Careers

Comment from Beverley Grant
Time: May 15, 2007, 2:39 pm

Where would you go to find information on the NHS and how to become a doctor ?

Beverley
Here are some sites you can visit and also use the careers library Blue Section J for information on all HNS and Health related careers.
Doctor
The online recruitment for NHS Scotland can be found NHS Scotland

Mick

Comment from David Welsh
Time: May 15, 2007, 2:47 pm

Alreet just wanted to ask u a cuple of questions, How many highers do you need to be a journalist? and what do you need to take? Reply A.S.A.P
The nearest degree course for Journalism is at Napier and the entry requirements are
School Leavers:
240 UCAS tariff points at Higher level including 4 Highers at BBBC including English at B.
The careers information you need is Journalism
Hope this helps and I would suggest you arrange a careers interview with me during S4 to look at your career planning in more depth.
Mick

Comment from Eilidh Stevenson
Time: May 15, 2007, 2:49 pm

which subjects would be best to take at higher if i want to do law in university?
You will find that in Scotland Higher English is usually required (but not always) so it’s better to check individual requirements for the courses you are interested in.
Use ucas to locate Law and related courses in the UK.

Mick

Comment from Jennifer
Time: May 18, 2007, 11:34 am

Hi Eilidh

For more information about a career in law check out http://www.lawscot.org.uk

Comment from Kirsty
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:12 am

what qualifications do you need to work in a safari park?

Kirsty - have a look at http://www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/index.cfm?pid=49&catalogueContentID=264&render=detailedArticle
Get back in touch if you need more help.
Beth

Comment from Maria
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:15 am

What are the best univercitiys in scotland for engineering and what highers will I need?
This is a question that I am asked a lot and very difficult to answer! People choose a university for different reasons, location, courses on offer, sports facilities etc. So start by identifying the courses ucas
Ask yourself ‘What type of course am I looking for?’ and use your careers library Blue section R (Enginerring) for more detailed careers information.

Comment from Matt De Busk…2k7 Ya Bamm!
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:16 am

hey dude, i just wanna know what i need to get into teaching in high schools. love and kisses, matt. xx
Matt
You will need Higher English and English and Maths at Standard Grade and try to gain as much and as varied work related experience with Primary Schools etc. A good place to start this summer could be with the East Lothian Council Special Needs Playscheme.
Mick

Comment from Dougie Laidlaw
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:16 am

What is the best university for learning to be an engineer? Also what and how many highers do i need and at what grades are required to get into the university?

Dougie.
See my reply to Maria above.
Mick

Comment from Isabel
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:17 am

What highers will I need to go into primary school teaching?
Isabel.
Take a look at the information on Teaching
English is required and in some cases you may need Higher Maths.
You will see that there are 2 routes into Teaching so why not make an appointment to see me in school to look at these in more depth.
Mick

Comment from Calum
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:17 am

What universities teach phycology. Also what other Unviersities teach Arcitachture.

Calum
You can do a course search on the UCAS website and it will list all of the universities that offer courses in Psychology and Architecture http://www.ucas.co.uk
Get Mick or your Guidance Teacher to show you if you struggle.
Beth

Comment from Gerald marie wotsit
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:18 am

what qualfs wouid i need to become a Bee Keeper?
Gerald
Take a look at this information and arrange to see your Careers Adviser in school to discuss your plans Bee Keeping

Comment from Cara Mc T
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:18 am

hey i was wondering if you could let me know what universities i could attend to study psychology?
wb asap

Cara.

In the UK there are 1,944 Psychology courses so you better start your research as soon as possible!  Where do you want to study?  Do you want to take Psychology as a science subject (the entry requirements may be differrent) or a Arts subject? ASk youself if you want to follow a career in Psychology in the future and use http://www.bps.org.uk which has a very good careers section.

There are course at

Comment from Marjorie
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:19 am

Hi,
I like medicine and I would like a career in this field.
What qualifications do I need?
Do tell.

Check out my reply to Beverley at the top of this page and think about the Pathways Programme at Edinburgh University.

Comment from Rebecca
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:19 am

What Quailifications do i need to do Interior Design?

Where are the best Uni’s for Interior Design?

Rebecca.

There is a good overview of Art and Design careers at http://www.yourcreativefuture.org

Mick

Comment from Karen Edgar
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:19 am

What qualifications do you need to do law or criminology? Do you need biology to do criminology?

thank you

Karen

There are a range of law, ciminology and related courses on offer so you will need to visit
http://www.ucas.com  to find out about in more detail.
You do not require Biology for criminology but I suspect you are thinking of Forensics here so why not make an appointment to see me in schol and we can look at these career areas in more depth.

Comment from Bobz
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:20 am

what qualifications are needed to join the fire service

Bobz.
Here’s the information on Firefighter
The main points of for entry are.
You must be at least18 years old.
For direct entry to firefighting the usual entry requirement is a good general education and a pass in entrance tests. Standard grades may be useful, particularly in Maths, English and Science. People also enter the fire service with Highers and degrees, although there is not a graduate fast entry scheme.For direct entry to firefighting the usual entry requirement is a good general education and a pass in entrance tests. Standard grades may be useful, particularly in Maths, English and Science. People also enter the fire service with Highers and degrees, although there is not a graduate fast entry scheme.

Comment from Captain Grubbzy
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:20 am

hey just wanted 2 know what uni i should try 4 something graphics ish???? thanks xxx
Captain.
I would start by asking what do mean by ‘graphic ish’ and where do you intend to study in the UK?
Start, as always with ucas and follow this up with some broader career research using the careers library in school (section E for artisitc work) and visit this related siteArtistic Careers

Comment from Bob
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:20 am

how do u go about starting up ur own franchise?

Bob.

There are various organisations that can help you so I suggest you contact me with more details on the type of business you are planning to set up.

Mick 

Comment from Ruaridh
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:21 am

What universities run soundengineering course and what are the entry requirments for the courses?

The careers information on this career is here
There are a range of courses on offer from National Certificate level up to degree level so research this career area then arrange to see me in school. I would also look at direct applications to recording studios, in which case it’s onto our CV Builder which you can use to contact employers direct.

Comment from adam
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:21 am

what qualifications do you need to become a policeman?
Adam.
Here’s the general careers information on Police Officer
You may find it useful to look at Lothian and Borders Police
The main points they highlight for joining are:
To apply to become a Police Constable with Lothian and Borders Police you must:
be of good character
over 18 years of age
physically and medically fit
If not a citizen of the European Union, applicants must have indefinite leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom.
All applicants must have been resident in the United Kingdom for at least the past three years.

Comment from David Gilmour
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:26 am

Hi Ruaridh , you can find out what universities are offering courses in Sound Engineering, and other subjects, at http://www.ucas.com.

 There’s more specific information here:

http://search.ucas.co.uk/cgi-bin/hsrun/search/search/StateId/R7kOuGCSISH1YW9ftH-aDtV4TJ6wo-4dx7/HAHTpage/search.HsKeywordSuggestion.whereNext?query=4610&word=SOUND+ENGINEERING&single=N

Comment from matt de busk innit bbz ;)
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:26 am

what will i need to study languages in uni?

matt xx

Matt.

Some courses will require the language to be studied to Higher level but some language courses can be taken as a new subject at University.

There are questions you need to ask, such as, do I want to study the language as a single subject or link it to another subject area?

http://www.languageswork.org.uk/further.htm has useful advice and information as does the Blue section F in your school caeers library.

Comment from Gayle and Meghaaan
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:26 am

Gayle would like to know…..
I am interested in studying history and becoming a possible history teacher in secondary schools. what highers will i be needing?
Thankx
xxxxxx

I checked the entry requirements for Edinburgh and they want 4 Highers at grade B from one sitting with no particular subjects specified. You may want to start identifying possible courses and contacting the admissions tutors for more detailed information.
The situation re the postgraduate course for History Teaching at Edinburgh is different and along with your degree you also need Higher English. This is why it’s important to plan ahead!
Mick

Comment from marshmallow
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:28 am

Heya, I was just wondering..what qualifications would I need to become a journalist for music magazines?
wb asap

The main requirements are:
at least 5 Standard grades including English but most employers prefer Highers or the equivalent
preferably, a degree or at least a Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma (HNC or HND) in journalism - most entrants are graduates
if your degree is not in journalism, a Postgraduate Diploma
good spelling, grammar and punctuation
paid or unpaid practical experience - get it through student or local journalism or contact newspapers directly.
I suggest you visit http://www.nctj.com/ which has more detailed information and look at gaing some work experience to help decide if this is the right choice for you.  Getting involved in school/locl publications woud be another good idea.

Comment from Gayle and Meghaaan
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:29 am

why do we have a smil;ey face next to our last comment?
xxxxxxxx

I have no idea - but I like it!

Mick

Comment from Dougie Laidlaw
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:30 am

what qualifications at higher are needed for law? also how much on average does a lawyer get paid? xxxxxxxxxx

As always it depends on the type of course you choose and where you want to study
Use ucas and I checked our website for the the salaries information which you find here

Comment from Elton John
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:30 am

Hi Mick, what highers do I need to become a P.E teacher ?
Regards, Elton x

Elton.

English and your nearest place for study is http://www.ed.ac.uk for both degree and postgraduate study.

It may be worthwhile talking to your PE Dept in school about your ideas as well.

Comment from Gillian
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:31 am

hey im kinda interested in being a high school pe teacher what qualifications will i need?? xxxx

You will require Higher English (English and Maths at SG as well) and back this up with lots of work experience.

Comment from Jimbo
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:37 am

what qualifications do i need to become a games designer?
Jimbo.
To get you started I have attached info on the Games Design course at Abertay
You will notice that no specific subjects are asked for but you can always contact the university and speak to the department about your subject choice.

Comment from Hannah
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:10 am

is there any near by dance colleges where u dont need alot of different dancing experieces
Hannah x

Iwould suggest you start by looking at the courses offered by Jewel and Esk and Telford
I think it will depend on what type of career you are planning in dance, is it teaching or performing?
Use Blue Section G (Arts and Sports) in the school careers library as well to help you.

Comment from Robbie
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:11 am

where can i find out what qualifications i need for a particular course (e.g. law, medicine, veterinary medicine) in a university in the USA? I don’t think they give them on the uni website.

Best start at Fulbright and arrange to see me to discuss.
Mick

Comment from Lauren H
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:12 am

Which Highers are ideal for going into a Marketing course at university? Also, would you recommend doing Maths Higher if you are aiming to study Law? Thank you!
Lots of courses don’t specify exact subjects at Higher and aske for English and Maths at SG.
It may be worth looking at this sitefor information on professional examinations for this career.
Let me know if you want to look at this career and related courses in more depth.

Mick

Comment from Bob II
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:12 am

What qualifications do I need to become an airline pilot?

Bob II.
The information you need is here and check out Section Y (Transport) in the school careers library.

Comment from Matt W
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:13 am

Wondrin wot subjects to take n uni nearby that would be gd 4 graphic design

Matt
Art and English at Higher will be useful but you need to identify the course and look at the entry requirements for that course/college.
Visit here for information and interviews with people working in a range of careers in art and design.
Mick

Comment from Kerry
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:14 am

Hi im not sure what i want to do but some ideas ive had are something to do with fashion or pyscology courses.id quite like to write for a fashion magazine or something like that
Kerry

Best place to start is completing Pathfinder a computerised interest guide available on the school server under applications. This will be saved and you can arrange an interview to look at your options in more depth. It would also be useful to look at your subject choice and make sure this will allow you to move onto the kind of courses you are thinking about.

Mick

Comment from klara (kat n lara)
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:14 am

what highers are required for phsycology and buisness management at uni?
muchos luvos
klara
xxx

Kat and Lara
Entry requiements for these courses are different so I suggest a visit to ucas as a good first step. You will need to link this your S5/6 subject choice and get back to me with your next set of qustions!

Mick

Comment from Nick
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:14 am

Just testing this thing and eh … how hard am I supposed to work in 5th year?
Cheers x

Nick
Very.:cool:

Mick

Comment from Nigel
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:16 am

Nick your so awesome and not at all. Hey Ronnie write back

Nigel

Comment from klara (kat n lara)
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:16 am

what websites are there about gap years?
luvos muchos
xxx
Kat and Lara.
There are lots of sites such as Gap Year and I can provide you with more.
Try the school careers library orange section (on the right hand side) which has loads of information and books - if you are lucky we may even let you borrow some!
Register with Careers Scotlandand you can use My Careers Scotland to gain free access a database called Exodus that provides information on working/travel/study anywhere in the world.
Mick

Comment from emma
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:17 am

hey.
whot qualifications do i need to be a music teacher??
wb xx

Emma.
I assume you are asking about teaching music in school - if so music will give you a flavour of the requirements for degree courses.
RSAMD will show you information on the BEd route.
Keep me updated.

Mick

Comment from Shuzbee
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:18 am

What qualifications do you need to study elctrical engineering?
Shuzbee.
Depends on the qualifications you leave school with and what level of course you intend to take. As a rough guide courses at college will requiure some SG and possibly Highers (for HNC/D) and degree courses 3/4 Highers. For example the Electrical and Electronic Engineering B Eng at Heriot Watt asks for 4 H ighers to include Maths and Physics/Technological Studies.
ucas will provide a full list of courses in the UK.
Mick

Comment from Chris Mc
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:19 am

Hi, i am a little stuck on what i’d like to do. Something with a challenge and envolves lots of brain and hard work. Law, medicine and pyscology have all interested me in the past but when i think about stress opposing money i get confused. I would really like some help with getting a better idea of which uni’s give the best courses and where to go after. Thank you for any help that you could offer
Chris.
I like the idea of using this blog to contact students but think you should make an appointment to see me in school as you have a range of options (and questions!) that we need to look at and agree some action points.

Comment from Jenni
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:19 am

I would like to go to edinburgh university to study either phsycology or to be a social worker but to be a social worker you need relevant experiance before you start uni what sort of relevant experiance would it be and what sort of qualifications would i need to get in on either courses

Jenni
You will get the entry requirements here and I think you should ask yourself the following questions:
Do I want to take Psychology as a Science or an Arts subject? This is important as the entry requirements are different.
There is some useful inofrmation at Edinburgh and remember you can always contact the admissions tutor for the course to discuss relevant work experience.

Comment from robbie
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:23 am

are there any good careers tests on the net, i don’t know what i want to do.

Robbie.
Yes! Try CareersMatch
On the school server under applications there is a very good careers interest guide called Pathfinder which will save your profile and we can look the results when you arrange an interview in school.
Mick

Comment from Ronnie
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:24 am

what qulifications do you need if you want to become a film writer

Ronnie.
I found this article writing and although it won’t answer all questions it will give you a flavour of what to expect.
I found a range of degree courses here which includes screen and creative writing.
Mick

Comment from Erin
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:28 am

What qualifications are the most helpful for joining the police?
Also, What highers help to study law at university?
Erin
Here’s the information on Lothian and Borders Police
For Law you will find that no particular Highers are specified but make sure you check the entry requirements for every university you are interested in as some may have different requirements.
Mick

Comment from Hannah
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:26 am

I’m interested in studying law and french at university when I leave school, what are the best universities in Scotland for this course?

Hannah.
This is an impopssible to answer! You can use the Times Online University rating to help but it really is a question of course content and location. Start by researching the course in depth, which may include looking at graduate destinations, how the course is taught, what options are on offer etc. and then think about where you want to be for 3, 4 or even more years.
There are lots of books to help in the school careers library.
Mick

Comment from Harry
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:28 am

what unis can i get a course in palaintoligy?
Harry
Found a course at University of Bristol Palaeontology and Evolution I suspect you would be better starting your research on degree courses in Archaeology which will include Palaeontology. As with all things at Higher Education start with ucas
Mick

Comment from little john
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:31 am

what quilifications help in the police?
xxx

Little John.
For local recruitment visit Police
Mick

Comment from Hannah Tennant
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:32 am

What are the best kind of subjects I should be taking to study law? Like sciences, social sciences, arts……?

Comment from Tasha
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:32 am

Hi,
I would like to study ”Events Management” at university and im wondering what universitys in scotland do this type of course.
Thanks :]

Comment from Naomi
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:34 am

Just wondering what creative writing/english literature courses are around? I don’t know if I want to go to uni, but I think I want to end up doing something creative. Help?

Naomi
Nearest Creative Writing courses I found are at Strathclyde but there are courses available throughout the UK.

Perhaps you could arrange an interview in school and we can discuss your career and post school options in more depth.

Mick

Comment from wiggle
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:34 am

where can you get a visa for travelin?

Wiggle.
I’m going to need more information!
Let me know which countries you want to travel in and I’ll update.
Mick

Comment from Lozz
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:34 am

so i know a guy that knows a guy that wants to become a sports physio, what qualifications do you have in mind?

You need to train to be a physio first and then you can specialise in sports physio. To train to be a physio you need to do a degree in physiotherapy. For entry requirements for this course you should refer to http://www.ucas.com

Comment from Daniel C
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:35 am

Hey, I wouldnt mind going to a university, but in s5 all my courses are Int2s, is there any hope?

Depends how you have done in your Int 2s this year. If you get good grades in these subjects and the school are allowing you to sit 3-5 Highers next year then it may be possible.
You could also consider HNC/D courses at colleges as they usually require 1-3 Highers for entry, and can sometimes lead into degree courses.

Comment from Emma
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:36 am

Hi,
Im interested in studying ”Dietics” at university is it better to do a course in just dietics or a combine on for dietics and nutrition?
Thanks

Emma.

As you want to become a Dietician I would suggest a degree course in Dietetics - there are a range of related courses which you could investigate.

May be worth speaking to the tutors at Queen Margaret University to discuss http://www.qmuc.ac.uk

Mick

Comment from Euan
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:36 am

i was just wondering what unis would be best for arcitechture or something to do with art????

Euan.
Depends an several things - the course, where it is and how it is taught. Architecture, for example can be studied in Edinburgh at University or at the College of Art which are very different environments. So, get yourself into the careers library and start researching the arrange to see me.
Careers library sections E (Art) and U (Architecture) will help get you started.

Mick

Comment from Fiona
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:37 am

HI! I would like to work with sports but im not really sure exactly what. i was wondering if you could please give me some advice! thanks!

Fiona.
Where do you want to start!
You could look at the type of career you want, is it playing your sport? coaching? Sports Development? Allied professions such as Physiotherpist or Sports Scientist? This in turn may influence your choice of subjects in S5 and S6.
You could start by completing Pathfinder under Applications on the school server and use Section G (Sports) in the careers library and then see me.
Mick

Comment from Eilidh f
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:37 am

i was wonderin what i would need to do to become a primary teacher??
what uni’s are best for primary teaching??
Eilidh.
You should be aiming for 3/4 Highers to include English.
The one that you choose!
Mick

Comment from Dee
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:37 am

hi, i just want to know if it’s common to have courses studying for both film studies and french? And if there are, what unis provide them? I know law and french are more common but i’m really keen on taking something in relation to film studies because i want to be a film director
thanks!
x

Comment from Sarah Gee
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:38 am

I’m looking to study film and media at university in edinburgh. i know that i know that i need a higher english which is preferred, but what would be better to study, BA or BA (hons)??
Please help me!

Sarah.
I assume you are talking about the course at Edinburgh College of Art - if so this is a 4 Year Honours course - an ordinary degree course such as a BA would be completed in 3 years.

Comment from Evee
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:38 am

I’ve already picked out a university course at queen margaret university college in acting and preforming that i want to aim for, i was wondering if there are any other courses or even another university that will offer a similar course but will let me have more qualificications to get a better job?

Eve.
There are other courses available and you can find them at ucas
It may be useful to meet up and discuss your ideas as you are considering a career area that is based on talent so the academic side is only one part of your planning.
Mick

Comment from secret
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:41 am

what qualifications do you need to be a nursery nurse? thanks a lot ! =)

You will find links to the local colleges on the home page, on the right hand side and check out the Child Care and Education courses.  You will need at least 4 SG including English.

Comment from Beth
Time: June 1, 2007, 1:41 pm

Kirsty - have a look at http://www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/index.cfm?pid=49&catalogueContentID=264&render=detailedArticle
Get back in touch if you need more help.

Comment from Carla
Time: June 1, 2007, 1:48 pm

Isabel

The only Higher subject they specify you need for entry to Primary Teaching is English. Some universities prefer you to have Maths as well. The amount of Highers you need varies from uni to uni, so refer to http://www.ucas.com for more specific information on entry requirements for the different universities.

Comment from Belinda
Time: June 20, 2007, 5:29 pm

hi sorry i left a comment in the wrong bit a sec ago! but im thinking of doing medicine, is ther any useful info?
 Belinda
Yes there is! I’m having a bit of difficulty with the site at the moment so I’ll email the stuff to you direct, then place it here later.
Mick
Apologies for the delay in replying - gremlins on the blog!

http://www.ucas.com for degree courses
http://www.sra.ed.ac.uk - find Pathways to the Professions information
http://www.planitplus.net/careerzone - for careers information and further websites scuh as BMA etc.

The main issue for you is timescales - you will know from my talk that 15 October 2007 is the closing date so you need to move on research and gaining as much work related experience as possible before this date.

You can contact the office in Musselburgh at any time - the number is 0131 665 3120.

Mick

Comment from Donald
Time: July 13, 2007, 3:34 pm

Do you have any information on good places to look for relevant medical work experience before the closing date for medical applications? Is is too late to try and book a placement for say one of the first weeks of next term? Who would i be best to talk to about this?

Any info would be much appreciated

Many thanks,

Donald

Comment from Mick Burns
Time: July 23, 2007, 9:16 am

Donald.
Hopefully by now you will have received my reply to your email address.
Mick

Comment from James Davies
Time: August 16, 2007, 4:59 pm

Can you tell me what sort of careers I can do with A levels for History, Geography, Politics and English Literature?
Thanks

Comment from Mick Burns
Time: August 17, 2007, 10:40 am

James.
If you check the about page you’ll see this is a blog for students in East and Midlothian so I suggest your best place to start is your local careers/connexions service!
I will put some sites to help get you started soon.

Mick

Hello  again!

You need to start by asking yourself what you would like to study and where ucas is a good place to visit and try the Stamford test on the main page.

Try this site as well to generate ideas.

 Ask in your school/college about careers software/packages.

Arrange to visit institutions Open Days and see for yourself!

 Be aware of the timescales involved.

Hope this helps.

 Mick

Comment from Anonymous
Time: September 26, 2007, 10:02 pm

what subject should you choose if you want to do teaching.

I assume this is from the same person so see my reply below!

Mick

Comment from Anonymous
Time: September 26, 2007, 10:04 pm

what subject should you choose to study in 6th form if you want to do teaching?

Depends!

The information here is for Primary School Teaching in Scotland and the same website gives information on Secondary Teaching as well.  As a general rule, here in Scotland, Higher English is required and you would check with the individual institutions after that depending on the route you choose (degree, postgraduate or courses at Stirling University) so send me some more information (what/where you want to study) and I’ll get back to you.

Mick

Comment from conor gaffney
Time: October 4, 2007, 6:04 pm

hi mick so sorry about missing our thing i completley forgot so much was happenin yesterday you can throw your whistle at me or something if you whish. unfortunatley im not back till after october on the days that your in so we’ll have to discuss over here or via email problaly. i was really just wonderin what the process for gettin into to dublin would involve and how it could be done. alsop regarding the law degree whether it makes a big difference that the degree would be in irish law and how that may affect future career propspects. sorry again and thanks for doing the assembly thing this morning it was really appreciated.

Connor.

This blog will always be open to personal praise!  So enjoy your break and check in here for updates on your requests and I only ever throw other peoples whistles - never my own!

Slainte.

Right - best place to start is by registering with Careers Scotland which will allow to use Exodus - a database of information on working/studying in Ireland. 

You can follow this up by visiting this site and access somer further funding information here from Trinity College.

Mick

Comment from Robbie
Time: January 30, 2008, 10:29 pm

How much practical experience do I need to get into to veterinary medicine at university, in terms of weeks/months.
cheers!
Robbie.
You should try and gain as much experience as possible!
Diary and pig farms along with time spent with a vet would be useful.
I’m going to try and get current students to give you more advice on the blog.
Have you considered the Pathways to the Professions Programme offered by Edinburgh University?

Mick

Comment from Robbie
Time: February 4, 2008, 7:36 pm

I’m kind of stuck.
I don’t know whether to go down a science route at university i.e. veterinary medicine, or to go take a more arty degree i.e. law. I like the end result with science, but not so much all the science to get there. I like english and art, but I don’t like the end result as much, but I want to stick to a profession. Any advice?
Robbie.
If I were you I’d arrange to see your Careers Adviser/Guidance Teacher to look at your options in more depth. You could try careers match at http://www.careers-scotland.org.uk for career deas and use http://www.ukcoursefinder.com for further advice.

Mick

Comment from Robbie
Time: February 19, 2008, 9:04 pm

mick,
is it essential to keep to the entry requirements for vet medicine e.g. do i have to do int2/higher physics if I haven’t done standard grade and probably won’t enjoy it. And how come to get into medicine you need no advanced highers, but for vet med you do?

Comment from Niall Bradley
Time: February 21, 2008, 12:44 pm

Robbie
Mick asked me to respond from Edinburgh Univ.
Simple answer is yes . If the prospectus or web site says a subject is required then you really need to get it. Remember that the competition is intense and you are up against applicants with all the right subjects and grades well in excess of the minimum.
Regards Advanced Higher the majority of applicants will in fact have Advanced Highers.
Have you signed up for Pathways by the way http://www.sra.ed.ac.uk/pathways?
Thanks for this Niall.
Mick

Comment from chris
Time: March 6, 2008, 3:39 pm

what course should i do if i want to be a golf pro!!!!!:-)
Hi Chris
To be a golf professional you must qualify as a member of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA). You start by registering with the PGA, as a trainee, for the foundation degree programme. There are various ways in.
• A golf handicap of 4 or better (men), or of 6 or better (women).
• 4 Standard grades at credit level or 4 subjects at Intermediate 2, including a literacy and a numeracy subject.
• A Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 2 in business, information technology, retail, sports and recreation, travel and tourism or a related subject.
• A higher level qualification such as a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND).
You will also need to be over 18. To find out more on getting on to the foundation degree programme and the training involved visit or alternatively the governing body of golf http://www.randa.org. Any further questions please don’t hesitate to get back to careers, good luck!
Thanks to my colleague Debbie for that answer.
Mick

Comment from Amy
Time: April 11, 2008, 1:00 pm

i want to become a pe teacher, i have english gcse grade c but only have a D in maths and science i have Alevels in pe grade C and leisure and recreation grade BC. i am just finihing my final year at university studying childhood studies and sport and exercise psychology. I want to teach through the GTP route will they accept me without maths C grade although i aim to retake the gcse next year?

Ami
I assume you are living in England and because of this I would suggest you start by talking to your college careers adviser. As you can see from the about section this blog deals mainly with students in East and Midlothian. Let me know if you need any help after talking to your own careers service.
Mick

Comment from Sam
Time: May 30, 2008, 8:57 am

What do you need to become a physcotherpist? yehh..
Sam
You are probably best to start by looking at a degree in psychology, although there are other routes as well. Check out the excellent BPS site which has a good careers section and this site gives further information and courses in psychotherapy.
Mick

Comment from Joe
Time: May 30, 2008, 10:18 am

what is the easiest way to get a pilots license for commercial flying?
Joe
Easiest-take a look at this!
Mick
There are 3 main routes to becoming an airline pilot:

Further information on careers in the armed services can be gained from the Armed Services pages of this database and from Armed Forces Careers Offices throughout the country.

Comment from Jennifer McMillan
Time: May 30, 2008, 10:55 am

What are the best subjects to take for law??

Jennifer
The best place to start is ucas which gives details of all the degree courses in the UK. Try and think about where you would like to study and then research that course in depth. You could also register with Pathways to the Professions as well as looking at Achieversuk - the link is on the right hand side of the home page.

Get back in touch and we can discuss your S5/6 choice of subjects and possible work experience etc.
Mick

Comment from Lisa
Time: June 9, 2008, 5:16 pm

What qualifications are needed at higher for fashion design to attend university?
Lisa
I’ve put the background information here but we will need to look at this if you are talking about studying outwith Scotland. You will need to decide at what level you would like to enter, HNC/HND/Degree and this will indicate the number of highers required and the subjects (usually English/Art) and a good portfolio to support your application. I like this site which gives information on a range of art and design related careers. We can catch up in school and look at this in more depth.
Mick

Comment from Robbie
Time: June 10, 2008, 7:16 pm

For some vet medicine and normal medicine courses that say they ‘require’ advanced higher biology, but will allow s6 who haven’t done higher biology in s5 to take higher in s6 and still have the chance of being accepted. Does this mean that as an s6 who did higher in s5, could i not do advanced higher and still apply?
Robbie.
I suppose the first question I would ask is, what are your reasons for not taking Adv H Biology?
Mick

Comment from Anon
Time: June 11, 2008, 2:43 pm

When universities ask for BBBB at one sitting, do they mean all sat in one year or can be sat over two years as long as you pass them first time?
In Scotland they usually mean at one sitting so the best option is to identify a course and then check with the admissions tutors at the institution about the tariff, which may/may not not go up if you take your highers over 2 sittings.
Mick

Comment from Sarah
Time: June 18, 2008, 3:37 pm

At the s6 asbemlly you gave us a website that was full of university facts. I was just wondering what it was so i could check it out. Thanks
Sarah
Thanks for listening!!!!
The site you want is http://www.unistats.com
I will be sending details of this and other websites to the 6th year via email soon.
Mick

Comment from henna sharif
Time: July 29, 2008, 8:44 pm

hey am doing highers and wanted to get in medical school but i have taken the subject ‘ information systems ‘ instead of physics and i dont know whether physics is neccessary for highers to get into medical school can anyone help me ?
Henna
The first place to visit is here and look at all of the courses available in the UK. If it’s just Scotland then this page will provide a good starting point. You should also contact admissions tutors for the courses you are intersted in and explain what subjects you intend to take and test out your option choice. If you are in Edinburgh and Lothians have a look at this programme. Arrange to discuss your ideas with your Guidance Teacher and Careers Adviser as soon as possible.
Mick

Comment from Kaavya
Time: August 27, 2008, 3:48 pm

I’m currently doing my Bachelors degree in biotechnology which is for three years..coming abroad would mean that i have to do an honours degree…what is it exactly?…and i would like to do my MSc in Forensics science and criminology..any one now any good universities that offer them?
thanks!!
Kaavya
If you can email me and let me know where you are currently studying and which part of the UK you intend to study I will provide more information.
Mick

Comment from Chris
Time: October 31, 2008, 5:48 pm

If you get a masters degree in Management then concentrations in Marketing and Finance, does that mean you essentially have 3 master degrees?
I’m not sure if you mean that your course allows you to take ‘electives’ in which case you have a single qualification. Better to check with the institution you intend to study at.
Mick