1 Admissions at The University of Nottingham Matthew Harrison Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer.

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Admissions at The University of NottinghamMatthew HarrisonSchools and Colleges Liaison Officer

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 2

What I’m going to talk about today…

• Admissions – facts and figures from The University of Nottingham

• What we do with applications

• The UCAS application process

• Personal statements

• What are we looking for in an application?

• Top tips


The University of Nottingham and Hampton School• 2010 Entry: 69 applications, 54 offers

• 2009 Entry: 73 applications, 58 offers




Admissions – Facts and Figures

• Around 40,000 applications per year• Apps per place differ according to the School

– Physiotherapy - 10– Psychology - 8– English – 7– Chemistry – 6– Civil Engineering - 5

• 13% mature applications• 25% independent sector; 75% state sector


Entry requirements

• Differ from School to School– Economics – AAA (for now...)– English – AAA including A in English– Psychology – AAB and B in GCSE Maths– Mech Eng – AAB – BBB including Maths– Physiotherapy – ABB including Biological Science/PE

• Non-tariff based


Application Cycle

• Main Application Cycle• UCAS Extra• Confirmation

– Accepted on chosen course– Offered an alternative course– Unsuccessful

• Clearing


Admissions structure

• Central Admissions Office– Science, Engineering, Arts, Social Sciences, Law & Education– Medicine, Physio, Biosciences, PGCE separate

• Development of Centralised Decision Making– Pilot for 2003 entry – Built Environment and Mathematics– Expanded for 2005 entry – 16 Schools– 2009 entry - 32 Schools


Centralised Decision Making

• Individual level of service for each School• Entry criteria set by individual School• Regular meetings with Admissions Tutor• Applications referred (where subject-specific knowledge needed)• Some applications for high demand courses need to be held until 15

January deadline


Centralised Decision Making - Benefits

• Applications processed on a regular basis• Fairness and consistency ensured• Single point of contact for applicants• In depth knowledge of qualifications• Knowledge of developments in admissions policies and practices


The UCAS Process

UCAS • Universities and Colleges Admissions Service• Central applications agency for HE applications in

England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland• UCAS operate on behalf of all full-time HE courses at member institutions• Handles over 600,000 applications per year• www.ucas.com


UCAS – Key facts

• ‘Invisibility’• Maximum of five choices (some exceptions)• Simultaneous consideration• Conditional offers – 2 can be held• August – confirmation of offers• £22 Registration Fee


Personal statement

• Most important element of the application form• Sells your skills and experience to the admissions tutor• 360 degree snapshot of you!• Must be completed by the applicant• Start early and listen to advice• Use UCAS entry profiles• Evidence real interest in the course


Personal statement

• Evidence wider reading / experience around the subject area

• Show a valuable contribution to the University

• Be honest!


UCASapply – Personal statement


UCASapply – Personal statement preview


UCAS Application

• Personal Statement– Why they have chosen a particular subject– What interests them about that subject– Any relevant experience– Gap year/future plans– Extra-curricular activities– Encourage honesty

• Plagiarism Policy• Reference

– Predicted/actual grades– Skills in each subject– General skills and qualities– Extra-curricular activities– Extenuating circumstances


What are we looking for?

• Strong academic profile

• may include specific GCSE’s and AS/A2 Levels

• Knowledge and interest in subject area

• students who have read outside of the curriculum texts!

• Career aspirations

• Relevant work experience/voluntary placements


What are we looking for?

• Extra curricular activities

• Key skills

• teamwork, organisation, time management

• Other factors;

• Interviews

• Additional tests

• Additional information on questionnaires etc


How parents can help…

• Offer advice and guidance• Start the process early, research all options!• Encourage realism• Encourage attendance at open days• Offer help for finding relevant work experience• Offer support with the personal statement• Offer support around the A Level results period• Encourage development of key skills at this stage


Top tips!

• Start early • Research thoroughly• Use the advice and guidance available• Websites, Open Days etc. • Ask questions• Get your application in on time• Be wise with your Insurance Choice• Make sure it is what you want to do


Sources of information

• www.ucas.com• www.unistats.ac.uk• www.nhscareers.nhs.uk • www.qaa.ac.uk• www.prospects.ac.uk • www.nusonline.org.uk• www.unionview.co.uk• www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance


UCAS Online

• UCAS Online offers the latest how-to guides and case studies about applying to universities in the UK

• Visit the UCAS Youtube Channel; http://www.youtube.com/user/UCASonline

• Or go to www.ucas.tv


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Questions?

Matthew HarrisonSchools and Colleges Liaison Officer

1 Admissions at The University of Nottingham Matthew Harrison Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer.

Documents

admissions tutor applications

course slide

mature applications

deadline slide

admissions facts

school entry criteria

entry requirements

state sector slide