Dropped the ball re open days

[MegCleary]

Dd is 16 and doing a levels. Wants to do graphic design and now thinks uni needed.
I am not from uk and don’t understand system well. She now is mentioning open days and we are not able to go due to work etc
I really feel we have let her down not knowing this stuff.
any tips on what to do appreciated.

Most open days are at weekends if that helps at all. There are still lots going on in the next few weeks and more in the autumn so it's definitely not too late to attend.

Are you sure you can't go on any? There will be some in the Autumn and they aren't all on Saturdays. Otherwise, do most of your research online and then maybe visit some cities to get an idea. With graphic design, there will probably be an interview, so she could visit then, if not there will most likely be offer holder days.

Is DD just finishing year 12? If so that's fine. There will be more coming up. Does she know what she would like to do at uni? Does she have any idea of predicted grades? She could start googling to see what unis would offer what grades for her chosen subject.

We the ruled out any that were too far away or hard to get to on public transport.

Make a list of the ones left and look up when they have open days.

You don't have to go to an open day to apply there. We actually started with a couple of nearby open days - a campus and a city uni to give an idea of what DC preferred. They didn't end up applying to either but had a clearer idea.

We've been looking at various university websites and LOTS of them seem to offer virtual tours (online) as well as the in-person Open Days. Don't worry too much if you can't go in person to all the ones dd would be interested in.

Also, some unis seem to offer more than one date for visits / tours - get your dd to have a look.

For graphic design she might need to consider a Foundation year first. No fees, but no grants available either. So if you have local colleges I would look and see if they have any open days in the Autumn. The admissions process is not part of UCAS as you usually apply directly.

All helpful, is graphic design something that defiantly needs degree? We only found one apprenticeship.
Foundation year 😱more to explore😰

@MegCleary Has her school or college talked to her about university applications? Has there been a parents evening about applications? There will be open days in the autumn term but DD needs a shortlist. You cannot go everywhere!

So look at what she might get in terms of A levels and match these up with possible uni courses. You can use a tool on the Complete University Guide to put in A levels and see what courses come up. It’s a good starting point. Then decide how far she’s prepared to travel away from home. Would she like a city or does she like the idea of a campus? Visiting around 3 is fine and she can visit without you via public transport. Or, what we did, is actually visit the city on another occasion. Often someone will see you from the uni if you ask.

Lastly, can you take annual leave or could a friend take her? I would start looking and booking something as soon as possible.

Many young people go to open days on their own too, parents going is a new phenomenon. My parents didn't take me, and my DDs went with their schools mostly

She needs to speak to her tutor at 6th form and ask for a careers meeting.

@MegCleary take a look at these useful and active creative related threads:
Art and Design at university; for past, present, and future students and parents | Mumsnet
Part 2: Continuation of 2023 uni (and other) applications for those pursuing art and creative routes | Mumsnet
For those applying for Graphic Design, Illustration, Vis Com courses - The Student Room

For example:
https://www.salford.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/graphic-design-with-foundation-year
My DD has been thinking about art/design degrees but would do a foundation year at a local college (as it would be cheaper!)

@MegCleary I forgot to mention this thread about Foundation Art Diploma (FAD) courses and explains the difference between FADs, a Foundation Degree (2 years) with a one year top up and integrated foundation year (year 0). Art & Design Foundation Diploma FAQ - The Student Room

Many open days are at weekends or school may arrange visits to local or popular ones. They continue into autumn so maybe book a day off if needs be. Or dc can go alone or with friends. Can they get some work experience or shadowing and find out what courses and career paths are recommended. Art Foundation courses are often available at local colleges rather than unis,

I'm a graphic designer. I went to university (Parsons School of Design in NY). I wouldn't say it's absolutely essential, but to have access to software and make contacts and get a work placement, building up a good portfolio - yes it is probably the best way to go.
While her current school should be able to help with the process, sometimes creative degrees are beyond their experience. Your child should do research on universities and what the requirements are. A standalone Art & Design Foundation year (done at many FE colleges as well as universities like UAL, not to be confused with Year Zero foundation year as part of a degree which you pay for), is free if under 19 when they start. This will allow for exploration of other disciplines initially, then concentrate on their specialty and the college will help with ucas application. As mentioned above you apply directly to the college for Foundation not through UCAS. Some unis strongly recommend an FAD some don't - if your YP is set on graphic design and their portfolio is good enough they could apply for a degree without FAD.
Open days are good to get an idea of the 'vibe', though a lot of preliminary research can be done online - look at YouTube too to get students' perspective. Also as well as open days, year end shows are well worth visiting to see the work the students do. And also once narrowed down google the teachers and see their work - does it appeal? Then the process is like any degree - ranking/reputation, entry requirements, city vs campus, distance from home, graduate prospects etc. I'd definitely ask about what students do after graduating- how many are actually employed in the industry? AI is taking a lot of entry level roles and affecting creative industries maybe even more than others.
Open days are now (probably winding down) and in the Autumn. If doing an FAD, then that's an extra year to look around. Some students go on their own to open days. If they don't make an open day there are often offer holder days. My DD rejected most of the unis she saw at open days and four out of five that she applied to she hadn't been to, so went to offer holder days to make her final decision.

Thanks so much for the replies, have two in place now. Remain on a steep curve re this!!!