Support for Schools and Colleges

The De Montfort University (DMU) School and College Liaison Team is committed to supporting teachers, careers advisers, students and parents through the higher education process.

We look after 150 sixth forms and colleges, offering a student-focused service that provides information, advice and guidance on all topics relating to university life.

Our flexible approach means we can come to you or you can come to us – our adaptable suite of presentations, workshops and events are designed to fit in with your students and their timetable.

Get in touch

0116 250 60 70 studentadviser@dmu.ac.uk

Whats on

Forensic Science Experience

8 May

Forensic Science Experience

Introduction to studying Forensic Science at university, including course content, teaching methods, opportunities and career pathways.

University Experience Days

Choose your date

University Experience Days

Craft the perfect day for your students to learn about university life. You'll be able choose from an array of activities to create a bespoke experience.

What we offer

Research stage

Research can happen at any point! You will have careers fairs you invite your year 7’s to, and may go to UCAS fairs with just your year 12’s. During the research stage, we can talk to Key Stage 4 about choosing the right Level 3 options, and your Key Stage 5 about how to choose the right university and course for them. We can also talk about how to get the most out of research.

Why HE?

Key Stage 4 and 5

45 minutes

With so many options after sixth form or college, how do you know you are making the right choice? This talk will allow your students to understand what is involved in Higher Education, the experiences they can gain whilst at university, and the many benefits of becoming a university student. We will also give excellent examples of where DMU excels in its student support and experience, such as international trips, course facilities and a huge array of extra-curricular activities.

Learning outcomes
  • What Higher Education is
  • What can be achieved at university
  • What DMU can offer specifically
Send an enquiry

Making the right choice

Key Stage 5

30 minutes

There are over 300 different institutions across the UK, and between them there are thousands of courses to choose from. How, therefore, do you know you are making the right decisions? We use this informative talk to let students know all the factors they need to consider when looking for a university and course to suit them, and give them the tools to narrow their search down to their five UCAS choices.

Learning outcomes
  • The different institutions available
  • What factors are most important when choosing an institution
  • What factors are most important when choosing a course
Send an enquiry

Student life

Key Stage 4 and 5

30 - 45 minutes

It’s all very well hearing our wonderful staff members talk about university, but we feel that your learners will relate far better to our current students. Our students have all recently been through the application process and are eager to offer advice and support, as well as talk about their own day to day experiences at DMU. (Student ambassadors from specific subjects can be requested)

Learning outcomes
  • What life is like for a university student
  • The transition from College/Sixth form to university
Send an enquiry

Pre-application stage

Starting the UCAS application can be daunting. Now is a great time to hear from our students, learn about personal statements, and come and visit our campus! We can offer this at any point throughout Key Stage 5, and have some great advice on how to boost Personal Statements during the summer.

Making the most of your summer

Key Stage 5

45 minutes

The summer break between year 12 and 13 is a crucial time of year, that your learners could really utilise to make the most out of any UCAS, apprenticeship or job applications coming up over the next year. From volunteering to part-time work, the skills that can be gained from these experiences will boost any application form. It all comes from making the most of your summer.

Learning outcomes
  • What is coming up over the next year in terms of university applications
  • How they can utilise their time over the summer
  • The types of skills that can be gained over the summer
Send an enquiry

Personal statements, including the UCAS process

Key Stage 5

30 - 45 minutes

The UCAS process can be a complicated one to navigate, but is crucial for all applications to a UK university. We break down the process to inform students of what is coming, what happens next, with a firm focus on completing personal statements. We understand that the personal statement can be daunting, but our breakdown makes it simple and easy to understand the requirements.

Learning outcomes
  • What is UCAS
  • The application process
  • The importance of a personal statement
  • What goes into a personal statement
Send an enquiry

Creating a portfolio

Key Stage 5

30 minutes

Plenty of your creative learners may want to pursue a career on a creative field. Studying a creative course would usually require an applicant to submit a portfolio, but what does that mean? We can talk through what would be expected in a portfolio submission, how to submit this, and can even show examples of current students work.

Learning outcomes
  • Courses that may require a portfolio
  • What to put into a portfolio
  • How to present a portfolio
Send an enquiry

Post-application stage

Once the UCAS application is out of the way, your learners can start thinking about finance, completing their school/college assessments, and then preparing for university. We can talk to them about all things finance, preparing for university, and some tips and advice around results day.

Student finance

Key Stage 5

45 minutes

Understanding student finance can be a difficult and confusing concept, but one of great importance to all considering university. We aim to simplify the process as much as possible explaining exactly what the fees and loans mean, including the repayments. This will give your learners a full understanding of what a student loan may look like for them.

Learning outcomes
  • What is included in student finance
  • When to apply for student finance
  • How to apply for student finance
  • How much they might be entitled to
  • How and how much to repay
Send an enquiry

University interviews

Key Stage 5

30 minutes

For some courses, an application is all that is needed. For some more specialist courses, however, applicants are required to attend an interview. Whether in person, or online, the word interview can appear very intimidating. We aim to put learners at ease by giving them some top interview tips to help them sail through any extra requirements for their application.

Learning outcomes
  • Why a university course might require an interview
  • How to conduct yourself in an interview
Send an enquiry

Preparing for university, including what happens next with UCAS

Key Stage 5

45 minutes

There are a lot of daunting prospects that come with the summer before university. What do I take with me? How will I make friends? What happens to my application throughout the summer? We can help to take some of this worry away, and ensure that your learners are fully prepared for the summer and beyond.

Learning outcomes
  • What happens next with their UCAS applications
  • What is UCAS extra and Clearing
  • Ways to prepare for arriving at university
  • What to expect in the first few weeks of university life
Send an enquiry

What we've been up to

The DMU team standing at their stand at Excel London, smiling and ready to engage with students.

Our team had an incredible time at the UK’s biggest university exhibition at Excel London! With a premium stand and seven of us on the team, we were excited to meet so many motivated students and share everything DMU has to offer. The stand was buzzing all day, with students exploring our interactive screens and discovering the wide range of courses and opportunities available.

It was fantastic to connect with students face-to-face, answer their questions, and inspire them as they considered their next steps in higher education. Events like this are always a highlight for us — they give us the chance to showcase what makes DMU special and support students in making informed decisions about their future.

23 March 2026
Teachers seated at DMU, watching presentation slides on large screens during a professional development event.

We were delighted to host our Teachers Conference at DMU, welcoming educators from across the Midlands for a morning of insight, collaboration and professional development. The event focused on key topics shaping education today, including Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, and new approaches to student engagement.

It was fantastic to see so many meaningful conversations, fresh ideas and shared experiences throughout the day. A huge thank you to all the teachers, speakers and colleagues who joined us and helped make the event such a valuable and inspiring experience!

5 March 2026
Evridiki standing at the podium delivering a talk to a full room of students at the WhatUni Exhibition in Birmingham.

Evridiki had a brilliant time at the WhatUni Exhibition in Birmingham! It was a fantastic opportunity to deliver a talk on how to choose the right course and the right university, and to connect with so many engaged and curious students.

It was Evridiki’s first time delivering a talk on this scale, making it an even more rewarding experience. Evridiki enjoyed sharing insights on what students should look for and what to expect from university life, and hearing the genuine, thoughtful questions students had about their futures. Opportunities like this are so valuable. 

28 February 2026
Dal speaking with two students at the DMU exhibition stand, discussing university opportunities.

We’re back on the road! 🎉
Dal kicked off our first exhibition of 2026, speaking to so many students about their future plans and showcasing everything DMU has to offer. From courses to campus life, it was great to see such excitement and curiosity throughout the day.

27 February 2026
Four people seated at a desk during a livestream, smiling at the camera with laptops and notes in front of them.

Our team recently hosted our “You Applied… Now What?” livestream, supporting students as they navigate the next steps of their higher education journey.

The session was a fantastic opportunity to guide applicants through what happens after submitting their application — from understanding offers and replying on UCAS, to student finance, accommodation and preparing for results day. We were able to answer live questions, ease a few nerves, and help students feel more confident about what comes next.

12 February 2026
Evridiki from DMU smiling at the stand with course materials displayed on the table.

We had a fantastic time at the Rugby College Careers Fair! It was great speaking with so many enthusiastic and motivated students about their future plans. Evridiki loved chatting with students about the diverse courses and opportunities available at DMU, and it was wonderful to see their curiosity and ambition shine through.Events like this are such a valuable way to inspire students, answer their questions, and support them as they explore the exciting pathways university can offer.

19 November 2025

Widening Participation and Schools

See how we can reach you

Meet the team

Filter by region

Profile picture for Sandeep Singh

Sandeep Singh

School and College Recruitment Officer

sandeep.singh@dmu.ac.uk

0116 207 8799

All-Regions Northamptonshire Milton-Keynes
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Dave McCall

School and College Recruitment Officer

dave.mccall@dmu.ac.uk

0116 257 7386

All-Regions Leicestershire Derby Nottingham
Profile picture for Nick King

Nick King

School and College Liaison Officer

nicholas.king@dmu.ac.uk

0116 257 7696

I focus on sparking students' interest in higher education, making the university experience seem less daunting and more exciting. It's about showing them a world of possibilities and guiding them through their options, making the idea of university inviting and accessible.

All-Regions Coventry Warwickshire
Profile picture for Walid Hagdad

Walid Hagdad

School and College Liaison - London Officer

walid.hagdad@dmu.ac.uk

0116 366 4575

I really enjoy talking with students about going to uni. My job is to make higher education less confusing and show how it can really help their future. I create a safe space for students to talk about what they want to do. It's great to see them get excited about the chances they have in higher education, especially in London and the areas around it.

All-Regions London
Profile picture for Dalvir Uppal

Dalvir Uppal

School and College Liaison - West Midlands Officer

dalvir.uppal@dmu.ac.uk

0116 250 6236

I believe education opens countless opportunities. With my West Midlands roots, I support schools and colleges. As an experienced lecturer, I provide clear guidance, fuelled by a passion for higher education. Reach out if your institution could benefit.

All-Regions Wolverhampton Birmingham
Profile picture for Faye Wickham

Faye Wickham

School and College Liaison Officer

faye.wickham@dmu.ac.uk

0116 257 7688

Engaging with students about the opportunities university offers is deeply rewarding. I love helping them see the benefits of higher education in a friendly and open way. Watching their excitement as they explore academic sessions on campus or access our facilities is the highlight of my role.

All-Regions Leicestershire
Profile picture for Ben Howgill

Ben Howgill

Senior School and College Liaison Officer

ben.howgill@dmu.ac.uk

0116 366 4991

Speaking to students and developing their interests in university and investing in their futures is extremely rewarding, and I enjoy talk to them about the benefits of university, researching their university options.

All-Regions Northamptonshire Milton-Keynes
Profile picture for Jamie Bradford

Jamie Bradford

Head of Recruitment Operations

jbradford@dmu.ac.uk

0116 257 7359

I am lucky to lead a team of natural communicators who all genuinely love their face-to-face work with school and college students. Our mission is to inspire, to inform and to engage and we look forward to working with yourself and your students in the future.

All-Regions
Profile picture for Evridiki Thoma

Evridiki Thoma

School and College Liaison Assistant

evridiki.thoma@dmu.ac.uk

0116 207 8043

I'm passionate about working with students to shape their dreams and build their confidence. My conversations are all about discovering what they're excited about and helping them see how they can achieve it. It's so rewarding to guide them as they grow more confident in their abilities, especially when it comes to making big decisions about their future in higher education.

All-Regions