A Parent and Supporter’s Guide to University Entry
Help your young person navigate UK university entry with confidence
A Parent and Supporter’s Guide to University Entry is an online short course from the University of Reading aimed at parents, carers and other supporters helping a young person navigate UK university choices and the application process. It frames practical steps across researching options, attending open days, and understanding the student experience so supporters can offer informed, realistic guidance.
The course teaches how to identify key UCAS timelines, plan and evaluate university visits, explain student finance options, and consider alternative pathways if results differ from expectations. Through bite-sized videos, reflective activities and peer discussion it builds practical confidence for advising on personal statements, offers and the transition to student life without replacing personalised admissions counselling.
At a Glance
A Parent and Supporter’s Guide to University Entry is an online course aimed at parents, carers, and other supporters who want practical guidance on the UK university application and transition process.
Developed and taught by the University of Reading, it covers researching options, navigating UCAS timelines and visit days, understanding student finances, and preparing for life as a student.
| Level | Beginner |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 |
| Duration | 2+ weeks |
| Languages | English |
| Certificate | Certificate of Achievement available (upgrade required) |
| Access | Free access to the course for its scheduled run; optional upgrade for extended access and certificate |
| Course includes |
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| Price | Free to join with optional paid upgrade for certificate and extended access |
What This Course Teaches
Framed as measurable competencies, the course equips supporters to identify UCAS timelines, apply strategies for university visits, explain student finance options, and investigate alternative pathways if needed.
Each competency is linked to practical activities and reflection prompts so learners can demonstrate understanding through applied tasks.
How the Course Is Structured
The course is organized across two weeks and six modules, with Week 1 covering researching options and the application process and Week 2 covering university visits, finances, and offers and results.
Overall, learners should expect to complete the full course over a two-week period, working through six concise modules.
Curriculum overview
01 Welcome ▾
Meet the educators and find out what will be covered in the two-week course.
02 Weighing the options ▾
Consider higher-education and alternative pathways while surfacing hopes and concerns for your young person’s future.
03 The application process ▾
Discover how the university application works and review a timeline of key UCAS dates and deadlines.
04 Open Days and visits ▾
Discuss how to encourage and plan effective university open days and visit activities.
05 Finances ▾
Get to grips with the financial aspects of going to university and the support available to students.
06 Offers and results ▾
Explore the range of responses from institutions and options if the expected grades are not achieved.
Audience & Requirements
The course is intended for parents, carers and other supporters who want practical guidance to help a young person navigate UK university entry.
It also suits local-authority staff and teaching professionals seeking focused CPD on the application process and student transition.
- Parents and carers of students preparing for UK university entry.
- Supporters of young people leaving home for the first time.
- Local authority or care-leavers support staff.
- Teaching staff and careers advisers seeking CPD on university applications.
- No special prerequisites.
Final Verdict
Recommended for parents, carers, and frontline education staff who need a concise, practical introduction to UK university entry rather than deep specialist training.
Given the course’s strong platform rating, free entry point with an optional paid certificate for formal recognition, and focused short-course structure, it represents good value for those seeking actionable guidance and confidence to support a young person through UCAS, visits and basic finance decisions.
It is not a substitute for personalised admissions counselling or detailed financial planning; learners requiring intensive, bespoke support should combine this course with targeted professional advice or institution-specific guidance.
