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Visit UCAS to check for specific work experience entry requirements for your course
Visit UCAS to check for specific work experience entry requirements for your course
Don't forget to check out the Prospects website, where you can search over 400 job profiles to see what experience you will need in your chosen career
Don't forget to check out the Prospects website, where you can search over 400 job profiles to see what experience you will need in your chosen career
Visit Springpod's Directory of University Open Days
Visit Springpod's Directory of University Open Days
Applying to higher education is a competitive process and students who can show they have completed a period of work experience will have an advantage over those who haven't when it comes to applying to University courses. Evidence of work experience is an important feature of a strong UCAS application, as it shows a passion and enthusiasm for the subject and shows you have made an informed decision about your career intention.
Whilst for all students work experience is a desirable feature of a UCAS application, for some University courses work experience is essential and these are listed below.
Some Universities have specific requirements, so please always check on the entry requirements on the University sites or UCAS for the course you are applying for.
Springpod Subject Spotlights - What are they?
Springpod Subject Spotlights - What are they?
Subject Spotlight's are a university mini series that you can watch to learn what it's like to study a certain subject with a particular university.
If you are curious about a degree and want to to discover more about it, or perhaps are feeling overwhelmed at the options and want some more clarity then our Springpod Subject Spotlights are for you!
Subject specific information
Medicine
If you are hoping to go to medical school, it is essential to complete some work experience in a caring or health environment. Work experience can be carried out in hospitals, GP practices, care homes and hospices. Check the Medical Schools Council for specific work experience requirements for the school you are applying to-
Teaching
Gaining some work experience in a school will greatly increase your chances of a successful application to teaching. You could arrange work experience in your old primary school and complete some observation work. Work experience which shows you have worked with children is also beneficial such as Brownies and Guides. Always check your University's entry requirements.
Social Work
To apply for a course in Social Work, you will need to show you have completed some work experience. An easy way to do this is through volunteering with families, children and vulnerable groups. Have a look into voluntary work with charities such as Age UK and Barnardo's. Always check your University's entry requirements.
Dentistry
Students wishing to study dentistry at University need to show that they have a good understanding of what a career in dentistry involves. Many dental schools will expect you to have some experience in a dental or healthcare setting such as dental clinics, dental hospitals or hospices. The amount of work experience you need to complete will depend on the University you have applied to. Have a look at the Dental Schools Council for more information and always check the University entry requirements.
Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Nursing
If you wish to become a vet and apply to one of the UK's veterinary schools, then you will need to complete some work experience in a veterinary setting. For some institutes there is a specific amount of work experience you will need to complete. Take a look at the Veterinary Schools Council for more information and check the entry requirements for your course.
To apply for a course in Veterinary Nursing, you will need to complete some relevant work experience in a Veterinary setting. Always check your University's specific entry requirements.
NHS Funded healthcare courses including nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, healthcare science and occupational therapy
When applying for an NHS funded course such as the above courses, it is important to have some work experience in a health and social care setting. This is to demonstrate your commitment to your career and allows you to see if working in a care setting is right for you.
The course entry requirements differ between NHS funded courses, so always check the course you are applying for to see what work experience they require.
A good website to look at is Step into the NHS, where you can read students' work experience stories.
Pharmacy
If you are applying to study Pharmacy courses, then you will be encouraged to complete some work experience. A good way to gain experience is at your community pharmacy.
Have a look at the Pharmacy Schools Council and check your course entry requirements to see if it is a requirement to complete some experience before applying.
Still unsure which subject to choose?
Still unsure which subject to choose?
You are not alone! Click on the image to visit the Milkround website. It has lots of 'Day in the Life' inspiration to show you where your degree choice could take you in your future career.
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