Oxbridge Essays » University applications

University Applications Statistics Revealed

Ed — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:34:49 +0000

Figures released by UCAS show the full extent of the impact of raised tuition fees on this year's crop of university applications. We take a closer look at the numbers.

University Tuition Fees Commission Created

Ed — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:55:53 +0000

A new tuition fees commission has been set up to investigate the effects of the new higher education funding scheme, paying particular attention to the impact on students from poorer backgrounds. Will Hutton will lead the commission.

Saying No to Oxbridge

Elly — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:05:49 +0000

Schoolgirl Elly Nowell sent a scathing rejection letter to Magdalen College, Oxford, criticising its interview procedure for being elitist and intimidating. We look more closely at the details of her complaint.

University Applications Remain Sluggish

admin — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:58:39 +0000

As the deadline for UCAS university applications approaches, tuition fees have deterred more than 20,000 UK students from applying this year. Some groups are far more severely affected than others, we reveal.

UK University Rankings 2012

bruno — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:55:36 +0000

We bring you the most important information from the major UK university league tables for 2012 in one simple, concise article!

Will Tuition Fees Drive UK Students Abroad?

Ed — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:32:06 +0000

Will soaring tuition fees drive the best and brightest UK pupils abroad for university? Top academis fear that UK universities might lose not only their best pupils but also their most talented researchers to positions abroad.

Alan Bennett Denounces Tuition Fees

Ed — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:07:15 +0000

Great British playwright Alan Bennett has lamented the certain impact raised tuition fees will have on talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Bennett denounced the coalition government's tuition fees scheme, saying that it will prevent talented writers like himself from working-class backgrounds from managing to reach university.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Music

Elly — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:25:38 +0000

Learn how to ace an Oxbridge interview with our sample answers to real Oxbridge interview questions. This week we tackle a topic from a real Oxbridge interview for a candidate applying to study music.

One Fifth of Universities Change Tuition Fees

bruno — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:57:13 +0000

More bad news for university admissions this week, as last-minute tuition fees changes throw applicants into turmoil. Those who have already applied miss out on the chance to take advantage of lowered fees at 25 universities, while worrying evidence suggests that the lowered fees are a direct result of withdrawn bursary and scholarship funding.

University Applications at “Crisis Point”

Ed — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:21:15 +0000

As the university applications period progresses, the number of students applying for higher education courses continues to fall dramatically compared to this time last year. The government continues to make excuses, but the opposition has stepped forward with a bold new promise for higher education.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Modern Languages

Elly — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:11:02 +0000

How do you ace an Oxbridge Interview? This week, our Real Oxbridge Interview Questions series looks at modern languages. We take a genuine modern languages interview question and explore ways to answer it successfully.

Willetts Defends Tuition Fees

bruno — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:29:36 +0000

As the tuition fees furore rages on and early figures indicate plunging numbers of university applicants, David Willetts has given an interview desperately attempting to defend his tuition fees policy. The results are far from convincing.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Medicine

Elly — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:21:29 +0000

This week's Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered blog takes on one of the most feared interviews of all: medicine. Discover what an Oxbridge medicine admissions tutor is really looking for and how to deliver it through the interview, with a genuine Oxford University interview question as an example.

Top Universities Ranked by Profession

Ed — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:15:05 +0000

A new league table reveals the best UK universities for studying vocational subjects that lead to particular professions. The resulting rankings hold several surprises, considerably shaking up the 'usual list' of top UK universities.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: History

Elly — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:49:25 +0000

This week our Real Oxbridge Interview Questions blog turns to history, one of the most popularly studied subjects at university. The genuine interview question from Oxford University reveals some surprising truths about what the interviewer is really looking for...

Tuition Fees Protesters Face Rubber Bullets

bruno — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:41:35 +0000

Police have revealed that the potential use of rubber bullets has been approved against those marching in the protest against rising tuition fees this Wednesday. The move, which could be said to implicitly criminalise the legitimate act of protest and suggest that students and young people are more likely to be violent than adult protesters, has outraged politicians and human rights groups.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Engineering

Elly — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:57:28 +0000

Ever wanted to know how to approach a question in an Oxbridge interview? Nervous about the 'scary' Oxbridge interview process? Wish you could see some examples of actual past Oxbridge interview questions? You've come to the right place! This week: Engineering.

UCAS ‘Favours Rich Kids’

Ed — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:53:28 +0000

UCAS, the university applications body, has published the results of a report into the whole university applications process, which suggests that the current system may allow unfair advantages to pupils from private schools and privileged backgrounds. It has recommended a comprehensive overhaul of the system, including a move for university places to be allocated after A-level grades have been awarded.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Law

Elly — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:57:41 +0000

Law can be one of the most intimidating subjects to prepare for at interview, as many candidates worry about not knowing enough technical detail. This genuine Oxford Interview question shows that technique is actually much more important than prior knowledge.

University Applications Plummet as Tuition Fees Rise

Ed — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:38:25 +0000

Early figures show a dramatic drop in applications to university from UK students. We look at the details behind the statistics, and consider who has been most severely deterred from applying to higher education as a result of the new tuition fees system.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Biological Sciences

Elly — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:54:53 +0000

More great admissions tips this week as we tackle another real Oxbridge interview question and consider some of the many ways in which it might be successfully answered. This week's subject is Biological Sciences.

Tuition Fees Chaos Wreaks Havoc with University Applications

bruno — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:44:08 +0000

With 28 universities announcing plans to revise their tuition fees arrangements, university applications have been thrown into chaos. Tens of thousands of students trying to navigate the already complex fees arrangements are now being forced to make blind decisions about where to apply. We explain the developments that have caused these problems, and who is likely to be worst affected.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: English Literature

Elly — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:53:09 +0000

The first in a new series of blogs taking individual genuine Oxbridge interview questions and showing a wide variety of ways to tackle them at interview. This week, English Literature.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Revealed!

Elly — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:47:59 +0000

In a controversial move, specific genuine Oxbridge interview questions have been released for the first time in an attempt to demystify the applications process. We look at the set of questions released and draw conclusions from them about what to expect from an Oxbridge interview, and how you are expected to answer.

Bursaries Fail to Attract Poor Students

bruno — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:55:14 +0000

Worrying new statistics show that increasing financial support in the form of bursaries does not necessarily help attract students from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply to elite universities. We ask what this means for the new tuition fees scheme and how we can address the problem of equal access to university for all.

How To Get Into Oxbridge: Interview

Ed — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:58:27 +0000

Forget the warnings; forget the horror stories; our 'How to Get into Oxbridge' blog is here to demystify the Oxbridge interview process! Follow our top tips to interview and application success!

Are UK Universities Racist?

Elly — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:20:09 +0000

A spate of disturbing stories regarding racism in UK higher education has recently hit the headlines. We look more closely at the incidents and consider the problem of racism at UK universities.

How to get into Oxbridge: The Personal Statement

Elly — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:57:56 +0000

Our 'How to Get into Oxbridge' blog series continues, with a whistle-stop guide to writing the perfect personal statement. In ten concise, simple tips, we take you from start to finish, with insider advice on how to craft the personal section 10 of your UCAS form!

How To Get Into Oxbridge: Colleges

Elly — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:08:04 +0000

Applying to Oxbridge can seem like a daunting mountain to climb, but our 'How to Get into Oxbridge' blog series is here to help. This week, we take you through the steps of choosing the college that's right for you!

‘Soft’ Subjects on the Rise

Ed — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:59:23 +0000

As the dust clears from this year's bumper crop of GCSE results, more statistics come to light about the popularity of traditional academic subjects. Some trends are very surprising indeed...

Report Claims Tuition Fees Unfair and Unworkable

Elly — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:17:49 +0000

The long-awaited Higher Education Policy Institute response to the government's white paper on higher education has arrived, and it isn't pretty. We summarise its condemnation of the new tuition fees policy and the damning predictions for the damage to be caused to social mobility and fair access to education.

University Bidding War for A-Grade Students

bruno — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:49:48 +0000

A controversial new government policy has sparked a bidding frenzy for students with the best A-Level grades, forcing universities into direct competition with one another. We look at the possible impact the new scheme might have on higher education.

Should we be Cutting Student Visas?

Elly — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:55:28 +0000

Government plans to dramatically cut student visas have been heavily criticised this week. We look into the flaws in the plan and how they relate to other current higher education concerns.

Schools Scholarships Scheme

Ed — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 17:43:46 +0000

Simon Hughes, advocate for access to education, has recommended the government change its scholarship scheme to give schools, not universities, the right to award tuition fees scholarships in 2012. We look at the details and implications of the scheme.

£9000 Fees Confirmed by “Toothless” Regulator

bruno — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:18:20 +0000

When the government regulatory body OFFA announced this week that all English universities had been allowed to charge the fees they had set for themselves, equal access campaigners were angry but unsurprised. The 'toothless' regulators put in place by the government to allow tuition fees of £9000 only "under exceptional circumstances" have allowed fees to climb to an average of £8393.

Why Oxbridge?

Elly — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:38:42 +0000

After Adrian asked "why Oxbridge" on our blog last week, we started thinking about the reasons why students apply to Oxbridge before other UK universities. Here is our definitive list of the most important ways Oxford and Cambridge stand out from other universities and what really makes them so special.

Huge Gulf Revealed in Private: State Oxbridge Entry

Ed — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:40:32 +0000

New figures this week revealed a shocking divide between pupils from private and state schools getting into the elite Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Is Oxbridge entry biased, or does the problem lie elsewhere in the education system?

How to get into Oxbridge: Preparation

Elly — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:03:46 +0000

With competition this year due to be more fierce than it has even been, it has never been more important to get started early on Oxbridge application preparation. Our Oxbridge experts set out their key steps for preparing now, in advance of the application period in October. All you need to know to maximise your chances of getting into Oxbridge.

UK Universities Shake Up Explained

Elly — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:35:29 +0000

Today's higher education white paper laid out controversial proposals for universities in the UK. Confused? We outline the key points raised and summarise the arguments both for and against the reforms.

Students to Fight Tuition Fees in High Court

Ed — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:52:14 +0000

As the tuition fees furore continues, two teenagers have won an unprecedented battle to take the fight to the High Court. They will argue that the government's new tuition fees policy contravenes human rights law by disadvantaging students from poorer backgrounds and creating an elitist system where university is for the rich.

Top UK Universities for Arts revealed

Elly — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:11:41 +0000

A surprising new study has been published, ranking the top universities worldwide for the arts and humanities. Whilst Oxford and Cambridge Universities perform competitively, the data is more surprising for other UK universities...

Oxbridge Revolt Against Tuition Fees!

bruno — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 13:08:53 +0000

In a historic move, academics from Oxford and Cambridge Universities seem likely to join forces to oppose the government's new higher education policy with a 'vote of no confidence' in Universities Minister David Willetts. We look at the way the new tuition fees policy has gradually unravelled.

University Versus College Degrees

Elly — Tue, 17 May 2011 11:39:10 +0000

As the government announces that colleges will provide full degrees at cheaper prices, we consider the implications for students making pivotal decisions about further education. Is it best to opt for a £9000 university degree, a cheaper college course, or simply to avoid higher education altogether?

Top UK University Places for Sale

bruno — Tue, 10 May 2011 15:07:15 +0000

The government has caused an enormous public outcry by announcing they are considering plans to allow extra "off-quota" places to be created in addition to publicly funded university places. Protesters have disputed the plans, claiming they will allow rich students to 'buy their way in' to the UK's top universities, making a mockery of fair and equal access to higher education.

Tuition fees will price poorest out of university

Elly — Tue, 03 May 2011 11:28:05 +0000

A shocking new survey is ruffling government feathers with conclusive statistics proving that over 50% of current final year university students would not have applied if tuition fees were £9000. We look at the details and implications of the survey.

Tuition Fees Revealed: Average Fees Above £8700

bruno — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:44:13 +0000

As the deadline arrives for universities to submit their proposed levels of tuition fees for 2012, we provide a condensed summary of all the vital facts and developments on tuition fees.

Students forced to make blind university choices

bruno — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:40:32 +0000

Yet more problems have beset the troubled tuition fees scheme this week, as it emerged that a major flaw in the government plan will disadvantage tens of thousands of students choosing to defer entry to take a gap year.

Oxbridge Outreach Isn’t Working

Ed — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:40:37 +0000

As England's top universities flock to announce top tuition fees of £9000, worrying statistics show that the top Oxbridge Universities have failed to meet targets to improve their intake of state school pupils. We ask why millions of pounds are being poured into access and outreach schemes that are quite obviously not working in the way they should.

Government “Wrong” on Tuition Fees

Elly — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:05:58 +0000

A concise overview of the current situation on tuition fees, explaining claims that the government has made mistakes in its education budget calculations for tuition fees, and setting out the potential outcomes of the situation.

Tuition fees to hit language courses

Ed — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:21:52 +0000

A new argument against the higher tuition fees system has been raised by universities concerned at the impact it will have on four-year modern language courses. These degrees include an extra year of study abroad, and institutions are concerned students will no longer be prepared to pay the extra price.

£9000 Tuition Fees Could Mean Paying Back Double

Ed — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:55:24 +0000

A study by leading accountancy firms shows that students may have to pay back double the enormous student loans required to attend university under the new coalition government's plans for £9000 tuition fees. The longer repayment period is being billed as an attractive proposition by the government but will actuallly mean vast sums of interest accrued by graduate debts.

Top UK University Rankings Revealed

Elly — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 12:38:04 +0000

A controversial new report by the Times Higher Education magazine has ranked the top 200 universities worldwide on the basis of their reputation alone. We take a look at the somewhat surprising list of UK universities making the international grade.

University Access Guidelines Published

Ed — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:47:10 +0000

We take a look at the OFFA guidelines released this week for access measures to be taken by universities charging tuition fees higher than £6000.

How to choose a University

Elly — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:38:15 +0000

Choosing which university to put down as your firm acceptance can be daunting, when they all seem equally impressive and important, and all woo you with flashy prospectuses and overwhelm you with information. As UCAS offers arrive and decisions have to be made, we offer you our top tips for how to choose a university that's best for you.

UCAS University Offers Explained

Ed — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:24:07 +0000

It can be a confusing time of year for sixth form students as UCAS university offers come through and applicants must choose a firm choice and an insurance choice from the places they have been offered. We give you a simple guide to the system.

Aaron Porter to Step Down as NUS President

Elly — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:31:28 +0000

Aaron Porter has announced his intention to stand down as NUS President when his term ends in April. He claims he is proud of the achievements of the union during the tuition fees furore, but many students have been disappointed with his timid leadership. What next for the student movement?

NUS Soft on Tuition Fees

Ed — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 12:13:14 +0000

As universities across the country debate appropriate levels of tuition fees, Aaron Porter, President of the National Union of Students, has angered protesters with his 'soft stance' by urging student leaders to engage in meaningful and specific discussion rather than continuing with general national protest.

What’s the point of a university degree?

Elly — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:31:27 +0000

Unemployment is at an all-time high, with young people twice as likely to be out of work as any other age group. As tuition fees rocket to £9000 and graduates face thousands of pounds worth of debt, we ask whether a university degree is really worth the money.

Nick Clegg: Blame tuition fees on universities

bruno — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 20:36:44 +0000

As news emerged that top UK universities intend to charge the full £9000 per year tuition fees, Nick Clegg has taken the astounding step of implying that the universities themselves are somehow to blame for the steepness of the price, claiming that it "isn't up to them" to decide what to charge. We look at the argument as it developed.

Oxford and Cambridge to charge £9000 tuition fees

Elly — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:24:04 +0000

As both Oxford and Cambridge universities reveal plans to charge the upper limit of £9000 tuition fees, we examine the reasons behind their decision and investigate the impact this level of fees will have on access to university for students from the poorest backgrounds.

“Soft Subjects” Disadvantage University Applications

Ed — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 14:26:05 +0000

As the Russell Group of the top 20 UK universities releases a pamphlet warning against taking "soft subjects" at A-level, we question their impact on university entrance, and ask why, if they are so frowned-upon academically, these subjects continue to be taught at all."

Tuition fees: Is there any point in protest?

bruno — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:05:40 +0000

The marches go on, the slogans are chanted, the demonstrations continue; but is anybody listening? Is there any point in protest against a government who have made it very clear that the voices of their people are falling on very deaf ears indeed? What next for the student protest movement?

“Kettling Should Be Banned”: Tuition Fees Protests

Elly — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:47:51 +0000

As a new wave of anti-tuition fees protests begins, a large-scale campaign has been launched to ban the police tactic of 'kettling' protesters. We look at the arguments against the police method of forced containment, and ask whether protesters are right to claim it breaches their fundamental human rights.

“Most” Universities Will Charge £9000 Tuition Fees

Ed — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:04:27 +0000

Aaron Porter, president of the National Union of Students, has revealed disturbing findings this week from his discussions with university executives. He predicts that, contrary to government promises, a high percentage of universities will choose to charge the maximum tuition fees of £9000.

Student Protest Movement Divided

bruno — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 11:31:57 +0000

As the student movement picks up its placards for a renewed assault on the government's tuition fees policy and education cuts, it risks being derailed by division in the ranks. Aaron Porter urges a considered, targeted campaign whilst the more radical activists want to fight on with protests and marches to have the policy revoked. Which is the right path for this new breed of student political activism?

The Education Maintenance Allowance Debate

Elly — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:29:42 +0000

As the government votes against reinstating the axed Education Maintenance Allowance, we consider the arguments on both sides, and ask what impact the cuts will really have on underpriveleged pupils. Can the government justify its claim that an enormous £500 million of funding should be withdrawn from support for sixth-form college attendees?

A-Level Exam Time May Change

Ed — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 02:16:32 +0000

As the government considers changing the timing of A-level examinations to allow students to apply for university with their actual (rather than predicted) results, we consider the pros and cons of the new scheme, including claims that it would be beneficial for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

KPMG to pay university tuition fees

Elly — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:41:48 +0000

In the wake of the government's controversial decision to raise tuition fees in England to £9000 and subsequent withdrawl of some of their key access schemes, top accountancy firm KPMG has unveiled plans to cover the cost of tuition fees for school leavers entering university as part of their training program. Will other businesses follow suit, and will this be a positive move for access to higher education in England?

Government university access schemes “unworkable”

Ed — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 01:47:11 +0000

Following the controversial vote to raise tuition fees in England to £9000, the government has been quick to backtrack on the generous aid and access packages they outlined whilst desperately drumming up support and votes for the policy in Parliament. Latest to be thrown into doubt is the scheme whereby the government would waive a year's fees for free school meals students, which now seems unlikely to be implemented.

Simon Hughes appointed advocate for access to education

Elly — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:44:32 +0000

Having raised eyebrows with his refusal to vote for the coalition government's controversial tuition fees policy, Simon Hughes has hit the headlines again with his new appointment as advocate for access to education. Is his appointment a genuine effort by Cameron and Clegg to boost input and support for those from underpriveleged backgrounds, or a highly cynical publicity stunt to mollify outraged voters and protesters? And has Hughes himself abandoned his principles by accepting the position?

Is Oxbridge Just For Rich Kids?

Ed — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:42:22 +0000

A startling report this week revealed that a mere 0.8% of Oxbridge students come from disadvantaged backgrounds, making them 55 times less likely to get in to Oxford or Cambridge University than private school pupils. We ask whether the government's plans for a huge increase in tuition fees, along with their contraversial decision to axe the Aim Higher university access scheme, will result in an Oxbridge education truly being accessible only to the most rich and priveleged students.

University funding cut by £400 million

Elly — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:13:45 +0000

Fresh on the heels of its controversial policy to raise university tuition fees in England to £9000, the government has now announced cuts of £400 million to university teaching budgets. These cuts will take effect long before the rise in tuition fees comes into force, leaving universities desperately struggling to make ends meet and striking a further blow to students and higher education.

Police Violence at Tuition Fees Protests

bruno — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:38:37 +0000

Following the outbreak of violence at the recent tuition fees protests, questions have been raised about the level and necessity of violence used by the Metropolitan Police force against students. Whilst heavy-handed resistance is understandable in the case of the very small number of protesters acting violently themselves, disturbing accounts have come to light describing the brutal treatement of innocent bystanders and peaceful student protesters as well.

Tuition Fees: Top UK Universities at Risk

Ed — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:20:39 +0000

A study released by the lecturers' union has shown the devastating predicted impact of the government funding cuts and rise in tuition fees on some of the top UK Universities. The worst hit will be those offering innovative and cutting-edge arts and culturally creative courses and, most worrying of all, those offering the greatest number of places to students from disadvataged backgrounds. A third of UK Universities have been labelled "at risk".

Tuition Fees Vote Results: The End for Nick Clegg?

Elly — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 08:03:13 +0000

As the House of Commons narrowly voted to support the coalition government's plans to raise university tuition fees in England to £9000, a huge rebellion by members of the Liberal Democrat party signalled deep rifts and disarray. They may have won the vote, but at what political cost to the party's future, and at what personal price for Nick Clegg?

Tuition Fee Vote Scheduled

bruno — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:02:57 +0000

As the day of the Parliamentary vote on tuition fees draws near, we recap the major points of the debate on fees, from the government's plans to raise university fees to £9000 and scrap state education funding, to the staunch opposition organised by the National Union of Students and their president Aaron Porter. What will be the outcome of the vote on tuition fees?

Not a Clegg to Stand On

Elly — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:23:07 +0000

With the publication of this week's Million+ report claiming that 65% of students will be worse off under the government's proposals for raised tuition fees, Nick Clegg has lost his last vestiges of support. The student population, the general public, and even his own party have been left angry and disillusioned, but it is his own supercilious and condescending attitude towards the protesters that has truly left Nick Clegg standing very much alone.

Liberal Democrats and NUS divided over Tuition Fees

Ed — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:15:35 +0000

As the protests against tuition fees continute, splits have emerged on both sides of the debate, with NUS president Aaron Porter criticised by students for his lack of public support of the protests following small outbreaks of violence at the first march. Meanwhile, prominent Liberal Democrats are calling on Nick Clegg to break from Cameron's politics and stay faithful to party policy, in a petition for Lib Dem MPs to vote against tuition fee hikes in parliament. The pressure is on.

National Student Protests Ignored by Government

Elly — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 14:14:17 +0000

In spite of tens of thousands of students organising peaceful protests, sit-ins and demonstrations across the country, the government still refuses to budge on tuition fees. Worst of all, in a cowardly act of self-preservation, the government has chosen to heavily imply that the student protesters are yobbish, ignorant thugs who do not deserve a response, rather than acknowledging or addressing their legitimate concerns.

In Defence of the Liberal Democrats

bruno — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:02:20 +0000

Throughout the coverage of the planned rise in tuition fees and the public reaction to it, the Liberal Democrats have been universally condemned and vilified for their part in forming the government's education policy. However nobody has stopped to actually consider the facts of the Liberal Democrats' current political situation, or to acknowledge the steps they have taken to make the government proposals much fairer and more lenient for poorer students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Violence erupts at tuition fee protests

Ed — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:38:02 +0000

Students protesting against the rise in tuition fees have clashed with riot police in a conflict that ended in the demolition of the glass front of the Conservative party headquarters in London. We ask what direction the protests will take next and examine the contradictory reactions to the violence. Though many have condemned the use of violent protest, others have praised the actions of those students prepared to go to any lengths to defend their right to education.

Graduate Unemployment Rises Again

Elly — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:49:36 +0000

With the announcement that graduate unemployment has risen once again, we ask whether a university degree costing £40,000 of debt is a worthwhile accolade when it won't even guarantee you a job. Would today's school-leavers be better off going straight into work or practical apprenticeships rather than aiming for higher education?

University Fees Rise to £9000

Ed — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:09:44 +0000

The government has now unveiled its plans to raise tuition fees to a potential £9000, devastating students across the country, including many prospective applicants who may no longer be able to apply to university at all. We examine their decision and the impact it will have, on universities, students and the coalition government itself.

University Access For All?

Elly — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:07:53 +0000

Is university in the UK really accessible to all? We examine the results of recent studies into the numbers of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds being accepted to top universities and consider potential ways of solving this perpetual problem.

Tuition Fees: The Browne Review

Elly — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:28:35 +0000

The long-awaited Browne Review of Higher Education and Student Funding has finally been published. We examine its implications, both short-term in terms of crippling financial strain for students and long-term for the country at large. The government may be desperately trying to solve an enormous debt problem, but fears are rising that adopting Browne’s recommendations would create much deeper issues for our society and economy in the long-run.

A day in the life of a university student

Elly — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:15:54 +0000

Applying to university and getting ready to go off for your first year can be a daunting experience. You are bombarded with information, statistics and prospectuses, but it can be difficult to imagine what your day to day lifestyle will really be like once you get there. A recent comment on one of our blog articles asked for a detailed description of a day in the life of a typical university student. We hope this will help to demystify the student experience, and both prepare and excite prospective students!

The Freshers’ Week Debate

Elly — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:31:09 +0000

Freshers’ week: a fantastic, fun-filled week of light-hearted social events to help new students settle in to university life? Or a debauched excuse for drunken revelry and outrageous behaviour that polarises the new student body and alienates the local population with noise, disturbance and damage? The debate rages, but one thing is for sure; freshers’ week shows no sign of slowing down. Is it becoming a fantastic British tradition of inclusion and community welcome or one of the worst possible adverts for our anti-social, alcohol fuelled youth?

The Tuition Fees Fiasco

Elly — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:30:52 +0000

As the coalition government and the country wait for the publication of Lord Browne’s imminent report on higher education funding, the mood is one of tense expectation and anxiety. The signals from the government over the past months have not only indicated a grim resolve to hike tuition fees to dizzying levels, but also the rumbling tremors of an approaching storm between the uneasy members of the allied governing parties. But what will the results mean for students, for education, and for our society at large?

The A level conundrum

Elly — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:09:47 +0000

A level results have arrived with another record pass rate, but is it good or bad news for the students receiving them? Has the new A* grade done what it was supposed to or simply made the ever-improving results even more difficult to evaluate? Thousands of students across the country are celebrating this week as A level results reached an all-time high, with a record pass rate of 97.6%, and one in twelve results achieving the.....

Top 10 UK Universities

Elly — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:07:11 +0000

It is clear from the popularity of the Times university guide and the annual furore and debate surrounding this and many similar UK university ranking articles that this is a topic of high importance and interest across the nation. We have carried out research across a range of varied criteria and spoken directly to students from universities across the country to bring you a UK university league table with a difference.

UCAS Personal Statement Success: how to write the perfect personal statement (Part 1)

Elly — Sat, 15 May 2010 17:30:37 +0000

The perfect personal statement is absolutely crucial to a successful university application. With the rising numbers of students applying for places and ever improving A level results, it has never been more important to grab this key opportunity to make yourself stand out from the crowd. As universities are bombarded with applications from students with excellent results, myriad extra-curricular activities and high UCAS points, the personal statement has become the crucial barrier between success and rejection.

UCAS Personal Statement Success: how to write the perfect personal statement (Part 2)

Elly — Sat, 15 May 2010 17:19:26 +0000

Having completed your introduction you are ready to move on to what is arguably the most important part of your university personal statement – the academic section. This is where you prove your suitability and qualification to study the subject you have chosen at university level.

To plan this section, you might want to start with a brainstorm to help you think of all the possible ideas you could include. Really think back over your past year of studying – what have you enjoyed the most, found frustrating, felt passionate about?

UCAS Personal Statement Success: how to write the perfect personal statement (Part 3)

Elly — Sat, 15 May 2010 17:06:44 +0000

It is time to move on to the final phase of your UCAS personal statement, the section where you will list your personal and extra-curricular achievements, your cultural interests and social activities. Many students find this one of the most difficult sections to write, as it can seem the most ambiguous in terms of both content and tone. Should you list every single cello exam you have taken since the age of 5? Should you mention your passion for Italian cinema or focus on your sporting success and charity work?

Is there a PhD in you?

Ed — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:29:26 +0000

Many people dream of taking a PhD, but what is really involved in getting these letters after your name?

What is a PhD?

The letters are an abbreviation for ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ and you might also see it written as ‘DPhil’. This type of degree emerged from Germany in the early 1800s and it is intended to be a research degree where you focus on finding the solution to a tightly defined problem.Your work must be original.