University Smart

A parent and supporter’s guide to university entry

Steve Forster, Edit Liebhardt, Amy Wigham, and Gemma Polatajko

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is for parents, carers, and supporters of students that are entering university and who may be leaving home for the first time. This course will also be useful for staff in local authorities supporting children in care and teaching staff looking for CPD training and to learn more about the university process.

Topics Covered

Course welcome
Our understanding of higher education and the options available
Myth-busting common concerns
Influencing factors and researching higher education
The application process and key dates
Making the most of open days and visits
Writing the application and the support available
Financial aspects of applying to university
Living costs at university
Hearing back from offers

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Reviews summary

Essential university guide for parents

According to learners, this course is an invaluable and comprehensive guide for parents and supporters navigating the university application and transition process. Students appreciate how it demystifies key stages like the UCAS application, financial aspects, and open days. Many found the content clear, concise, and well-structured, providing practical tips and realistic expectations. While overwhelmingly positive, a few reviews indicated a desire for more in-depth or specific advice beyond the general overview.

Offers guidance on the emotional and practical aspects of students leaving home.

"So glad I took this course. It's really helped me understand how to best support my daughter, not just with applications but with the emotional side of leaving home too."

"I felt much more prepared to help my son navigate UCAS and his university choices after this."

"The course thoughtfully addresses what to expect when my child leaves home for the first time."

Helps in understanding the complex financial aspects of university.

"The financial advice was particularly helpful. It really reduced our stress levels."

"Understanding student finance was a huge weight off my mind. Excellent resource."

"The financial segment was particularly clear, which I found incredibly useful."

Provides a clear and holistic understanding of the university journey.

"Absolutely invaluable! This course covered everything we needed to know, from the application process to what to expect when my child leaves home."

"It really reduced our stress levels and made the whole process seem much less daunting."

"This course provided a fantastic overview. I appreciated the practical tips and the realistic expectations it set."

Covers basics well but some desire more specific, in-depth content.

"Found some of the information a bit generic and high-level. Was hoping for more specific advice tailored to different situations."

"Good overview, but some sections could go into more depth, especially around specific university entry requirements."

"It covers the basics well, useful as a starting point, but not exhaustive for all queries."

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Career center

Learners who complete University Smart: A parent and supporter’s guide to university entry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Prospects for Faculty in the Arts and Sciences

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of higher education, from its origins in ancient Greece to the present day. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the current state of higher education.

University Smart

A parent and supporter’s guide to university entry

Topics Covered

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Essential university guide for parents

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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