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Why go to university?

Going to university calls for some big decisions. There are many good reasons to apply, here are just a few to think about:

better job prospects and more choice
many jobs require a degree
possible increased earning potential of 43%
a great way to develop a range of valuable skills
work placements - to get real life experience
the opportunity to study abroad
the chance to pursue interests
a good time!
everything on the doorstep
plenty of support
new experiences

Better job prospects and more choice

Graduates are 50% more likely to get a job, and not just any old job. Those with higher education qualifications can get better jobs with better salaries from a wider selection of options. Many employers also expect high levels of education from their staff, so many non-graduates can only progress so far in their career, even if they do their job well.

Recent figures show that more than 93% of Brookes graduates are employed or continuing with their studies within six months of graduating, this is higher than the national average.

Many jobs require a degree

To able to work in some professions (architecture, law, teaching, accountancy, engineering, nursing) a relevant degree is required.

Possible increased earning potential of 43%

Graduates with higher education qualifications, on average, earn 43% more than those without. Average earnings (per hour) with the following qualifications:

Degree: | £14.97
A-levels: | £10.50
GCSEs | £9.41

(Department for Education and Skills, 2005)

And up to 59% more over a lifetime (OECD, 2004)

A great way to develop a range of valuable skills

Going to university will help students learn valuable skills that will look great on their CV and be attractive to employers, including IT, teamwork, problem-solving, proven readiness to work hard, time management, communication and presentation skills.

Work placements - to get real life experience

At Oxford Brookes as part of many courses, students can take part in paid work placements. These will give them the opportunity to gain valuable industry-based experience. Find out where some of our students have completed their recent work placements.

The opportunity to study abroad

Brookes offers its students the chance to participate in exchange programmes, our students can spend a semester studying abroad as part of our Socrates programme.

The chance to pursue interests

It’s not just about earning more money. There are thousands of higher education courses for every interest and at Oxford Brookes there are over 135 undergraduate courses to choose from.

A good time!

One of the best things about university is the chance to have a good time. Socialising plays a big part and there are loads of ways to have fun. Students meet people from all over the world and make loads of new friends. Oxford Brookes has a very active sports and social scenes with countless clubs and societies to join. In the first few weeks of term the Students' Union at Brookes lays on all sorts of events like Freshers’ Week parties and club meetings.

Everything on the doorstep

Oxford Brookes offers student accommodation, gyms, saunas, sports pitches, banks, medical and dental practices, bars, night clubs, cafés, shops, restaurants and much more, all based on campus.

Plenty of support

We recognise that our students are independent adults but we also realise that sometimes they need our help and support. Brookes provides students with all types of support, including: advice centres, counselling, accommodation advice, disability support, chaplaincy, financial aid and debt management advice, job shops and careers centres.

New experiences

University provides a great opportunity to broaden horizons and try out new interests. Whatever route they choose, students will gain confidence, knowledge and independence, and some friends and experiences that they'll never forget.

Related links
Undergraduate Prospectus
Choose Brookes
Student Satisfaction Survey
Open days
Brookes Family
Family Programme
Mature students

Did you know?
Oxford Brookes is very conscious of the problems that a 'car culture' creates, which is why we initiated a car-share scheme. Four hospitals, the City and County Councils and the University of Oxford have now signed up to the scheme, which has over 300 members.

Family and friends
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Why go to university?
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