So where do you start?

Log onto the UCAS website http://www.ucas.com/ and click on the following links:

1) Course Search
2) Search for courses
3) Search by subject
4) Choose a subject from the alphabetical list.

You will now see a chronological list of all universities offering that subject. Click on any link that interests you to find out more about the course and the university.

The side Course information contains codes needed when applying for the course but for now you need to concentrate on Entry Profiles (in red).The amount of information given here varies, but often you can find out the following:

- the entry requirements (click on other tariff qualifications ) *
- other qualities they are looking for
- basic course content ( more on universities own website)
- how you will be assessed
- what other students say about the course
- job prospects

*Swedish qualifications are not included in the list of entry requirements. As an approximate guideline you can find out the IB grades (other tariff qualifications) required and then use the conversion scale published by Skolverket. Remember! The grade stated is the minimum requirement.

If the course seems interesting and you think you will be able to fulfil the entry requirements it is now time to visit the university website to find out more. So click on the link About this institution. You will now be able to enter the university website.

University website.
A multitude of information about everything from course details to sports facilities; from accommodation to campus nightlife.

More info about your course
As far as finding out more about courses is concerned you need to click on the link undergraduate students. This is where you will find info for students, like yourself, who have not yet started university.

You should be able to locate your subject without too much difficulty and find out more about what the course comprises. However, the amount of information provided varies. Many universities supply details of the different modules you will study in the 3 or 4 years of your degree course, while others only provide a vague outline. If you have questions about the course you should phone or e-mail the admissions office!

You can download or send for the undergraduate prospectus which contains all the basic info about the university and the courses on offer.

University Ranking Lists
To find out the best universities for your subject you can consult a university ranking list. The most widely used ones are compiled by two of Britain’s leading newspapers The Times and The Guardian. Here are the web addresses and links you need:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/ - education/interactive guides/ Guardian university guides

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/ - topics/fresher’s start pack/The Times good university guide

IMPORTANT! It’s not just the ones at the top of the list that are good! There are over 300 institutions so they can’t all be at the top.