Click here for the UCAS Web Site

Which courses accept application through UCAS?

• All full-time applications to undergraduate degree level courses
• Included HND and Foundation degree courses
• It does not include part-time courses or Diplomas in Nursing /Midwifery

Time Frame

• July/ August read prospectus, look at different courses, visit Open Days and campus tours, look at UCAS profiles.
• September complete UCAS form
• October send off UCAS form
• 15 th October – closing date for application to medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, Oxford and Cambridge.
• 15 th January closing date for all other UCAS applications
• 24thMarch closing date for Art and Design Route B applications. Single institution applications can be submitted after this date

What is on the UCAS form?

• Part 1 – personal details
• Part 2 – Choices of courses and universities
• Part 3 – personal statement
• Part 4 – Referee’s statement

Part 1 – Personal Statement

• Inform UCAS of any changes to personal details, especially change of address
• List all examinations taken
• Tick the box if you do have criminal convictions (honesty is the best policy)
• Give information about disabilities included relevant needs including dyslexia

Part 2 - Choices of courses and universities

• Make sure the correct course code is indicated
• Applicants have six choices
• Only for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science
• Students can apply for three Art and Design courses through Route B if they wish

Admission tutors are only able to see the courses applied to at their university, except under the Route B for Art and Design

Part – 3 Personal Statement

• Very important section
• Opportunity to relate personal strengths to the priorities of the course; this is where reference to the UCAS profile is important.
• Personal statement must be clear; encourage proof reading
• Be aware that personal statements can give away the preferred course choice ( this might be important for some courses)

Important Reminders about Personal Statements

• Check spelling and grammar
• Sound enthusiastic and interested
• Originality, punchy first line
• Don’t underestimate experience and abilities
• Unless you are interested in one profession, don’t limit options too much
• Don’t lie

Health Professions

• Be specific to that profession but make the most of generic key skills.
• Give examples of work experience in that area, spend a day in the field if possible
• Tell admissions tutors about interests which would make you ideally suited
• Tell them about key skills which would make you ideally suited.
• Provide evidence

Matching yourselves to the profession

Find out the skills qualities and experiences you need

What do you enjoy?

• Long term care
• Seeing a task completed
• Working with specific groups
• Fine detailed work with dexterity
• Listening to people
• Empowering people to make decisions
• A fats pace of work with quick decision-making
• Hands on physical support
• Promoting health and well-being

Matching yourselves to the profession

What are you good at (key skills)?

• Communication
• Working with others
• Numeracy
• Problem-solving
• IT
• Give evidence

Part 4 Referee’s statement

• Some programmes have filled their offers in December
• Offers may be subject to suitable follow-up references
• References will be honest and accurate and will reflect your qualities

Summary

• Research chosen area
• Check programme details with the prospectus and admissions tutor
• Use UCAS profiles to ensure you are saying what the admissions tutors want to hear
• Celebrate strengths and be honest
• Do not delay submission