North-east pupils considering higher education will have an opportunity to hear from some of the UK’s most prestigious universities this week – on their own doorstep.
The University of Aberdeen will host the Grampian Higher Education Convention on Thursday September 17 and Friday September 18.
Organised by University and Skills Development Scotland, in association with UCAS, it is the biggest event of its kind to be held in the region.
More than 40 top universities from Scotland, England and Wales, including the University of Aberdeen, will be represented.
Every secondary school in Grampian has been invited to the event – designed to provide those considering higher education with essential background information and crucial advice.
An evening session will also provide an opportunity for parents, carers and mature students to attend.
Details about courses, accommodation and funding will be on offer and a team of careers advisers from Skills Development Scotland will be on hand to provide impartial and professional career information, advice and support.
Around 2,000 people attended in 2008 and a similar number of visitors are expected at this year’s event, to be held at Elphinstone Hall on the University’s King’s College Campus.
Among the institutions represented at the convention will be a consortium of London universities, a consortium of Welsh universities, Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh and St Andrew’s universities.
The Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy will also have stands at the event, as will the Professional Engineering and Technology Group, the Scottish Agricultural College and the SAE (School of Audio Engineering) Institute.
Rachel Sandison, Head of Student Recruitment and Admissions, University of Aberdeen, said: “The Grampian Higher Education Convention is an ideal opportunity for anyone considering higher education to gain the vital information and advice they require.
“It will bring together under one roof representatives from a range of highly regarded institutions and experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide guidance.
“Taking the step into higher education can seem like a daunting experience with a multitude of decisions and an array of choices facing new students.
“By providing up-to-date information on everything from courses, to accommodation, to funding we hope to ease the process for prospective students enabling them to make an informed decision on their future education.”
Moira Whyte, local Manager with Skills Development Scotland, said: “The Education Convention should not be missed by anyone considering further or higher education. It is a great opportunity to get the facts about a wide range of courses, colleges and universities. Making the right choice involves careful planning and understanding, and this convention brings all the experts together.”
“Further and higher education can mean a significant commitment for the whole family and it’s important that students and their parents have access to the facts before they make any decisions.”
On Thursday September 17, sessions will run from 9.45am to 12noon, 1pm-3pm, and 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
On Friday, September 18 they will be held from 9.45am to 12noon, and 1pm-3pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend.