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Clearing Edition

HOW TO SECURE THE FUTURE YOU DESERVE

THE CLEARING PROCESS EXPLAINED PREPARING FOR UNIVERSITY HOW PARENTS CAN HELP EASE THE PRESSURE OF CLEARING

Admissions +44 (0)1752 585858 admissions@plymouth.ac.uk plymouth.ac.uk School & College Liaison Ruth Bennett, Education Liaison & Outreach Manager outreach@plymouth.ac.uk University of Plymouth Drake Circus Plymouth Devon PL4 8AA United Kingdom

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Clearing Edition

HOT TOPIC P.6 Clearing timeline The Clearing process explained and what happens on results day P.14 Moving away from home How to handle the nerves and prevent homesickness

Welcome to the Clearing edition of Student Life. With all the challenges of the last two years, it’s been a time like no other. We want to help you secure the future you so very much deserve. In this issue, you’ll find content from our current students working in this year’s call centre offering you first-hand clearing advice, tips on moving away from home for the first time and a guide for all the parents out there tackling the Clearing process for the first time. Let’s approach this year’s Clearing experience with hope and excitement for the brighter times ahead. #WeArePlymouth

Meet some of this issue’s contributors:

Dave BA (Hons) Photography Dave shares how Clearing was the platform for a spontaneous change in direction. P.16

Tsian BSc (Hons) Environmental Science with Foundation Year Tsian and other students who know Clearing best give their advice for the day. P.10

Shahana BSc (Hons) Economics Shahana tells us why keeping it local and choosing Economics at Plymouth was right for her. P.28

D O N ’ T BE A ST R AN GER Visit us at our Information Day When it comes to finding out if a uni is right for you, nothing compares to paying a visit. Find out more about your course, explore our campus and the surrounding city at our Clearing Information Day on Saturday 20 August. Book now by scanning the QR code below.

Discover more – Register your interest in a Clearing place Get ahead of the game and register your interest in a Clearing place with us now - jump the queue and we’ll call you on results day!

FEATURES P.24 Preparing for university How you can prepare for your next big step P.40 Living in Britain’s Ocean City Take a tour through some of our students’ favourite spots

THE GUIDE P.42 How parents can help What parents and guardians can do to help ease the pressure of Clearing

A MESSAGE TO

OUR FUTURE STUDENTS FRO M PAT RI CI A MURCHIE , DIREC TO R O F E X T ER N AL R EL AT I O N S

Find out more about what to expect on results day:

You are only just beginning your university adventure and this is the start of a whole world of new experiences both inside and outside your studies. Our University community prides itself on how it balances the importance of study along with the importance of a diverse, vibrant and supported social life. Your wellbeing We place our students’ wellbeing at the forefront of our University, and we are confident that our community can support you to realise your potential and reach your goals. Our dedicated Student Hub is your one-stop shop for all non-academic queries. You might want help with your mental health, your student loan, to check your study timetable, find out more about volunteering – our advisors are on hand to support you to make the most of your time at university. The University and the Students’ Union work closely together to support students and ensure that their voices are heard. Independent advice is always available, and the SU and the University are partners in our Student Charter which ensures that we provide a safe and supportive environment, and we keep students’ success at the heart of everything we do. Your university family Interacting with others, making friends and having fun are such crucial parts of your university journey. Learning from each other and sharing experiences will help you to become a more rounded person and equip you with the skills needed to work with all kinds of people when you move on to further study or your future career. As well as coursemates and housemates you will find a huge welcoming student community as part of our Students’ Union. Joining societies and sports clubs will give you a chance to widen your support network and to develop new skills and interests.

Your future Your degree will play a key part in you pursuing your chosen career, but your wider university experiences will really add value to your CV and prepare you for your adult life. Even if you’re not yet certain on your future plans, university will help you to figure out what’s right for you and our awardwinning Careers Service offers you support and guidance during your time here and beyond graduation to help build your career path. We look forward to welcoming you to Plymouth, to share with you a lifestyle and location where both people and our planet are valued and where you will be able to look forward to creating a positive and impactful future. Your results We will be running our Confirmation and Clearing Hotline from Thursday 18 August. When you receive your results, we will be here to confirm your place, or to offer you help and guidance on securing a Clearing place. For more information on Clearing see pages 6–7. You can also follow @plymuniapply on social media for more guidance in the lead up to results day.

Remember, we are here if you have any questions or concerns. If you would like to get in touch please call us on +44 (0)1752 585858 or email us at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

THE CLEARING Scan the QR code above for more information

CLEARING TIMELINE

Step 1

Step 2 A level results day at 08:30. You will receive A level results, and will be able to see online (via track.ucas.com) whether you have a confirmed place at university.

Step 4 If you receive a verbal offer from a university they will give you a unique application code number. You have the option to call as many universities as you like, and gain multiple verbal offers, but you can only make one Clearing application through the UCAS Hub.

WHAT IS CLEARING?

Get prepared. Universities will publish their course vacancies online before results day. This is a good time to look at course and uni options before getting your results and also to register your interest in advance for a Clearing place.

Step 3 A level results day. If you have no confirmed place at university, you will need to contact universities directly to confirm vacancies and see if they will consider an application from you. Most universities have a ‘Clearing helpline’ phone number that is usually in operation for several days from results day morning (our hotline number is: 0333 241 6929). Remember, universities will need your results so have them to hand along with a copy of your personal statement.

Step 5 A level results day from 15:00. You can apply to your chosen university by selecting ‘Add Clearing choice’ on UCAS.

Step 6 Keep checking UCAS until the university confirms your place. If they don't confirm within 24 hours, you will be able to send another choice.

Step 7 Once your place is confirmed you may need to think about student finance and accommodation. Go to our website to find out more.

Clearing is the process universities use to fill remaining vacancies on their courses (often with slightly lowered entry requirements), by matching them with suitable students who are without a place at university. If you get your results and you don’t get the university place that you’d hoped for, don’t panic, you still have plenty of options. The Clearing system could help you find your solution; in fact, it might unlock opportunities you had never even considered. Use our guide to navigate your way through Clearing and remember – stay calm. Who can use Clearing? You can use Clearing if you: • apply after Thursday 30 June 2022 • applied before Thursday 30 June 2022 but didn’t receive any offers (or any that you wanted to accept) • didn’t meet the conditions of your offer.

CLEARING

FAQs

WHERE CAN I FIND CLEARING VACANCIES?

WHERE CAN I FIND MY CLEARING NUMBER?

Vacancies will be listed in the UCAS search tool on their website, as well as on each individual university website. Although these are both updated regularly, to get the most up-to-date information it's best to call a university directly.

If you are eligible for Clearing, your Clearing number will be on your UCAS welcome page and the ‘Your choices’ section (via track.ucas.com).

HOW MANY VERBAL OFFERS CAN I GET? There is no limit to the number of universities you can call or verbal offers you can get. However, do keep in mind you can only submit one application.

HOW DO I REPLY TO A CLEARING OFFER? You don’t need to reply to a Clearing offer. Once you add the choice, it’s then up to the university to confirm your place in UCAS Track.

I DIDN’T MEET THE CONDITIONS OF MY OFFER. DOES THAT AUTOMATICALLY MEAN I WON’T GET IN? No, check UCAS first to see if your place is confirmed or declined. Some universities may still let you in even if you have dropped a grade, so don’t panic, and check online or call the university directly.

CAN I SWAP MY FIRM AND INSURANCE CHOICES NOW I HAVE MY RESULTS?

I DON’T WANT MY FIRM CHOICE – CAN I USE CLEARING?

No, you can’t swap your firm and insurance choices if you achieve your grades. If you now want to go to your insurance choice, you need to go through Clearing. You need to check with your insurance choice university that they can accept you in Clearing.

You can release yourself into Clearing, by using the ‘decline your place’ button in UCAS. Your contract with the university will be cancelled and you will lose your place – only use this button if you are sure you no longer want your place.

I WANT TO CHANGE MY COURSE, CAN I SUBMIT A NEW PERSONAL STATEMENT? All applications submitted through Clearing will use your original UCAS application. If you want to submit a new personal statement then contact the university directly to find out what their process is for this.

CLEARING TO-DO LIST BEFORE RESULTS DAY Register your interest. You can beat the results day rush and receive priority treatment by registering beforehand. You can register your interest with us from Monday 23 May:

Prepare. You can check which courses have spaces available before the day, or register your interest in certain subjects beforehand. Review. Think about the universities and courses you originally shortlisted – are your intentions still the same as they were then? Make notes. Find subjects you’re interested in that have vacancies and write down what interests you about the course so that nothing slips your mind on results day. Stay up to date. Make sure you’re signed up to any email or postal communications from the universities you’re interested in. They can often send helpful tips and information in the run up to results day. You can sign up to our emails by submitting an enquiry here:

ON RESULTS DAY Call us. Our Clearing Call Centre advisors will be on hand to guide you through your options and help you find your path to uni. Reach out. If you’re anxious or emotional that’s completely understandable. Reach out to friends, family or even teachers for support if you need it. Stay calm. This may sound easier said than done, but don’t forget that there are plenty of options to explore.

STUDENT

e c n a n Fi

Undergraduate fees are published on university websites and you can get a tuition fee loan to cover the full amount, alongside your student maintenance loan, so nothing is paid upfront to the university. Already applied for a loan but your details have changed due to Clearing? If this is the case, then your application details will need to be changed. If you’re funded by Student Finance England, this can be done easily and quickly at gov.uk/student-finance by logging into your student account, or by contacting the relevant funder if you live elsewhere. Applying to university through Clearing but haven’t applied for a loan yet? The official deadlines for student finance applications have passed but don't worry, you can still apply. However, please be aware that the funding body may not be able to process your application in time for the beginning of your course. Whatever happens, the funding body will make sure you have some money as close to the start of your course as possible.

Student maintenance loan The online application process does take a while to complete and your parents or guardians need to complete their parts too, so make sure you do it as early as possible. Maintenance loans are meanstested against household income, but you don’t have to repay either loan until the April after you graduate, and only if you are earning over £27,295. Until you reach this earning threshold, you won't pay a penny. When you do reach it, the repayments are arranged on a sliding scale depending on your earnings. For more information visit:

Budgeting Tips As the loan is paid in three instalments, it is up to you to budget this so you don’t get caught out! Our current students have suggested the following budgeting tips. 1. DON’T SPLASH OUT TOO MUCH ON ACADEMIC BOOKS in the first year – look out for second year students selling their old books. 2. USE A BUDGETING APP if you struggle to keep tabs on how much you’re spending. 3. A PART-TIME JOB can be a great experience if you can manage your time well while you’re studying. 4. TRY NOT TO EAT OUT TOO OFTEN but when you do, always try to use vouchers and discount codes. 5. DOWNLOAD THE UNIDAYS APP AND BUY A 16–25 RAILCARD as this will save you lots of money when travelling and shopping. 6. DON’T KNOCK SUPERMARKET BASICS until you’ve tried them. Rather than buying branded foods, go for cheaper alternatives. 7. HAVE A SEPARATE ACCOUNT to your loan and rent so you can see what you are spending your money on and what is coming in and going out.

CLEARING DOES NOT DEFINE YOU

We want to dispel any longstanding myths around Clearing. Firstly, Clearing is not just for students who missed their grades. More than 55,000 students were accepted through Clearing last year (source: UCAS, 2021). A little over 40,000 of those were students who originally applied through the traditional UCAS route but the rest waited until Clearing began to apply to a university. Read on and be prepared to change your mindset on Clearing...

Our Students’ Clearing Top Tips: • Trust your gut when making your decision. I hadn’t visited Plymouth but I felt that would be the best place, so I confirmed the offer and then went to the Clearing Open Day – it was the best decision I ever made. Nanna, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences • Don’t panic. It may seem like there are no choices left but sometimes the best outcomes happen through Clearing. Call the place you want to go to as soon as you have your results, and make sure you know exactly what you want. Stay patient, positive, and keep persisting. Melia, BA (Hons) Art History • Stay positive! Not getting accepted into your top choice university will never be the end of the world, and you shouldn’t let it get you down. You never know, your decision in Clearing could change your life for the better! Nanna, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences

The traditional narrative around Clearing has been transformed in recent years. The Times newspaper wrote in 2019 “the Clearing system has also shaken off its last-chance saloon reputation” and it’s clear that students increasingly understand the options they have during the Confirmation and Clearing period.

CLEARING MYTHBUSTERS

Universities do not treat Clearing students the same as students who applied earlier. FALSE! You will be treated exactly the same as every other student regardless of when you applied. If you have been accepted at your firm or insurance choice university, you can still apply through Clearing. TRUE! Even if you are currently holding an offer at a university, you can still go through Clearing – you will just need to release yourself in to Clearing via your UCAS Track. This is quite risky though as you will lose the place you are holding so make sure the new university you wish to apply to has room on the course and can accept you. You won’t have the chance to visit the university you apply for via Clearing. FALSE! A lot of universities run Clearing-specific Open Days the weekend after the A level results day, giving you a chance to view the campus and accommodation before making your final decision. Your student finance will be delayed if you come through Clearing. FALSE! As soon as you know which university you are going to, you just need to log on to your student finance web portal and update the details to ensure that your money isn’t delayed. You can’t apply for a different course through Clearing. FALSE! You can apply for any course that is available through Clearing. This could be something completely different to what you have applied to before. If this is the case, you can ask the university if you can send in a supporting statement alongside your application about why you wish to change course direction. You can apply to a university who previously rejected your application, or you declined their offer. TRUE! You can apply to any university through Clearing as long as they have spaces on the course you wish to study if you were rejected due to your predicted grades in the earlier cycle. If they rejected your application due to additional conditions, such as performance at interview or occupational health checks, just ring them up to check you can apply again. You can’t apply after A level results day as all the courses will be full. FALSE! Many universities will still have places on a whole range of courses after A level results day. It’s true some may fill up very quickly, but some courses and universities have places right through September. You can’t apply until a certain time on A level results day. TRUE! UCAS Track does not open for Clearing applications until 15:00 on A level results day. This gives you time to ring around universities to see what courses are available and not make any quick decisions but really consider what is the best option for you.

HEAR FROM THE

STUDENTS WHO KNOW CLEARING BEST Come results day, we have an army of students manning the phones in our Clearing Call Centre. They will be poised and ready to take your call to help guide you and find your path to university. We spoke to four of our Clearing Ambassadors last year about their advice to callers.

HANNAH

“I’m Hannah, a fourth year medical student and I have been studying at the University since 2013 where I obtained a place on an undergraduate course through Clearing.”

LEE

“I’m Lee, a 42 year old mature student. I am in my final year studying Dietetics.”

PHILIPPA

“My name is Philippa. I am in my final year studying Acting at the University.”

Why do you enjoy your role as a Clearing Call Centre Ambassador? “I love interacting with people, helping students achieve their university dream and most importantly, sharing my experiences and love for all that is Plymouth and the University.” – Tsian “I have been a Clearing Ambassador for four years and I really enjoy it every year. I like being able to help people achieve their goals of studying a certain subject. Being a small part of their journey into university is a very rewarding experience. I also know how frantic the whole experience can be, having been through it myself, so I like to be able to reassure prospective students that we are here to help as much as possible.” – Hannah

TSIAN

“My name is Tsian, and I am 21 years old. I am British by birth, but I moved to Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean when I was five. I am currently studying Environmental Science with Foundation Year.”

What do you do as a Clearing Call Centre Ambassador? “I answer calls at our busy call centre from early morning on results day. We are there to answer any questions and provide support to prospective students. If someone is calling to see if there is availability on a course, we take some basic details, including qualifications, and will then check whether the course is open for Clearing applications and whether the caller meets the entry requirements. If someone meets these requirements, we then set up a prospective student record and give advice on the next steps of applying through Clearing. If someone unfortunately doesn’t meet the Clearing entry requirements, we will offer advice on similar or alternative courses, which may be an option at Plymouth or at a partner college.” – Hannah “I call potential students who have registered their interest in advance and discuss grades and options for their preferred course. We confirm if we can offer a place on their preferred course or suggest an alternative. Some who were originally aiming for foundation courses found they had enough points to go straight onto their main degree too, which they were happy to hear. I answer any questions they may have about the city or uni, and offer advice about societies and clubs which may help them settle in and make the most of life at university. I especially relieve any anxieties that mature students may have by sharing my experiences too.” – Lee

Some questions you might want to ask: These are my achieved grades, could you talk me through my options?

What is the workload breakdown for my chosen subject?

Am I able to switch courses?

What accommodation options are available?

What is the accommodation application process for Clearing students?

What is it like to live and study in Plymouth?

Do you have any advice for students ahead of Clearing? “Have all your grades to hand. Stay positive. Ask us anything, even if it’s about our own personal experiences and recommendations. Think about what you enjoy at home, and ask if we know if it can be done here in Plymouth. It more than likely can... There is so much to do here in Plymouth. Especially within the clubs and societies, there are things I’d never even considered or had heard of!” – Lee “My advice would be to keep your options open. Ensure you find some time to do some research and find what options are out there for you! When Clearing opens, we will be waiting to discuss your options with you.” – Philippa

Is there something you’d like to say to students who might be anxious about results day to put their minds at ease about Clearing? “Breathe, you will be okay. We put all our energy into finding you a path to uni.” – Tsian “Try not to worry. Although that is easier said than done, whatever the outcome of your results, there is always an option for you. We will do whatever we can to help support and guide you to find the right path for you.“ – Philippa

We understand how important finding the right accommodation is for our students, so we’re here to help find the best option for you!

Check out our Clearing accommodation FAQs here:

Halls of residence University-managed halls of residence are a great opportunity to meet people straight away. It’s often your flatmates that become your first university friends! There are also plenty of other opportunities to make friends on your course and through extra-curricular activities. Our University-managed halls  Directly located on campus and in the nearby Student Village  A dedicated halls team available in the evenings and at weekends  Exclusive ‘Residence Life’ events and trips for residents  24 /7 campus security  Safe social media communities, get to know your hallmates before you arrive!  Discounts and exclusive deals for residents  Services of the University Accommodation Team Apply for your accommodation To apply, please call the University’s Clearing Hotline. Once you have been offered a place here at the University of Plymouth, you will be put through to the Accommodation Team where we can discuss your options. Made a booking but no longer require your room? If your plans have changed and you will no longer be attending the University, please get in touch with us as soon as possible to inform us that you will no longer be enrolling. Once you have confirmed this with us, we will refund your two weeks’ advance rent payment, cancel your booking and make your room available for someone else. Email us at: residencelife@plymouth.ac.uk

MOVING AWAY FROM HOME University of Plymouth graduates, Tilda and Millie, talk about their experiences of moving to uni, and what they found helpful when settling in.

Find out more about what to bring to uni:

Explore Residence Life activities and events:

“I definitely think when you’re coming to university you have to manage your expectations and not put too much pressure on yourself when you first get here to acclimatise immediately, to make loads of friends, to reinvent yourself the minute you step into your student accommodation.” – Tilda

PREVENT HOMESICKNESS Feeling a bit homesick when you arrive at university is totally normal. For many students, this might be the first time you’ve been out in the world on your own, fending for yourself, doing your own laundry. To help you settle in, use these top tips from students and you’ll be feeling at home in no time. 1. Don’t beat yourself up about it

“For the first time in my teenage life, I didn’t feel anxious; I was just so excited to get there. I threw my bags down and just kind of forgot about everything. But it’s very easy to think that that’s how everybody feels – I think it’s really important to emphasise that.” – Tilda

“Sometimes you might be excited about change, or sometimes it might be really nerve-racking and really emotional for you; both are equally valid experiences and there’s not a ‘normal’ way to start university. Everybody starts it and feels differently about it.” – Tilda

“See if you can meet your housemates before on social media or something like that – that might help you get talking.” – Millie

At some point, everyone will feel a little homesick. There is nothing to feel embarrassed or ashamed about. Leaving home is a big step and you are going to have all sorts of thoughts creeping up on you, some exciting and some scary. You don’t need to add to those by being unfairly harsh on yourself about how you’re feeling.

2. Make a new home

Start by making your new living space your space. You’re going to be spending a lot of time either chilling or studying in your room, so you need to get it just the way you like it. Buy some decorations or bring some objects from home. In the first few weeks of term there will be poster sales and plant sales on campus. Before you know it, you’ll have turned your plain room into a cosy nest that you can relax in.

3. Get offline and explore “Luckily for students, you will have moments where you can invest that time into yourself and work out wha t techniques and what tips really help reduce your stress or reduce your anxiety.” – Tilda

While it may be tempting to remain safely locked up in your room, you have a brand new environment that’s waiting to be explored. Go out and take pictures. Visit the local landmarks and bring back a trophy or souvenir from your travels. Then you’ll have something interesting to share with friends and family when you do go back on social media.

4. Get organised

The first few days and weeks are probably going to be the most hectic and it’s here that you may feel a bit lost. By sorting your weeks out with a simple timetable, you’ll feel like you’re more in control of what’s going on.

5. Look after yourself

Your new-found freedom and independence will be an exhilarating experience, but just remember that you still need to look after your body. Make sure that you are eating properly (the vending machine doesn’t count) and try to get plenty of sleep. Being run down can lead to feeling overburdened, so take some time to make sure that your body is being looked after too.

6. Talk to people

This can be the hardest one but you need to try and remember that your new housemates and coursemates are in the exact same position as you are. Sometimes people are just waiting for someone to approach them, so be brave and be the person to make that first step. Your new best friend may be one conversation away.

BA (Hons) Photography graduate Dave shares how Clearing was the platform for a spontaneous career change. My brother was asking me “Are you sure you want to do this? It’s pretty late…” My answer was resolute – I have to do it. There was definitely a now-or-never feeling behind applying to get into university when I did. I was helped through the application process by the University, pointed in the direction of useful advice and resources, and sent helpful emails throughout. This was great for me personally – I was working nine to five, five days a week so I needed all the help I could get to make the Clearing process easier around my busy schedule. I had my heart set on the city for years. I used to visit my brother in Plymouth every summer – going surfing, enjoying the ocean and absorbing the South West’s culture. I

“I was working a full-time job, happily earning a salary, when changes in the company left my position uncertain. This turn of events was the motivation I needed to go to university to pursue something I enjoy and seize control of my career. I wanted to follow my dreams.” instinctively gravitated towards Plymouth thanks to my positive memories and it was the only university I applied to. WHY PHOTOGRAPHY? Photography has been a hobby that started the moment I got my hands on my brother’s digital SLR camera hand-me-down about four or five years ago. Quite quickly after playing and messing

about with my new toy, I started to wonder about the possibility of studying this art form in more depth. The University’s BA (Hons) Photography course ticked all my boxes and served as the perfect overarching degree that would allow me to learn about wideranging theories and techniques and help me to develop my own photographic style.

Explore our Art degree courses Evolve your skills, develop your talent and harness your full creative potential.

I’ve genuinely been surprised and even baffled by the amount of opportunities that you gain from being at university, even in the first year. I’ve met so many potential business contacts through networking and I was able to shadow the University’s photographer to find out more about how photography can be professionally applied to a business’s marketing activity. It’s a bit of a cliché but I’ve always been one of those people who has never really known what they want to be when they grow up. However, university really helped me to see the possibilities. Right now I feel I could dive into underwater ocean photography, start my own business, or, having seen my lecturers’ passion for their field, even get into teaching. My favourite memory so far

was definitely our study trip to the Martin Parr Foundation in Bristol. Martin Parr is a professional photographer famous for exploring British life and culture in his playful collection of documentary photographs and wider work, and is a contemporary artist that I respect and admire greatly. I went to the Foundation in my first year to attend a talk by Eamonn Doyle – another photographer I idolise. I sat down ready to listen to his talk and Martin Parr sat down right next to me. I almost had a heart attack. I’m ten yards away from Eamonn Doyle and am sat next to Martin Parr who, after the talk, invited us into his library to continue the discussion. It was all quite surreal. At some point in the future, I’d love to become a member of

the exclusive Magnum Photos collective, of which Martin Parr has been a member since 1988. I’m determined to ‘make it big’ and publish my own books that showcase my work and photographic philosophy – how poetic would it be if my books end up on Martin Parr’s shelf one day? FINAL THOUGHTS It’s easy to say it now but the only thing I would change about my approach to Clearing is to worry about it less and remain reassured that all the help available will get you through things as smoothly as possible. Embrace the fact that university will open up avenues for the rest of your life.

Eleanor’s CLEARING STORY Law graduate Eleanor shares how Clearing was her pathway to achieving her dream career in fashion.

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Are you ready to make your mark in the legal world? Combine theory and practice to prepare for a successful career. Build a deep understanding of how the law works and apply this in the real world with the support of our experienced academic team including trained and practising solicitors. UCAS tariff 104–120 points Duration 3 years full time (+ optional placement)

Why did you choose to apply through Clearing? Prior to results day I had a place at another university to study Dentistry but a D in Chemistry meant that I didn’t fulfil their grade requirements. As I only had this one place secured I didn’t have a backup option, so I decided to go through the Clearing process on results day. I knew that I wanted to go to university that year and that I didn’t want to take a gap year or retake my A Level Chemistry which meant that Clearing was the route I needed to take. I had Plymouth at the top of my list as I loved the city when I visited for an open day, so my decision to apply was a quick one. The leap from sciences to a law degree felt scary at first, but it soon turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life – I couldn’t have loved my time at Plymouth more. What was the Clearing process like? I knew quite early on results day that I hadn’t got into my chosen university so once the initial panic had subsided to some degree, I could look through the list of universities I was going to look at in Clearing. I could see many of the options online but I decided to ring the Plymouth team at around lunchtime to get more of an idea of my options. Irrespective of your grades on results day it is incredibly stressful and the student that I spoke to on the phone at Plymouth was massively reassuring. He managed to help me feel calm enough to make a clear decision and talked me through the different law courses that were on offer. Do you have any advice for those who are thinking about going through Clearing? I would recommend having a few different plans or options that you might be thinking about. It doesn’t need to be a concrete plan B or C if your original plan A doesn’t work out but having some ideas will be useful. I had a shortlist of universities that I was interested in prior to Clearing and this is where I started when presented with the huge range of Clearing courses online. On results day try to keep as calm as possible to allow you to make a confident and informed decision. Clearing led to my place studying law at Plymouth and even years later I can say it was a great decision that I made on the day!

What is your favourite memory of studying for your degree at Plymouth? Freshers Week and my graduation day will always stand out in my memory and living by the sea was a huge bonus when choosing Plymouth. Still, I would say that the last months in the run up to final exams form some of my favourite memories at University; I would spend my days in the library with a big group of law students, revising together and finalising our last few pieces of coursework. We knew that our time would be up soon, and everyone would be moving to different parts of the country, so we wanted to squeeze everything out of those last few weeks together. After a long day of revision, we’d head to the SU open mic nights or Wednesday sports socials; I still don’t know how I managed to cram so much into our last few weeks! I can’t recommend the University enough; I had an incredible three years and part of me wishes I could do it all over again. Tell us what you have been doing since completing your studies. After graduating with a first-class Law degree from Plymouth, I began an MA in Fashion Design Management at London College of Fashion. Using my knowledge and experience from studying law, I then started Rockett Fashion, a business consultancy company, in January 2020. I also now work part time at the University of the Arts in London as an Intellectual Property Educator. A few weeks into running my consultancy business, one of my clients launched her brand at London Fashion Week. It was so exciting to see how her brand had evolved from idea to reality in such a short space of time, and then get to support her during her brand’s first showcase. Of course, waiting backstage, knowing that the seats lining the runway were filled with celebrities, buyers and fashion icons, was incredibly nerve-racking, but I’ll never forget that experience. Since then, my client’s successes have only continued; she has dressed celebrities including Kanye West, and her designs have been stocked at Browns, a top London store.

As a university we not only support you to become the future lifesavers, engineers, researchers, creators and leaders that will inspire change and hold our communities together – we commit to making a difference to the world we live in through everything we do.

The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings show how universities are working towards the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have maintained our position as one of the world’s top five universities for marine research and teaching in relation to UN SDG 14: Life Below Water, ranking fourth out of more than 450 universities for the quality of our marine research and teaching and our efforts to reduce the impact of campus activities on the marine environment. We were also ranked 15th worldwide for Climate Action, recognising our work to drive climate innovation, reduce energy use across our campuses and preparing to deal with the consequences of climate change.

WHAT ARE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS? The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals that are an urgent call for action by all countries. The SDGs were designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. The goals look to tackle climate change, preserve our oceans and forests but also recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and encourage economic growth. This is the second time we have been recognised in the rankings – we have increased our scores in the majority of other categories and confirmed our place among the top 5% of global universities for our commitment to sustainability.

SDG 14: LIFE BELOW WATER SDG 14: LIFE BELOW WATER

We are the key academic partner in the We are the key academic partner Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, in the Plymouth Sound National and helped to secure £9.5 million from the Marine Park, and helped to secure National Lottery Heritage Fund to make £9.5 million from the National Lottery itsHeritage vision ofFund a park in the sea a reality. to make its vision of a park in the sea a reality.

We are also continuing to lead a number pioneering projects, We areof also continuing to lead a including a long-running initiative number of pioneering projects, monitoring recovery in including aecological long-running initiative the Lyme Bayecological Marine Protected monitoring recoveryArea in thelaunching Lyme Bay FISH-INTEL, Marine Protected Area and a €4 million and launching FISH-INTEL, a €4 million project to identify the environmental project toaidentify theimportant environmental conditions range of marine conditions range ofto important species needa in order thrive. marine species need in order to thrive.

We continue to work with a range of We continue to work with anationally range of partners to share expertise partners to share expertise nationally and internationally and, closer to home, and internationally and, closer to – with formed Marine Research Plymouth home, formed Marine Research the Marine Biological Association and Plymouth – with Laboratory the Marine Biological Plymouth Marine – to anchor Association and Plymouth Marine Plymouth as the go-to UK destination for Laboratory – to anchor Plymouth as marine-related research and innovation. the go-to UK destination for marinerelated research and innovation.

SDG 13: CLIMATE ACTION SDG 13: CLIMATE ACTION

This is our first appearance in the This is our first appearance in the Climate Action Climate Actionranking rankingand andthis thishas has been driven by our efforts to been driven by our efforts torespond respond to the climate crisis. WeWe have won toglobal the global climate crisis. have numerous sustainability accolades in won numerous sustainability accolades recent years, and declared a climate in recent years, and declared a climate emergency emergencyinin2019 2019with withaacommitment commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2025. to achieving net-zero emissions by 2025. AsAs well asasthinking well thinkingglobally, globally,we wehave have been working to collaborate on a number been working to collaborate on a of local community – such as the number of local initiatives community initiatives – such Climate as the Devon Climate Plymouth Emergency, Devon Emergency, Plan Plan Fab for Plastics and Fab– and forPlymouth Plastics and City Plymouth City Plymouth – and consistently consistently found new ways of engaging found new waysacross of engaging withWest. with businesses the South businesses across the South West.

We are now expanding this with a £2.6 We are now expanding thisinitiative, with a £2.6 million Low Carbon Devon million Low Carbon Devon initiative, which has created a collaborative which created collaborative space onhas campus toainspire future space on campus to inspire future sustainability research, education sustainability research, education and partnership working. and partnership working.

CLIMATE ACTION LEADERS OF TOMORROW Elyssa, Professor Judith Petts CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth and lead of Universities UK’s Climate Task and Finish Group, said: “These results reinforce our long-term commitment to sustainability, our climate and the marine environment. By embedding sustainability practices in our courses, we are generating the leaders of tomorrow and empowering them to deliver public and environmental good. We are also translating our expertise into action, setting ambitious targets on our own campuses and inspiring other organisations in the South West and beyond to follow our lead.”

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology graduate: “The ocean plays a huge part in my life. I live and work by the coast and I’m hooked. But the ocean is in trouble, humanity is exploiting it at an unsustainable rate and we are losing one of our greatest natural resources. I’ve chosen to dedicate my life to conserving the oceans and educating others; to help the ocean recover to a healthier state. I’ve made it my mission to save the ocean, what will you do?”

Rhys,

BSc (Hons) Environmental Management and Sustainability student: “I decided to study this course because I’ve always had a passion for looking after the natural world. I never knew you could study it at university until I discovered Plymouth. The three years I have spent here have been amazing. I don’t know how my career is going to pan out but I do know that I want to make a difference in trying to conserve and protect the environment.”

Find out more about our path to net zero

Get involved with the Students’ Union

Be part of something bigger than yourself. Overcome your fears, boost your confidence, gain new skills and enhance your career by volunteering.

Alvania,

BSc (Hons) Environmental Management and Sustainability student: “Since a very young age, I have been incredibly passionate about environmental conservation. I have tried to help my country to the best of my abilities through volunteering. I knew that it was time to put the knowledge behind the passion. I found the course perfectly equipped with what I needed to help my country. Coming from an ocean country like the Seychelles, it was essential for me to be reminded of why I am pursuing this degree, and what better place than Britain’s Ocean City!”

We know that going to university may seem like a big step but it is also one of the most exciting times of your life where you get to spread your wings and seek new experiences. There are a number of things you can do to get prepared for the transition to university so that the process feels less daunting.

Listen to our Student Life podcast  Our Student Life podcast is here with advice and guidance about transitioning to university! Topics covered include mental health, careers, our Students’ Union and societies. Listen now and make sure to follow the podcast on Spotify to keep up to date with the latest episodes.

Chat with current students on Unibuddy  Chat to our students on Unibuddy and ask them questions about their course, accommodation, funding, placement years and their future aspirations.

Student blogs  Read blogs written by our students to gain a deeper insight into the areas you’re interested in. You can search for particular topics such as: ‘Application Advice’ or ‘Location’.

How is university different to school?  The most obvious difference between study at school and university is that the structure of school hours is no longer there, so you’ll have to develop time management skills and work out your own timetable. How much you study will depend on your course. Expect to burn the midnight oil sometimes, especially around exams, but also plan to have days off.

 At school, support is always

there: at university, you’ll have to seek it out – and don’t be afraid to do so. Being independent does not mean you cannot ask for help. You will find very quickly that there is a wealth of support around you that you can tap into should you need it. Our Student Hub is on hand to support you with a range of subjects.

 You will need to learn some new

academic skills. There is more for you to think through, and a much wider range of reading. You might not be used to reading around subjects, writing 5,000 words or reading difficult texts. You will need to develop your reading skills: finding the library, getting the books on the reading list, not being put off by the language and techniques for skim reading. We can support you with all these skills at our Writing Café.

 Finally, university isn’t all

about studying! It’s a fantastic opportunity to widen your circle of friends. We pride ourselves on our close-knit student community and there are a vast range of clubs and societies that you can join. So, join us and get stuck in!

BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice Student Laura tells us why going through the Clearing process was the best option for her. WHY DID YOU GO THROUGH CLEARING? DID YOU APPLY LATE OR NOT GET IN TO YOUR FIRST CHOICE UNI? As an international student, I was waiting for my residency card to arrive, and for my first choice of university this seemed to be a problem. Despite receiving an unconditional offer they rejected me, so I applied via Clearing with Plymouth. They were incredibly understanding of the obstacles international students can sometimes face, and explained that they would hold my application as pending up to the point that my residency permit arrived. I was then able to fully access my course!

“Working in the crime scene gives me the opportunity to learn practically. We study motives and connect them to the crime and the physical evidence, for example fingerprints, weapons and CCTV. Learning about criminal justice gives me inspiration to learn more about society and how relevant this field is for our everyday lives.”

HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF THE CLEARING PROCESS? When August came around I called the University helpline and explained that I was planning to apply. I didn’t know much about the process, but the advisor was very clear and understanding, and managed to guide me through my options. They were really positive about my opportunities at Plymouth that I instantly felt happier and excited. I actually remember it to be a great experience, it was much easier than I expected it to be.

WHAT ARE YOUR CLEARING TIPS? To ask for help, going through Clearing can seem scary, but the University have a team of people who will be able to advise you on the actions to take. If you’re thinking about it, take the risk! I’d say be prepared to go through the process on results day. Whether you have done really well or not as you expected, there are other routes you can take such as Clearing.

Study Criminology

BSc (Hons) Criminology Why do people commit a crime, and how do we deal with criminality? Get under the skin of the criminal justice system and learn about rehabilitation inside prison walls as you develop your understanding of how to work with, challenge and change the system. Immerse yourself in live-action and virtual reality crime scenes and tackle faceto-face suspect interviews. UCAS tariff 104–120 points Duration 3 years full time (+ optional placement)

HOW DID YOU SETTLE IN TO UNIVERSITY? I settled in well, the accommodation team allocated me a room in Radnor Halls despite how late I applied. It was an easy process; I came to pick up my keys and was also able to have my parent help me move in, which was nice as it made moving in so much easier. The University is surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants, perfect for a student. Having the seafront close by is also very nice, I love going for walks there. My course, Criminology and Criminal Justice, has been so interesting to me that I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I’d advise anyone starting their course to enjoy it all. After the first week, university all becomes so much clearer to you; friends start to come along, and in time you will settle down and enjoy student life.

HOW HAS THE UNIVERSITY SUPPORTED YOU? The University has always been here for me. First with my residency status, then from helping me through Clearing and the accommodation. These small details have made my whole experience so much easier than expected. In terms of support on my course, my lecturers and seminar leaders have been here to give me advice every step of the way. I have also received library support on essay structures and guidance. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY YOUR COURSE? I have always had an interest in criminology and after doing some research on Plymouth’s course, I found some past experiences from Criminology alumni students which convinced me.

I would like to work for MI5 in the future and I am hoping that my degree will allow me to do this. I’d recommend coming to an open day if you can, which will give you more of an insight in to your chosen course and the University. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING GOING THROUGH CLEARING? Go for it! For me going through Clearing wasn’t planned until it happened. I was given the chance and received a place, and when I think about it, I know that being here is best for me. I don’t see myself as comfortable anywhere else. It could work out for you as well as it did for me!

FINDING THE RIGHT FORMULA TO PROFIT FROM PLYMOUTH Plymouth Business School student, Shahana, tells us why keeping it local and choosing BSc (Hons) Economics at Plymouth was right for her.

I WAS READY TO BE INSPIRED BY MY COURSE I live in Plymouth – this is my local university. I felt connected to the University even before I received my unconditional offer. Coming to the campus for maths masterclasses and work experience while still at school gave me an indication of what the teaching was like and where things were. In many ways, these were my first stepping stones towards becoming a student here. I have always had a real passion for numbers and having an answer for everything – mathematics is the subject I have found the most fulfilling. Even though Plymouth was a strong option from the outset, I did look around at courses

at other institutions. The most important aspect when looking at universities was the course content and the range of opportunities available. I identified early that economics would build upon my love of mathematics and that it was important for me to find a course that would enable me to channel my interest in the humanities, having studied history and geography at A level. After considering multiple options, Plymouth remained the best choice for me due to the quality of the BSc (Hons) Economics course content as well as the course’s flexible structure of optional modules, which will allow me to carve a personal pathway that will guide me towards graduation and beyond.

I hadn’t decided my module specialisms or even a particular future job role – I knew that as I progressed through the course, a spark would ignite and point me towards a more specialised career pathway. Whether a particular module, a placement experience (another big pull for me to come here) or advice from tutors, I was ready to be inspired by my course. AN EQUATION FOR PERFECT PREPARATION The summer before starting my course was a unique one for me. I had worked hard to achieve my A level grades and I was preparing for the future, filled with mixed emotions – I felt excited and scared in equal measure. In a few weeks’ time, I was going to university – the next big milestone in my life.

Explore Business degrees Plymouth Business School’s industry-led programmes will set you up for successful employment and a happy lifestyle. Our degrees, taught by experts in their field, aim to put business-ready graduates on the path to a successful career.

I allowed myself to get back into the things that I was restricted from doing during the intense exam season. Having some ‘me time’ has always been important, whether losing myself in the latest best-selling book or exploring new areas of the South West, going for runs and walks. I prepared for university the best I could, relaxing and hanging out with my friends, seeking greater independence, from finding a job to beginning to learn to drive. A few months into my course at Plymouth I felt very settled. GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS Plymouth has a good balance of the things that I want in an area. With the sea on one side and the

countryside on the other, the surrounding location is one of the University’s greatest strengths. Living locally meant I could stay at home for my first year, which helped me out financially. I figured in the second year, once I became closer with new friends, I would want to move out. At first though, the convenience really suited me. Making friends with people on my course was probably the most important thing for me to start with. It was great to be able to meet new people and help them explore the city I have lived in for 18 years. Perhaps the best part about staying in the city I have grown up in is that I know the place inside out and having my friends and family with me along the journey.

Starting university is a daunting experience, but for me it was nowhere near as scary as it would have been if I had chosen to move across the country. I am grateful to have family around me while I am still learning who I am. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE When you are an economics student, the dream company is the biggest company. I want to work my way up towards those heights and I am sure the University will support me on my journey. This new beginning has been fun for me – you will not know what it is really like until you become a student. I have always known the city’s great, and my experience here is proving that the University is great too.

JOHNATHAN MAWDSLEY, BSc (Hons) COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENT  Chef turned computer programmer connecting people through ideas  Encourages digital skills building through the power of mentoring  Inspired by critical thinking around confirmation bias  Director of Industry Buddies – connecting the South West tech scene  Connecting the theory to digital practice

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WHO ARE YOU? AND WHAT IS YOUR PASSION? I worked as a chef for three years because I had a passion for cooking and wanted to pursue it as a career. But I then realised there was no longevity in it for me and I wanted a change in career. We’ve always had computers in the house since I can remember, and I have always enjoyed finding out about the technology behind them. So I decided to build on this passion, particularly in programming, which I love. This has led me to become a mature student studying Computer Science at Plymouth. I’ve always got a huge list of ideas. Always reading books, jotting notes down. I’ve got an extensive list of things I’d like to work on. Not all of them will come to fruition, but it is good to have ideas and to always try to keep generating them. In this ever-expanding, constantly changing industry, there is always something new going on. And there is always a massive amount of scope for further change.

WHAT DOES PIONEERING DIGITAL PRACTICE LOOK LIKE? We hear about the term ‘disruptors’. It might be overused but it is very relevant. I wouldn’t say I am a disruptor, but I definitely like to think that way. I always like to keep the bigger picture in mind. A lot of books emphasise the importance of getting a mentor. Whenever you read any top tips, or articles about being successful, it keeps coming up – get yourself a mentor. Now I’m part of the University’s mentoring scheme. I took this idea and created a project where I could help people. If you are building your skills in some way, you might as well try to do something useful with it, rather than developing practice programs that aren’t going to help anyone else. I run a student team that aims to connect students to mentors in the south west digital tech industry. As a director of Industry Buddies, we have designed and developed a web-app that allows students and mentors to sign up and connect with each other.

We think networking and mentoring are two great things. That’s why we are trying to make the process quicker, more efficient and more accessible. WHAT IS A FEAR YOU’D LIKE TO CONQUER? I used to have a huge fear of heights when I was younger and sometimes that still crops up, even though I love climbing and I’m on the committee for the University Adventure and Expo club. HOW DO YOU RESPOND WHEN FACED WITH A PROBLEM? Working as a chef taught me to work in really stressful situations. You are under constant pressure all the time. That experience really helps me to stay calm now. I worked in security as well, so all of those combined experiences help me to remain calm and just address the issues objectively. I always feel like I can break the bigger problem down into smaller ones.

The University has also reinforced this approach with the way they’ve taught us to develop. You always break things down into smaller problems, so they become easier to handle and you can chip away at it. This approach definitely helps me with my whole outlook on life. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE COULD REALLY CHANGE OUR WORLD FOR THE BETTER? One of the main things I am interested in is confirmation bias. There are a lot of algorithms that suggest ‘if you like this, then you might like that’. If someone has a belief, and then they are shown something that just confirms it, they will just believe in it even more. We are seeing this happen with some very negative beliefs. Someone who has racists beliefs, who are then shown another racist video, will only have that point of view reinforced. It can also be used for good, but it is not something that is fully understood in the tech world. Looking back, the careers advisors in school didn’t really prove very

“A lot of books emphasise the importance of getting a mentor. Whenever you read any top tips, or articles about being successful, it keeps coming up – get yourself a mentor.” helpful. One of them told me I should be a gardener. This was all based on a computer’s response to me saying ‘I like being outside’.

trying to persuade people to align to your cause, it can be easy to push them further away, so we need to understand more about this issue.

WHAT DO YOU WANT THE WORLD TO LOOK LIKE IN TEN YEARS? I hope we are still progressing and working harder on things like climate change. Although there are a lot of bad things happening in the world, there are statistics that also shows us how it is becoming a better place. Work around confirmation bias discussion is part of this. If you are

IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO SHARE ONE MESSAGE TO THE WHOLE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE? A lot of people still don’t realise we’re in the data age and accept all sorts of things as facts. You can easily skew statistics and misrepresent them to support whatever belief you have. It cannot always be just taken as the truth.

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FINE ART STUDENTS HOST INSPIRING WORKSHOPS WITH CHILDREN IN CARE

TWO OF THE UNIVERSITY’S FINE ART STUDENTS HAVE WORKED WITH FOSTER CHILDREN FROM ACROSS ENGLAND AND IRELAND TO CREATE ARTWORK CELEBRATING NATIONAL CARE DAY. Second-year undergraduates Connor Green and Emma Davis designed and ran online workshops with the children, organised through national childcare provider, Five Rivers, to inspire them to produce art around the theme of ‘love’. The children’s work – including a mosaic created from more than 250 hand-drawn portraits – was then exhibited on the University campus through projection onto the walls of its buildings. This innovative event has, in turn, now been used to create a short film that was released for NCD2021.

“Emma and Connor are ambitious fine art students and have demonstrated their passion and creativity for working with young people and a strong desire to contribute to the community through their art practices,”

said Laura Rosser, Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Fine Art degree.

s ith Five Rivers ha “And working w le ab lu va ly with not on provided them er re ca y ar in terdiscipl life skills and in t it has been an es experienc , bu or t and rtunity to supp po op nt lle ce ex ople.” inspire young pe

During their second year, Connor and Emma had the opportunity to undertake a professional placement or residency, to

develop their understanding of the career options available to them. With both of them interested in careers in arts education, they took advantage of a new collaboration with Five Rivers Child Care. Having undertaken some training with the social enterprise in November, Emma designed a series of workshops around the theme of its National Care Day – ‘Love’, which was chosen by the children in Five Rivers’ care. The duo then delivered them online to the children and young people, aged 9–16, and based as far afield as Ireland, Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester, as well as here in Devon and Cornwall. They then took the artwork produced and mastered it into a form that could be projected, with Connor also creating a special hand cart to hold the projector itself.

35 35

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Realise your potential in one of Britain’s most vibrant cities for artist-led culture. Your degree and our supportive studio culture will equip you to understand, and participate in the expanded forms of making, thinking and writing that reflect contemporary, interdisciplinary art practice. UCAS tariff 96–144 points Duration 3 years full time

the at the abilities of “I have to say th ild ch ren ng directly with students, worki l my le, exceeded al and young peop expectations,”

said Olivia Doherty, National Participation and Engagement Officer at Five Rivers. “They were suppor tive, encouraging and sensitive. They were able to apply the theme of ‘Love’ beautifully to the work, and their flexibility and availability could not be faulted. The ir initiative and ability to overcome challenges was great – they met all deadlines – and we are proud to hav e created this collaboration with the University of Plymouth.”

The feedback from the young people has been very positive, with carers at Five Rivers noting increased confidence and positivity among many of those who took part. For example, one student said:

“My favourite part was working with the artists and having fun getting to meet new people.”

Another student added: “It was good fun, I’ve never done something like th at before. I don’t usually use paints so that was cool to try something new. And it was fu n meeting all the ot her young people from around the country.”

The University joins hundreds of other partners, including local authorities and NHS trusts, to have collaborated with Five Rivers in its 30-plus year history. The organisation provides therapeutic children’s services with clinical, education provision alongside its residential homes and fostering families. It operates from 22 locations around England, and specialises in helping children who have been neglected or abused, subject to trauma, or in need of specialist mental wellbeing help. To find out more visit: five-rivers.org

O U R S T U D E N T S AT T H E FRONTLINE OF THE NHS,

MAKING A DIFFERENCE WHEN IT MAT TERS MOST

e’re incredibly proud of our students and graduates that have been right at the centre of the action. They have been the healthcare heroes of the last few years and continue to be; whether it be during a practice placement or within their qualified role, they care for patients when they need it most. At Plymouth, we shape our students into the best healthcare professionals they can be, utilising our expert teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and stimulating practice placements,

to provide the best education possible. Becoming a newly qualified health professional during COVID-19 BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child Health) graduate Phoebe has been making a difference in her first role. “I am truly delighted to be a qualified nurse in a Children’s Emergency Department. COVID-19 has changed the face of emergency medicine dramatically, most of which is challenging, but a new opportunity for paediatric nurses

1. Phoebe, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child Health) graduate. 2. Callum-John, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) student. 3. Jonathan, BSc (Hons) Dietetics student 4. Catherine, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health) graduate 5. Jasmine , BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) student

to support adult services has arisen. “This allows us to develop our nursing skills and practise in a safe and controlled environment. “The NHS is a huge asset to the country, recognised in recent months more so than ever. Working within that system gives you a sense of pride and achievement, something I could not see myself finding anywhere else. As a nurse your role is diverse, sometimes fast and sometimes slow, but it is always a privilege and I feel very lucky to have this as a career.

Studying at Plymouth is special. e are the largest W provider of healthcare courses in the South West, with over 200 different career pathways. Graduate from courses with 100% employment rates. Embark on unique interdisciplinary hands-on learning.

“The skills I have gained from the course will last a lifetime. I still remember my first day at University and it’s nostalgic to look back at the amazing journey and realise how much I have learnt.”

It’s the little things that count Often the smallest gestures can mean the most to service users, at a time where family and friends are frequently unable to visit. BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) student Jasmine explains: “We are so privileged in our work. We have the opportunity to make a real difference to someone. We can’t change the whole world, but we can change the world for someone.” Mental and physical health is at the forefront of everyone’s minds during the pandemic, and our students across all professions are really having an impact. “My proudest achievement is supporting a patient to complete a meal after months of being scared of food. I talked

them through their fears and offered support to them when it got difficult. The patient said to me ‘Thank you for making me feel safe. I couldn’t have got through that without you.’ That is the moment I knew I was a nurse.” Callum-John, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) student. Variety of roles available When you think of frontline workers you might automatically picture doctors and nurses, but there is a whole range of professions that work in harmony to provide patientcentred care. From the dietitians providing nutrition advice, to the physiotherapists undertaking

rehabilitation, to occupational therapists increasing a patient’s independence, the list goes on. Our unique interdisciplinary learning enables students to experience real healthcare environments before going out on placement, where they often work with other healthcare professionals. BSc (Hons) Dietetics student Jonathan explains: “My amazing supervisor told me that I shouldn’t see myself as a student because in the stroke ward, even though I was a student, I knew more about nutrition than anyone else there and they needed me.” Dealing with difficult things Becoming a healthcare professional is rewarding, varied and inspiring, but can be emotionally challenging. We prepare our students for every eventuality. BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health) graduate Catherine explains: “One particularly memorable and important aspect of my degree was an incredible mentor who was passionate about palliative and end-of-life care. She said to me ‘Everyone deserves a good death, whatever that is to them.’ and this sentence has stayed with me each time I have had the honour of caring for somebody in their last days of life. Without studying at Plymouth, I honestly, wouldn’t be the nurse I am right now.”

Where will

YOUR DEGREE TAKE YOU? The Careers Service is here to help you no matter what year or course you are studying. We offer you impartial information, advice, guidance and a vast array of opportunities to ensure you are fully prepared for a fulfilling career after you graduate. We have a lot of opportunities and resources to support you as detailed on the following pages.

Events Across the year we have a number of events, enabling you to: • Meet a wide range of professionals and employers • Broaden your horizons and explore career opportunities • Develop important transferable employability skills • Secure part-time, placement, graduate and work experience roles. We have a range of events for you to get involved with, including a part-time jobs week, a placements and graduate recruitment fair, employer insight panels, business competitions, employer workshops, and much more. We look forward to welcoming you to our events.

Mentoring Did you know the University has many mentoring schemes all to support you on your career journey? Check out how these can give you an insight into industry, pair you with a professional, and enable you to increase your employability and personal skills.

Placement and Work Experience Undertaking a placement in your course, or gaining other work experience while at university will greatly improve your chances of achieving the graduate role that you want. The Placements Team can help you with all of this

including how to improve your CV and smash an interview. There are a number of opportunities to gain work experience through our emerging micro-internships programme of up to two weeks within the work environment. Careers education and activities are embedded as part of your academic programme. Our careers consultants work in partnership with your lecturers to design and deliver tailored career development activities within your course. These range from talks, workshops and competitions, helping you to bring your future into focus as you study… make sure you take advantage of them! We have also created “Where your degree can take you” web pages which help you identify

“The placement allowed me to put into practice the modules I did in the first and second year and gave me the experience and connections I needed to get a job… after graduation.” Rachel, BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare student

skills, employers and activities to enhance your degree experience and future employment:

myCareer As a student and for as long as you need it after you graduate, you have access to myCareer, our innovative online system, supporting you to develop your skills and career. This gives you the chance to find part-time, placement and graduate vacancies, book onto workshops, webinars and career fairs and find 1:1 appointments with our career consultants and employability advisors.

Get in touch! Follow us on ,  or  @uniplymcareers Email: careers@ plymouth.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)1752 587456

Digital Resources myCareer Digital Resources has a whole host of activities, tools and videos which can help you build your employability skills. Using this, you can: • Get instant CV feedback using CV360 • Understand the interview process, take mock interviews and get advice from employer videos using our interview simulator • Use our psychometric and aptitude tests to practise some of the most commonly used assessments to improve your chance of performing well in the real thing.

“Being part of the mentoring programme helped me gain a clearer insight to what life will be like after university and how to make myself stand out in a work environment and when applying for jobs. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking for potential career paths after graduation and improving on professional skills.” Sylvia, BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering student

LIVING IN BRITAIN’S OCEAN CITY Hear from our students about their favourite places to spend their time in and around Plymouth.

“Rame Head is one of my favourite places to go next to Plymouth. You can either walk there along the coast from Plymouth, or drive/get a bus. I have seen a number of sunrises at this place, and every time, it is so different. In the quiet mornings, finding yourself alone (or with your best friends), surrounded by deer and horses, listening to birds while the sun comes up from the ocean on your left, there’s a true sense of magic. You could probably come here every day and each time will bring a different experience.” Louise, BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology student

“The Barbican is a new favourite place of mine not only because of the amazing views but because it has history attached to it which I loved discovering. It is also a great spot for late night walks when you just want to think.” Jessica, BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations student

“Whether it be for transport, fun, or exercise, I’ve always incorporated cycling into my lifestyle and I’m eager to push it further here in the South West. My favourite observation around here is the diversity of terrain in such a closeknit yet open air region. You quickly move from muddy moors to clean,

clear coastlines with ease… I’m pretty certain that the beautiful riding experiences in and around the city are in my top five memories as an undergraduate student here.” Xavier, BSc (Hons) Environmental Management and Sustainability student

PLYMOUTH IS SURROUNDED BY 120 MILES OF STUNNING COASTLINE AND OVER 50 BEACHES

“Plymouth is so beautiful it’s very difficult to choose one favourite place as most places I absolutely love! The top locations in Plymouth for me are the seafront, Sutton Harbour and Devil’s Point because being by the sea is actually the best thing ever! I love going to watch the sunrise by the sea as it’s just so tranquil and such a great start to the day!” Christina, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science student

“The great thing about studying in Plymouth is that you can see the sea pretty much all the time! One of my favourite things after a stressful week is to walk to the Barbican for fish and chips which you can follow up with a hot chocolate sitting on the Hoe.” Sumbel, BMBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery student

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HOW PARENTS CAN HELP EASE THE PRESSURE OF CLEARING Lots of schools will have teachers on hand to help during the Clearing process, but parents can also help ease the pressure. After all, going to university is a big step for them too! Parents will want to lend as much support as they possibly can, which is why we have put together some practical tips on how you can tackle the rollercoaster that is Clearing together.

or unavailable on A level results day, make sure this is set up via UCAS beforehand and you are an intermediary contact on their UCAS application.

Top Clearing tips for parents:  Be proactive in the lead up to results day by doing lots of research and planning. Have a look on the UCAS website for information, including important times and dates. Have a think about back-up universities and course choices ready for the day.  On the day, if your child is too upset to ring universities you can do this on their behalf. Universities will need confirmation from your child that they are happy for you to talk about their application but this can be done over the phone or via email. If you know your child is going to be away

New to all of this? Take a look at pages 6–7 for a full guide to Clearing.

 Make sure your child has any university correspondence to hand so they can find their reference number if speaking to a university they have applied to before, or about their existing application. Also, make sure they know what their UCAS reference number is, and UCAS log in details for any new universities.  If your child has narrowly missed the required grades for their firm and insurance choice university, do not panic, it is still

worth ringing the universities to see if they can be offered an alternative course or what options they have available.  Have a look on university websites as there are many useful articles and pages about Clearing including what is it and what to expect. For the University of Plymouth, you can visit plymouth.ac.uk/clearing which has lots of useful information about visiting the campus if making a Clearing application, accommodation for Clearing students as well as basics on what Clearing is and how it works.

A parent’s guide to Clearing Simon helped support his son through applying via Clearing last year. He tells us how the day looked for them and what his advice would be to parents. Our son did look at league tables for his subject and locations he was interested in, but I tried to remind him other things were important to him initially and that the league tables fluctuate so much, they aren’t everything. We supported him with doing the following:  If you can, take results day off work. Also, try and keep the weekend after A level results day free. A lot of universities hold Clearing open days for students so you may need to attend the university campus/city that your child is considering, or has applied to.  Stay calm and positive. Your child may be disappointed but there are so many options out there for students going through Clearing, and there is still time to make considered decisions before needing to apply for a new course/ university.  Ultimately the choice lies with your child – but as parents you can guide them to follow their gut feeling, rather than being forced to say yes to a course or university that’s not right for them.

 Do some further research on the universities and courses you have as offers  Make a list of others that you might also consider in Clearing  Look for student reviews and even live chats (not on their website directly)  Just before Clearing have links or open web pages for all the university course pages – get phone numbers and pre-register  Make sure phones and laptops etc are all fully charged  Check on anything important like clubs/societies, guaranteed accommodation, halls policies and costs, and make a shortlist  See if he can talk to one of the lecturers or a student in his subject  Double check any reviews before accepting  Ensure that he has got names and contact details and was clear on what he needed to do next. I basically hung around my son’s room and joined him (when I was allowed!). I helped find info on campuses or halls when he had to make quick choices, and tried to keep him calm and upbeat. Tea, toast and chocolate all helped!