23 episodes

Here to help students in school, college or sixth form, teachers, parents, carers and guardians with all the ins and outs of higher education, we talk to current University of Essex students and staff about a range of topics to help prepare you for your future.

Register at https://bit.ly/UnderstandingUniversity to receive updates when episodes are released, and use hashtag #UnderstandingUni on Twitter to ask us any questions!

To enrol on our Further Studies Preparation Programme (years 10-11) or University Preparation Programme (years 12-13) go to www.essex.ac.uk/schools-and-colleges/student-resources/online-courses

Understanding University, the Ultimate Uni Podcast University of Essex Outreach Team

    • Education

Here to help students in school, college or sixth form, teachers, parents, carers and guardians with all the ins and outs of higher education, we talk to current University of Essex students and staff about a range of topics to help prepare you for your future.

Register at https://bit.ly/UnderstandingUniversity to receive updates when episodes are released, and use hashtag #UnderstandingUni on Twitter to ask us any questions!

To enrol on our Further Studies Preparation Programme (years 10-11) or University Preparation Programme (years 12-13) go to www.essex.ac.uk/schools-and-colleges/student-resources/online-courses

    In The Spotlight: Refugee Students

    In The Spotlight: Refugee Students

    For the final of three mini episodes, we speak to Paul, from our Fees and Funding Team. He shares the different financial packages available for students classed as refugees. 
    Our trio of episodes have been funded by our colleagues in Make Happen.  
    Based at the University of Essex, Make Happen are part of the Office for Students’ Uni Connect programme (formerly NCOP). They are one of 29 national partnerships that bring together teachers from schools and colleges, with universities and other local educational partners, to offer activities, advice and information on the benefits and realities of going to university or college, to study a degree or take a degree apprenticeship. 
    https://www.makehappen.org/ 
    https://www.essex.ac.uk/student/professional-services/student-wellbeing-and-inclusivity-team 

    • 19 min
    In The Spotlight: Disability and SEN Support at University

    In The Spotlight: Disability and SEN Support at University

    In the second we speak to Tracey, an Access & Wellbeing Adviser from our Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS) who shares more about the systems put in place to support disabled and SEN students during their transition into Higher Education and throughout their time at university. 
    Our trio of episodes have been funded by our colleagues in Make Happen.  
    Based at the University of Essex, Make Happen are part of the Office for Students’ Uni Connect programme (formerly NCOP). They are one of 29 national partnerships that bring together teachers from schools and colleges, with universities and other local educational partners, to offer activities, advice and information on the benefits and realities of going to university or college, to study a degree or take a degree apprenticeship. 
    https://www.makehappen.org/ 
    https://www.essex.ac.uk/student/professional-services/student-wellbeing-and-inclusivity-team 

    • 22 min
    In The Spotlight: Care Experienced Students

    In The Spotlight: Care Experienced Students

    This is the first of 3 bite size episodes focussing on students from particularly underrepresented groups at university. In today’s episode, we speak to Des, an Access & Wellbeing Adviser from our Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS) about the support available for care-experienced students. 
    Our trio of episodes have been funded by our colleagues in Make Happen.  
    Based at the University of Essex, Make Happen are part of the Office for Students’ Uni Connect programme (formerly NCOP). They are one of 29 national partnerships that bring together teachers from schools and colleges, with universities and other local educational partners, to offer activities, advice and information on the benefits and realities of going to university or college, to study a degree or take a degree apprenticeship. 
    https://www.makehappen.org/ 
    https://www.essex.ac.uk/student/professional-services/student-wellbeing-and-inclusivity-team 

    • 19 min
    Access Your Future

    Access Your Future

    Dedicated to adults who are interested in returning to learning, we speak to current adult learner Abi and tutor from ACL Essex Matt, who share their experiences of learning and teaching. Listen to their top tips to succeed and thrive as an adult learner whilst juggling student finance, child-care responsibilities and getting your head around technology and writing essays. #adultlearner #uniconnect #makehappenessex #outreach #itsnottoolate #LifeLongLearnerWeek #university #maturestudent #studying #studentlife #student #universitylife   
     
    Resources:
    https://www.makehappen.org/celebrating-lifelong-learner-week-on-7th-11th-november-2022/
     
    https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/mature-undergraduate-students - for information about university, specific for adult learners/mature students check out UCAS’ range of 
    support.
     
    https://www.life-pilot.co.uk/  - a great online resource to help adult learners progress to a higher level of study.
     
    https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/applying-to-uni/mature-students-university-guide
     
    https://www.gov.uk/mature-student-university-funding - student finance guidance for mature students
     
    https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/what-to-study/what-is-an-access-to-higher-education-diploma - further information about the Access course
     
    www.makehappen.org/academy - sign up for free and get access to a full suite of videos and vlogs to support your decision making and study skills
     
    https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ - explore courses and opportunities local to you

    • 31 min
    Preparing for Higher Education

    Preparing for Higher Education

    Impatient to shape your future? At Essex, our variety of preparation courses help students get ready for the next stage of their educational journeys. We hear from Sean Duffy, local secondary school teacher, and Erin, a year 13 student, about their experience of the courses, and the importance of students preparing for their futures. Find out today how you can boost your skills through a dedicated preparation course.

    • 25 min
    Studying abroad

    Studying abroad

    Many university courses give students the opportunity to study abroad for a year allowing them to experience amazing adventures, meet new people and potentially study in another language. Hear from Farirai Manangazira, Student Recruitment and Marketing Assistant, who spent a year in Spain as part of her studies at the University of Essex. She shares the brilliant experience she had and how you can embark on your own international adventure.

    • 31 min

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