Books to help you choose at www.ucasbooks.com

Step 1: Choosing courses

Too many institutions and courses to choose from? Wondering how you're going to fund your course? Worried about filling in the application?

UCAS has brought together the best books to help you through the process of researching courses, applying and preparing for your course. Below is a sample of our titles, beginning with our own Progression Series.

Be one step ahead of the competition with the Progression Series

Progression guides

The Progression Series 2010 has been produced by UCAS to help applicants considering courses and careers in some of the most competitive subject areas. With advice and information from UCAS and careers experts, the series helps give you a head start when applying to these competitive subject areas.

The Progression Series uses the most up-to-date information and data available. Each title includes:

  • an introduction to the subject area
  • careers options
  • job profiles
  • advice on which area to study
  • what entry routes are available
  • entry requirements
  • study tips
  • how to apply
  • case studies from students and professionals
  • graduate destinations.

Special offer: buy the entire series for a special discount.

Click here to find out more about the Progression Series and read extracts from the books

Choosing Your Degree Course & University

Choosing Your Degree Course & University front cover

An ideal resource for those who are unsure as to what or where they want to study.

This guide offers expert guidance on the questions that you need to ask when considering the opportunities available, for example, what type of degree should I choose? What are my career aspirations? How can I determine the teaching quality of the course? Equipped with the answers to these questions, you can begin the process of deciding upon courses and universities.

Price: £22.99   Available now

Order Choosing Your Degree Course & University from the UCAS bookstore


Insider's Guide to Applying to University

Insider's Guide to Applying to University front cover

Full of honest insights, this book takes you all the way through the university application process, providing all the information you will need to gain your place at university. It guides you through the trickiest bits of the UCAS application, and reveals top tips on creating a personal statement. The book also includes vital information such as tips and advice from careers advisers and current students, guidance on making sense of all the university information and choosing a course, tips for a successful interview, information on admissions tests and advice on using UCAS Extra and the Clearing process.

Price: £12.99   Available now

Order Insider's Guide to Applying to University from the UCAS bookstore


Times Good University Guide 2010

Times Good University Guide 2010 front cover

How do you find the best university for the subject you wish to study? You need a guide that evaluates the quality of what is available, giving facts, figures and comparative assessments of universities. The rankings provide hard data, analysed, interpreted and presented by a team of experts. There are two pages of information on each university.

Price: £16.99   Available now

Order Times Good University Guide 2010 from the UCAS bookstore


Personal Statements

Personal Statements front cover

In an increasingly competitive world, the personal statement gives you a chance to impress. Now in its third edition, this essential book has guided thousands of students towards outstanding, highly individual personal statements - and acceptance by their first choice university. This definitive guide continues to be used by top schools, colleges and careers departments for its ability to give you the knowledge, initiative and skills required to achieve an individual UCAS statement of excellence.

Price: £14.99   Available now

Order Personal Statements from the UCAS bookstore


Student Finance

Student Finance front cover

Your guide to loans, bursaries, grants, tuition fees and preparing your own budget. Find out exactly how much university will cost you and how you can fund your studies. Understand how tuition fees differ within England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Get a realistic picture of all your likely outgoings - accommodation, food, travel, study costs, insurance and socialising - and work out a budget you can keep to.

Price: £7.99   Available now

Order Student Finance from the UCAS bookstore


Find our other publications here: www.ucasbooks.com

Progression Series

Art and Design

Progression to Art and Design front cover

This diverse subject area is more popular than ever and therefore harder to get placed on the course of your choice. This guide demystifies the vast array of options available and will ensure you are prepared when applying.

For example, do you know what sort of questions may be asked in an interview for an art or design course? It won't be as simple as "Why do you want to study art?"

Preview an extract from this book (PDF)

Buy Progression to Art and Design for £15.99


Economics, Finance and Accountancy

Progression to Economics, Finance and Accountancy front cover

Demand for advice in these subjects has never been higher. With so many possible careers available to graduates, this book aims to focus the choices of applicants and demonstrate the diversity of the subject area.

For example, did you know that professionals in the finance sector can be some of the most influential and are heavily relied upon by the world's largest and most successful companies?

Preview an extract from this book (PDF)

Buy Progression to Economics, Finance and Accountancy for £15.99


Engineering and Mathematics

Progression to Engineering and Mathematics front cover

These huge and varied subject areas are increasingly popular and are often undertaken without sufficient knowledge of the many options available within. This book will help those interested to understand the many elements that make up these subjects and clarify their options.

For example, did you know that engineers can be required to be as creative as artists or designers?

Preview an extract from this book (PDF)

Buy Progression to Engineering and Mathematics for £15.99


Health and Social Care

Progression to Health and Social Care front cover

Incorporating everything from nutrition to reflexology and from nursing to speech science, this diverse field attracts an increasing number of applicants. The wide range on offer makes it all the more important that the UCAS application displays a commitment to the chosen course.

For example, how would you persuade a university that you will excel in their radiography course?

Preview an extract from this book (PDF)

Buy Progression to Health and Social Care for £15.99


Law

Progression to Law front cover

Law is one of the most popular subjects and continues to increase in applicant numbers. Preparation and knowledge are key to accessing these sought after courses.

For example, could you explain at interview why you are particularly interested in any one of over 13 main areas of law?

Preview an extract from this book (PDF)

Buy Progression to Law for £15.99


Media and Performing Arts

Progression to Media and Performing Arts front cover

The creative industries sector is currently undergoing a new 'golden age', enjoying increased government spending and becoming one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy. More people studying media and performing arts means the courses are more competitive than ever and you need to be well prepared when applying.

For example, did you know that 50% of graduates in this area do not find a job related to their degree within the first year after graduation?

Preview an extract from this book (PDF)

Buy Progression to Media and Performing Arts for £15.99


Medicine, Dentistry and Optometry

Progression to Medicine, Dentistry and Optometry front cover

This is the most competitive subject area with up to 10 applicants per place on average. Your application will need to shine to help you secure your place on these courses.

For example, did you know that applicants for medical courses may face an admissions test and an interview to help the course provider find the right student from potentially thousands of applicants?

Preview an extract from this book (PDF)

Buy Progression to Medicine, Dentistry and Optometry for £15.99


Psychology

Progression to Psychology front cover

Psychology is a hugely popular and varied subject. This may be why it attracts over 80,000 applicants; that's six for each available place. With such high levels of competition, applicants need to be able to display commitment and knowledge in order to be selected.

For example, you may need to demonstrate a wide range of abilities; from analytical and scientific skills, to excellent communication and people skills.

Preview an extract from this book (PDF)

Buy Progression to Psychology for £15.99


Sports Science and Physiotherapy New title

Progression to Sports Science and Physiotherapy front cover

Sport and related areas are some of the most popular with students. With the build-up to London 2012 well underway, there is more focus, interest and investment in these areas than ever before. You will need to stand out from the crowd to get your chosen place and this book can help.

Both sport and physiotherapy are in the top 15 keyword searches on the UCAS Course Search and demand is expected to rise. This book covers everything from coaching to biomechanics and will help you to find the right option for you.

Preview an extract from this book (PDF)

Buy Progression to Sports Science and Physiotherapy for £15.99


Teaching and Education

Progression to Teaching and Education front cover

Containing both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, this guide is for anyone making their first venture into a teaching qualification. Formerly the popular Initial Teacher Training Handbook, the book has been expanded and improved to be part of the Progression Series.

Teaching is a profession increasingly in the public eye and an increasingly popular choice for students. For example, did you know that primary education is in the top ten course searches on the UCAS website?

Preview an extract from this book (PDF)

Buy Progression to Teaching and Education for £15.99