Insight into University

previously known as Headstart & Inspire

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Insight into University (previously known as Headstart & Inspire) is a comprehensive on-line course allowing students to experience STEM studies at university and the career opportunities that these subjects lead to. It will provide access to information on university and student life, STEM projects and activities set by leading UK universities and global STEM companies, first year undergraduate lectures, live interactive sessions with academics, admissions tutors, employers and current students.

Whether you are interested in life sciences, chemistry, engineering, physics, computer science, sustainability, aerospace, built environment or maths we have something for you.

With specially developed content and live sessions from universities including University of Cambridge, Sheffield, Lancaster, Abertay, Manchester, Coventry, Kent, Oxford, Loughborough, Liverpool, Bolton, Edinburgh, Birmingham …and more!

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Industrial Cadets recognition

On successful completion of the course students will receive a Silver Industrial Cadets award and be in a position to make a more informed decision for their UCAS application.

The course can be completed flexibly to fit around other commitments and study at a pace that suits individual circumstances. The course is open to all students age 16+ and it suitable for all academic abilities, with activities that cover different levels of advanced study. All that is required is a genuine interest in STEM subjects and inquisitiveness about what the future can hold for them and how they can help get themselves there.

We will also have some fantastic workshops and careers guidance from BP, GE, GSK, Balfour Beatty, Tech Partnership, UK Electronics Skills Foundation ….and more! His Royal Highness Prince of Wales Ambassadors will be participating in exclusive live Q&A sessions and students will have an opportunity to be selected for a 1:1 mentoring session with a STEM business leader or an HRH Ambassador.

The course will be available from 28th June until 20th August 2021 and during this time students need to complete around 30 hours of study to finish the course and gain their Silver Industrial Cadets award. There will be a comprehensive timetable of live sessions and these will be spread across the eight weeks allowing students to find sessions running when they are free to attend.

The course will consist of some core modules covering topics such as STEM careers, university life and study skills. These will be studied alongside subject specific modules that students can pick and mix to match their own interests:

University Life and Sector Research – Guided learning to understand what life at university is like, hints and tips for applying and choosing the right university and course for you, a day in the life of a student videos.
STEM subjects available at university – a variety of information about the different STEM subject options that are available at university and how these link to careers.
Virtual University and Site Visits - video tours around unis, links to virtual open days, virtual site visits for industry partners or university research facilities.
Live sessions – a selection of live sessions to allow students to interact with academics, university admissions tutors, current undergraduates, mentors, young graduates and industry experts. They can hear information first-hand and ask all of their questions.

University Presentations and Activities – Taster lectures, on-line tutorials and activities, soft skills advice and activities.  
Hands-on problem solving and critical thinking – Practical activities, projects and challenges developed by our university partners. Guided research projects and group work.
World of Work – Workshops set by STEM industry partners allowing students to experience real-life applications of STEM subjects.
Graduation – presentation of programme outcomes and award of an Industrial Cadets Silver award