Alternative Entry Routes

Access to higher education

Many students prepare for study at the University through an appropriate Access to Higher Education course. Completion of an Access course is not a requirement for entry, but such students are warmly welcomed on appropriate courses.

Preparatory years for first degree honours courses

The University offers a pathway to Honours degree standard for many applicants who do not yet hold the appropriate entry qualification for the course of their choice. The degree courses listed in the UCAS Directory and on the UCAS website showing ‘with foundation’ in the title last for four years and include a broad-based preparation for specialist work during the first year. Where such a pathway exists for a degree course this is highlighted in the appropriate course description.

Advanced entry to degree courses

The University is experienced in integrating students from relevant higher education courses into the second year of many of its degree courses. Course descriptions indicate whether holders of relevant higher education courses, including HNDs and Foundation Degrees may be considered for advanced entry to the degree programme. Applicants who hold qualifications at higher education level from universities or similar institutions outside the United Kingdom may also be considered for entry to the second year of some courses. Full details of the qualifications gained should be sent at the time of application, and applicants who do not have English as a first language should send details of an IELTS English Language test taken through the British Council in their home country.

Applicants who have relevant certificated qualifications studied at Higher Education level may apply for accelerated entry to a course (Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning – APCL).

Applicants may in some cases be permitted to join Year 2 of a course on the basis of substantial prior experience in a relevant area (Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning – APEL). Applicants will be asked to present a portfolio, which must be in English, that will vary depending on the nature of the claim but the evidence supplied must be mapped against specific unit or level/stage learning outcomes.

International students

Applications are welcomed from students who have been educated outside the UK system, and a number of overseas qualifications are recognised as equivalent to those listed. Applicants should give full details of their qualifications, including subjects, grades, date and the name and address of the school, college, university or awarding authority.

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed threshold attainments for undergraduate courses are:

  • GCSE or GCE ‘O’ Level (Grade C),
  • IELTS 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 550 or more;
  • or City and Guilds ESOL (written assessment) pass in Higher Intermediate examination, plus a comparable pass in City and Guilds SESL (speaking assessment) examination.

Qualifications are checked before enrolment and international students must bring their original certificates when coming to study at the University.

The University also offers an International Foundation Programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.

Entry through Compact arrangements

The University has Compact arrangements with many local colleges aimed at widening participation in higher education from under-represented groups, particularly from the local area. Under these arrangements the college identifies appropriate students, and makes contact with the University’s Compacts Co-ordinator before the application to UCAS is made.

Enhanced Learning

Credits Scheme

The Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC) provides financial support, up to a gross value of 80%, to eligible Service personnel who wish to enhance their educational or vocational achievements at Level 3 or above.

The University welcomes applicants under this scheme and is a recognised ELC Learning Provider (registration number 1876). Before submitting an application or claim for an ELC, applicants should refer to their Education Staff and to Defence Council Instruction (DCI0 reference DCI JS 30/04). Guidance is also available on the ELC website www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

Admission interviews, auditions and portfolio viewings

Places on most first Degree, Foundation Degree and HND courses at the University are normally offered without interview. For this reason it is essential that candidates supply the fullest information on their UCAS form to assist the Admissions Tutor in a decision.

For art and design related courses, short-listed applicants are generally invited to a portfolio interview at which they will be asked to show and discuss their recent work in art and design. Similarly, applicants for courses with a performance element are likely to be invited for an audition.

Candidates who are not currently following a recognised, educational qualification programme may be invited to interview so that an Admissions Tutor can assess their suitability for the proposed course.

Applicants who have been offered a place without interview are generally invited to an Open Day| so that they can meet tutors and current students on the course, tour the campus and ask questions before making a final decision to hold an offer at the University.

Non-academic issues

Some courses provide placement opportunities for which it may be necessary for an applicant/student to undertake a criminal record check to be processed through the Criminal Records Bureau.

The University makes every endeavour to make provision for applicants/students with disabilities, special educational or health needs. However, some courses have specific study requirements that may need to be explored during the application process for those applicants with special needs.

The University has a duty of care to provide a safe educational environment for everyone. The University is also committed to equal opportunities for all and to offering wide access to entry to its courses and it supports the notion of the rehabilitation of offenders. In balancing these two commitments, the overarching concern is to provide a safe educational environment and it is, therefore, necessary for all applications seeking entry to the University’s courses to declare any relevant criminal convictions. The relevant admissions administrator will be able to give guidance on matters of a non-academic nature relating to admissions.