A Parent and Supporter’s Guide to University Entry (FutureLearn)

Offered by University of Reading,
A Parent and Supporter’s Guide to University Entry (FutureLearn)

Learn about the UK's university application process and how to prepare your young person for university and the student journey. Support your child to make informed decisions with this university parent guide. Navigating the Higher Education application process can be confusing for young people and their parents. This course will help you to support your young person in the university application process.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

You’ll explore the application timeline and key decision dates, such as when to register, and the deadline for submitting personal statements. This course will also address common concerns such as what financial aid is available, and what support services your young person will have access to throughout their time at university.

Syllabus

Week 1: Researching higher education
Week 2: The Application Process
Week 3: Finances

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore the range of higher education options available
  • Identify and understand key dates in the application process
  • Collect practical tips on how to make the most of university open days
  • Investigate financial implications of studying at university
  • Apply understanding of the process and being prepared for any unexpected outcomes

Who is the course for?
The course is for parents, carers, and supporters of students that are entering university and who may be leaving home for the first time.
This course will also be useful for staff in local authorities supporting children in care and teaching staff looking for CPD training and to learn more about the university process.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Diverse Routes into Higher Education (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of York

Diverse Routes into Higher Education (FutureLearn)

Join us and explore the variety of routes available to enter higher education, and the support available to you. The course sets out some of the key considerations in applying for relevant university-level courses, making the most of your technical or vocational experience, and getting the most out of your higher education experience when you get here.

Self Paced
2 Weeks
Introduction to Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
UNSW Sydney - University of New South Wales

Introduction to Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (FutureLearn)

Learn about theories of learning and teaching in the first course of the Foundations of University Learning and Teaching program. Traditional views of education have shifted. Teachers now do far more facilitation of learning as opposed to simply seeing their role as transferring knowledge. We’re now seeing student focused and learner centred approaches being the norm - approaches that change the roles and responsibilities of teachers and learners. This course will introduce you to student-focused approaches and general principles of teaching and learning at a university level.

No sessions available
3 Weeks
Critical Thinking Skills for University Success (Coursera) Coursera
The University of Sydney

Critical Thinking Skills for University Success (Coursera)

In this course, you will learn how to develop your Critical Thinking Skills to help you achieve success in your university studies. After completing this course, you will be able to: 1. Use critical thinking and argumentation in university contexts to improve academic results ; 2. Understand the importance and function of critical thinking in academic culture ; 3. Use a variety of thinking tools to improve critical thinking ; 4. Identify types of argument, and bias within arguments, in order to better evaluate the strength of arguments; 5. Use evidence to support claims in arguments ; 6. Apply critical thinking and argumentation to real world problems and issues

Nov 30th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Next Steps to University: From Choosing A Course to Your First Assessment (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of York

Next Steps to University: From Choosing A Course to Your First Assessment (FutureLearn)

Learn what to expect from going to university in the UK and how to make the most of your university experience. From making friends to independent study, get helpful tips for university life. Going to university might be one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. On this course, you’ll explore what higher education is all about and learn tips for making the most of your university life and study.

Self Paced
2 Weeks
Study UK: Prepare to Study and Live in the UK (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
British Council,The GREAT campaign,Study UK

Study UK: Prepare to Study and Live in the UK (FutureLearn)

Be prepared for university study in the UK by familiarising yourself with UK culture and higher education. Understand how to make the most of life and university study in the UK. The prestige of a UK university education attracts students from all over the world. However, research shows that transition to UK study is not always easy. Many feel challenged by an unfamiliar educational system, cultural differences, and working in a different language.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
Becoming a Student Assistant: Teaching and Mentoring (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Groningen

Becoming a Student Assistant: Teaching and Mentoring (FutureLearn)

Learn how to be professionally involved in teaching, support and governing of higher education institutions. Student assistants are valuable staff members at the University of Groningen. Currently, over 700 students take up teaching duties, support role functions, governing positions, and many other responsibilities. But, how to prepare for a job as a student assistant? What is professional behaviour? How to deal with challenging situations in the classroom? How to support first year students? These and other questions will be covered in this course.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks
Higher Education 4.0: Certifying Your Future (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Dublin City University,Irish Institute of Digital Business

Higher Education 4.0: Certifying Your Future (FutureLearn)

Explore what the future holds for higher education and discover the new educational models and pathways for 21st-century learners. Explore new university accreditation models and pedagogical approaches. This course explores the changing nature of higher education through the lens of the ECIU University initiative. On this three-week course, you’ll reflect on major educational trends impacting higher education today and consider how universities can be ‘future-fit’ in our increasingly digital world. You’ll also evaluate how higher educators, policy-makers, and governments should respond beyond the COVID-19 crisis.

Nov 8th 2021
3 Weeks
University and Your Future: Career Planning and Making the Most of Your Degree (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Surrey

University and Your Future: Career Planning and Making the Most of Your Degree (FutureLearn)

Identify your strengths and learn how to use your time at university to explore career options and prepare for future job roles. Discover how university can form the foundations of your future career. This course will help you to identify ways university can help you work towards your career goals, whatever degree you choose.

Sep 27th 2021
2 Weeks
An Intermediate Guide to Writing in English for University Study (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Reading

An Intermediate Guide to Writing in English for University Study (FutureLearn)

Improve your academic English skills further, learning about critical analysis, using sources, avoiding plagiarism and more. On this course you will expand your academic English skills and learn the necessary extended writing and research skills for producing a thorough and high standard extended essay.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks
Skills to Succeed at University (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Leeds

Skills to Succeed at University (FutureLearn)

Prepare for university and master academic skills that are essential for undergraduates studying in the UK. Get a head start with your undergraduate studies by learning key academic skills. This two-week course is designed by experienced educators at the University of Leeds to help you transition to higher education smoothly. You’ll pick up top tips and first-hand advice on how to start and thrive at university from current students who came to the University of Leeds through different routes such as after completing a BTEC, A levels or as mature students.

Self Paced
3 Weeks