Applying to Higher Education
How Student Services can help
Student Services look after the UCAS online process at Eastbourne, Lewes and Park. We work alongside academic staff to support students in making their applications to university each year.
There are a series of events designed to help SDC students who are considering progressing on to a Higher Education course. Each year the college organises a trip to the local UCAS Fair where over 100 universities are represented. The college also host a Higher Education information evening, where students and parents/guardians can find out more about university life, funding and the UCAS application process. Details of these and other events will be given via tutors and Student Services.
Students are advised to visit university open days, take a look at Opendays.com for a full list of dates. Reference copies of university prospectuses are kept in our Careers/Learning Centres, or order your own copies from Prospectus UK. All universities will have their own website – it's worth having a look at course information, accommodation, virtual tours and financial information such as bursaries.
Did you know that Sussex Downs College run foundation degrees in association with the University of Brighton? University level courses at SDC
UCAS deadlines
Each campus will set internal deadlines by which students must complete their UCAS applications. Meeting internal deadlines is important because it ensures that we have enough time to check applications and arrange references before sending to UCAS by the official deadlines below:
15 October - Closing date for applications to Oxford University, University of Cambridge and courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science/medicine.
15 January - Closing date for applications from UK and EU students to be guaranteed equal academic consideration (Route A).
24 March - Route B (art & design) deadline for applications to be considered in first round of interviews.
Aimhigher
Sussex Downs College has an Aimhigher Co-ordinator, who works with students who may be the first members of their family to study for a degree. To find out more about the work of Aimhigher, please visit Aimhigher.
Financing Degree Courses
There is a package of student loans and grants which can help with the costs of studying on a Higher Education course. To apply, a PN1 form can be downloaded or completed online at Student finance direct. Please contact us for advice or see our recommended websites below for more information.
www.ucas.com
The applicant's website; has course search facility and lots of advice, plus a Stamford test to help identify suitable subjects/courses. Apply online here.
www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk
Higher Education funding explained.
www.direct.gov.uk
Direct from the government - information about funding and becoming a university student.
www.prospectusuk.com
Order your own copy of selected university prospectuses.
www.opendays.com
A calendar of open days each year.
www.aimhigher.ac.uk
Advice and information about becoming a university student.
www.connexions.gov.uk
Higher Education and careers information.
www.foundationdegree.org.uk
Information on foundation degrees.
www.foundation-degrees-in-sussex.co.uk
Foundation degrees in Sussex.
www.unistats.com
Statistics and reports on the quality of teaching at different uni's and colleges.
www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews
Quality assurance information on particular courses.
www.push.co.uk
The ruthlessly independent university guide.
www.skill.org.uk
Further and higher education information for students with disabilities.
www.nusonline.co.uk
National Union of Students – discounts!
