globe, have begun the all-important and stressful UCAS application process.
Chances to apply for university through UCAS for the academic year starting in 2016 and 2017, for those who have decided to defer the year, begun on Tuesday September 1st.
With application deadlines being as soon as Thursday October 15th for applicants that are hoping to go to Oxford University or Cambridge University and/or are applying for Medicine/Dentistry and Veterinary Sciences courses- the pressure is truly on for the future students.
There are various universities and subject courses for students to choose from, and the crucial decisions of just picking five universities to apply for whilst picking the right course is one that is a difficult task for many each year.
Vanessa Jackson, the Course Director of BA (Hons) Media and Communications at Birmingham City University advises: “To look around as many universities as possible and really think about where you feel the most comfortable and which also course suits you best”.
And in relation to the Media courses offered at Birmingham City University, to: ‘Also try and get some media related work experience.”
However, in regards to work experience, Jackson stresses that: “It is not essential, but it's always useful, and it really shows that you are serious and committed to working in the media.”
Jackson also adds: “If you have not got any work experience - what have you got that demonstrates your passion for the media?”
“We are looking for enthusiasm for the media, and a knowledge of it - so watch more TV, listen to more radio, etc. And be prepared to talk about your own opinions and what you watch or listen to. Also start to think about what sort of career you are interested in, and do some more research into it.”
Every year, students panic about one particular element of the UCAS application- the personal statement. Which requires students to tell admissions tutors of their chosen universities and courses, why they want to study at that institution and what they have done that therefore makes them stand out from other applicants.
On the subject of the personal statement, Jackson says: “I want to see that you have taken advantage of the opportunities that you have had, and hopefully you have done lots of media related things over and above what you have had to do with school or college.”
“It is always good to see if students have their own blog, or can show films they have made etc. What I do not like is when people say things like 'media is all around us, and since I was a small child I have wanted to work in it'. Tell me what you have actually done, and actually made.”
Despite the competition for university places being vigorous and recent changes in the Government policies making it tougher for future university students, Jackson urges applicants to: “not be put off applying”.
For more information about the UCAS application process- including how to write your personal statement, visit: www.ucas.com.
If interested in applying to any of the Birmingham City University courses, visit: www.bcu.ac.uk.