Admissions Policy
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.
7.21. 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.
7.31. 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.
7.32. It will make this information
available through
UCAS
and
various other information services and the University website.
7.33. 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).
7.34. The University will provide access
to policies on its website and on request.
7.35. 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.
7.41. 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.
7.42. 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.
7.43. 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.
7.44. 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.
7.45. 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.
7.46. 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.
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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.
7.61. 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.
7.62. Each Head of Programme will review
and update the generic and specific admissions entry criteria.
7.63. 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.