Admissions policies and procedures

Information for all applicants (UK, EU and overseas)

Application decision

The University deals with all applications upon receipt and we aim to advise you of our decision as soon as possible. Advice of the outcome of each application will come from either UCAS (in the case of applications through the UCAS system) or direct from the University, and the response will normally be one of the following:

• an unconditional offer
• a conditional offer
• unsuccessful

Under certain circumstances the University may offer the opportunity to join a waiting list.

You should note that a small number of our courses have a slightly different admissions system. For example, our BSc (Hons) (pre-reg) Nursing applicants are interviewed prior to a decision being made, and our BA (Hons) Computer Arts applicants are asked to attend an interview and also provide a portfolio.

If you have been given a conditional offer and do not achieve the required grades, we would recommend you contact us as you may still be considered for your original course choice or there may be an alternative available.

If your application has been rejected, you may ask to receive feedback on your application.

In order to make a decision, the University will use a range of criteria to make an assessment of your application.
Download details of the criteria taken into consideration

Deferred entry

We regret to advise that the University is unable to consider applications for deferred entry to September 2012.  Applicants who wish to apply to commence study in September 2012 should apply through the 2012 UCAS Application cycle.

Late applications

We strongly recommend that you make your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment (by 15 January for Undergraduate applications through UCAS).   The University will accept late applications and it is possible, subject to availability, to apply up until the start of the course (mid-September) however we cannot guarantee that places will still be available. Those applying for the first time during July to September of the year of entry should contact the Student Recruitment Office for advice on course availability, and on the correct application procedure.

Admissions policy

In line with our Mission Statement, enrolment to courses of the University is, subject to availability, open to all those who have the ability to benefit from the opportunity. All applications to the University will be considered on an equal basis in line with the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy. The University will not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, colour, nationality, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
Download a full copy of the Admissions Policy

Fraudulent applications policy

The University reserves the right at any stage to request applicants and enrolling students to provide additional information about any aspect of their application or enrolment. In the event of any student providing false or inaccurate information at any stage, and/or failing to provide additional information when requested to do so, the University further reserves the right to withdraw an application, to withdraw registration, rescind home fees status (where applicable), and demand payment of any fees or monies due to the University.

• Applicant declarations
  All applicants are required to sign a declaration on the application form certifying that the information provided is correct.
  
  UCAS applicants
  Applicants and their referees in the UCAS system are required to sign a declaration that states:
  
  I confirm that the information given on this form is true, complete and accurate and no information requested or other material information has been omitted. I have read How to Apply. I undertake to be bound by the terms set out in it and I give my consent to the processing of my data by UCAS and educational establishments. I accept that, if I do not comply with these requirements, UCAS shall have the right to cancel my application and I shall have no claim against UCAS or any higher education institution or college in relation thereto.
  
  Direct applicants
  Direct applicants to the University are required to sign a declaration that states:
  
  I certify that to the best of my knowledge the information given on this form is true, complete and accurate and no information requested or other material information has been omitted and if I am admitted to the University I undertake to observe the University's regulations. I give my consent to the processing of my data by the University. I accept that, if I do not comply with these requirements, the University shall have the right to cancel my application and I shall have no claim against the University in relation thereto.


• Verification of applications
  The University takes the issue of fraud very seriously, and:
  
  • Works in conjunction with UCAS to detect fraudulent applications and take the appropriate action
  • Verifies qualifications including English language qualifications with the appropriate bodies e.g. SQA, IELTS
  • Requires students to show original academic qualification certificates on registration where these have not previously been verified


• Identifying suspected fraudulent applications
  Fraudulent applications are categorised as follows:
  
  • Individuals who provide false information to gain a place by deception
  • Individuals who aim to secure financial assistance by deception
  • Individuals who seek to obtain a student visa for the purposes of entering the UK by deception

UCAS provide the Hunter facility that checks for suspicious applications and alerts all universities of offending applicants. Where an applicant has clearly committed a fraud the application is cancelled for that cycle by UCAS. If an admissions tutor suspects a fraudulent UCAS application this will be referred to UCAS after consultation with the Student Recruitment Office (SRO).

Where fraudulent information is detected relating to a direct application the University will put the application on hold pending a full investigation. If the application is believed to be fraudulent the University may withdraw the application and/or to rescind any offer made (and refuse any future applications from the applicant).

Additional information for overseas (non-EU) applicants

The information below is specifically related to overseas applicants, but before reading it please also read the information concerning all applicants.

Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations

In accordance with the Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations 1983, Universities and other Higher Education institutions in the UK may charge fees to 'overseas' students at a higher rate than to 'home' students. Any student who does not fit into either of the following categories will be charged 'overseas' tuition fees.

In you are not sure if you qualify for 'home' fees, please complete the Fee status evaluation form and return it to us. We will then confirm if 'home' fees are available to you.

Category 1 - Those who are 'settled' and meet UK residence requirements

• You must be settled in the UK on the relevant date (i.e. you are not subject under the immigration laws to any restriction on the period for which you may stay in the UK)
• You have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for the full three year period before the relevant date
• No part of that three year period of residency can have been wholly or mainly for the purposes of full-time education.

Category 2 - European Union Nationals and their children

• You must be an EU National or the child of an EU National
• You must have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands, the EEA and/or Switzerland for the full three year period before the 'relevant date'
• No part of that three year period in the EEA or Switzerland can have been wholly or mainly for the purposes of receiving full time education.

Category 3 - European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals, spouses and children

• You must be an EEA or Swiss National who is resident in the UK as a migrant worker or the spouse, civil partner or child of such a person
• You must have been ordinarily resident in the EEA and/or Switzerland for the full three year period before the 'relevant date'
• No part of that three year period of residency in the EEA or Switzerland was wholly or mainly for the purposes of receiving full-time education.

Category 4 - Refugees, their spouses and children

• You are recognised as a refugee by the UK Government, or you are the spouse or civil partner, or child of such recognised refugee
• You must have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands since then.

Category 5 - Persons granted Exceptional Leave to Remain, Humanitarian Protection or Discretionary Leave, their spouses and children

• You must have been granted Exceptional Leave to Remain/Enter, Humanitarian Protection or Discretionary by the UK Government as a result of an asylum application, or you are the spouse, civil partner or child of such person
• You must have remained ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands since then.

Category 6 - Temporarily employed outside the UK or EEA

• You would normally meet the conditions of Category 1 or Category 2, but you, your spouse or your parents are temporarily employed outside the UK or EEA.

You can find out more by visiting the UKCISA website.