Education Eye: Try before you buy at uni taster days

With the passing of the UCAS deadline for the class of 2015, we move to the start of the university research process for Year 12.
Catherine StokerCatherine Stoker
Catherine Stoker

A good way to begin might be to take a look at the Universities Taster Days Programme, since the booking system for these is now open.

Taster days run from February with the majority in the Easter holidays or in late June and July after AS exams are over.

They’re an opportunity to find out more about what studying certain courses might entail, as well the chance to try out university life, before planning a UCAS application.

The courses cover a wide range of areas, from Arts, Sciences, Humanities, Engineering, Law and Modern Foreign Languages, as well as vocational subjects such as Nursing and Midwifery.

Not only do these courses offer a valuable, informative insight into areas students are certain they wish to study, but they also offer those who are not at all sure a chance to try out a course that they are not so sure about.

Often mentioning attendance at a taster day strengthens a UCAS personal statement by demonstrating an interest and commitment to the subject.

It also helps with research for possible interviews by clarifying their understanding of what exactly a subject will involve.

It’s particularly useful as way to get to know what it would be like to study at a university that’s on your short-list, including getting to know the town or city in which it’s located.

The best websites for information are http://tasters.gradsintocareers.co.uk listing courses at 26 London Institutions and http://www.universitytasterdays.com/Search.aspx which covers taster courses, open days and other events across the country. New taster days are regularly added even during the summer term, so if nothing takes your fancy straight away, keep checking for new additions.

Courses at universities like Kings, LSE and UCL fill very quickly but don’t be deterred.

Add your name to the waiting list since places often free up at a later date.

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