Admissions tests for some higher tariff universities are often key to successful applications: here’s a website that gives an overview of the different  tests:

https://www.uniadmissionstests.com/ 

Cardiff University has an opportunity for anyone to get experience for applying for medicine next year.

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine/about-us/engagement/science-in-health

Meet the Russell Group Webinars

29th April - 1st May

Interested in going to a Russell Group University? Make sure you don't miss the upcoming Meet the Russell Group webinars. Hear directly from representatives and experts from 18 of the 24 Russell Group Universities including Cambridge, Bristol, King's College London, LSE, and Manchester to get answers to all of your questions about applications, student life, personal statements, and much more. 

Held across 3 days, the webinars will cover topics such as an Introduction to the Russell Group and Why to Study There, Personal Statements and Applying to a Russell Group University, and Student Life.

If you are unable to attend a webinar you are especially interested in you can simply sign up and receive access to recorded versions of each session.

Apply here

Introduction to the Russell Group & Why Choose to Study There? Tuesday 29th April 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Student Life at University,   Tuesday 29th April  4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Considering clinical and health professions: Wednesday 30th April  9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Researching University Options: Thursday 1st May  12:00PM - 1:30PM 

Personal Statements and Applying to a Russell Group University: Thursday 1st May  4:30 PM - 6:00 PM   

KPMG Virtual Experience Day

Easter Holidays

Monday, 14th April - 10am - 3pm

Gain Real-World Experience with KPMG

This is an opportunity for you to hear from Professional Services firm KPMG and build your skills. During the day you will hear about KPMG’s different business areas including Audit and Tax through interactive workshops. It’s something great to put on CV’s and showcase your learnings across job applications and LinkedIn profiles.

Apply here

The Medical Schools Council acknowledges virtual work experience as an equal alternative to in-person shadowing based on a discovery report conducted by Health Education England. Students interested in medicine to participate in a FREE National NHS Virtual Work Experience programme. They offer a variety of medical specialties, with a focus this month on palliative care. This enables students to gain a well-rounded perspective of working within the NHS.

Developed in collaboration with Birmingham Universities Hospitals Trust, this Virtual Work Experience has proven to be transformative for thousands of secondary school students over the past year. It also provides a strong foundation of knowledge for students who are preparing to undertake future in-person placements. They have designed a 6-month medical e-learning work experience programme, focusing on one specialty each month, allowing students to set their own pace of learning. From structured teaching to direct interaction with doctors and healthcare professionals, their programme ensures students not only observe procedures but also gain a broader understanding of roles within the medical field.

Covering everything from confidentiality and ethics workshops delivered by the GMC to clinical procedures, the virtual work experience provides a crucial overview, thereby enhancing students’ UCAS applications.

Signing up is easy –  just fill out the online application form:

UEA offer a comprehensive programme of online taster lectures, open to all

Taster days are a great way to see if you like a subject and it can help with your UCAS application next year. Register here

There’s a fantastic opportunity with the organisation tutor2u who are offering a new Free Online Course for all Sixth Form students. The course includes a mix of videos, engaging activities and resource downloads and covers:

• An overview of the options for students beyond their time in sixth form

• Finding out more – suggested research links

• Advice on how to make strong applications to higher education institutions

• How to complete an effective personal statement

• Specialist higher education applications (including Oxbridge, medicine etc)

• All about apprenticeships

• Gap years

• Student finances – a practical guide

Use the link here to register: Studentshttps://ondemand.tutor2u.net/students/beyond-sixth-form-skills-booster

Speakers for Schools has a range of work experience opportunities, just be aware some are aimed at students in England - especially the Healthcare ones which relate to NHS England. Use the link here to see whether there’s anything relevant to you. 

Gresham College has a series of lectures by different Professors. March’s lectures include:

General advice

Discover Uni is a government-funded facility which has data on nearly every university and their courses. You can find the entry data of students who joined a degree course and the percentage of those students who entered with particular grades - if you have the same grades then your chances are higher than if you have lower grades.try the website here: Discover Uni. 

Many universities have got upcoming Open Days so make sure you have a look at the places you think you may want to study at. I’ve just put the links for our most popular destinations’ Open Days below as well as the Open Days calendar. 

To make sure you understand the grades you might need for courses you’re interested in and confirm entry requirements please use the following website: https://www.whatuni.com/ Ask your LC to look at courses with you if you’re not sure whether you might need specific subjects/grades for a course you are considering.

Reading University

Is welcoming applications for their ‘Future Ready’ programme. 

What is it?

This non subject-specific activity is an opportunity for students who are unsure what they want to do next. It will specifically focus on some of the advantages of Higher Education, and dispelling some common myths around going to university.

When is it?

- It’ll be running a launch for students in Cardiff on Thursday 29th May in half term. Students will get pizza, and have a chance to get to know other students from the area who are taking part in the programme.

- Students then receive in-app personalised, mentoring exploring all sorts of topics they may have questions about.

- The main event is a 2 night, 3 day residential ‘university experience’ in July, where students will have the freedom to explore what campus life could really be like for them.

Who is it for?

Students who may have limited knowledge of Higher Education, or think it’s not for people like ‘them’.

Priority will first be given to students who meet one of more of the following:

• Living in WIMD Quintile 1 or 2 Postcode.

• Living in POLAR4 Quintile 1 or 2 Postcode.

• Eligible for Free School Meals.

• In or has ever been in the care of the local authority.

• Is a Sanctuary Seeker. 

Students’ home postcodes are important – see this interactive colour coded map, for a visual representation of what our school catchment area looks like. Areas on the map in red and orange are Quintile 1 or 2 postcodes. Students can check their own postcodes here.

Where is the deadline?

Students need to Apply Now to be involved. Our closing date for applications is in a fortnight’s time -  Midnight on Sunday 13th April.

Trinity St David’s

2025 Summer Residential

The Student Recruitment Outreach Team are running a residential course across the Carmarthen and Swansea campuses from the 24th to the 26th of June 2025. The residential will give students aged 16-17 a taste of the unique university life at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

Please note that priority is given to students who meet at least one of these criteria, but meeting the criteria does not guarantee a space on the programme as spaces are limited.

• Live in a WIMD40 postcode

• Be in care or have lived in care at some point

• Be a carer

• Be estranged from your parents

• Have a learning or physical disability, including long term illness

• Have no family experience of university

If you are unsure if you meet these criteria feel free to apply and we can explore this further.

Here are the subject areas you can explore this year:

• Art, Design and Photography

• Business and Management

• Computing

• Environment, Energy and Sustainability 

• Film, Media and Animation

• Health and Social Care

• Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism

• History and Archaeology

• Law, Criminology and Policing

• Motorsport, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

• Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies

• Psychology and Counselling 

• Sport and Physical Activity

• Youth Work and Early Years Studies 

They will ask you to pick a first and second option.

Application deadline: 23/05/2025 

Bristol UWE still has some spaces available on their upcoming subject taster days. These events aim to inspire students with their future choices and include lots of interactive opportunities to explore a range of courses and meet current students.

Health and Social Care

Wednesday 25 June 2025, Glenside campus - Year 12 Students

Look at the event itinerary >

Register to attend >

Business and Law

Wednesday 4 June 2025, Frenchay campus - Year 12 Students

Look at the event itinerary >

Register to attend >

Cardiff and Vale UHB - Corporate Nursing have a fantastic opportunity for young people to take part in Cardiff and Vale Health Board’s annual ‘Youth Summer Project’.

This is a great opportunity for young people to gain real experience in both clinical and non-clinical settings, as well as the chance to learn and build upon a range of new skills that will help them in any career path moving forward as well as general life skills. Please note, you do not have to be interested in a healthcare or medicine career to take part in this programme.  

Students can submit their applications via this link and spots fill up very quickly so they suggest completing the application as soon as possible.  Apply here

The USW Summer School 2025 will take place from 21st – 25th July across their campuses and Expressions of Interest from students are now open.

Participants are invited to dive into 5 days of interactive academic sessions, well-being workshops, and general support with information, advice and guidance to help them explore new ideas, skills and pathways.

With a broad range of subject areas to choose from, participants can build their own schedule from activities delivered across all campuses and provision, getting the most out of the state-of-the-art facilities and expert-led sessions.

They are now welcoming Expressions of interest for this week of enrichment, growth, and connection.

Eligible applicants* should fill out the Expression of Interest form today to register for further details.  

Expression of Interest Form

Newcastle University

Wednesday 9 April and Tuesday 15 April (4.30-6pm) students can join their Get Ahead sessions to explore the student experience at Newcastle and:

• learn new skills for university

• take a virtual tour of campus

• join subject tasters

• chat to current students about their journey

Students will find out more about their in-degree opportunities, including study abroad, work placements and careers support, as well as explore the facilities, student societies and much more.

Apply here

PwC Virtual Insight Programme

 PwC’s national Virtual Insight Programme is now open for applications. 

Over three days of interactive sessions – Tuesday 29 July - Thursday 31 July – students will learn about PwC’s culture, different business areas, and how they can apply to join one of the world's largest accounting firms. 

You will also get guidance and top tips on the application process and support building skills ready for the workplace.  

Cardiff University is inviting Year 12 pupils interested in studying Medicine or Dentistry at university to apply for a 4-day residential summer school. This program offers a fantastic opportunity to practice clinical skills, meet current university students, and prepare for Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). Find out more information and apply now.

They also have their ‘Discover Cardiff’ webinar series: this is an ongoing webinar series aimed at students looking to apply to university. Students are welcome to attend as many sessions as they like with new topics regularly being added to the schedule.

Nottingham University 

Catch up on some of their online taster lectures from the School of Pharmacy

Swansea University

Faculty of Medicine Health & Life Sciences Bursary team are running an NHS Wales Bursary webinar for our NHS funded clinical courses.

Finance for NHS-Funded Programmes - Tuesday 8th April 16:00 – 17:00

Interested in studying a NHS-funded course at Swansea University? Join our Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science Bursary Team to explore finance and funding to get your questions answered! Our knowledgeable panel will discuss the opportunities available through the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme, as well as travel and accommodation information for clinical placements.

Scan the QR code below to book your place

Are you looking to study a Biomedical Sciences degree at university? Swansea University are hosting a Biomedical Sciences Experience Day on Thursday 24th April, for Year 12 students, currently studying either Biology and/or Chemistry. 

The event will: 

• Give you the opportunity to learn about what Biomedical Sciences entail 

• Experience a taster lecture from one of their Biomedical Sciences Academics 

• Explore their lab facilities and see real life research in action 

• Participate in a practical based lab workshop 

• Listen to current student experiences and have the opportunity to ask questions 

• Learn tips and tricks on how to apply for University 

To register your attendance, please complete this form by 5pm on Friday 11th April 2025: https://forms.office.com/e/s57D3X8RRj  

University of Sheffield Summer Schools 

The Access to Sheffield offer includes two national summer schools that allow students to come onto campus and experience university life. The Access to Sheffield Summer School focuses on preparing students for university life and developing the essential skills needed for higher education. 

Bangor University has a good series of free online lectures from The School of History, Law and Social Science. These lectures are tailored for students thinking about studying at University. Designed to give you a taste of what it's like to study at University level, they are a great way to get to know a subject area better and get a taste of what's to come as well as add to your supercurriculars.

Use the link here to register and book. 

Their Department of Psychology has launched the Psychology at Bangor Webinar Series,  featuring free webinars on a variety of fascinating topics in psychology. These webinars will be delivered by members of  teaching and research staff, who are experts in their fields.

Cambridge University

Here are some super curricular opportunities from Cambridge; they are for all students, not just prospective Cambridge applicants.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

You might also want to check out the advice given on the ‘Better uni choices’ site which has some helpful tips on how to get the best out of attending Open Days. 

Aspire is a collection of free careers, university and further education resources. It is designed to give state-educated students the tools and knowledge they need to make more informed decisions about their future. Their ‘guide’ is a free resource, full of information and guidance, designed to inform you and help you navigate the range of careers and further education out there. Access the online version of the Guide, alongside other resources, on the Aspire website

Please sign up for Uptree here and then check out all the opportunities they have: https://schools.uptree.co/opportunities/  and also the different events they have on offer https://schools.uptree.co/events/ 

Network 75 

PwC has more information for potential accountants, business management or technology students interested in degree apprenticeships with them. Use the link  here to find out more