A new approach to making university offers

Birmingham University have experimented this year with offering unconditional offers to some some applicants ahead of their full A level results. This is aimed at reducing stress on students approaching their A2 exams, but also, clearly, at improving the uptake of strong candidates in a highly competitive field. At least one Beaumont and one Verulam student has accepted them as their choice based on the increased certainty offered.

As always, there are pros and cons to this decision. It is recommended that you discuss the implications of this development, particularly if it expands beyond Birmingham next year, if you have any queries about taking this route.

Local fitness course

Free to 16 -19 year olds for five weeks from 19th June at The Base, London Colney. Covers health, fitness and nutrition. Could be a stepping stone towards a job in the fitness industry. Call Shelley on 07920 708029 for more info.

More Open Days on July 5th

Delighted that Loughborough and Cardiff Universities have added Friday 5th July as an open day, as this is the day set aside during CED Week for such visits. We find that both universities attract considerable attention from our students. Others in the same category that are hosting on this date are: East Anglia (UEA); Southampton and Cambridge.

Herts University Subject Taster Days

8th July - Humanities - English; History; Philosophy; Languages; Creative Writing

9th July - Nursing; Midwifery; Social Work; Paramedic Science

You can apply independently and closing date is 12th June.

Visit www.herts.ac.uk

London Taster Days - Still Places

There are still places on a number of degree courses for these taster days ( www.london.ac.uk) in areas such  as Business & Management; Electronic Engineering; Maths; Physics; Sociology and many more. Look them up, if you have not booked any taster days anywhere yet.

Birmingham University Free Summer Residential

Summer School run by the university has 50 places. 3 days and 2 nights. Experience the university surrounds, the City and attend academic sessions on areas of interest. Competitive programme. Deadline for applications is June 1st.

For more info and eligibility criteria go to www.birmingham.ac.uk/HEI

Chemistry at University?

The Royal Society of Chemistry's university roadshow hits London on July 6th. It is free to attend, will feature 30 different universities that over courses in Chemical Science. Free to attend but requires registration online. Google "meet the universities 2013" if interested.