child’ s decision to go to university can raise lots of
A questions for parents or carers. How do they apply? How much will it cost? What financial help is available? Where will they live? This section aims to answer these questions and more, enabling you to help your child prepare for their university adventure.
THE BENEFITS OF GOING TO UNIVERSITY
It opens up a wide range of career options.
• A university degree is essential for some professions, for example if your child wants to become a doctor, physiotherapist or architect.
• Many other jobs will only recruit people with a degree, although they may not require a particular subject.
Your child is likely to earn more.
• Graduates earn on average more over their lifetime than people without a degree.
It will help them to become career-ready.
• Universities offer careers advice and many provide high-quality work experience opportunities.
• Your child may have the opportunity to study overseas, which can be appealing to recruiters.
• University life will help your child to become more independent and develop personal and transferable skills such as teamwork, managing their time, meeting deadlines and critical thinking – all crucial for the workplace.
• They will also meet people from different places and backgrounds, building a network of contacts that will be valuable during their career.
WHY GO?
University is a big commitment, in terms of both time and money, but by getting a degree your child will be making a big investment in their future. It will increase their chances of getting a good job and improve their earning potential. In addition, for many young people it is also their first taste of independence, and an exciting opportunity to try new activities and meet new friends.
They will have a great time!
• University can be a life-changing experience; they’ ll develop as people, grow in confidence and have the opportunity to make new friends and try new things.
• In 2016, working age graduates earned on average £ 9,500 more than non-graduates.
• Postgraduates earned on average £ 6,000 more than graduates..
Office for National Statistics Graduate Labour Market Statistics, April 2017
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