Admissions Policy
7. Framework
7.1 The University has in place an appropriate and
effective set of policies, processes and procedures, providing
clarity to those having specific responsibility for admission to
the University. These policies are available to all applicants at
any stage of application, and to enquirers.
7.2 The University recognises the importance of the
role of Admissions in fulfilling the University’s strategic
commitment to making higher education both accessible and
diverse.
7.2.1 The University
recognises the value of a diverse student community and is
committed to widening participation to achieve this. It will,
through the implementation of admissions policies, processes and
procedures, seek to encourage a broad range of applicants and allow
each the opportunity to present their achievements and potential
for entry through the application process. It will provide the
support for applicants to do so.
7.3 The University endeavours to
offer appropriate information and support to both potential and
actual applicants, enabling them to make informed decisions at each
stage of the admissions process.
7.3.1 The University
will provide accurate and up-to-date information on both its
academic and support services (e.g. accommodation, library and
IT) and
requirements (e.g. entry requirements and fees) to all enquirers
and applicants at appropriate points in the admissions cycle.
7.3.2 It will make this
information available through
UCAS
and
various other information services and the University website.
7.3.3 The University
will provide a range of opportunities to visit through Open Days, campus tours and Visit Days and will also be active in
external outreach through HE fairs and other visits (at home and
overseas).
7.3.4 The University
will provide access to policies on its website and on request.
7.3.5 The University
will provide, on request, access to externally published
information on University performance.
7.4 The University determines entry
requirements and selects students in accordance with the principles
of consistency, equity, fairness, transparency and good customer
service which in turn inform all admissions policies, processes and
procedures.
7.4.1 Admissions staff
will, on behalf of the University, review admissions criteria
regularly to ensure the process of selection is in accordance with
University policies and recruitment strategies.
7.4.2 Changes to any
policy or entry criteria will be approved by the University and
communicated internally and externally at the appropriate point in
the admissions cycle.
7.4.3 Faculties and
Heads of Programmes will determine specialist entry criteria such
as interview and portfolio requirement in accordance with the needs
of the course and make explicit and transparent the purpose and
reason for the variation.
7.4.4 Admissions
decisions will be communicated to applicants through
UCAS
and
directly to other applicants by letter. An offer from the
University for non
UCAS
courses
will contain details of academic and other conditions or
confirmation of an offer where an applicant is pre-qualified.
7.4.5 Applicants will be
made aware of additional requirements in relation to the
University’s obligations with regard to age and disability
legislation and criminal convictions procedures.
7.4.6 Applicants who are
rejected will be entitled to feedback on the reason for rejection.
Applicants will be able to request feedback through the Admissions
office on written request.
7.5 The University ensures that
all staff involved in the admissions process are informed and clear
about their roles and responsibilities and have received the
necessary training and staff development, to ensure they are both
efficient and effective in their roles.
7.6 The University reviews and monitors its
admissions activity annually to ensure it operates effectively and
continues to develop.
7.6.1 Each Head of
Programme with assistance from the Strategic Analyst, Head of
Subject, and Admissions will review the operation of the current
year’s admissions arrangements in the light of: progression
figures, planned curriculum changes and changes in post-16
qualifications. Additionally, commentary will be provided on
performance in relation to applicant and new student
characteristics, including: age, gender, ethnicity, disability and
socio-economic status.
7.6.2 Each Head of
Programme will review and update the generic and specific
admissions entry criteria.
7.6.3 Admissions will
review external agency and government policy and standards to
analyse, evaluate and make recommendations regarding their impact
upon admissions policies, processes and procedures.
Appendix 1
Roles »