If you’re at school in Scotland, and in S3 or S4, you might be thinking about choosing your Highers. You normally need to study towards four or five Highers in S5 – and may then go on to take Advanced Highers in S6. Scottish Higher qualifications (known as Highers) are subject-based qualifications. After taking Highers, you can go on to university, further study, training, or work. You can study for your Highers over one to two years, and will usually…
If you want to do a degree in medicine, ophthalmic dispensing or optometry, and you have been offered a place, make sure that you apply for student finance too. New students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan - for your fees - and a Maintenance Loan - for your living costs. https://youtu.be/I-ohAdv5CiY Here are some useful links for students in England: Find out what type of funding is available and if you can get any extra help Get an…
In Northern Ireland, students can apply for: Help with tuition fee costs Help with the costs of living Some students in various circumstances, such as students with a disability or long-term health condition, can et additional funding, or to help pay additional costs for childcare. Visit Student Finance NI to explore what might be available to you and apply. In Scotland, the Student Awards Agency Scotland is responsible for student finance. If you live in Scotland and you are going…
If you are coming up to the time when you need to choose your GCSEs, you can feel under pressure. Don't panic: intsead, read on for some tips to help you. When choosing your subjects, you could pick subjects you are good at or those you enjoy. You might want to do subjects your friends are doing, or ones where you like the teacher. These are all good reasons to pick a subject, but they are not the only things…
Have you applied to uni to study courses like dispensing optics, medicine or optometry? For some people, going to uni is as much about the life experience as it is about the course – so you want to get your choice of where you live right. There are a number of options open to you: Live at home and study a full-time degree at a local uni. With the rising cost of living, staying at home can seem like the…
Are you ready to choose your subjects for sixth form? Whether you are staying at school or moving to a sixth form college there are lots of options open to you. It can seem overwhelming – but don’t panic - here are tips to help you. First, you might want to think about the sort of job you would like to do. Look on a careers website like Careers in Eyecare and explore careers you might like and what you…
Virtual event, Monday 5 Feb 1pm–2pm Register here Join this webinar on the first day of National Apprenticeship Week to hear from disabled apprentices, and those with learning differences, sharing what works when it comes to supporting people with additional needs. Rabia Lemahieu of Disability Rights UK explains how employers can embrace diversity.
National Apprenticeship Week in February highlighted that there's never been a better time to think about combining working and learning. You can get hands-on experience while studying for a recognised qualification – and earning a salary. There are a range of opportunities in eyecare including apprenticeships for optical assistants for spectacle makers (lab technicians) in customer service in business Eyecare apprentices work in every size of business, from independent local opticians to nationwide or international firms such as Specsavers or…
If you are wondering where studying science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) could take you, turn to the the Eye Opening Careers podcast for inspiration. Hosts Gemma Drake, an early careers specialist, and optics educator Nas Hinglotwala are passionate about helping young people succeed. They talk to students, employers and university tutors about careers in science, exploring how Gen Z are navigating their post-16 studies. In the latest episode, second year pharmacy students Abigail Wattleworth and Uns Khatib discuss their…
It can be hard to decide where you fit in the world of work and where your skills apply. But there are ways to find a fulfilling career. This advice applies to everyone from school leavers to students and career changers. Identify your interests and talents Think about what you like and what you are good at – and what challenges you enjoy. Are your skills and knowledge a good fit for a particular field? Ask yourself what transferable skills you…