Too expensive? Not for ordinary people? Not relevant to the real world?
You’ll hear lots of myths about higher education.
It’s easy to be confused by all the information and opinions out there, but what’s the real story?
We look at the truth behind some of the common misconceptions about studying at university level, and how we at Glyndŵr University are constantly working to break down barriers which might prevent people from achieving their full potential
To get on a degree course, I’ll need at least three A-levels with high grades
Though the standard is around 220 points for a degree, Glyndŵr University asks for 120 points for a foundation degree. This is equivalent to only one A-level. You may also be able to count work experience towards your points.
I left school as soon as I’d finished my GCSEs to start work. I now want to get on in my career through improving my education but think I’ve missed the boat
Experience in the workplace can also be counted as points if you want to go onto a higher education course. Many Glyndŵr students have worked for several years or left school at 16. There are a number of paths for them to take onto a degree course such as an Access to HE qualification
I’d love to improve my career prospects but just don’t have time to study for a degree. I work 9-5 and have a family to look after.
You don’t need to study full-time to get a degree. There are lots of ways for you to fit study around your work and personal commitments. As well as work-based learning programmes and part-time qualifications, you can study on short courses which offer Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for companies.
All of our degree courses are made up of modules. You can now do these individually without being committed to them all. With modules delivered during evenings and duration ranging from 6-12 weeks, it’s easier to fit these into your schedule as well as your budget.
There’s no way I could afford to go to university. Degrees are for people with rich parents or who’ve saved to go into higher education.
It’s important to both Glyndŵr University and the Welsh Government that higher education is open to all. That’s why there’s now funding available if you’re from a disadvantaged neighbourhood.
We’ve also introduced greater flexibility in how you get your final qualification. You can study during the evenings, in the workplace or part-time. This means you can continue to earn as you learn.
University is for young, privileged students. There won’t be anyone like me there.
Glyndŵr University has an incredibly diverse student population. As well as full-time undergraduates, we have large numbers of mature students who are returning to learning, still in employment or studying part-time.
Around a third of our intake for undergraduate study comes from partner colleges. This may be through foundation degrees, Access to HE, HNC or even degree courses. This makes for a greater variety of life experiences in classes – something our students say makes learning even more valuable.
I can hardly get around town in my wheelchair, let alone go to university to study for a degree.
At Glyndwr University, we have the highest number of students claiming Disabled Students' Allowance in Wales, not to mention a dedicated Centre For Disability Studies.
We offer a host of services so students with disabilities can excel at university. These include an advisory service, adaptive equipment and laptop to help with your studies. We even advise regional organisations on how best to support those with disabilities. So as you can imagine, our campus is as accessible as it gets!
I am a care leaver. It would be great to stay on campus, but where would I stay during the holidays?
If you’ve recently left care, you’ll be eligible to stay in campus accommodation throughout the year. At Glyndŵr University, we’ve been awarded the Frank Buttle Trust mark for our support for care leavers. This translates into extra support in your studies as well as advice on additional grants, bursaries and funding.
Universities don’t know what’s happening in the outside world. Many of their courses bear little relation to what’s happening in today’s workplace.
At Glyndŵr University we pride ourselves on our strong relationships with local, national and global organisations. As well as designing qualifications in collaboration with them, we’ve developed many to fit their workforce needs.
These include new foundation degrees for UPM and United Utilities and an Airbus apprenticeship programme in partnership with Deeside College.
We also work closely with companies like Cadbury and Kellogg's to offer courses that support their workforce development programmes.
Industry and skills are evolving quickly. What would a university know about developing qualifications in line with this?
At Glyndwr University, we work with regional professional organisations and sector skills councils to make sure our qualifications are relevant and valuable to employers and employees alike. These links mean we can continue to innovate in course design and delivery.
We have exciting new foundation degrees covering creative technology & digital media, hybrid vehicle technology & maintenance and outdoor leisure & management. We also have a range of work-based learning courses, which take into account the evolution of the horticulture and leisure industries.
