Make the most of each resource

Digital Resources & Social Media

This section provides numerous recommendations for excellent websites, including blogs, online publications, political and professional organisations, and individuals to follow on social media for high-quality super curricular content. Use this section to initiate your exploration of topics that interest you or to stay updated on recent advancements in your preferred subject.

Select several news outlets, at least one for general current affairs and one that focuses on the news in your specific subject, and check them regularly.
Sign up for a newsletter from a professional organisation that is impactful in your chosen subject area.
Choose a practical project to complete.
Save blogs and information websites to help you to develop your knowledge and get inspiration for further research.
Select relevant content to follow on social media.

MOOCs

In this section, you can find a vast selection of online courses offered by well-known universities and professional organisations. We ensure that the courses listed are both free and have academic value, while also being at an appropriate level for school students. The best part is that we gather our recommendations from over 20 different websites that offer online courses, making it easy for you to find them all in one place.

Set yourself a goal of completing two online courses for the academic year, either developing the same topic or completely different topics.
Do not pay for a digital certificate, they are not required by the universities.
Complete the online course in the time given to avoid paying a subscription.
Complete specific modules of the course rather than the whole course, if you are only interested in specific content.

Books

Reading books can seem like a big time commitment for many students, but we work hard to select the best, most interesting, and relevant books that will be enjoyable to read and will elevate your super curricular profile.

There is no set number of books that you need to read.
Although universities and departments can recommend certain books you are free to choose any relevant books so go with what interests you.
Read chapters rather than the whole book if this is relevant, but be honest about it in your personal statement.
Listen to audiobooks, buy second-hand and make use of your school and local library - books don’t have to be expensive.

Podcasts & Videos

Here, you will find convenient bite-sized activities that can complement your research. If you have a few spare minutes while doing chores or walking to school, you can listen to a podcast. We also offer TED talks, films, lectures, and documentaries that can assist you in exploring your subject matter in the way that suits you best.

Combine social time with watching films and documentaries with your family and friends and have a follow-up discussion.
Use dead time to catch up on your favourite podcast.
Listen to the relevant podcast episodes rather than the whole series.
Supplement your book reading with a lecture or a TED Talk but the same author if available, to build on your understanding.

Events

Here you can discover a variety of university taster lectures and exciting competitions. Most of these events are online, but registering beforehand is still a good idea. When selecting events, it's better to choose them based on the topic rather than the institutions. That way you can experience university-style lectures and academic content. We encourage you to participate in competitions, regardless of whether you win. Remember, it's the participation that counts, so be brave and give it a try!

Set yourself a goal of one online university lecture a term.
Set a goal of one academic competition this year.
If you can’t make the online lecture at a time, check if you can access a recording afterwards
Check for eligibility criteria, as they might vary depending on your circumstances.

Work Experience & Volunteering

If you're eager to gain valuable practical skills and hands-on experience in a specific career field, this section is a treasure trove of ideas on how to accomplish just that. Discover recommendations for both physical and online work experience opportunities, alongside a wealth of exciting volunteering options.

Online work experience is an excellent option recognised by the universities and sometimes offers more learning opportunities than physical work experience. So give it a try.
For degrees where work experience is required such as medicine, a good option is to combine online work experience with customer-facing volunteering.
Set a target to try at least one work experience opportunity this year.
When reflecting on what you have learnt, think of the new skills that you mastered.