
A school and college guide to how universities can support you with subject specific events
Whether your students are considering their GCSE or Level 3 options - or deciding which university course or higher/degree apprenticeship they might want to consider, universities offer a wide range of subject experiences and events. They may even support you to meet Gatsby Benchmark 4, linking curriculum to careers in the process.
University events can be flexible to suit you and are delivered by experts
Subject experiences are often available to be
tailored to timings and topics to suit your needs
- and can be delivered in school/college or on a
university campus. These could be delivered by
outreach and student recruitment officers, but you
may get the opportunity to work with academic
staff too. They can talk about placements,
research in their field and where their graduates
progress to, providing engaging content that will
inspire and educate your students on subjects
they are considering.
Some universities also have postgraduate
ambassadors or officers who can share their
experience of studying at the university with your
students, through subject workshops and talks.
When restrictions ease - introducing on-campus subject tasters
Evidence suggests that on-campus activity is
more impactful to inspire students to apply to
university*. Where possible, it is great to organise
an on-campus visit for your students to see and
use the facilities, hear from the academics and
meet current student ambassadors who can share
their unique experiences and routes to university.
This gives them the chance to try out student life.
You may also be partnered with a local university
who can offer travel bursaries for coaches,
particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds to higher education. It is always
worth asking for more information on what is
available.
Virtual subject content and online university events
During 2020 and into 2021, there has been a boom of digital events too, for students to access from the comfort of their own homes, including (but not limited to) webinars, subject specific summer schools and challenges for students to gain virtual experience. Many academics and school and college liaison teams are on social media platforms, so students can follow them on Instagram, read blog posts and attend Facebook live events on hot topics in the field they are interested in as well.
Supporting your events
As interactive school and college fairs become
more popular, academics and university staff
are becoming more creative with their university
stands. From demonstrations using portable
equipment to subject-in-a-box style tasks
and mini-sessions which can be delivered
in 10-15-minute rotations, get in touch with
universities to find out what they can offer to
support your events.
*Anthony, A., Edgar, R., 2020, Exploring the relationship
between on-campus outreach and HE entry, HEAT.
Want More Updates & Advice?

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Editorial has been provided by over 35 colleagues at universities and higher education institutions throughout the UK. On topics covering how to support students with their university decisions, university events, widening participation & fair access, UCAS applications (including writing school references) and more. It also includes the key student finance facts from Martin Lewis.
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