Decision Making
Where to look for information, advice and guidance to help you to make decisions about your future.
Whether you have a clear idea of what you would like to do in the future or are still deciding, it’s essential that you know what your options are. We've compiled a list of some key websites and organisations that can help you with every aspect of the decision-making process. The lists are split into two areas:
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University
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Choosing a subject, course or career
Don’t forget, you can contact any university at any time with questions about courses, entry criteria, support, courses.
The information is availalble to download as a handout at the bottom of this page
University
UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admission Service
UCAS provide a service that allows you to apply to select and apply to university. As well as handling your application, they also provide a range of information about courses, finance and student life.
Student Finance
If you are starting university in September and have yet to apply for finance, all the information you need is here;
www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance (English Students)
www.studentfinancewales.co.uk (Welsh Students)
Disability Support for Students
University is an inclusive environment. If you have a disability, you may be entitled to additional support.
www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas
University of Chester
Our friendly teams are here to support you and answer any questions you may have.
- Admissions admissions@chester.ac.uk
- Health and Social Care Admissions hscadmissions@chester.ac.uk
- Accommodation accommodation@chester.ac.uk
- Student Health and Well-Being www1.chester.ac.uk/student-futures-support-and-development/our-services
Choosing a subject, course or career
Prospects
A charity-run careers and higher education site that provides student support through the following resources:
- Diagnostic activities e.g. quizzes, that can help students to establish their skills, what to study and potential career pathways
- Job descriptions for a wide range of careers
- Advice for applying to university
- Support with job applications, work experience and writing a CV
National Careers Service
Their support for students covers:
- Contacting a careers advisor, either by web-chat, phone or at a local careers centre
- A skills check – designed to identify each individual’s employability skills
- Finding college and university courses
- Applying for jobs
www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
UCAS - Explore Jobs
The ‘Explore jobs’ feature allows you to discover:
- Job families (jobs that relate to a particular subject or industry)
- Job by skill - enter a skill, e.g. creativity and the page displays jobs that include that skill
- Jobs by subject – enter a subject and find all the job roles related to it
- Information and resources relating to all aspects of applying to university
www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-jobs
Apprenticeships Guide
This government-run website contains information about:
- Different kinds of apprenticeship
- Pay-scale and structure
- A search engine to find apprenticeships to apply for
- Information about apprentice rights and a care-line offering support and information
www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
University Websites
Every university has a website filled with information about their courses, at chester.ac.uk, you’ll also find:
- An overview of each department and a break-down of each course, including content and contact information
- Information about Student Support, including study skills, health and well-being, disability and inclusion, finance and bursaries, accommodation and careers
- Information and resources to support university application
- Open Day, Experience Day and Campus Tour information and bookings www1.chester.ac.uk