Choosing your references when filling out your postgraduate application form is more important than you might think. Your referees are just as essential to your application as your academic history and personal statement. Universities often get a lot of submissions for their postgraduate courses and are unable to meet every single applicant, so they will use your references as a way to influence their decision as to whether you will be accepted onto the course. This is becoming increasingly common for taught masters degrees, so you need to ensure you are represented in the best possible light on your application.

In a nutshell, the referees you choose can make or break your application.

When putting together your submission you will generally be required to provide two academic references. These can be mentors or lecturers from previous courses who are able to provide an informed statement regarding your previous education and suitability to the course. Your references are extremely valuable to your application, so it’s important you have the right people to do this for you.

If you are returning to higher education after years of employment, remember that admissions advisors are understanding of this. If this applies to you, keep in mind that universities can accept references from an employer or other candidates who can offer a suitable academic evaluation of your abilities. It can really benefit your application if your job has been related to your area of study, especially if you have gained some valuable experience in the workplace that can be linked to your postgraduate learning potential. Keep in mind that character references will not be relevant to your application, so be sure to avoid choosing friends or family members as personal referees, as this sort of information about you will not be applicable.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Postgraduate Interview Questions and How to Answer them!

There are a few do’s and don’ts to take into consideration when filling out your postgraduate application. Make sure you give all of the correct information for your references. Double check all your personal details and don’t give out old contact details; an accurate address and telephone number is crucial in case the university requires follow up information. Ensure you have spelt their name correctly (and neatly if handwritten) and listed the correct job title. Also be sure to include how you know this person and their relationship to you. One of the most important things to remember is to always get the permission of the person before you list them as a reference, and ensure they will be able to appraise you positively and highlight your achievements. By asking somebody to referee for you in advance, it also gives them an opportunity to think about what they may add to your reference, making your application stronger.

Contact your referees directly and request that they send the reference in a sealed envelope to yourself or your intended place of study. Alternatively, if the reference is to be emailed, it’s important to make sure that it comes from an official university or work email address. University admissions advisors will not be able to verify anything other than this.

You may find yourself waiting until you get a response, so don’t hold off on submitting your application if the deadline is looming, especially as you can also change previously submitted referees at a later date if necessary.

Many choose a career in teaching for it’s rewarding nature. Others like the idea of passing on their knowledge. The long holidays are an added bonus. Whatever the reason, becoming a teacher is a competitive process. Luckily Coursefindr is here to help you get started.

First Step

To start your journey of becoming a teacher you need to hold (or expect to gain) a second class honours degree. Preferably a 2:1 or higher.  If you are yet to start an undergraduate degree, then you are at the perfect place. Coursefindr can help you find the perfect degree by browsing degrees by subject.

It doesn’t necessarily matter which subject you study at undergraduate level. However, if you wish to teach a specific subject, such as music, then it would definitely help later down the line if you study music at undergraduate level.

You could keep your options open at this point by studying a degree with a high chance of employment.Mathematics is a good option as it can lead to employment in the computing and finance sectors. This means you will have plenty of opportunities should you change your mind about becoming a teacher. And if you don’t change your mind then good news, maths teachers are always in high demand.

If you don’t have an undergraduate degree but are determined to become a teacher there are a three types of degrees that lead to qualified teacher status (QTS). These are:

• Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees – most common for students hoping to become primary school teachers.
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees – common for students hoping to teach secondary school. These degrees focus on learning your chosen subject and how to pass on that knowledge in the classroom.

These courses usually last for four years and allow you to achieve QTS at the same time. Whilst undergraduate courses that include QTS are competitive, they offer a direct route into teaching. Perfect for those who know exactly what they want to do.

If you already have an undergraduate degree then continue to the next section.

Which Age group?

Your first task is to decide which age group you would like to teach. This initial decision will determine your route to becoming a teacher. The UK education system is broadly split into early years, primary, and secondary. Unless you have a passion for teaching a specific age group you may struggle to decide on one. If this is something you are struggling with then our suggestion is to gain some school experience. This should prove a big help in deciding which age group you would like to teach.

Fortunately the government run a scheme called School Experience Programme (SEP). Hundreds of schools across the country participate in SEP. Through this programme you can get a placement at a school which will give you the opportunity to talk to teachers and observe teaching a range of lessons and age groups. Not only will this help you decide if teaching is for you, but when you come to apply and be interviewed later on the experience will prove invaluable.

Becoming a Teacher – Gaining QTS

As we briefly discussed earlier in the article, in order to become a teacher you need to obtain qualified teacher status (QTS).

Qualified Teacher Status is an element to look for when choosing a teaching course. This accreditation allows you to teach in either state-maintained or special schools within England and Wales. Academies are the only educational institution at secondary level which can employ teachers without a QTS, but they must believe you are suitably qualified for the position. In other words look out for the letters ‘QTS’ involved in the description of your teaching course because you can then keep your options open for your career in teaching.

Pass the QTS Test

To achieve QTS you must complete the required hours of teaching, meeting the high standards necessary to become a qualified teacher. Not all courses are QTS accredited so choose wisely. If you are looking for the least expensive course but are looking for a QTS accreditation at the end of your studies, ensure you do the research and find out whether that course is accredited. If you need further details on this you should contact the programme leader at the institution and find out more details directly from them. It is important to be happy with your course choice.

Gaining qualified teacher status isn’t an easy process and deciding to follow a career in teaching shouldn’t be reached without serious consideration. Whilst the holidays seem to be a talking point for many outside the teaching sector, those who work in it will tell you that those extra few days disappear amongst the planning, marking and extracurricular activities that are expected of teachers nowadays.

There are a two common teacher training routes to achieve QTS. They are:

• School-led training
• University-led training

School-led training

With school-led training you will be learning on the job, from experienced colleagues. This means you will be in school from day one. For the duration of the course you will be placed in at least two schools and you will receive a combination of classroom teaching and practical training. You could also receive a tax-free £26k bursary or salary whilst training. School-led courses usually last one year and will result in you being awarded QTS. Most courses will also include a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).

If you wish to obtain your teacher training qualification via school-based training, there are a number of options available to you. School-based teacher training generally offers more time in the classroom, allowing you to put theory into practice and develop your teaching skills in a real life environment. There are a number of school-based training schemes for teachers, such as the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) and school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT).

University-led training

If you already have an undergraduate degree but do not have QTS and you want your training to be based at university then university-led training is for you. These courses are one year full-time or two years part-time. In addition to university based study you will also complete a placement in school for a minimum of 24 weeks. All university teacher training courses lead to QTS and a postgraduate qualification which is usually a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE). If you already hold, or are in the process of completing an undergraduate course then a PGCE is a great way to gain teacher training and achieve QTS. The PGCE course develops your teaching skills, rather than your subject knowledge as you are expected to already hold this.

It is worth applying for both school-led and university-led courses, then following interviews you can decide which route is right for you.

Regardless of the teaching degree you take, your future looks bright with education related degrees being one of the most employable degrees according to the destination of leavers from higher education survey.

Related: You could also opt to study the PGCE via distance learning.

As a postgraduate student, funding yourself will play a big part of your life and therefore having the right bank account is of huge importance; as you probably noticed as an undergraduate student. As a postgraduate student you may find that you may be eligible for a student bank account. This may also be possible if you have already had a student account previously. Your bank may also allow you to keep your existing student account if you have only just completed your undergraduate studies.

Related: Start searching for Postgraduate Degrees

Getting a student bank account

Whether you are applying for a new student bank account or whether you are requesting to extend your current one, then one of the main things that will be required at your meeting with the advisor at your bank will be proof that you are in fact a postgraduate student – in the form of an admission letter or letter of acceptance from the university. You may also need to provide proof of the financial support you will receive, as the bank may want to see that a certain number of payments will be made throughout the year.

A postgraduate student bank account will mean you will have access to a 0% overdraft which you would not be entitled to with a regular account taken out with a bank. As a student there will also be the possibility of other perks in the form of freebies, gifts or other incentives.

Overdrafts

As a postgraduate student it is likely that you will need money for accommodation, food, travel and printing and materials if studying an artistic or practical course; especially if you are living away from home whilst studying. Sometimes loans and bursaries just don’t provide you with enough money to survive in the real world, so check out the 0% overdrafts offered with student accounts. Shop around, don’t just pick a branch because someone else has; take the time to look at who offers the biggest overdraft with the kindest terms and what else they can offer alongside it. If you can find a large student overdraft while getting great free stuff then why not take advantage of that whilst you can.

Depending on the bank, some will offer you a bigger 0% overdraft as a postgraduate student, especially if you are staying with the same bank and using the same account as you did during your undergraduate studies.

If you are already overdrawn on your student account from your undergraduate studies then it is might be worth seeking out the longest-lasting 0% interest overdraft you can find, even if it means moving banks. You may find your current bank will want to keep your custom and offer you the best deal they can. If you aren’t paying interest then more of the money you earn after graduation or if working whilst studying will help you in clearing your debts with the bank.

Some banks will offer to let you keep your 0% overdraft for up to three years after graduation as a graduate account, so when shopping around check out who will offer you the best deal when you have graduated as well as while you are studying.

Do not be afraid to ask questions as choosing the right account will save you stress and worry at a later date.

Your overdraft limit

If you have had a student account before you will know not to attempt going over your overdraft limit. If you haven’t had a student bank account before here’s why it is best to stick within your overdraft limit.

Going over your overdraft limit without the permission to do so from the bank can result in huge charges; a simple food shop could become the most expensive food shop of your life.

If you find you are struggling with your funds and are worried about going over your limit then talk to your bank. Most will be able to provide some kind of support, especially if you haven’t already reached their maximum overdraft limit. Some banks offer tiered overdrafts so that you can take a minimum overdraft when you start studying and increase it during your studies after a certain amount of time if you find you are starting to struggle.

Banks can offer anywhere between £1,000 to £3,000 in the form of an overdraft so check out the terms and conditions with the banks and see how long you have to pay the overdraft back. With a bigger overdraft between £2,000 and £3,000 there is an increased likelihood that the overdraft will no longer be interest free; some banks will be introducing an 8.9% interest pa at that point, so it is important to familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions.

If you don’t necessarily need the biggest overdraft, perhaps because you aren’t moving away from home, then consider taking out a smaller overdraft to begin with and increasing it if you struggle; there’s no reason to tempt yourself with vast cash reserves, as it is not free money and you will have to pay it back at some point.

Paying back your overdraft

Eventually you will have to pay it back. This is usually two or three years after graduating and if you fail to do so in this time period then you will unfortunately be subject to extra charges and fees. With this in mind, it is wise to treat overdraft as a last resort option as much as possible whilst you study. Certainly try to avoid the trap of treating your overdraft limit as your new zero!

Credit scoring

When you apply for a bank account with an overdraft you will be credit-scored. This is because you are technically applying for a debt product. If you don’t pass a credit score then it is possible for a bank to deny your application for a student bank account. If you already have a student bank account from your undergraduate studies that are you planning to continue using then you should be okay and not need another check.

Student extras

Banks love enticing students to take out accounts with them, so they often offer students extras. As a student it is important to pick the best account for you and not necessarily just pick an account for the offers. One of the most appealing freebies you will find on offer will be a student railcard which will entitle you to 30% travel. Free railcards are an example of the best type of rewards on offer to students from banks, practical rewards that could really save you some money. Some accounts offer free music downloads as a prompt to get you to take an account out with them. When it comes to choosing a freebie which suits you, make sure you think about it. If you know you’re going to be travelling back and forth frequently from home to university then maybe a railcard would be more appropriate than a free music download. Stay moneywise with your decisions.

Other additional benefits can be found with some banks. These are not necessarily freebies but could save you money depending on your circumstances. Some banks offer discounts on insurance policies. If you have Student Possessions Insurance then you could get 10% off that or if you plan to travel, you could receive 10% off Student Travel Insurance. Again it is best to shop around and see what the banks have to offer and make a decision which best suits your needs.

There are lots of things to consider when picking a postgraduate student account and selecting your bank. Don’t just take the advice of a friend who has taken an account out previously; they haven’t taken one out with every bank so that advice will be biased. Check out which bank offers you the best deal. Who offers you the biggest interest free overdraft? Who will provide you with decent freebies alongside that overdraft? And more importantly who will allow you to make changes if you need to, for example extending your overdraft if you’re struggling. Make a wise decision now and along with careful budgeting you may not have to fear the financial side of university quite as much.

Consider all the big banks as they will be fighting for the attention of students as they bring in so much custom, especially if you slip up and go over your overdraft. Be smart and make educated decisions; if you have to have a meeting with advisors in 5 different banks before you make up your mind then do just that. The account you choose needs to be the right account for you and your needs.

There are over one hundred universities in the UK, each one of them different – unique in their own way. Some are better for certain subjects than others, whilst some may place a higher emphasis on research over teaching. Categorising these wildly different institutions is something that we as humans like to do; categorisation allows us to group things so we can easily recognise, differentiate and understand them. There are several ways we categorise universities in the UK, by age, by subject area, and by research undertaken are the most popular ways, but universities are often part of groups, which can also act as a way of categorising them. The Russell Group is one such group.

What is the Russell Group?

There is a certain buzz around universities who are part of the Russell Group. Similar to the Ivy League universities in the USA, institutions that are part of the Russell Group have a reputation that precedes them. The group, which was set up in 1994 and named after the hotel where the universities met, represents some of the biggest names in higher education. The group places emphasis on the importance of research, so understandably the members are generally all research powerhouses, producing some of the most well-regarded and most influential papers year after year.

The group represents 24 UK universities who are committed to maintaining excellent research, whilst providing outstanding teaching and learning experiences for their students who, together with the institutions, contribute to the economic and cultural life of the UK, attracting the best academics and students from around the world. The universities also attract investments from research intensive businesses, which may otherwise be spent elsewhere.

Which Universities are part of the Russell Group?

Russell Group universities are spread across the United Kingdom and operate globally through different campuses and outreach programs. The following universities are part of the Russell Group:

• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• University of Cambridge
• Cardiff University
• Durham University
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Exeter
• University of Glasgow
• Imperial College London
• King’s College London
• University of Leeds
• University of Liverpool
• London School of Economics & Political Science
• University of Manchester
• Newcastle University
• University of Nottingham
• University of Oxford
• Queen Mary, University of London
• Queen’s University Belfast
• University of Sheffield
• University of Southampton
• University College London
• University of Warwick
• University of York

Durham, Exeter, Queen Mary and York are members of the Russell Group that joined recently.

Are Russell Group Universities Better?

The Russell Group is an association of UK universities who place a high-degree of emphasis on research. Simply being a member of the Russell Group doesn’t make a university ‘better’. Likewise, if a university isn’t part of the Russell Group, it doesn’t mean that they are by default, inferior. It is worth noting though, that because of their research focus and pedigree that the Russell Group universities get a greater proportion of the research grants awarded in the UK, so postgraduate research opportunities will be more numerous at these institutions.

The Russell Group brand is often used as part of a university’s marketing strategy, as many feel that membership adds value to the institutions courses. Other factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a university, such as job prospects and the university rankings. At postgraduate level, a greater emphasis is placed on faculties and schools, rather than the institution itself. For this reason, it is worth attending the open days for universities or going to a postgraduate fair to find out more about what to expect and to get a better understanding of a particular postgrad course.

Russell Group Universities Rankings

You can search through thousands of postgraduate courses using the intuitive search tool at the top of this page and then select the universities with courses that best suit you.

If you’re hoping to go to university in 2017, you’re probably a little bit excited by now. With just twelve months to go, there is a lot to look forward to. But you’ve possibly also heard of something called UCAS points which is taking the edge off things slightly.

Maybe your friends have told you that they’ve been collecting lots of UCAS points. Everyone seems to know what UCAS points are, but you’re feeling left in the dark.

Just What Are UCAS Points And Why Do I Need To Care About Them?

The UCAS tariff was developed a number of years ago to compare post-high school qualifications used for getting into university.

Each grade you get at college is converted into a numerical score, and the sum of all your grades is calculated until it gives you a total score (your total UCAS points). If your score meets the magic number that your university is looking for, you’ve got a fab chance of getting in.

The system is designed so that you have a bit more flexibility when working towards your application. You might, for example, score worse in an area you were expecting to do much better in, while scoring surprisingly well elsewhere. The UCAS points system helps to average everything out so that you have a better shot of getting into your dream uni.

It’s important to note that not all universities rely on the UCAS tariff, so you need to check with each institution before applying. Other universities, however, make offers using just tariff points, thereby making zero references to grades or qualifications.

But Wait – There Is A New UCAS Points System For 2017

UCAS will implement a new points system from 2017 onwards. This means that if you’re preparing to apply for uni soon, your points will be affected if you aim to start studying in September 2017.

While the new system doesn’t change much and will hardly alter your preparation, the main change that you need to be aware of is that AS levels are worth 40% of an A Level, as opposed to the previous 50%. This change was made on the advice of UK qualification regulators, who claimed that the unreformed and reformed AS falls short of the A level standard.

The change shouldn’t impact your decision making regarding which university to study at, or how you apply. Entry requirements will essentially remain the same, and universities will continue to decide how they set their own entry requirements. They will use the new number system to set their requirements.

Why Was The Tariff Changed?

The UCAS tariff was reviewed in 2012, after which it was found to be problematic. The points system is based on a math model and is a broad metric of grading structure and qualifications type.

The main aim of the tariff is to provide all units with a usable metric for HESA data returns and information purposes, and UCAS say that everything has been tightened up so that you have an even better chance of getting into university.

Is There Anything Else I Need To Know?

The new system uses a finite grading scale, which means there will be some qualification grades which get you the same score. For example, Pre-U D2 and D1 will get the same points.

It’s also worth mentioning that some BTECs won’t have a D* grade, which UCAS points count only for the highest level of qualification. For example, you can’t combine the A2 and AS score for the same subject.

Below is a table that shows how A-Level grades will be converted into UCAS points for those of you who want to start a degree course in 2017.

The best thing to do right now, though, is to not worry too much about calculating your UCAS points, but to instead continue working hard so that getting into university is a formality.

If you have any questions you’d like to ask about the new tariff, feel free to contact us today.

Results day can be times of great joy for some, but if you’re left without a university it’s easy to feel disappointed, stressed and unsure about your future.

Clearing is the avenue many students who didn’t get the results they wanted go down. Clearing matches you to a university which still has a course vacancy, and it’s also an option for students who have left it slightly late to apply for university. You can find out more about clearing with our guide to clearing.

But clearing certainly isn’t your only option if results day didn’t go as planned. Let’s take a look at some of your alternatives.

Options To Consider If You Still Want To Go To Uni

Ask For An A Level Remark

We don’t always get the results we wanted, and sometimes the result is way off what we expected. In the event of the latter, you could request that your A Level exams are remarked.

Requesting a remark might mean that the university you received a conditional offer from holds your place. They aren’t obliged to, but it’s generally considered good practice for them to do so.

If for whatever reason they can’t or won’t hold your place, they might offer you a deferred place as an alternative.

To request a remark, speak to your teacher as quickly as possible. The deadline for asking for a remark in 2016 is 20th September.

Speak To The University

Without meeting the criteria, it’s unlikely that you will be offered the course you applied for*. But it’s still worth your time speaking to the university to find out if there are other options that you can explore.

For example, there might be a foundation year you could take, or perhaps an entry level course. Both these types of courses will provide you with a backdoor route onto your preferred degree.

* While it’s unlikely that you will be offered the course you applied to, it’s not a done deal. If lots of students didn’t get the grades, the university may still consider you if you just missed the magic number.

Options To Consider If You Decide Not To Pursue A Degree

Clearing is always the first thing that pops into a student’s head if they didn’t get the grades they wanted or expected. After letting the dust settle for a few days, you might decide that, actually, uni is not what you want to do just yet anyway. Here are a few alternatives to a degree:

Gap Year

Maybe you need a year out from education in order to freshen up your mind and make a clearer decision a few months down the line. If so, a gap year could be the perfect option.

During your gap year you could work at a part-time or even a full-time job, volunteer, or go travelling.

You could also use this time to re-sit your exams, or generally acquire more knowledge on any subject you wish to pursue at a higher level.

Whatever you do, it’s a good idea to use these months wisely.

Go Into Work

If you’re tired of living off hand-outs from your parents and want some money in your pocket, getting a job makes a lot of sense.

You’ll benefit from getting ahead of your peers who are heading to your university by putting your first foot on the career ladder, and it might even pave the way for an exciting and industrious career for you.

Take An Apprenticeship

University isn’t the only way to break into a solid career. If your career of choice involves technical skills, you might want to consider a vocational course instead.

The best thing about an apprenticeship is that you get to earn while you learn. You also make yourself an attractive proposition to employers who prefer experience over degrees.

Take A Traineeship

A traineeship is something you do before moving onto an apprenticeship. If you feel that you’re not quite at that level yet, a trainee-ship might be your best bet.

Whatever you decide to do, it’s always a good idea to discuss your options with your family. Good luck!

Staying at the same University you completed your undergraduate studies at often seems like the best plan; you may already know the lecturers and have built up good relationships within the University. You’ve finally learnt how the e-learning systems and libraries work and you may already be living nearby too. Many undergraduate students continue on to a postgraduate course immediately after graduating and so it seems only natural to stay at the same institution, especially if carrying on within a similar subject area. It’s important to remember though that there are other options to consider.

Ease and simplicity shouldn’t be high on your priority list when searching for and applying for postgraduate courses. You should focus on what course is best for you, then which University you would be best suited to. Sometimes this can in fact be the institution you completed your undergraduate course at, but sometimes it won’t be. If it isn’t, you shouldn’t let that put you off. Spend some time researching the Universities available to you and draw up a shortlist of your preferred choices. If you have the time, go and visit the Universities, speak to the lecturers and tutors, explore the nearby cities and countryside and generally build up knowledge of the area. It won’t feel like home straight away, but the more time you spend there, the easier it becomes to see it as a place to spend the next few years studying at.

If visiting the University isn’t possible, do some extensive research on your preferred places. There are forums bursting with opinion on all the Universities in the UK, offering insider information about what it is really like to study a postgraduate degree there. Facebook and Twitter are also worth exploring to find out about what goes on inside the institutions and what it’s like to live nearby. A really great way to discover the universities though is through YouTube. Universities often post video tours on YouTube in the hope of enticing prospective students, but the best videos, are the ones which are most revealing and true to life. These are normally posted by students, past and present and can show a side of the University only normally accessible to those studying there.

Of course all of this research and time spent travelling between possible Universities can seem off putting, this is why so many postgraduates study at their undergraduate establishment or one they have knowledge of already. It needn’t be daunting however; a couple of hours surfing the web and a day trip may be all it takes to get a feel for a University. If after spending some time looking at the various Universities available to you, you still decide to stay where are then the time hasn’t been wasted as you’ll be more certain you’ve made the decision for the right reasons.

You have put in the hours of research, thinking and writing, and now the final deadline is looming ever closer. Two months ago you thought you had plenty of time left, but time has swept by and two months may as well have been two days ago. The natural reaction to this is to start to panic, to get stressed. After all, what you’ve been working on is about to be assessed, and your ability quantified. It’s pressure, pressure, pressure. Whether it’s your viva deadline, thesis submission for a PhD, or exams and coursework for your masters, this article has got some actionable advice for dealing with the stresses you may encounter during your postgraduate degree.

Stress is not entirely bad though. It can be harnessed as a great motivator if you have been procrastinating too long, finding other menial things to do, or just simply putting off the task in hand. However, it is when stress starts to seep out of the academic part of your life and begins to deeply affect other areas that you need to get a grip on the situation. Here are five tips to help you deal with the stress of the impending deadline day.

Recognition

Realising that you are suffering from stress is the first step. You can’t deal with a problem if you don’t know you have one. Serious stress that borders on depression does have a number of symptoms, including:

• Difficulty getting to sleep or difficulty waking up in the morning
• Constant tiredness
• Forgetfulness
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Poor appetite
• Loss of interest in activities
• Increased anxiety and irritability
• Increased heart rate
• Migraines/headaches
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness

Recognising that you are stressed in the first place can help to stave off these kinds of symptoms. That can be easier said than done as, unfortunately, that kind of knowledge mostly comes from hindsight. If you do recognise that you are suffering from stress, don’t live with it yourself. You should discuss your issues with someone you trust – this could be a partner, family member, coursemate, housemate or even your tutor/mentor at the university; sometimes just talking about your issues will relieve you of a lot of the stress, and where a simple conversation doesn’t fix things, at least there will be somebody who is understanding of your situation, and may be able to offer advice and support.

Diet

There is so much truth in the now clichéd maxim, ‘You are what you eat’. While working on mentally draining coursework do not be tempted to snack excessively on junk foods. Your body needs energy to operate, including your brain. The better quality and more nutritious the food, the better you function. Cut down on fatty, sugary, and salty foods. Whilst it’s tempting to head down to the nearest chippy or grab a bag of crisps because you’re running out of time, you’re actually doing yourself more harm than good. Instead, opt for fruit, vegetables, whole grain wheat, and lean protein. If your energy starts to lag, don’t reach for the pot of coffee, instead have a banana and a glass of water, both of which will stimulate your brain. And whilst we are on the subject of ‘brain food’, remember when your mum told you fish was food for the brain? She wasn’t lying. Oily fish is high in essential fatty acids such as omega 6, which boosts your brains productivity. Omega 6 can also be found in eggs, nuts and seeds. The effect of a good diet will reflect in your mood and productivity.

Read our food tips

Exercise

Exercise is another great way of both preventing and dealing with stress. When you start exercising, the body moves up a gear and will be pumping blood around your body. This in itself has a further stimulating effect. In the longer term, and in combination with a good diet, your body will be in a better condition. You will lose weight and gain self-esteem and consequently will be in a better position to deal with stress when deadline day looms.

Whilst you may be tempted to join the university gym, especially if it’s on campus and only just round the corner from your supervisors office or the library, you don’t need to. Save money and use your initiative; run up and down the stairs, running round the block or even doing some housework are free ways of exercising. They are all also far more convenient than going to the campus gym.

As your time gets more pressurised as you get closer to deadline day, you may be tempted to skip exercising but again, like skimping on the food, it is a mistake. If you create good organisational habits early, then you can easily create a balance of work, exercise and also time for relaxation.

Plan

Plan and organise your time well by following these four quick steps.

• Know what you have to do
• Estimate how long it will take (and be over generous)
• Know how long you have to do it in
• Know if there is anything non-coursework that you have to do, and factor in how much that will disturb your time.

Part of good planning and organisation is being able to sort out your priorities. Some people like to make timetables and schedules that include lectures, meetings, deadlines and revision periods. This can be a good idea, but don’t spend hours and hours making a schedule when you could actually be working. Be realistic with your time. If you realise that you have too much work and not enough time, then making a list of priorities can help you to focus your attention where it is needed most. It may also be helpful to speak to your tutors as they will be able to guide you on the areas of most importance and the likely trouble spots in the course so you can plan to accommodate them.

Postgraduate research programmes are often flexible, so even if you haven’t planned you can sometimes afford to miss a day in the week and go into the lab at a weekend. Of course, this isn’t necessarily a good route to take the week before deadline day, but if you plan for this ahead of time, you will be able to cope far better with unexpected meetings, alterations to your daily schedule, or even personal events such as birthdays or holidays.

Sleep

The benefits of a good night’s sleep cannot be overstated. It is during sleep that the brain ‘processes’ all that has gone on during the day. It is its chance to rest and heal itself. It is recommended that you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. With a good night’s sleep you will wake up refreshed and ready to work again. Postgraduate students are notorious for skimping on sleep, but in our experience, it’s the best remedy for the stress that you may run into when studying a masters or PhD programme.

If, in the end, stress becomes all too much, then seek some friendly medical advice. There are many people from whom you can get support and advice from within the University so never assume that you are on your own.

Get more postgraduate advice

If you want to be a teacher and you’ve already studied a specific subject at university you’re probably now looking to find yourself a PGCE course, or maybe you’re already carrying out your studies in the area of teaching. If this sounds like you then it’s important that you know about the QTS skills test and what to expect from it or what is expected of you to pass.

Firstly, if you hadn’t guessed already, QTS stands for qualified teacher status. To qualify for the appropriate training which will allow you to gain your QTS award you must pass the skills test to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the position on the course. If you began your training before 1 July 2013 you will be required to pass the test before receiving your award but the test can be taken at any time during your studies.

If you are applying for an initial teachers training course then applicants for the ‘14/15 academic year can book their skills test now.

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The test

The QTS test covers the main subjects which are an essential part of a teacher’s skill set. The two subjects you will be tested on as a potential future student teacher are literacy and numeracy, which as a teacher you are expected to have the basic knowledge of. In the past students have also been known to take an ICT test, although this has recently been removed.

In 2012 the pass mark for the QTS test was raised from 60% to 63%, ensuring that future teachers had slightly higher results than those in previous years.

What does it test?

The numeracy test is broken into 2 sections, mental arithmetic and written questions. The mental arithmetic test is simply as the title suggests an audio test without a calculator which is delivered through headphones. The written sections can vary from multiple choices to multiple response questions. This test takes 45 minutes with specific time limits given in which questions should be answered for the mental arithmetic section.

The literacy test allows you to demonstrate a high level of ability in literacy relating to school work. The test is based on punctuation, comprehension and spelling. This test last no longer than 48 minutes. Literacy skills are hugely important to teachers in all departments and subject areas because it is important for students in all areas to obtain basic literacy skills.

You are not expected to answer questions related to the English National Curriculum as part of the test. The tests will concern the subjects necessary for all teachers in all areas of study.

Where can you take it?

The tests are both computer-based and must be booked after registering with the Teaching Agency. The tests can be taken at any Pearson Vue test centres around the UK. It is important to ensure you look at booking as early as possible because spaces for the tests are limited and as the training year progresses you may find it more difficult to find a course with free spaces, especially if lots of potential students have left it until the last minute.

Booking a test

The process of booking your test will differ depending on whether you are about to apply for your ITT (Initial Teacher Training) or whether you have already begun your studies (as mentioned above). If you started your studies before 1 July 2013 you must simply book your test, practice and pass. If you are applying for your ITT it is now essential that you book your skills test before submitting your ITT application. You should also be sitting your skills test before attending your ITT interview.

All tests are booked after registering with the Teaching Agency, through the online system co-ordinated by Pearson Vue. As previously mentioned ensure you book at a reasonable time and relatively in advance to avoid disappointment due to limited spaces.

Be prepared

Although the tests cover your knowledge of areas you think are basic everyday skills, it is important to prepare yourselves for the test well in advance. It is important to ensure you pass the exam as it will put you in good stead for your teaching training course. The Department of Education does provide guidance and support materials which have been specifically developed to help candidates pass the test, ensure you check these materials out when you book your test. There are practice tests available to students who are keen to prepare before sitting their QTS test. There are a plethora of books available online and through your university library which all offer useful advice too.

The TES website also has some helpful resources to help you through the test.

Fees

Your first attempt at each of the tests is free but unfortunately if you fail your first attempt at either test you can expect to pay a re-sit fee for your second attempt. You will also only be allowed a maximum limit of 2 resits per subject test that you fail.

As a prospective student teacher looking to carry out your ITT or PGCE it is important you register and book for your QTS skills tests. It is also vital you prepare yourself appropriately and do your best to pass both tests on the first sitting to save yourself money, especially considering as a student you’ll be spending enough money without adding extra fees on top.

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