Making any sound, well-informed decisions, and your future education is no exception, calls for good planning, determination, discipline and a sense of discrimination.

Applying for a higher education course is one of the most important decisions you will make, and so it needs to be treated seriously. The number of people applying to university from the College is rising year after year, and competition for places is becoming keener and keener.

In order to help you prepare yourself for application to higher education, Student Services offer a number of services which you are strongly advised to use.

Higher Education Fairs

Fairs are organised where university tutors visit the College to give prospective students information on courses and on life at their institution. These fairs offer invaluable advice on anything from course conditions to the questions likely to be asked at interview.

Visits to Institutions

Last year visits were organised to Teesside, Sunderland, Newcastle and Northumbria Universities, and more are planned this year. University "Open Days" are particularly useful for getting the "feel" of the institutions and its courses.

Advisory Interviews

Once you have decided that you intend to apply to higher education, you will be allocated a Student Adviser who will help and advise you on a one-to-one basis, on all aspects of your application.

It is important that you realise that applying to higher education is a long process: the ideal time to start preparing is at the start of the first year of a two year course.

Advisory Sessions

Group sessions are organised, where the Student Services advisory staff deliver sessions to particular courses explaining the applications procedure, offer training in interview skills and much more.

The College can access the CoursefinderUK software package to help you find the most appropriate higher education course for you. You simply respond to a series of questions based on your interests, qualifications and any geographical preferences you may have - press the button and the computer will then generate a list of courses and institutions that match your responses.

Applying to UCAS Online

All applications to higher education are made on-line via the UCAS website. The software is easy to use and means that you can 'track' your application from start to finish. You will need to attend an introductory session with a Student Adviser and once you have registered you can access your application anytime anywhere. This on-line application system means that you can also pay the application fee when completing your form using a credit or debit card.

Passport Scheme

The College is a founder member of the Teesside University Passport Scheme which aims to promote higher education for all. Students participating in the Passport Scheme will follow an enhanced guidance programme delivered in association with the University. Activities will include visits to the University, use of University Library, specialist talks and study days. Should you decide to apply to the Teesside University, as a Passport Scheme Student, you are eligible to make an early application and will be guaranteed the offer of a place on a course which matches your academic abilities and career aim. All first year students studying on Advanced Level programmes are encouraged to join the Passport Scheme. Further details of the Passport Scheme can be obtained from your Student Adviser.

Teesside University Handbooks for 2009/10 in PDF format:

Student Handbook

A Pdf Handbook for students studying at Partner Colleges based in the UK will be available at:

College Handbook

There is also a Pdf Handbook for students studying at our Partner Colleges based abroad and this will be available at:

Transnational Handbook