Post-16 activities

Duration: 45 minutes

Suggested time of year: October – March

Gatsby Benchmarks: 1 ,2, 3, 4 and 7

This talk gives your students an overview of higher education. We’ll cover a range of topics including the benefits of going to university, how to choose a course, the UCAS process and student finance. This talk is a good all-rounder for parents’ evenings too.

Duration: 30 minutes

Suggested time of year: September – February

Gatsby Benchmarks: 2 and 7

This session looks at the career-related and academic motivations for going to university, as well as the personal opportunities and benefits for your students. It will get them thinking about their study options and where university could take them.

Duration: 30 minutes

Suggested time of year: Year 12: September – June 1, Year 13: September – November

Gatsby Benchmarks: 3 and 7

Great opportunities, excellent teaching and an inspiring and supportive place to live and learn. Help your students reach their academic potential at the University of Kent. We'll introduce them to our stunning campuses as well as share the range of courses and facilities that make us an exciting place to study.

Duration: 30 minutes

Suggested time of year: Year 12: October – July, Year 13: September – December

Gatsby Benchmarks: 3 and 7

In this session your students will learn how they can thrive in a student community. From joining clubs and societies, to living away from home and meeting new people, we explore what the student experience is all about.

Duration: 30 minutes

Suggested time of year: Year 12: September – June, Year 13: September – November

Gatsby Benchmarks: 1 ,2, 3, 4 and 7

With 35,000 + undergraduate courses to choose from, it’s no wonder students have a hard time making their course choices. We’ll provide your students with practical tips on how to use league tables effectively, do the nitty-gritty course research and identify the differences between campus and city universities.

Duration: 45 minutes

Suggested time of year: Year 12: September – June, Year 13: September – November

Gatsby Benchmarks: 1, 3 and 7

Knowing how they are going to fund their studies is often a big worry for students as they prepare for university. It could be a barrier for them when it comes to making an application. This talk will explain government loans and other funding, provide financial tips and tools for independent living and help to bust some student finance myths to put their minds at ease.

Duration: 30 minutes

Suggested time of year: December – March

Gatsby Benchmarks: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7

This talk explores the skills and attributes your students will develop at university and the ways in which they can gain an employability edge through extracurricular activities. We’ll provide an overview of the graduate job market and look into placement year and work experience opportunities that will help them stand out.

Duration: 30 minutes

Suggested time of year: October – January

Gatsby Benchmarks: 1, 3 and 7

In this session, your students will learn what comes next in the UCAS timeline, including how to make their final choices and respond to offers, what happens at an applicant event and how they can navigate results day and Clearing.

Duration: 30 minutes

Suggested time of year: December – March

Gatsby Benchmarks: 2, 3, 5 and 7

Some universities will require interviews for certain courses while others like to meet students face to face. This talk will cover how to approach university interviews, what admissions officers are looking for and how your students can put their best foot forward in terms of preparation.

Duration: 30 minutes

Suggested time of year: Year 12: October – July, Year 13: September – December

Gatsby Benchmarks: 1, 3 and 7

The personal statement can be the hardest part of the UCAS application for students. To help them get going, this session explores structure, content, the dos and don’ts and the tricky opening line. We’ll also provide insight into what universities are looking for. The workshop will give students an opportunity to put their learning into practice and critique some example personal statements.

• Delivered with UCAS and personal statements or A general guide to university talks
• A chance to look at real previous personal statements, ranging in quality

Duration: 25 minutes

Suggested time of year: Year 12: October – July, Year 13: September – December

Gatsby Benchmarks: 2 , 3 , 7 , 8

This presentation offers an overview of degree apprenticeship schemes as an alternative to traditional university study. The talk addresses what kinds of opportunities are available, life as an apprentice, average salaries and application processes, as well an objective comparison of degree apprenticeships versus university.

Duration: 25 minutes

Suggested time of year: Year 12: October – July, Year 13: September – December

Gatsby Benchmarks: 3 , 7 , 8

This presentation offers information about the benefits of studying locally, including some examples specific to studying at Kent. Topics covered include commuting to campus, student finance and socialising and is aimed at students considering remaining at home while studying.

A programme of four talks, each lasting 50 minutes which can be delivered in school or online, designed to give your students an insight into what it is like to study at university.

The talks help students to decide if higher education is the right option for them and provide information on the reasons for going to university, how to choose a course, student life and the costs and financial support available.

Please email outreach@kent.ac.uk for more information.  

Our Debating programme offers students the chance to develop essential skills such as critical thinking, communication and creativity through fun and engaging debating activities.

Please email outreach@kent.ac.uk for more information.