Jargon Buster

A university is a place where people study for their degree, or other higher education qualification. There are 9 universities in Wales and over 150 universities in the UK and more than 240 colleges that offer higher education courses.

An access course is a course which supports mature learners back into education. It is never too late to attend university.

Unlike a loan, a bursary is financial help provided by a university or college that does not need to be paid back. Usually means tested for lower income households.

The grounds, buildings and facilities of a university or college.

This is the qualification awarded to students upon successful completion of a course of study in Higher Education. You may have seen people with abbreviations after their name. These abbreviations are awarded depending on the type of degree – BA Bachelor of Arts, BSc Bachelor of Science, BEng Bachelor of Engineering, BEd Bachelor of Education.

Entry requirements are the conditions that must be met to be awarded with your place to study. Often this is a combination of requirements for example a specific qualification, subject or grade relevant to the course that you are applying for.

This is a term used to refer to higher education students when they are new students.

When so many people from all over the country arrive in the same place it is common place for new students to come down with cold and flu like symptoms.

A year away from education often between A-Levels and university. Many people use time to travel or to gain relevant work experience in their chosen subject area.

A person who has successfully completed a degree.

If studying away from home, halls of residence is the accommodation in which you will live in your first year. Most halls of residence have a flat or apartment set up where you have your own private bedroom and share living spaces such as the kitchen.

Higher Education is the next step in education after students have completed their BTEC, A-levels or equivalent qualification at College or Sixth Form. You can study a Higher Education course at a university, a college or as part of a higher or degree level apprenticeship. Whilst completing Higher Education, students will be working towards achieving an Undergraduate Honours Degree, a Foundation Degree, a BTEC Professional Certificate or a Degree Apprenticeship. These are also commonly referred to as Level 4 (or above) qualifications.

A unit of study within a degree that explores a specific area or subject.

A method of teaching at university. Large classes in a room with tiered seating and a lecturer talking at the front while you take notes.

A day where you can visit the university and experience it first hand, meeting staff, visiting teaching facilities and taking a look at student accommodation. There are also additional Applicant Visit Days and Offer Holder Visit Days you can attend after application or once an offer has been received.

A printed or online brochure that advertises a university or college and their courses.

A student who has completed an undergraduate degree and is studying for a higher degree, such as a Masters or PhD.

Degree programmes which include some time working in a related industry or studying abroad.

The teaching term at University. Similar to school terms, there are typically 3 university semesters.

A class at university where a specific topic is discussed in a smaller group.

This is the loan to cover your fees and living costs. Unlike a grant, it will have to be paid back but only once you are earning over a certain amount.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your study and may vary depending on what and where you study.

Smaller group or individual meetings with a member of staff.

The ‘Universities and College Admissions Service’ is responsible for processing applications for courses at universities in the UK. The application process (including choices and personal statements) is all done online via www.ucas.com

If you meet or exceed your firm choice, it is possible to swap where you plan to study.

How universities and colleges fill any places they still have on their courses. You find courses with vacancies and contact universities or colleges directly to see if they will offer you a place.

Applying for a course then taking a year out before going to university.

UCAS Tariff points translate your qualifications and grades into a numerical value. Many qualifications (but not all) have a UCAS Tariff value, which will vary dependent on the qualification size, and the grade you achieved.

If you used all five of your choices on your original application and you’re not holding an offer, you’ll be able to add another choice using Extra between February and July.

A conditional offer means you still need to meet the requirements (e.g. exam results). An unconditional offer means you’ve got a place, although there might still be a few things to arrange. Some universities make contextual offers to students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement at school or college. These offers are often one grade lower than the entry requirements.

This is the section of your UCAS application form where you can tell universities and colleges about your suitability for the course(s) that you hope to study. You only have one statement for all five of your application choices.

A student who is currently studying their first degree.