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University prospectuses and open days

To help you decide where to study, every university and college publishes a prospectus and holds open days. Some have stands at higher education events around the United Kingdom.

Prospectuses - what are they?

A university or college prospectus gives information about particular courses the institution itself and covers facilities, tuition fees, scholarships, courses, accommodation, support services and much more besides. Universities and colleges generally publish two prospectuses each year:

  • an undergraduate prospectus for students taking their first higher education qualification, such as a Bachelor’s degree or Foundation Degree
  • a postgraduate prospectus for students who already have a degree and want to take a higher degree or other postgraduate course

Prospectuses can be ordered directly from individual university or colleges or downloaded from their websites. At some universities and colleges you can also get an 'alternative prospectus' which is written by students and gives an insider's view of the courses, facilities and student life.

Higher education events

During the lower sixth, or Year 13, it's a good idea to go to a higher education fair or similar event to get information on the universities and higher education colleges you are interested in. At the exhibition stands you can pick up prospectuses and get answers to your questions on everything from entry requirements to accommodation costs.

You can also get careers guidance and information on student finance. Higher education events are held in cities across the UK and admission is free, but you may need to reserve a place in advance. Aside from exhibition stands, there may also be seminars on topics such as the application process, gap years and student finance you can go to.

Open days

Open days usually take place in spring or autumn, when you may have had offers of a place from several universities, but you've not yet accepted one. While you may build up an impression from reading literature from the university or college, there's no substitute for seeing a place for yourself.

Many students say it was visiting the place on an open day that helped sway them towards their first choice. An open day gives you the chance to explore the site, see the accommodation and talk to members of staff. You may be able to register and book a place through the university or college's website. If you can't make the dates for the open days, you may be able to sign up for a guided tour instead, or visit under your own steam.

If you want a closer look at a particular course, you may even be able to take part in a student shadow scheme, where you spend a day with a student.

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