Gifted, talented, ambitious and able. How to make the most of your potential Richard Kennett Director of UK Student Recruitment, Outreach and Admissions 18 April 2013

2 Gifted, talented, ambitious and able Why go to University – Russell Group Universities World class education Competition for places What world class universities want

Why go to University? The Benefits. Pursue a vocation or study a subject you are passionate about Improved career prospects Greater earning potential Develop employability skills Build skills and confidence, open up opportunities 3

Career Prospects A higher education qualification, a wider range of opportunities and a more rewarding career Many employers target graduates in their recruitment campaigns A degree opens up a world of career opportunities that you otherwise would not have access to We have one of the best Higher Education systems in the world, which qualifies our graduates to enter the global job market 4

Increased earning potential Graduates are the highest earners in our workforce On average, graduates tend to earn substantially more than people with A levels who did not go to university. Projected over a working lifetime, the difference is something like £100,000 before tax at today’s valuation. 5 Source: ONS

6 Gifted, talented, ambitious and able Why go to University – why attend Russell Group? Pursue your own interests. Increase your earning potential. Undergraduate degrees from Russell Group universities are respected throughout the world for providing world class education. Competition for places What world class universities want

7 Global graduates 1 UK universities in the World Top 100 QS World University Ranking Cambridge UCL Imperial Oxford Edinburgh Manchester Kings Bristol Warwick LSE Birmingham St. Andrews Sheffield Glasgow York Southampton Leeds Nottingham Durham 8

8 Global graduates 1 UK universities in the World Top 100 QS World University Ranking Cambridge UCL Imperial Oxford Edinburgh Manchester Kings Bristol Warwick LSE Birmingham St. Andrews Sheffield Glasgow York Southampton Leeds Nottingham Durham RG universities in World Top 100 QS World University Ranking

9 World leading research: a Russell Group University “ An association of the 24 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with business and the public sector”

10 University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Cambridge Cardiff University Durham University University of Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Glasgow Imperial College London King’s College London University of Leeds University of Liverpool London School of Economics (LSE) University of Manchester Newcastle University University of Nottingham Queen Mary, University of London Queen’s University Belfast University of Oxford University of Sheffield University of Southampton University College London (UCL) University of Warwick University of York Research intensive universities

World leading research: a Russell Group University Chance to be involved in cutting edge research and development. This research-rich environment creates the ideal conditions for students to develop creativity, analytical skills, problem-solving, as well as their team working and communication. Expect to be challenged! International reputation - Undergraduate degrees from Russell Group universities are respected throughout the world. Access to world class facilities. 11

12 Gifted, talented, ambitious and able World class education Competition for places As gifted and talented students, you should set your sights high and aim for world class, research intensive universities.

13 Guardian, January 14, 2010 Daily Telegraph, January 8, 2010 Daily Mail, February 1, 2011 Sunday Times, January 17, 2010 Independent, 1 August 2011

14 Russell Group applications per places ApplicationsPlaces / OffersRatio London School of Economics17,6541, University of Bristol39,0233, King's College London35,1223, University College London34,4763, The University of Edinburgh44,4954, The University of Warwick31,2933, The University of Liverpool35,5544, The University of Birmingham42,4975, University of Leeds52,4886, University of Southampton35,7674, The University of Nottingham46,7346, The University of Manchester59,9118, Queen Mary, London25,8303, Newcastle University29,8144, University of Glasgow27,5024, The University of Sheffield33,4155, Durham University24,4203, University of York23,4003, Imperial College London14,8012, University of Exeter26,1524, Cardiff University30,8445, Queen's University Belfast20,6093, University of Oxford18,1943, University of Cambridge15,5073, Sources: Russell Group, Sunday Times University Guide 2013

Year 506,304390,890 * * Based on UCAS figures from 20 September, % increase in applications/applicants 70% of students placed Applications and Acceptances 7% increase in acceptances 85% of students placed 534,495413,430588,689456, ,860481, ,351487,329700, ,030 Source: UCAS [accessed 19 November, 2012]. datasummary 634,086408,500

16 Gifted, talented, ambitious and able World class education Competition for places What world class universities want While competition is fierce, all the best universities in the country compete with one another to recruit the best students we can. As gifted and talented students, you should set your sights high and aim for world class, research intensive universities.

17 Google “Russell Group Informed Choices” Source: uk/media/informed- choices/InformedChoices- latest.pdf

18 Source:

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20 Twenty-first century graduates ‘The ideal graduate is "intellectually flexible", a critical thinker and a team player; someone who could see their discipline in a wider context’ Source: University of Aberdeen, Curriculum Reform Consultation, 2011 intellectually flexiblecritical thinker team playersee their discipline in a wider context

21 Gifted, talented, ambitious and able World class education Competition for places What world class universities want While competition is fierce, all the best universities in the country compete with one another to recruit the best students we can. As gifted and talented students, you should set your sights high and aim for world class, research intensive universities. Students who have undertaken suitably academic A- levels and shown a wider interest in their disciplines.

22 Summary There is a great deal of choice. Make informed choices, make sure you know why you are choosing something. Careful use of league tables, in particular the combination of student satisfaction and employability, is vital. Really look at the content of the course – remember it has to interest you for 3 years+ Choose the best course and institution for you. Good luck with your future studies.