PARENTS INFORMATION

SUPPORTING YOUR YOUNG PERSON THROUGH THE APPLICATION PROCESS

We understand that applying for higher education is a big step—not just for your young person, but for you too. This page is designed to give you the information you need to feel confident and informed throughout the process. 
1

Understanding the Application Process

Step 1: Research courses and attend an Open Day.
Step 2: Submit an application online.
Step 3: Receive an offer (conditional or unconditional).
Step 4: Confirm acceptance and prepare for enrolment.
Step 5: Look at our Accommodation

2

How You Can Help

  • Encourage your young person to explore all options and ask questions.
  • Help them gather documents (ID, previous qualifications).
  • Support them in meeting deadlines and attending interviews.
  • Offer reassurance—this is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming time.
  • Ask lecturing staff about prospects and employment opportunities
3

Entry
Requirements

Each course has specific entry requirements. It’s important to select different degrees with different levels of UCAS tariff points to increase their chance of securing a place on a degree.

4

Support

At University Centre Weston, we understand that parents want to know their children will be cared for and supported throughout their studies. That’s why we provide a comprehensive network of services to help students thrive.

5

Staying Informed

  • We communicate directly with applicants via email and our online portal.
  • Due to data protection, we can only share details with parents if consent is given by the applicant.
  • Newsletter sign up link
6

Events &
Key Dates

  • UCW Open Days
  • Enrolment: 7th – 11th September

JARGON BUSTER

  • ASSIGNMENT A task or piece of work to complete.
  • BA/BACHELOR OF ARTS The qualification most commonly associated with undergraduate arts, humanities and some social science degrees.
  • BACHELOR DEGREE A degree awarded by a college or university to a person who has completed undergraduate studies.
  • BSC/BACHELOR OF SCIENCE The qualification normally associated with undergraduate science and some social science degrees.
  • BURSARY Extra financial help provided by a university or college for students from households on lower incomes. It does not have to be paid back.
  • CAMPUS The grounds and buildings.
  • CAMPUS UNIVERSITY A university situated on one dedicated site, with student accommodation, teaching and research facilities, and leisure activities all together.
  • CATERED HALLS Accommodation where meals are provided in your rent.
  • CLEARING Before the start of a new academic year, universities use this system to fill places still available on their courses.
  • COMBINED OR JOINT HONOURS DEGREE A type of degree studying two subjects split equally (50/50).
  • DISSERTATION An essay towards the end of a degree usually between 8,000 and 12,000 words, on a specific topic.
  • FOUNDATION DEGREE A work-related qualification designed with employers. Normally lasts two years full-time. Progression available to an Honours degree at university or college in the same subject.
  • FRESHER A first year student.
  • FRESHERS/WELCOME WEEK The University and Students’ Union events to help students settle in – normally during the first week of term.
  • FE – FURTHER EDUCATION The level of education after GCSEs.
  • GAP YEAR A year away from education that some students take before going to university. Often students will use their gap year to travel or to gain work experience and additional qualifications.
  • GRADUATE Someone who has successfully completed their degree.
  • HE – HIGHER EDUCATION The level of education that involves undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
  • HONOURS DEGREE An undergraduate programme which includes a dissertation or research project in your final year.
  • LECTURE Normally a room with tiered seating and a lecturer talking at front.
  • LECTURER A member of teaching staff.
  • LLB BACHELOR OF LAWS The accreditation given to Law degrees allowing progression onto further training to become a barrister or solicitor.
  • MAINTENANCE GRANT/LOAN Extra financial help provided by the government for students from households with lower incomes. It does not have to be repaid.
  • MASTERS A higher level taught degree typically taken after completing an undergraduate degree.
  • NUS National Union of Students.
  • OPEN DAYS Days when a university is open to students who are considering applying. They often include activities such as campus tours, subject talks, accommodation tours and finance talks.
  • OXBRIDGE Informal name for Oxford and Cambridge universities.
  • PERSONAL STATEMENT The section of a UCAS application form where applicants tell universities and colleges about their suitability for the course(s) that they hope to study. One statement is for all the application choices.
  • PGCE This teaching qualification is necessary to go on to become a teacher. Students are required to do this once they have finished their undergraduate degree.
  • PHD/DOCTORATE The highest form of degree awarded and involves carrying out research with little or no teaching. At least an undergraduate degree must already be completed to study at this level.
  • PLACEMENT/SANDWICH YEAR A year of work experience during the third year of study.
  • POSTGRADUATE A student who has completed an undergraduate degree and is studying for a higher degree, e.g. Masters or PhD.
  • PROFESSOR Teacher and/or researcher of the highest academic level.
  • PROSPECTUS GUIDES (printed or online) produced by individual universities detailing the unique information about that university and the courses it offers.
  • RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITIES Represents the leading UK universities committed to maintaining the very best research, plus an outstanding teaching and learning experience.
  • SCHOLARSHIP Financial award made on the basis of a range of criteria such as household income, excellent academic, sporting or musical achievement. They are specific to each institution.
  • SELF-CATERED HALLS Accommodation with shared communal living and kitchen areas to cook meals.
  • SEMINAR Small group teaching centering around discussion with other students and staff.
  • SFE – STUDENT FINANCE ENGLAND This is the funding body who assesses for financial support in England.
  • SFW – STUDENT FINANCE WALES This is the funding body who assesses for financial support in Wales.
  • SLC – STUDENT LOANS COMPANY Provides financial assistance in the form of loans to pay fees and living costs. They also manage repayments after graduating.
  • STUDENT AMBASSADORS Current students at a University who are paid to work at Open Days and other events. They support and assist visitors during the events.
  • STUDENT LOAN The loan made by the SLC to cover fees and living costs. It will have to be paid back but only once earning over a certain amount.
  • STUDENTS’ UNION OR STUDENTS’ GUILD An organisation in all universities, run by students and dedicated to the representation and support of students.
  • TUITION FEES Cover the cost of study and may vary depending on what is being studied and where.
  • TUTORIAL Usually with a tutor/lecturer for a more in-depth group discussion.
  • UCAS Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The organisation that handles nearly all university applications. The application process is all online via www.ucas.com
  • UNDERGRADUATE A student usually studying their first degree on a programme which lasts three or four years.
  • UNDERGRADUATE MASTERS Four year degrees such as Masters of Engineering (MEng), Masters of Science (MSci) which comprise three years of undergraduate level study, with a further year to gain a Masters qualification.
  • UNIVERSITY A Higher Education institution that offers degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate levels as well as where academic research takes place.