Careers

Comment from guineapigmum
Time: June 11, 2007, 5:29 pm

Hello Mick - I’ve a question about my son’s choice of Highers (he’s in RHS S3). He has decided he wants to do engineering but, as he didn’t choose Physics for Standard Grade, has been advised to do Physics Int2 in S5 with 4 Highers, then Physics Higher in S6. This means he’ll only be sitting 4 Highers at the end of S5 and I’m concerned that this might affect university entrance. Any advice/comments?

I posted this in FE section which was probably the wrong place so have copied it to here.
Many thanks

Comment from Mick Burns
Time: June 12, 2007, 8:15 am

It would depend on the degree course he was considering. For example, at Edinburgh the Engineering course entry requirements are SQA Highers: BBBB (or more if two sittings). To include Maths plus one of Physics (preferably) or Engineering or Technological Studies.
If he is taking Tech Studies then he meets the entry requirements. If you intend to offer the subjects over two sittings then contact the admissions tutor and discuss the the requirements directly with the department.
Other degree courses in different areas of Engineering have an entry requirement of 4 Highers - no subjects specified.
I would be happy to talk this through with your son at school. If you want to look at degree courses across the UK the http://www.ucas.com is the best place to start.

Comment from Mick Burns
Time: June 12, 2007, 8:49 am

I thought I would try and develop the question by suggesting the following points:
You will find some Engineering careers information here

It may be useful for your son to complete Pathfinder a careers interest guide that is available on the school server under applications. This will generate career ideas that we can discuss in more depth.

The Careers Library at Ross HS has information in the Blue Section R (Engineering) and this includes a book callled Q and A Career Guides Engineering. This can be borrowed, is quick and easy to read and even addresses such issues as could I become famous!

Comment from guineapigmum
Time: June 13, 2007, 10:12 am

Thanks for that. I will try and get him to come to talk to you!

Comment from Mick Burns
Time: July 23, 2007, 10:13 am

Individual Learning Accounts - Update.
£200 ILA Scotland threshold rises to £18,000

ILA Scotland

ILA Scotland is a simple way for individuals to get up to £200 a year towards the cost of learning, and the threshold at which individuals can claim this has just increased to £18,000. Individuals can use their ILA Scotland funds towards the cost of one or more courses throughout the year, as long as they contribute at least £10 for each course.

As the OU is one of the largest providers under the ILA Scotland scheme, we are delighted that it has been extended to reach more students.

The ILA Scotland account is just one component of the range of financial support packages for which OU students might qualify. Depending on your circumstances students may be entitled to:-

A free place, if your household income is less than £15,700 (more if you have dependants) or if you are receiving certain benefits
£200 ILA Scotland account
part-time Student Loan (£500)
Disabled Students’ Allowance
Hardship Fund award

Those who don’t qualify for financial support are able to use an OU Student Budget Account (OUSBA*) to spread the cost of course.

The Open University in Scotland has produced a new A5 flyer promoting the range of financial support available. I enclose a PDF for information. Should you wish copies to distribute to your clients please reply to l.a.gordon@open.ac.uk. Please note ILA Scotland applicants must have an ILA Scotland account number before they can register on an OU course, and registration using funds from an ILA Scotland account must be made by phone or post.

OU Courses starting Autumn 2007

Applications are now being received for OU courses starting in the autumn. Full details of our courses are available at http://www.open.ac.uk/courses or in the prospectuses I recently sent to you.

There is a vast range of over 500 courses to choose from. I’ve highlighted a selection below, which starts in Autumn, which may be most relevant for your clients, these include:-

· Discovering Science (S103)

· Understanding Health and Social Care (K100)

· Using Mathematics (MST121), Open Mathematics (MU120) and Data, computing and information (M150)

· Certificate in Accounting (B680)

· An introduction to social sciences; understanding social change (DD100)

· Managing Care (K303)

· An introduction to the humanities (A103)

· Exploring Psychology (DSE212)

Brand new courses for 2007

Introduction to Health Sciences (SDK125)
Islam and the West: The Politics of Co-existence (AD252)
Science Starts Here (S154)
World Archaeology (A251)

Openings

Our openings range of courses specifically designed for people who have not studied before or have not studied for some time has also been enhanced and now include Understanding the Environment, Starting with Psychology and Starting with Maths. The existing course, Understanding Children has proved a useful starting point for many students.

For more information on all our courses visit http://www.open.ac.uk/courses or please contact our Courses and Qualifications team on 0131 226 3851.

For further information on our Financial Awards please visit: www3.open.ac.uk/courses/about/p6_1.shtml or contact our Enrolment and Fees team on 0131 226 3851

Comment from Susan Rae
Time: March 3, 2008, 7:36 pm

Good Evening!!!
Susan
Good Evening to you - now that you can blog feel free to post a question/comment!
Mick

Comment from Anonymous
Time: March 3, 2008, 7:36 pm

Hi Mick,
Enjoying the careers talk tonight. Thanks for all the other sites to access.

Comment from Deborah kennedy
Time: March 3, 2008, 7:37 pm

Chloe would like to know if she can primary school teach and teach dance. Is there a course that takes in both?
Deborah.
Apologies for the delay in replying.
I have listed degree course, some of which offer dance here and suggest that if you want to discuss this further then email me.
Mick

Comment from Louise
Time: March 3, 2008, 7:37 pm

Hi.My son is in s1 and going in circles already!Choices will be interesting.
Louise
Parents can be a positive influence on career choice for young people and the more you know about what they are thinking of doing in the future the better! This allows you to access carers information and related activities and then help them choose and support them through the process.
The Careers Scotland site has activities to help with this.
Mick

Comment from catherine
Time: March 3, 2008, 7:38 pm

what subjects do you need for art and design
Catherine
In Scotland, usually higher English and Art/Craft and Design ucas for more information.
Try out this site for information on art and related careers.
Mick

Comment from Keano McG
Time: March 3, 2008, 8:10 pm

What are the main subjects i need to do well in to be an acountant
Keano
the link to the careers information is here
Degree course requiements differ but usually require 3 or 4 Highers, English and Maths at SG and some courses will require one or both of these at higher.
Check out http://www.ucas.com for degree courses.
Mick