The Uni Guide Podcast

What should you study at university? Finding your subjectChoosing what to study at university can feel like one of the biggest decisions you make as a student. With thousands of university courses and subjects available across the UK, how do you work out which degree is right for you, what you're genuinely interested in, and what you might enjoy studying for the next three or more years?In this episode of The Uni Guide Podcast, we explore how to choose a university subject, why curiosity matters when researching degree courses, and how students can look beyond grades, expectations and familiar school subjects to find something they are genuinely “bothered” about.Host Jon Cheek, Founder of UniTasterDays.com, is joined by Hywel Roberts, director, teacher, writer and presenter, who introduces the idea of “botheredness” and explains how it can help students think differently about their university choices and future.Together, they discuss how students can identify the subjects and ideas that genuinely interest them, the importance of curiosity when choosing what to study at university, and what to consider when moving from the more structured environment of school or college to the greater independence of university study.The episode covers questions students often ask when choosing a university subject and degree, including:what “botheredness” means and why it mattershow to identify the subjects you're genuinely interested inhow curiosity can help you choose what to study at universitywhether you need to know exactly what you want to study before researching universitieswhat to think about when comparing university subjects and degree courseshow studying at university differs from studying at school or collegehow to prepare for the greater independence of university studyhow your interests at university might connect with your futureadvice for students who are unsure what they want to do after universitywhat our guests would tell their younger selves about choosing a subject and finding their futureWhether you're wondering what degree you should study, comparing university courses or simply don't know where to start with choosing a university subject, this episode will help you think differently about your interests, your curiosity and what you want from your university experience.This episode is designed for students considering university and researching degree courses and subjects, as well as parents, carers, teachers and careers advisers supporting young people with university choices.You can find out more about the brilliant work of Hywel Roberts at https://www.botheredness.co.uk/Students, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:UniTasterDays.comThe Students' Guide to University BrochureThe Parents’ Guide to University BrochureThe Teachers' Guide to University BrochureUniversity event incentive platformUniversity Jargon BusterUniversity Subject Guide VideosThe Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Results Day 2026 & Clearing: What every student needs to knowResults Day 2026 is one of the biggest moments in the university application journey. Whether you're expecting the grades you need, worried you might miss your offer, or simply want to understand how Clearing 2026 works, this episode explains everything you need to know before Results Day arrives.Every year, thousands of students secure a university place through UCAS Clearing. Yet many still have questions about what happens on Results Day, how Clearing really works, what universities are looking for, and what to do if their plans change. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you feel informed, confident and prepared.Host Jon Cheek is joined by Laura Knight, Recruitment Manager at the University of Staffordshire, Stephanie Hartley, UK Student Recruitment Manager, and Year 13 student Neve Wright, who shares an honest perspective on how students are feeling ahead of Results Day and the questions many are asking themselves right now.Together, they answer the questions students ask most about Results Day and UCAS Clearing, offering practical guidance, reassurance and insider advice to help listeners make informed decisions.The episode covers questions students often ask about Results Day and Clearing, including:what to do first if you don't get the grades you expectedwho can use Clearing and why it's not just for students who miss their offerswhat to have ready before contacting a university through Clearingwhat actually happens during a Clearing phone calltips for students who feel nervous about calling universitieshow to research universities quickly on Results Daythe biggest mistakes students make during Clearing and how to avoid themwhat happens after accepting a Clearing place, including Student Finance and accommodationone thing every student should do before Results Dayone thing students definitely shouldn't panic aboutthe advice our guests would give their younger selves ahead of Results Day and ClearingWhether you're preparing for A level Results Day, BTEC Results Day or another Level 3 qualification, this episode will help you understand UCAS Clearing, university offers, Clearing phone calls, accommodation, Student Finance and the decisions you'll need to make on Results Day 2026.This episode is designed for students applying to university in 2026, as well as parents, carers, teachers and careers advisers supporting young people through Results Day and Clearing.Featuring:Laura Knight, Recruitment Manager, University of StaffordshireStephanie Hartley, UK Student Recruitment Manager, University of SouthamptonNeve Wright, Year 13 studentHosted by Jon Cheek, Founder, UniTasterDays.comStudents, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:UniTasterDays.comThe Students' Guide to University BrochureThe Parents’ Guide to University BrochureThe Teachers' Guide to University BrochureUniversity event incentive platformUniversity Jargon BusterUniversity Subject Guide VideosThe Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 54: Degree apprenticeships explained: work, study and uni lifeThinking about a degree apprenticeship but not sure how they work? In this episode, we explore what degree apprenticeships are really like, how students balance work and university study, what employers are looking for, and how to apply successfully.Degree apprenticeships have become one of the most searched-for alternatives to university, allowing students to earn a salary, gain professional experience and achieve a university qualification at the same time. Yet many students still have questions about the day-to-day reality, application process and whether the experience is right for them.Jon Cheek and special guest host Elizabeth Joseph-Adigun, Founder of The HerEstate Network, are joined by Amaya Sophia Ahmed, a Level 6 Degree Apprentice with Colliers International and a BSc Real Estate Management student at the University of The Built Environment.Drawing on her own experience, Amaya shares an honest insight into degree apprentice life, including how she structures her week between work and study, what surprised her most about the experience, and the advice she would give students considering this route.The conversation explores the realities of degree apprenticeships beyond the headlines, helping students understand what to expect and how to prepare for the opportunities and challenges that come with combining employment and higher education.The episode covers questions students often ask about degree apprenticeships, including:what a typical week looks like for a degree apprenticehow degree apprenticeship university study works in practicedegree apprenticeship application tipswhat employers look for in degree apprenticeship applicantsthe differences between degree apprenticeships and traditional university coursessupport available from schools and collegeshow AI is beginning to influence applications and recruitmentbalancing work, study and personal lifethe benefits and challenges of degree apprenticeshipsadvice for students considering a degree apprenticeshipwhat Amaya would tell her younger self before applyingThis episode is designed for students researching degree apprenticeships, university alternatives and career pathways after sixth form or college. It also offers valuable insight for parents, teachers and careers advisers supporting students with post-18 options.Featuring:Amaya Sophia Ahmed, Level 6 Degree Apprentice at Colliers International and BSc Real Estate Management student at the University of The Built EnvironmentElizabeth Joseph-Adigun, Founder of The HerEstate NetworkHosted by Jon Cheek, Founder, UniTasterDays.comStudents, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:UniTasterDays.comThe Students' Guide to University BrochureThe Parents’ Guide to University BrochureThe Teachers' Guide to University BrochureUniversity event incentive platformUniversity Jargon BusterUniversity Subject Guide VideosThe Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 53: Choosing a career: do you need it figured out at 18?Do you need to have your future career planned out by the age of 18? This episode explores the pressure many students feel to make big decisions about university, careers and their future, and why it is completely normal for plans, interests and ambitions to change over time.For students approaching university applications, career choices and life after sixth form or college, it can often feel like everyone else has their future mapped out. Social media, school expectations and conversations about careers can sometimes create the impression that successful people always knew exactly what they wanted to do. In reality, many career journeys are far less straightforward.Current students Rosie and Reece join Jon for a chat with Baasit Siddiqui, creator of the 7Cs to Thrive Framework, author of Mr Siddiqui’s Curious Careers, TV personality and Director of Siddiqui Education. Together they discuss why curiosity, confidence and staying open to opportunities can often matter more than having a fixed career plan at a young age.The conversation explores Baasit’s own journey through university, teaching, television and education work, including how unexpected experiences and challenges helped shape his career path. The episode also reflects on the pressures young people face when making decisions about university and careers, and why students should not feel defined by a single choice made at 18.The episode covers questions students often ask when thinking about careers and university, including:whether successful people always know what career they want from a young agehow career plans can change over timewhy uncertainty about the future is completely normalwhat university can offer students beyond academic studyhow curiosity can help students discover new opportunitieswhat happens when things do not go to planhow students can feel more confident about making future decisionswhy staying open to different experiences can lead to unexpected opportunitiesThis episode is designed for students considering university, feeling uncertain about their future career, or worried about making the “right” decision at 18. It also offers valuable insight for parents, teachers and careers advisers supporting young people as they navigate career and university choices.Featuring:Baasit Siddiqui, Creator of the 7Cs to Thrive Framework, Author of Mr Siddiqui’s Curious Careers, TV Personality and Director of Siddiqui EducationReece Buckley, Micro and Molecular Biology student at Manchester Metropolitan UniversityRosie Glover, Law student at Durham UniversityHosted by Jon Cheek, Founder, UniTasterDays.comStudents, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:UniTasterDays.comThe Students' Guide to University BrochureThe Parents’ Guide to University BrochureThe Teachers' Guide to University BrochureUniversity event incentive platformUniversity Jargon BusterUniversity Subject Guide VideosThe Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 52: Degree apprenticeships: step up and stand outThinking about a degree apprenticeship but unsure what the pathway looks like? This episode explores how degree apprenticeships work, what the application process involves, and how students can stand out when applying for competitive apprenticeship opportunities.For many students, a traditional university degree is no longer the only route after sixth form or college. Degree apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn a salary, gain professional work experience and achieve a university degree at the same time. However, researching apprenticeship opportunities, understanding the application process and deciding between university and apprenticeships can feel confusing for many students.UniTasterDays Founder Jon Cheek is joined by Elizabeth Joseph-Adigun, a degree apprentice who chose this pathway instead of attending university full time. Together they discuss what influenced her decision to pursue a degree apprenticeship, how she searched for opportunities, and the strategies that helped her stand out during the apprenticeship application process.The conversation also explores the experience of entering industries where women are less represented, the importance of representation in certain career sectors, and how students can build confidence when pursuing careers where they may not see people like themselves.The episode covers questions students often ask when considering degree apprenticeships, including:what degree apprenticeships are and how they compare to universitywhen students might start considering apprenticeships instead of universityhow to handle reactions from others when choosing an apprenticeship pathwayhow to search for degree apprenticeship opportunitieswhat helps applicants stand out when applying for apprenticeshipswhat it is like entering industries where women are underrepresentedwhy representation matters in certain careers and industriesadvice for students who do not see people like themselves in certain professionsThis episode is designed for students researching degree apprenticeships, exploring alternatives to university, or considering earn-while-you-learn pathways. It also provides useful guidance for parents, teachers and careers advisers supporting students as they explore university and apprenticeship options.Featuring:Elizabeth Joseph-Adigun, Founder of The HerEstate NetworkHosted by Jon Cheek, Founder, UniTasterDays.com.Students, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:UniTasterDays.comThe Students' Guide to University BrochureThe Parents’ Guide to University BrochureThe Teachers' Guide to University BrochureUniversity event incentive platformUniversity Jargon BusterUniversity Subject Guide VideosThe Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.