How We Make Offers
Every application is considered individually on its merits and we are required to consider equally all applications from UK and EU candidates received at UCAS by 15 January.
The University receives many more applications from well-qualified candidates than there are places to offer. As a result we often delay the majority of our decision-making until after this date. We aim to make all of our decisions by 31 March.
Most decisions on applications are made by Admissions Officers within the academic Schools and Departments throughout the University. We take into consideration not only the quality of examinations passed (or anticipated) but also their number and spread and the age at which they were taken, together with details given on an applicant's Personal Statement and Referee's Report. Indeed, considerable emphasis is placed on the latter two since it is not normally the practice to interview candidates.
If you have yet to complete your school-leaving exams you should not expect an Unconditional offer. Conditional offers are made to suitable candidates on the condition that they achieve certain results that we will specify.
Once we have made a decision you will be notified by UCAS and any conditions will be visible by using UCAS Track.
Our decision could be:
An Unconditional Offer
This means that all the academic conditions required for entry have already been satisfied and an offer of a place has been made.
A Conditional Offer
This means that the academic conditions required for entry have not yet been satisfied and the offer is subject to these being obtained. If you meet the conditions of our offer we will confirm your place.
We are unable to offer you a place
Regrettably, we receive many more applications from well-qualified applicants than we have places to offer.
Firm and insurance choices
You can hold up to two offers at UCAS, one being your first or firm choice and the other your second or insurance choice. Your insurance choice will often be an offer asking for lower grades in case you do not meet the grades required of your firm choice.