The University thread

[zolayes 14,489]

Can somebody explain to me the aim or the working of the A-Levels ?

I'm going to study Geography, but I have one week remaining until the start of the lessons

exams taken in yr 12 and 13 ..may be modular or simply terminal ...normal qualification for University .

[SeB 1,281]

And it's a test in all the subjects ? So it's like Baccalaureate, only the name changes. Thanks !

[Kostas 1,468]

Afaik you are tested in 3 subjects.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I think more people have got to look towards getting a trade instead of just going to uni for the sake of having a degree. My brother has a degree in Business Finance and he is struggling to find work in that field, in fact he has been working for my mother since he got his degree in 2008. You can live a very good lifestyle as a tradesman, freelance electricians and plumbers make an absolute fortune in places like London and Birmingham.

I couldn't agree more. University degrees are like taking a step back, however for some career paths they are of course a necessity.

And it's a test in all the subjects ? So it's like Baccalaureate, only the name changes. Thanks !

You take a handful of subjects to study. For instance I studied English, History and Geography for two years, and Maths, Critical Thinking, General Studies and Science for one year.

The way it works to get your A Level - which is a qualification achieved for your work in a sixth form - is you sit exams in years 12 and 13, at the ages of 17 and 18. The exams are modular, so one exam may be worth 40% of the qualification, and the other might be worth the remaining 60% - or, there may be a coursework element or additional modular exams. For instance, the A Level English qualification consists of three exams and one piece of written coursework, and the A Level Maths qualification consists of six individual modules.

All students study three subjects for two years, and in some schools you get the option to do additional AS Levels (these equate to half an A Level, as they are only one year of the course) in either year as additional subjects to boost your CV, basically. I was able to study General Studies and Maths this way, whilst I was also lucky to be able to sit the A Levels for Critical Thinking and Science early because of "fast-track" classes.

Your grades at the end of it all are what you use to access universities. If you have the required grades to enter a university course, they will fight tooth and nail to accept you.

[SeB 1,281]

What is Critical Thinking ? What do you learn ? It looks like more or less to the philosophy (that we do study in our last year in France) ?

[BlueLion. 21,491]

It is a combination of the study of philosophy and ethics (in regards to morality) and also the analysis of argument and how it is composed. It basically teaches you how to be a lawyer

[Badboy 1,526]

It is a combination of the study of philosophy and ethics (in regards to morality) and also the analysis of argument and how it is composed. It basically teaches you how to be a lawyer

How much do you think studying at home plays in your final grade ? Do you think its critical or some people just have the gift and others don't.

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

Can't believe I've till got another 15 days (leave on 2nd October) until I go to University, most of my friends have already left and completed freshers week.

[TacticalBlues 2,817]

Can't believe I've till got another 15 days (leave on 2nd October) until I go to University, most of my friends have already left and completed freshers week.

What you doing, where you going? I'm going Uni to study Law, freshers next week and the course begins October 1st.

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

What you doing, where you going? I'm going Uni to study Law, freshers next week and the course begins October 1st.

I'm going to the University of Essex to study History, where frshers begins on the 2nd October

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Good choice of course Sam, you've gone up in my estimations

[SeB 1,281]

I'm completely tired by my first month, almost 4 hours per day and no lessons before 10:00 and after 17:00. It's about subjects I'm fond of so it's quite horrible

There's a massive difference between my scientific section of high school last year with it's 15 hours of math/chemistry and my first year of university !

[Corazón De León 58]

I was just writing my personal statement. I cant believe I'm applying for Uni, I dont know, I still feel like a kid lol. I've heard its so different to school/sixth form and the work so much tougher!! So when I start Uni (I hope I dont sound wierd when I say this) is it ok if I'm like a loner?!! People wont stare or anything like that?! I mean I really dont want to make friends... I want to be on my own because I feel nervous and shy!! And I want to concentrate on my work!!!

I want to do dental hygiene by the way or biomedical science.

[zolayes 14,489]

I was just writing my personal statement. I cant believe I'm applying for Uni, I dont know, I still feel like a kid lol. I've heard its so different to school/sixth form and the work so much tougher!! So when I start Uni (I hope I dont sound wierd when I say this) is it ok if I'm like a loner?!! People wont stare or anything like that?! I mean I really dont want to make friends... I want to be on my own because I feel nervous and shy!! And I want to concentrate on my work!!!

I want to do dental hygiene by the way or biomedical science.

Relax and don't worry.No one will force you into social events you don't want to take part in . You will find all types of students in your first year.

Some will reside in the student bars ,,,some on the sports fields ,,and some will spend most of their time in the library.

What I would advise is that if possible you spend the first year in a Hall of Residence.

You say you don't want to make friends but in the library you will meet students who are concentrating mainly on work.

These people could be a support and help you in various ways.

Look forward to your time there ,,don't worry about it at all and good luck ...If you want to talk more about this feel free to e mail me.

My student years were in the early 60s but I have lectured to University students so I know their worries and the problems they face

[Corazón De León 58]

Thanks for the advice!! Whats a hall of residence?! Somewhere you live? Because I kind of dont want to move! (I must sound like such a baby!) Library sounds like a nice and quiet place. And I'd love to join a football club, I want to carry on playing football. They have sports clubs right? I'm going to read the prospectuses I got, haven't had time yet but I need to make sure I apply for the right uni!

[zolayes 14,489]

Halls of residence are student accomodation on the campus. You don't sound like a baby,, just a sensible girl who is a little nervous about the unkown.

That is natural.

[Corazón De León 58]

Ok thanks. I'm going to attend some open days for more info.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

So far I'd say I've been something of a 'loner' at university because I am not living on the campus. I've made a handful of friends but I'm hardly boasting as many friends as other people

I can also sympathise with the social events, I very rarely go out. Mainly because I don't have the time because of work, but also because it isn't necessarily my thing. Although when I do go out, I make up for it