A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University - Page 1
Where bright futures begin
A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University
Page 2 - A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University
A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University - Page 3
Page 2
Welcome
Page 4
Why Higher Education?
Page 5
University Jargon Buster!
Page 6
Making the Transition from School to University
Page 7
First Generation Higher Education
Page 8
Campus, City, Coast and Lifestyle
Page 10
An Award-Winning Student Experience
Page 12
A Home from Home
We welcome the fact that parents are becoming increasingly
involved in the whole process of university application and we can
help you understand the UCAS and financial application systems,
attend Open Days, experience sample lectures, view halls of
residence, and tour campus buildings, libraries and sports facilities
so that you are better able to support and advise your child. This
guide is intended to assist you.
Page 14
Applying to Swansea University: The UCAS Trail
Page 16
Open Day Tips
Page 18
Campus Catering, Facilities and Services
Page 19
FAQs
Swansea is a traditional campus university. It provides a dynamic
combination of academic excellence, world-class sports and leisure
facilities, and an affordable lifestyle in a superb location. We are
as enthusiastic about life changing activities outside the academic
curricula as we are about those within courses. Students can share
new experiences and opportunities and quite simply learn from
each other as they mature. This is about developing character and
personality alongside academic success.
Page 20 Finance and Scholarships
Welcome
Professor Richard B Davies
Vice-Chancellor
As a father myself, I know the importance of parents helping and
supporting their children in decisions about going to University.
There is a sometimes bewildering array of universities and courses
to choose from and the decisions made have profound and longlasting effects on young people’s future lives and careers.
The potent combination of academic and social mixing in a safe
and supportive environment is encapsulated in the word “campus”. It
was a concept that originated in the United States and Swansea has
the proud distinction of being the first campus university in the UK.
We take immense pride in the accomplishments of our students, as
they propel themselves to all corners of the globe having acquired
skills, knowledge and contacts that will help them shape the future.
We strive to support them on each step of that journey, and to
enable them to fulfil their immense potential.
Watching your children embark on this journey is a significant
event for any parent. Your children can be assured of a warm
welcome here in Swansea, and memories and friendships that
will last a lifetime.
Page 21
How to Support Your Child
Page 22 Study Abroad
Page 23 Careers and Alumni
Page 25 Students’ Union
Page 26 Sport for All
Page 27
A Week in the Life of a Swansea Student
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of
the information contained in this publication. However, the publishers
cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any matter
in any way connected with, or arising out of the publication of this
information.
Published by the Marketing Department, Swansea University.
Copyright 2013.
A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University - Page 5
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Why Higher Education?
University Jargon Buster!
Going to university is a big decision and with so many other options available you may be questioning whether Higher Education
is right for your child.
To help you understand the often confusing terminology that
surrounds university, we have compiled a list of some of the most
commonly used terms.
Studying for a degree is a life changing experience that presents
an opportunity for your son or daughter to:
Improve career prospects
Competition in the job market is fierce and a degree will give
your child the best possible start to their career. Not only are
options open once they graduate, but they are likely to progress
much quicker in their chosen career than a non-graduate.
There are also opportunities to undertake work placements
and internships.
Increase earning potential
A degree from Swansea University will give your child the edge
when it comes to competing for jobs. On average, graduates
earn £12,000 per year more than non-graduates.
Develop key skills
Our interdisciplinary degree schemes allow students to develop
skills such as communication, organisation, time management,
team-work, leadership, presentation and problem-solving
alongside their studies.
Gain independence
Going to university and living away from home is a time for
your child to gain independence and develop self-confidence.
It is not only in-depth knowledge of their chosen subject they
will enjoy but all the other aspects of student life as well.
Joining clubs and societies and being part of the Students’
Union all adds to the experience.
Make friends for life
Living in halls of residence or shared housing is a first time
experience for many students and your child will find that it
is a great way to establish friendships that will last a lifetime.
Swansea is proud of its multicultural campus and your child will
be part of a community of students from around the globe.
UCAS (Universities and Colleges
Admissions Service)
The organisation responsible for processing applications to UK
universities for undergraduate courses.
Undergraduate Course
A degree or higher qualification studied at university following school
or college.
Postgraduate Course
A course studied at university after completing an undergraduate course.
BA (Bachelor of Arts)
An undergraduate degree awarded for a course in an arts-related
subject, ie, art and design, humanities, social or media studies,
business and management or languages.
BSc (Bachelor of Science)
An undergraduate degree awarded for a course in a science-related
subject, ie, mathematics, science, social or health science, engineering
or technology.
HEI (Higher Education Institution)
An institution that delivers Higher Education courses, ie, a university
or college.
Semester
A university teaching block. In most universities semesters run from
September to January and February to June, with examinations at the
end of each semester.
Alumni
People who have graduated (ie completed a course and gained a
qualification) from a particular university.
Employability
A set of achievements, skills, understandings and personal attributes,
that make graduates more likely to gain employment and be successful
in their chosen occupations, which benefits themselves, the workforce,
the community and the economy.
A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University - Page 7
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Making the Transition from School to University
Going to university can be a huge change, particularly for students who are used to the learning environment of schools and colleges.
As well as adapting to being independent through living on their own, students are also expected to take responsibility for their studying
- perhaps more so than they have been used to! A full induction programme will be carried out once they arrive but the better prepared
your son or daughter is the more likely they are to succeed.
One of the biggest changes between school/college and
university is the way students are expected to work. Being able to
take responsibility for individual learning is something that’s quite
different to the structure of school and college with emphasis on time
management and working outside of lecture hours, which can be
both daunting and incredibly rewarding.
Our degree programmes at Swansea are designed to encourage
independent learning. We expect students to adapt to their degree
by acknowledging that teaching time should be supplemented by
independent study.
University courses are generally a mixture of lectures and seminars.
Depending on the subject studied, there may also be laboratory
‘practicals’ and fieldwork, with most courses depending on students to
support their work with wider reading and research.
Time Management
Balancing study time with socialising is absolutely vital to succeeding
at university. Students typically have around 12 weeks to complete
coursework and prepare for exams. Deadlines are strict and students
need to become adept at submitting work on time. Encouraging
your child to keep a diary so they’re aware of upcoming dates and
commitments is one of the simplest yet effective ways of managing
time, which is an essential skill to gain for both studying and future
employment.
Lectures, Seminars and Tutorials
Typically, your child can expect to engage with a range of learning
methods that aim to combine independent studying with teaching.
Lectures form the foundations of the subject and involve larger groups
where students are encouraged to take notes. It is important that
students attend as these provide the basis for wider reading, along
with the opportunity to receive information about assignments.
Seminars and tutorials are heavily focused on student participation.
This is where your child will be given the chance to work with others,
ask questions and discuss relevant issues. Seminars typically require
preparation work.
When students arrive in September, they’re assigned a personal tutor
who will provide academic support and guidance during their time
at university. The personal tutor can help students with any academic
concerns and also maintain contact with lecturers/seminar tutors.
Assignments
Dealing with assignments requires students to plan ahead and ensure
that they know exactly what they have to do and, just as importantly,
when they have to do it by. It’s crucial to bear in mind that there are
penalties for failure to hand in work on time.
Essay writing can be daunting, however by encouraging your child
to communicate with their seminar leaders, lecturers and - if necessary
- personal tutor, you can ensure that any concerns are addressed.
Most degree programmes combine a mixture of essays, coursework
and exams. Exams are much the same as those completed at school/
college level with normal rules applying, and are held at specific
periods during the year.
Grades
One of the main differences between assessments at school/college
and university is the grading system. At university, students typically
receive a percentage mark, which then translates into a grade
bracket. For example, a student receiving a mark of 65% will have
achieved a ‘2:1’ grade. Often students will panic that their results
are perhaps lower than what they were receiving at school/college
and, if this is the case, it is important to encourage your child to
communicate with their assessor in order to receive a breakdown
of specific marks and feedback along with understanding how the
grading system differs.
Academic Success Programme
Swansea University’s Academic Success Programme provides a range
of courses which aim to enhance academic performance. Courses
are taught in a friendly, relaxed environment and include Academic
Essay Writing, Critical Thinking, Presentation Skills and Exam
Technique.
The Academic Success Programme provides:
u
Classes designed to help students manage the transition into
Higher Education study
u
Assistance with understanding the university system and its
academic requirements
u
Courses which teach the academic skills required to research
and write at a higher level
First Generation Higher Education
For some people, they’re the first in their family to go to university,
with many having little experience from their parents to guide them.
However this shouldn’t deter anyone from going to university and
if, as a parent, you’re concerned about not being able to pass on
advice from university years, you can be assured that your child will
be able to access support and guidance from a range of facilities at
Swansea - both before and during their studies.
Getting Involved and Tips for Parents
Going to university can be daunting, particularly if your child doesn’t
have any experience of Higher Education, but there are plenty of
ways for both students and parents to get involved.
Before going to university, we offer both students and parents a
wide range of talks at schools and colleges, all of which allow the
opportunity to ask questions. Talks provided include:
u
Student Finance
u
UCAS/Application Process
u
Student Life Q&As
For more information, please contact sro@swansea.ac.uk to see
when and where talks are being provided. We also attend a range
of Higher Education events across the country where representatives
can offer first-hand advice and answer questions.
While at Swansea, we encourage students to participate in our
societies and events, many of which are organised by the Students’
Union. These allow students from a diverse range of backgrounds to
become involved in various societies and are an excellent way for
like-minded students to make connections. For more information on the
Students’ Union, please see page 25.
From your child first applying to university to them eventually arriving,
the route can be confusing - particularly if it is unfamiliar; however
there are plenty of tips for parents to help with the process.
u
Try to attend talks/events offered by the university. Open Days
and Visit Days are an excellent opportunity to talk with university
representatives and explore our campus
u
Encourage your child to be involved with events and societies
u
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Try to get an understanding of
what your child is studying and why, especially if it’s something
you’re not familiar with
u
Explore some of the websites offering more information and
support such as:
i
studentfinancewales.co.uk
studentfinanceengland.co.uk
ucas.com
A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University - Page 9
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Campus, City, Coast and Lifestyle
Choosing a university is just as important as choosing a course and if your child opts to study at Swansea they can be sure that
they’ll benefit from living in one of the UK’s most naturally beautiful and vibrant regions.
Campus
Swansea’s campus is just metres from Swansea Bay and
surrounded by acres of parkland, with the nearby city centre and
Gower Peninsula combining exciting city living with dramatic
scenery. Our campus is positioned in Singleton Park - one of
the four parks in Swansea to be awarded the 2012 ‘Green
Flag’ award.
The location enables students to walk along the promenade to the
city centre while excellent bus services run frequently from campus.
With its range of on-site accommodation, shops and cafes, it
allows students to conveniently combine socialising and studying.
The nearby area of Uplands is also extremely popular, with
restaurants, wine bars and the famous Uplands Tavern providing a
mixture of dining and live music.
Approximately three miles away, Mumbles is a well-known coastal
village which has a variety of boutique shops, gourmet restaurants
and bars, not to forget Swansea’s famous Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour!
City
In the city centre you’ll find hundreds of high-street and
independent shops, including H&M and a flagship Superdry store.
You can also visit Swansea Market - the largest indoor market
in Wales where it’s possible to sample local delicacies such as
laverbread and Welsh cakes.
On the outskirts of the city centre, the Grape and Olive restaurant
and bar offers spectacular 360° views of the city, marina and
coastline from the top of the tallest building in Wales. If you
venture slightly further out, you’ll find the Liberty Stadium, which is
home to the Ospreys rugby team and Swansea City FC.
Coast and Lifestyle
One of the main benefits of studying and living in Swansea is
being so close to the Gower Peninsula - Britain’s first designated
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Gower Peninsula is a
19-mile long stretch of countryside and coastline which boasts
some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches. The Independent
describes Rhossili as the ‘supermodel of British beaches’ while
nearby Llangennith is one of The Guardian’s Top 10 UK Surf
Spots. Gower offers a huge range of outdoor and adventure
activities including archery, paragliding and scuba diving, but is
also ideal for simply escaping the bustle of the city.
Page 10 - A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University
An Award-Winning Student Experience
u
Swansea University was established in 1920 and has a proud history as the UK’s first campus university
u
Winner of the inaugural Times Higher Award for Best Student Experience
u
The 2012 Complete University Guide ranks Swansea as the 5th safest place to be a student in the UK, and
the safest place in Wales
u
87% of students say that they are satisfied with their overall university experience (National Student Survey,
NSS 2012)
In 2012, Swansea University...
u
...rose 12 places in the 2013 Sunday Times’ University Guide
u
...achieved top third student satisfaction ratings
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...was ranked 2nd overall in the WhatUni.com Student Choice Awards
Careers
u
91.2% of our graduates are in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating
Teaching Quality
u
Swansea University has been awarded a 5 star rating for teaching quality by the QS Stars global university
ratings system
What our Students Say...
u
96% agree that Swansea University is a ‘good place to be’
u
97% are satisfied with their lecturers’ expertise
u
97% are satisfied with Swansea University’s clubs and societies
u
94% of students are satisfied with our sports facilities, which are rated well above the national average
(i-graduate Student Barometer, Autumn 2011)
AAParents’
Parents’Guide
Guide to
to Higher
Higher Education
Education at
at Swansea
Swansea University - Page 11
A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University - Page 13
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FAQs
A Home from Home...
En-suite or Shared Bathrooms?
Accommodation with shared bathrooms
typically has a lower rent and the bathrooms
are cleaned weekly by a university cleaner.
As a result of not housing an en-suite, sharing
bathroom facilities typically means that students
have larger bedrooms. While students do have
to share facilities, there is never less than one
bathroom shared between four students. In ensuite accommodation, students have an added
level of privacy; however students are then
responsible for cleaning their own bathroom.
Accommodation with en-suite facilities also has a
higher rent.
Picking the right accommodation at university is in many ways just as important as picking the right course. University is
not only going to be the place your child studies, but also the place that they call home for the next three or more years.
At Swansea, we offer a range of accommodation options,
all of which have:
u
u
u
u
u
u
24 hour security
FREE WiFi
FREE Contents insurance
TV points (i/c) in all bedrooms
Welfare Wardens in residence
Student Residents’ Committees
Designated areas include:
u Quiet areas - for students looking for a quieter student
experience
u Alcohol free areas - for students wishing to live in
this environment
u Welsh speakers
u Mature areas
u Postgraduate areas
Hendrefoelan Student Village
Located two miles away from campus, Hendrefoelan Student
Village is our largest residential
site, housing approximately
1,600 students in a friendly, lively
environment.
The Student Village also has:
u An on-site Spar shop and laundrette
u ‘The Wonky Sheep’, the Students’ Union run pub
u A hard-surface sports pitch
u Access to the South Wales Miners’ Library, a smaller
library run by the University
u A frequent bus service that runs to the Campus and
to the city centre (fares apply)
On Campus
Living in one of our nine campus residences puts
students right at the centre of university life. Our campus
accommodation is located within metres of the Students’
Union, library and lecture theatres.
Self or Part-Catered?
Students living in self-catered accommodation
are responsible for providing and cooking all
of their own meals. This allows for the freedom
to choose what they want to eat and when
they want to eat it! There are benefits to this,
particularly when it comes to students cooking for
each other and combining resources. Students
who live in part-catered accommodation are
provided with the equivalent of one meal a day
by the university. A dining card is credited at
the start of each term and it can be used in any
University catering outlet.
Our campus accommodation comprises a mix of both selfcatered and part-catered accommodation. Prices start at £98
per week.
Campus facilities include:
u Shops
u Health centre
u Dental surgery
u Post Office
u Restaurants
u Book shop
u JCs - the Students’ Union run bar and coffee shop
The Village has self-catered
standard rooms and all kitchens
are equipped with oven,
microwave, kettle, fridge-freezer
and plenty of storage. Properties vary, housing between 4
and 10 students with shared bathrooms and kitchens. Prices
start at £75 per week.
i
For a full list of prices and to take virtual tours
please visit swansea.ac.uk/accommodation
Private Accommodation?
After their first year, the majority of students
choose to move into private, rented
accommodation close to the university with a
group of friends. In order to assist with finding
suitable homes, the university and Students’
Union have established Student Accommodation
Services (SAS), which is an on-campus lettings
and property management agency. SAS
advertise a range of student properties in
Swansea, along with providing help and advice
to students looking to rent.
A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University - Page 15
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UCAS Extra - February to June
Applying to Swansea University:
The UCAS Trail
Pre-Application - before August
These are the months leading up to your son or daughter making
their application. This typically tends to be February to July the year
before they intend on starting University.
This time should be used to research the courses and institutions your
son or daughter might be interested in applying to. With such a wide
choice of programmes available in the UK, narrowing this down to 5
choices on a UCAS form can be a little daunting.
You can help by encouraging them to attend as many open days as
possible during this period. Also helping them to research online what
course they would like to do from as early as possible.
Go to swansea.ac.uk/ugcourses to see what we have to offer at
Swansea and see page 16 for our Open Day tips.
... AUGUST
u
SEPTEMBER
u
OCTOBER
u
If, for whatever reason, your child doesn’t receive any
offers or decide they have made the wrong choices on
their UCAS application, there is a fall back option. This
is called UCAS Extra. This allows applicants to make
one extra application to an institution which they did not
originally select as one of their choices.
This would involve declining all offers that have been
made by the original institutions selected, and then
adding an extra choice using UCAS Track.
UCAS Application Checklist, has your son or daughter:
Researched the universities they’d like to apply to
Attended Open Days
Checked the deadline dates for each of the courses
Narrowed down their choices to five institutions
Written a personal statement
Enrolment late September
Submitted their form online
Received offer via UCAS
Enrolment at Swansea usually
takes place in late September.
The first week on campus is a
chance for students to settle in,
officially enrol on their course
and select their modules. The
week after lectures will begin,
and so does the hard work!
Attended post-application visit days or interviews
UCAS deadline - 15th January
Made a decision on Firm and Insurance choice universities
Your son or daughter must have submitted their
completed UCAS form by this date, however,
some courses such as medicine have much
earlier deadlines so be sure to check!
Sent a response to UCAS
NOVEMBER
u
DECEMBER
u
JANUARY
Used UCAS Extra, if no suitable offers are received
Entered Clearing if offer terms aren’t met
FEBRUARY
u
MARCH
u
APRIL
Making an application September to January
Receiving offers and deciding where to go January to May
Getting ready for University life April to June
Applications to a maximum of five institutions can be
made online at UCAS.ac.uk between 1st September
and 15th January, although we recommend that your
son or daughter applies as early as possible.
Most of the application process should be supported
by your child’s school or college; however, it is worth
checking the parents section of the UCAS website
regularly for key dates and keep them on track.
The personal statement can be a challenging thing for
your child to write so help and support with structuring
and proofreading would be valuable to them.
At Swansea University we usually aim to make all our offers by
March 31st. (This can take longer for more selective courses.)
Once your son or daughter has received offers or rejections from
all of the institutions they applied to, they will need to choose
a first (Firm) and second (Insurance) choice and decline all
other offers. During this time universities may invite your son or
daughter to visit the institution to help them make their decision.
The firm choice should be the university they want to go to most
and the insurance choice the back-up just in case they don’t
meet the terms of their offer for the first.
Once your son or daughter has made their Firm and
Insurance choices, it’s time to start putting everything in
place for September.
This includes applying for finance and accommodation.
With regards to finance they will need to apply through
Student Finance England,
studentfinance.direct.gov.uk, if they live in England
and Student Finance Wales,
studentfinancewales.co.uk, if they live in Wales.
Students will be invited to apply for accommodation
online in May. We guarantee rooms to all students who
firmly accept their offers from Swansea University by the
end of June.
u
MAY
u
JUNE
u
JULY
u
AUGUST
Exam Results, Adjustment and Clearing - August
If your son or daughter meets the offer that has been made to
them there is nothing more they need to do. We will automatically
accept them via UCAS and enrolment instructions are sent at the
end of August.
If however they find themselves in the situation of being
unsuccessful due to the results, they will enter a late application
system called Clearing. This will allow them to contact universities
with spaces still available. Clearing vacancies can be found on
both the UCAS and Swansea University websites following A Level
results day.
If your child exceeds the offer they received from their first choice
university they have a five-day window to look for another place,
this is called the UCAS Adjustment Period.
...
A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University - Page 17
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Open Day Tips
Open days are a fantastic opportunity to get a feel for the University, the campus and get an insight in to what it might be like to
be a student here. Your son or daughter will be living and studying in Swansea for three or more years so it is important that they
feel comfortable and happy during that time.
91.1% of visitors to the 2012 Open Days rated the event as Excellent or Good
At an Open Day we give you and your child the opportunity
to chat with current students about what it is like to live, study
and work in Swansea. You also have the opportunity to speak
to lecturers and tutors and discuss course requirements, content,
teaching methods and assessment along with exploring the campus
and taking in the atmosphere of Swansea University and its
stunning surroundings.
Tips for Open Day:
The programme for the day will be available online three
weeks before the event so you can download and read about
what to expect
Plan your day in advance so that your son or daughter can do
everything they want to
Talk to students, staff and academics about your son/
daughter’s chosen subject areas
Visit the Students’ Union and find out more about life as a
Swansea University student
Take a tour of the campus and sports centre
Speak to representatives from Residential Services, Student
Support Services and the Money Advice Office
Explore Swansea City Centre and the surrounding areas
Don’t be afraid to ask a question, we want you to leave
knowing everything you came to find out!
To book a place on one of our open days
please visit swansea.ac.uk/open-days
“Swansea University’s event was very well
organised and there was a friendly and relaxed
atmosphere on campus. The overall experience
was fantastic and one of the best Open Days I’ve
been to. My daughter was made to feel welcome
and thoroughly enjoyed learning more about
Study Abroad opportunities and student life
in Swansea as well as the course.”
Anne Chambers, London
A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University - Page 19
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Campus Catering, Facilities and Services
As a campus university, we are proud to offer excellent facilities and amenities needed for student life all conveniently
located on one site. These include:
Library and Information Centre
At the centre of campus, our library contains a wide range of
resources. Open from 8am - 2am during term time, and 24
hours a day during exams, the library boasts a collection of over
800,000 books, journals and articles. It contains 450 PCs for
student use, part of a network of over 1,800 PCs on campus
and also houses our Careers Service, IT Support and dedicated
subject librarians. We’re one of a small number of university
libraries and ICT services in the UK to have achieved the
Customer Service Excellence Award.
Student Support Services
We understand that your child may encounter problems during
their time at University and Student Services are available to offer
advice and support whenever they may need it.
Money Advice and Support
Provides advice and guidance on all student money related issues
whether it be problems with student loans or advice on how to
budget and make the most of your money.
Disability Office
If your child has a disability, medical condition or other specific
need, there is no reason why their university experience should
be any different from anyone else’s. Our mission is to ensure they
have the best possible student experience from the minute they
arrive until the day they graduate.
Wellbeing Services
This service offers support to those who are experiencing distress
arising from psychological, emotional or mental health issues. We
offer counselling and mental wellbeing support, a mental health
mentor scheme and drop-in sessions where students can discuss
their issues in confidence with our fully-trained staff.
Taliesin Arts Centre
For live performances, cinema screenings and visiting exhibitions,
the Taliesin Arts Centre on campus is the place to go. With a
330 seat theatre and the largest cinema screen in Swansea,
the Taliesin is also home to an art gallery, gift shop, café,
Waterstones book shop and the Egypt Centre - a museum
displaying over a thousand ancient Egyptian artefacts dating back
from before 3500BC to AD500.
Catering
Swansea University has a range of catering facilities
conveniently located across campus.
At Fulton House, there is the main dining room which offers
various food options, from hot meals to salads and snacks in a
large setting that overlooks the campus and Swansea Bay. Our
coffee shops serve both Costa and Starbucks coffees.
Flexible Dining Plan
Swansea’s Flexible Dining Plan provides a simple way of paying
for food and drink on campus. Register for a card - either online
or from the Catering Office - pay money onto it (minimum £5) and
for each £1 spent you earn 5 loyalty points. Parents can also top
up the card as required.
FAQs
How much does it cost parents to send their children
to university?
There is no legal obligation to contribute anything; however
household income is taken into account by Student Finance
when calculating entitlement and assumed contribution.
Some parents choose to pay towards tuition fees, while
others help with rent/accommodation or pay a set amount
per month into the student’s bank account to assist with
everyday living costs.
What is the average spending cost of students per week?
This is very much dependent on the lifestyle of the student. If
a student chooses to socialise frequently then, naturally, their
spending will be far higher than those who don’t. An average,
however, takes into account spending outside of accommodation
and bills, such as food, toiletries and study materials, and is
approximately £70 per week.
What qualifications will my son or daughter need?
Swansea University lists course entry requirements in A Level
but we also accept other qualifications such as BTEC and
IB. A full list is provided in our prospectus. Some degree
schemes require specific A Level subjects so it’s important to
check before applying.
If a student is made an offer but on results day finds that
they have missed it by a grade, what happens?
This depends very much on each individual case. If your child
misses the grade, we would advise that they firstly check UCAS
Track as they may well have still received an acceptance. If
there is no clear decision, they should check their e-mails as
an alternative course may have been offered. If there is still no
indication of a decision being made, then they should then
contact the Admissions Team. Please bear in mind that phone lines
will be very busy at results time and students should be prepared
to provide their Applicant ID number.
What security measures are in place on campus?
Swansea University is committed to providing a safe learning and
social environment for its students. There is a police officer based
on the campus and a Police Community Support Officer on hand
to advise on crime prevention and tips for student welfare.
The Students’ Union also offers free personal safety alarms that
can be carried. Most recently, Swansea was rated the fifth safest
place to live as a student.
Who can my son or daughter talk to if they
experience personal difficulties?
Additional support is available at the University from Student
Services who run the Wellbeing Service. This provides free
counselling to all students, in addition to one-to-one and
group sessions. All services remain completely confidential.
If your child has any financial concerns while at university,
the Money Doctors are on site to answer any questions.
What kind of support is available for students with
disabilities?
The Disability Office provides and coordinates support for
disabled students. If your son or daughter has a disability and
feel they would benefit from the service provided, then we would
encourage this to be declared as soon as possible to ensure that
resources can be arranged. Support for students with Specific
Learning Disabilities such as dyslexia is also available.
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Not answered your question?
Please do not hesitate to call or email us
01792 295784 | sro@swansea.ac.uk
A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University - Page 21
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Finance and Scholarships
Tuition Fees
The standard annual fee for UK students undertaking full time
undergraduate study is £9,000, however your child will not have
to pay the fees upfront themselves as most UK and EU students
can apply for a government loan to cover the costs, which is only
repayable once students earn over £21,000 a year.
For students from Wales, the Welsh government subsidises the
cost of tuition fees, meaning students only have to pay £3,575
towards tuition regardless of where they choose to study.
Students can apply for both a tuition fee loan (paid directly to the
university on the student’s behalf) and maintenance loan (paid to
the student).
Maintenance Loans
Maintenance loans are designed to help with expenses such as
accommodation and food. These are dependent on a variety
of factors, including household income and where the student
chooses to study, with 35% of the loan being means tested, and
65% available to all. Maintenance loans are typically paid to the
student in three instalments throughout the year.
How to Support Your Child
Scholarships and Bursaries
Swansea offers a range of scholarships, including up to
£3,000 for Academic Excellence and £1,000 per year for
Sporting Success, along with income-related bursaries. For more
information, please visit: swansea.ac.uk/scholarships
Part-time and Holiday Work
Many students take part-time work during term time and vacations.
There are many opportunities to work on campus, and the
city offers a good deal of seasonal work for those seeking to
supplement their loans.
Advice and Information
Our Money Doctors service provides the tools to help students
take control of their finances. We have dedicated advisers who
are available year round, along with an extensive range of
support and guidance for students who have queries or concerns
about their finances.
“Finance was a huge issue for us. The
income related bursary has been a great help,
plus our daughter got a Merit Scholarship in
recognition of her grades, between them
she got £3,000. There was full information
available when we visited and that really put
my mind at ease. There is more financial help
than the media would have you believe.”
Government Grants
Some students are entitled to means-tested, non-repayable grants
that are intended to help with living costs. To find out if your
son or daughter is eligible, visit studentfinancewales.co.uk or
studentfinanceengland.co.uk
Other Expenses
As well as tuition fees, there are likely to be additional courserelated costs to take into account, such as text books, and your
child will also have to budget for everyday personal expenditure.
Loan Repayment
Student loans only have to be repaid once your child is earning
in excess of £21,000. Students are required to pay 9% of their
income above £21,000, e.g. if your child is earning a salary of
£25,000, this would mean a payment of £30 per month.
Joanne Archer - parent of 2nd year Civil Engineering student
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Useful websites
studentfinancewales.co.uk
studentfinanceengland.co.uk
moneysavingexpert.com
ucas.ac.uk/students/studentfinance
Choosing a Course
Some useful questions to consider include:
u
Do they need a certain degree for their chosen career, such
as Medicine?
u
Do they have any interest in subjects that they haven’t yet
studied at school/college?
u
Are they interested in two subjects that can be combined as
a joint degree?
At this stage, it’s important to bear in mind that degree schemes
and course content can differ between universities.
Choosing a University
An effective way of seeing which universities offer the course(s)
that your son/daughter is interested in is to use the Course Search
facility on ucas.com. This shows which universities provide the
courses, allowing parents and students to then further research the
different institutions.
Ordering prospectuses can be a great way of helping to build
a picture of different places. Prospectuses help to provide further
information on courses, entry requirements and accommodation,
and also sport, social life and societies.
Applying to University
Applying for university is done through UCAS. Your child’s school/
college should organise making the application and taking the
first steps, along with help when filling in the different sections,
including providing teacher references.
While your child’s school/college will provide information about
the UCAS application process, it’s worth attending some of the
talks/events that are directed at parents. These can provide the
opportunity to ask questions from HE representatives.
Please see the UCAS Journey on page 14 for important dates.
Personal Statement
A student’s personal statement is a key part of their application.
This allows your child to detail what they want to study and most
importantly why. It’s the first chance your child will get to detail
any relevant extra curriculum activities. Personal statements allow
admissions tutors to get an idea of the kind of student who’s
applying and form a crucial part of decision-making. While your
child’s school/college UCAS Coordinator will assist students, a
useful tip for parents is to offer to proofread as this will not just help
your child ensure that they produce an excellent document, but
also allow you, as a parent, to further understand why your son or
daughter wants to go university.
Clearing
Not quite getting the results they hoped for on results day can be
an upsetting experience but it is important to remember that Higher
Education is still an option. Clearing is open to students who have
not managed to secure a place at university. Often universities fail
to fill all of their places so then publish what is available on the
UCAS website. From results day onwards, there are also listings
available in various newspapers detailing where clearing students
can apply.
Settling In
Moving to university is undoubtedly one of the most intimidating but
ultimately exciting times of your child’s life. Some students take to
new environments immediately, while others may take a little while
to settle in. What is important is that your child is advised to attend
as many events as possible, to ensure that they immerse themselves
into university life as quickly as they can. Encourage your child to
attend welcome events as this is the time when core friendships are
made and when everyone is facing the same challenges.
Academic Support
Universities differ from schools/colleges in that there are no
parents’ evenings or feedback provided. Instead, it’s expected
that you communicate with your son or daughter to get an idea of
their progress. If you’re concerned, encourage your child to speak
to their personal tutor who will be able to provide academic and
personal support.
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A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University - Page 23
Study Abroad
At Swansea University we recognise that enhancing your child’s
employability through their student experience is at the forefront
of your thinking. This is why we offer extensive opportunities to
study abroad as we believe that it allows your child to build
independence and ultimately differentiate themselves in a
competitive graduate job market.
There are many educational and experiential advantages to
studying abroad. Your child’s studies will benefit from immersion
in a different culture. In addition, they will develop interpersonal
and transferrable skills which will aid them in their future career.
As a student at Swansea University they will have many options,
one of which is to study abroad as part of their degree for a year
or semester.
Careers and Alumni
Go Further
Swansea University has links with more than 100 partner
universities and organisations around the world. On visiting
Swansea you will notice that we have a cosmopolitan community
of students - the world in one campus. There are opportunities
for our students to acquire language skills and to participate
in residential programmes in China, India, North America,
Australasia and Europe. Your child’s study abroad destination will
depend on the agreements that exist between their department and
the overseas institutions. A full list of our partner universities can be
found on the study abroad section of our website.
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Find out more:
swansea.ac.uk/international
Where bright futures begin
Going to university is an investment in your child’s future and a
degree from Swansea University will give your son or daughter
the edge when applying for jobs in today’s competitive market.
Many of our degree schemes are accredited by professional
bodies and are recognised by employers worldwide.
Get a head start
Gaining a degree is just the beginning. In order for your child
to kick start their career it is vital that they can demonstrate they
have relevant experience and essential skills in communication,
organisation, teamwork, problem solving and time management.
Our degree schemes help students to develop these skills so that
they can embark on a successful career.
choose to further their academic careers with us.
swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate
In good company
When your child graduates from Swansea University they
become part of a global network of alumni. Our former students
include Paralympics gold medallist (swimming) Liz Johnson,
telecommunications pioneer and Wales’ first billionaire, Sir Terry
Matthews and world record-breaking adventurer, author and
motivational speaker, Dave Cornthwaite swansea.ac.uk/alumni
The Swansea University Careers and Employability Service offers
students one-to-one careers guidance, holds an annual careers
fair, hosts CV and interview technique workshops and can also
help organise internships, work placements, graduate schemes
and volunteer positions.
The Swansea Employability Award (SEA) recognises the student’s
achievements whilst studying and are recorded on their degree
certificates upon graduating swansea.ac.uk/careers
Broadening horizons
Some of our programmes offer a year in industry or an opportunity
to study abroad. Taking advantage of these invaluable chances
to gain overseas experience make your son or daughter stand
out from the crowd when it comes to applying for jobs. For more
details please visit swansea.ac.uk/international
Why stop there?
Swansea University has an extensive postgraduate portfolio with a
range of taught and research masters and doctoral programmes.
Swansea has a proud reputation for teaching excellence and
conducts world-leading research; it’s no surprise so many students
Did you know...? 92% of our graduates are in full time employment
or in further education within six months (HESA data 2010/11).
A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University - Page 25
Page 24 - A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University
Students’ Union
Going to university means more than just studying - it’s also a chance to explore opportunities and gain experiences that will
shape a student for life.
Swansea University’s Students’ Union aims to ensure that every
student has the best experience possible. As well as helping
students get the most out of their education, they also encourage
students to join in activities and meet new people. The SU run
over 300 events a year, including the Summer Ball and Varsity.
In addition they offer over 100 sports clubs and societies,as
well as running shops, bars, nightclubs and a whole range of
other services.
‘The Students’ Union is the hub of Swansea’s thriving student
community, and students are joining us at one of the most
exciting times in our history. Students have never had so much
input into their union, university and local community. We have
world record breaking nightlife in the biggest clubs in Wales, and
we have brand new facilities like our bar and coffee shops.’
Tom Upton, SU President
Societies and Sports Clubs
Swansea University has a strong campus-based student community
and there is always something going on. Whether your child likes
to play team sports, fancies themselves as a budding journalist, or
has a passionate interest in the arts, there is a society or club for
them.
The SU supports over 100 societies and clubs, so there are plenty
to choose from, including: comedy, dance, drama, cheerleading,
rugby, ‘quidditch’ and ultimate Frisbee!
All societies and clubs are represented during Fresher’s Week
at the Fresher’s Fair and this can be a great opportunity to meet
some of the existing members and find out what each society has
to offer.
Student Media
Swansea is home to one of the longest running student radio
stations in the UK - ‘Xtreme Radio’. Run by students, for students,
anyone is welcome to get involved in presenting, producing or
promoting their own radio show with some past members going
on to work for the BBC and local radio.
Swansea’s student newspaper The Waterfront is run by a large
team of student journalists, photographers, designers and web
developers. Working closely with professional editing staff and
local newspapers, students involved in The Waterfront gain
invaluable experience of working within the media and also
have the opportunity to attend training with the National Union of
Journalists.
Bars and Venues
Whether students want to enjoy a coffee and a cake, have a
classic pub meal or drink in JCs, watch a rugby match in The
Wonky Sheep or experience the ultimate student night in the oncampus nightclub Divas, the SU is there for you. They even run a
nightclub in the city centre, Sin City, which hosts bands, DJs and
regular live music.
Events
Student Swansea Events (SSE) is the events department of the
SU, providing all a student needs for their social life at university
with all money raised going straight into improving the Students’
Union and its services. In recent years, headline acts at events
have included Florence and the Machine, Chase and Status, Ed
Sheeran, Zane Lowe, Russell Howard and Tim Minchin.
Retail
Whether you want groceries and snacks, or bus passes and
plane tickets - the Students’ Union runs both the Travel Shop and
supermarket which provide everything a student needs right in
the heart of the University’s campus. The Union also runs Fulton
Outfitters - a clothing store selling a range of Swansea University
merchandise and gifts, including the ‘Swansie’ - Swansea’s
version of the onesie!
Volunteering
The University and Students’ Union offer a range of different
volunteering opportunities, including mentoring in local schools,
sustainability projects and fundraising for charity. Last year, our
societies raised over £15,000 for charity.
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Find out more:
swansea-union.co.uk or find us on facebook
A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University - Page 27
Page 26 - A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University
Sport For All
A Week in the Life of a Swansea Student
Whatever your son or daughter’s level of fitness or favourite
sporting activity, Swansea University’s Sports Village can cater for
them. Our £20m state-of-the art facilities are enjoyed not only by
students and staff but elite sporting professionals and the wider
community.
Located just a short walk from the main campus, the facilities
available to all students include:
The Sports Centre
Home to the Uni-Gym, Squash Courts, Fitness and Spin Studios,
multi-purpose Sports Hall, Physiotherapy Clinic and a Soft Tissue
Therapy Clinic.
Outdoor facilities
Tennis Courts, Playing Fields, Sports Pavilion and Astro-Turf Pitches.
How a student spends their time whilst at Swansea University will differ depending on their course,
part-time work and the clubs or societies they are involved in. We encourage all of our students to find
a good balance between studying and socialising in order to make the most of their student experience.
Wales National Pool Swansea
Whether your child is a competitive swimmer, complete novice or
just wants to enjoy a relaxing swim the WNPS has something for
everyone. walesnationalpoolswansea.co.uk
360 Beach and Watersports
Opened in September 2012, this
unique multisport facility is situated at
the heart of Swansea Bay. They offer
kite surfing, paddle boarding and
beach volleyball. Enjoy a relaxing lunch in the beachside cafe bar
with stunning views of the bay. 360swansea.co.uk
Swansea and the Gower Peninsula offer the perfect setting for all
outdoor adventures including walking, cycling, horseriding, diving
or surfing. Find out more at visitswanseabay.com
Sam Kenvyn, 20 - BEng Chemical Engineering
Monday
9am COFFEE! It’s a Monday so I need a boost, grab a
quick coffee from Costa Coffee in the Library before quickly
looking over my reading again for this afternoon’s seminar
9-2pm Practical: site visit
Afternoon Lifeguarding shift - It’s the ideal part-time job for
a student as it’s flexible and there is lots of work available
over the summer during the university holidays.
11-1pm Lectures
1-2pm Lunch in JCs, the Students’ Union bar, with some of
my course mates
2-3pm Seminar
Evening Lifesaving Team Training at the Wales National
Pool in the University’s Sports Village
Tuesday
9-12pm Lectures
12-1pm Meeting with design project supervisor
Evening Write up notes from the site visit
Friday
10-1pm Lectures
Afternoon Finish any work from the week to keep the
weekend free and do an online food shop ready for the
weekend
Night Tooters in Divas the SU’s nightclub
Saturday
Afternoon Meet with classmates in the Library to discuss
our group project
Day Surfing at Llangennith beach on Swansea’s Gower
Peninsula
Evening University gym
Evening Go to the pub to watch a local band
Wednesday
9-10am Lectures and tutorials
10-12:30pm Applicant Visit Day - Team Leader duties for
the Student Ambassador Scheme
Did you know...? Swansea University hosted Paralympics Teams from
New Zealand and Mexico in preparation for London 2012!
Thursday
Night Wind St for “Play - on Wednesdays” (Biggest
Student night in Wales)
Sunday
Finally a lie-in! Get up quite late and have a relaxing pub
lunch with my housemates, before catching up on some TV or
watching a film in the afternoon. Have an early night, ready
for lectures in the morning.
Page 28 - A Parents’ Guide to Higher Education at Swansea University
Contact Us
Student Recruitment
Swansea University, Singleton Abbey, Swansea SA2 8PP
Telephone: 01792 295784
Email: sro@swansea.ac.uk
www.swansea.ac.uk/parents-guide