UCAS Applying to University 2021 Learner Handbook
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UCAS
Applying to University
2021
Learner Handbook
UCAS Coordinator: Samantha Hobby
Campus: Ystrad Mynach
Email: Samantha.hobby@cymoedd.ac.uk
2 Table of Contents Introduction .............................................................................. 3 Important Contacts................................................................... 5 Disabled Student Allowance Higher Education ........................ 6 Location of UK Universities....................................................... 8 Russell Group Universities ........................................................ 9 Summer School ....................................................................... 10 Higher Education and Career Support.................................... 11 Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol ................................................. 12 UCAS Hub................................................................................ 16 Deadline Dates........................................................................ 17 UCAS Registration ................................................................... 19 Apply 2021 UCAS Registration ......................................... 20 Tariff Points ............................................................................ 35 Track your Application............................................................ 37 Extra ........................................................................................ 41 Clearing ................................................................................... 43 Useful Links ............................................................................. 44
3
Introduction
The aim of the handbook is to provide you with support
and guidance, to make it easier for you to navigate
through the process of progressing to higher education. It
will explain the UCAS (University and Colleges
Admissions Service) application procedure and outline
the deadlines and preparation that you are required to
carry out. It is a very important year and the aim of the
College is to ensure that you are supported on achieving
your end goal.
The role of the UCAS Co-ordinator
The UCAS Coordinator leads and manages the UCAS
provision across the College. The Co-ordinator will
provide advice to learners and staff on the UCAS
procedure. The UCAS Co-ordinator will support you with
your application and link in with University staff to
arrange events and talks.
UCAS Co-ordinator details
Samantha Hobby
Campus: Ystrad Mynach
Direct Line: 01443 810096
Email: Samantha.Hobby@cymoedd.ac.uk
4 Who are UCAS? The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK-based organisation whose main role is to operate the application process for British universities. If you are applying to university at your College, you will be required to complete an online application form and submit it to UCAS. Information and Guidance Information, resources and links have been included to help you successfully complete the higher education journey. It is imperative that you plan ahead and carry out your research carefully. Any questions, or concerns that you have throughout the application process remember to ask your tutor, UCAS Coordinator or contact UCAS directly.
5
Important Contacts
If you require any further guidance during, or after
the application process, contact the numbers below
and a representative from UCAS will guide you
further: However, your first point of contact should
be your tutor, or UCAS Co-ordinator.
UCAS Coordinator
• Samantha Hobby 01443 810096
UCAS Learner Advice Line
• Learner Advice Line
0371 468 0468
Student Finance Wales
• Enquiries
0300 200 4050
6
Disabled Student Allowance
Higher Education
At Coleg y Cymoedd we offer specialised support
for Higher Education learners.
Our specialist staff are here for you to discuss your
support needs or concerns in confidence. They can
help you access the support you require on your
course. This can include support for wellbeing,
access to coursework support, advice to care
leavers and library and learning resources support.
If you have a long term disability, mental health
condition (for example, depression or anxiety) or
specific learning difficulties (for example, dyslexia or
dyspraxia) which has a substantial impact on your
day to day activity (including in education) then you
may be eligible for extra help in the form of Disabled
Students’ Allowance (DSA).
The DSA funds individual support packages which
can include additional support and/or specialist
equipment that you may need on your course due to
your disability, mental-health condition or specific
learning difficulty. If you would like further
information about applying for DSA you may find it
useful to read the following:
DSA (Wales)
7 DSA (England) Our specialist staff can: - Arrange a one to one meeting to discuss your support needs - Support you through the process of completing the DSA application form - Liaise with Student Finance Wales or England on your behalf if you have any queries – as long as you have given consent - Liaise with your course tutor to draw up an Individual Support Plan so that reasonable adjustments can be made - Advise you how to get additional study skills support if you are not eligible for DSA You can apply for DSA as soon as you have decided on the HE course you wish to study. For all queries about HE support please contact Natalie Boughton-Lawrence / 01443 653688
8 Location of UK Universities
9
Russell Group Universities
The Russell Group’s 24 members are world class
research intensive universities. They represent
leading UK universities which are committed to
outstanding teaching and research.
The Russell Group’s guide Informed Choices
provides students with information, advice and
guidance about their post-16 subject choices
Choosing your A Level (or equivalent) subjects
carefully is exceptionally important – especially if
you aspire to study at a leading university. The
Russell Group’s Guide, Informed Choices, includes
advice from admissions professionals on the best
subject combinations for a wide range of university
courses as well as the best choices for students
who want to keep their options open.
https://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/media/5272/informedchoi
ces-print.pdf
10
Summer School
An opportunity for learners to get a taste of
university life: staying on campus, carrying out
research and working with academic staff and
students. It is an excellent opportunity to broaden
your horizons.
Click on the link below to explore taster courses,
using the search tool:
https://www.ucas.com/events/exploring-university/learn-
about-uni-taster-course11
Higher Education and Career
Support
Going to university is a great way to expand your
knowledge, meet new people, and enjoy new
experiences. There are a variety of qualifications
and subject areas to study. Listed below are
websites that can provide you with career research
and explain the different higher education
qualifications.
https://www.ucas.com/careers-advice
Higher Education Qualifications Explained
https://online.essex.ac.uk/blog/higher-education-
qualifications-explained/
Open Days
It is important to visit universities. Institutions hold open
days during the year. Check the individual university
websites for more information about these. If you are
unable to visit your chosen university, virtual campus
tours are available online.
www.opendays.com12 Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol YOUR FUTURE, YOUR LANGUAGE, YOUR CHOICE Are you thinking of going to university? Applying for a job? Apprenticeship? Whatever you choose, use your excellent skill of being able to speak and write in Welsh. The Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol is working with universities, further education colleges and apprenticeship providers to secure more study opportunities for Welsh-medium students and learners. There are opportunities to do apprenticeships bilingually and develop your Welsh language skills while working. For more information on apprenticeships through the medium of Welsh, please contact the apprenticeship provider. Why not visit our Facebook page to see profiles of further education ambassadors and apprentices talking about the benefits of bilingual skills? Want to go to university in Wales? Have you
13 considered studying part or your entire degree through the medium of Welsh? There are about 1,000 courses available to you! How do I find a course at university? Visit our course finder to see if the course is available through the medium of Welsh http://www.colegcymraeg.ac.uk/en/study/mediumof welsh/searchforacourse/ What are the advantages? There are many advantages for studying your course through the medium of Welsh, either partially or your entire course: • A natural step to follow Welsh medium education • Smaller groups • A first rate education • Developing bilingual skills • Preparation for the workplace • Developing bilingual terminology within a specialised field • An opportunity to study towards the Welsh language skills certificate http://www.colegcymraeg.ac.uk/en/study/languages kills/languageskillscertificate/
14 • Opens doors to different experiences • Additional funding Additional Funding The Coleg offers scholarships to students studying through the medium of Welsh. Up to £ 3,000! Visit our website to find out which courses are eligible and how and when to apply. http://www.colegcymraeg.ac.uk/cy/astudio/cymortha riannol/ If you are going to university in September please apply NOW by following this link. £ 1,500 available for studying 33% of the course through the medium of Welsh. Go for it! http://www.colegcymraeg.ac.uk/cy/astudio/cymortha riannol/ysgoloriaethcymhelliant/ysgoloriaeth2020/ Resources Why not visit https://www.porth.ac.uk/ to see the vast number of Welsh-medium resources available to you that will be of great help at College and the University. A taste of university life
15 Follow us on @DyDdyfodoldi on twitter and Instagram and our Facebook page for the latest news and a taste of university life from our ambassadors. We also have many videos on our colegcymraeg channel on YouTube. For more information about us visit our website: www.colegcymraeg.ac.uk and click on this link for a bilingual presentation about studying through the medium of Welsh at university: https://sway.office.com/FfexHt9FWe9c0yeL?ref=Link
16
UCAS Hub
The UCAS is a tool on the UCAS website that enables you to
start carrying out your research and store that information.
To access the UCAS hub click on the link below:
https://www.ucas.com/what-are-my-options/create-your-
ucas-hub-today17
Deadline Dates
Listed below are the UCAS deadline dates for
submitting your application, but these are not the
dates that your tutor will ask you to complete your
application by.
Your application will need to be completed prior
to these dates, to ensure appropriate checks can
be made.
Mid-September Completed applications can be submitted to
UCAS.
Deadline for Oxford or Cambridge, and most
15 October courses in medicine, dentistry or veterinary
(18:00 UK time) medicine/science.
15 January Deadline for the majority of undergraduate
(18:00 UK time) courses.
30 June (18:00 Last date to submit an application before
UK time) Clearing.18 Admission Tests Some universities and colleges require that you pass an admissions test as well as standard qualifications if you are applying for courses in particular subjects. You can also contact your universities or colleges directly by phone or email, or check the prospectus on their website. https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting- started/entry-requirements/admissions-tests UCAS Conservatoires You can study performance-based music, dance, drama, and musical theatre courses at conservatoires in the UK – at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Please access the link below for further detail. https://www.ucas.com/ucas/conservatoires/ucas -conservatoires-apply-and-track
19
UCAS Registration
Registration and Application Process
In order to complete your application, you will be
required to register on the UCAS system. During the
registration process, you will be required to enter a
buzzword, this will attach your application to Coleg y
Cymoedd. Once you have registered, both your
tutor and UCAS Coordinator will be able to view
your application.
Please click on the link below to watch the
Apply video:
https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applyi
ng-university/filling-your-ucas-
undergraduate-application20
Apply 2021 UCAS
Registration
Connect to the internet and follow the
instructions below in order to complete your
UCAS registration.
Type the following address into the address bar
Select Sign in and then Students21
Select 2021 entry Apply
Click register
The next screen will take you through the registration
process and provide you with a username and password
of which you will then use to Log in.22 Read the text and click on next Please ensure at the next screen you accept the terms and conditions before proceeding to next Complete your details and Select next
23 Select UK and click on next Please ensure you enter your post code details and select next
24 Enter you email address - your email address should be a combination of your first name, surname and numbers. Universities look at the email that you have chosen. Please complete the next screen carefully. It will ask you to complete a password and select secret questions. Be careful to select passwords and secret questions that you will remember
25 Important: The username screen Once you have registered the next screen is very important, please make a note of your username as you will be required to enter your username each time you log in. Click on Log in now
26
Select through my school/ College select next
At the next screen enter the Buzzword:
oranges
If you do not enter the buzzword, please contact the
UCAS Co-ordinator. They will inform you on how to
attach your application to the College.
Select “yes” to the following address:
Coleg y Cymoedd
Nantgarw Campus
Heol- yr- Odyn
Parc Nantgarw27
Cardiff
CF15 7QY
Although you may be studying at another
campus you must select this address.
Ensure that you select the correct tutor
group (If you are not sure ask your tutor). If you attach
yourself to an incorrect tutor group, please contact the
UCAS Co-ordinator and they will access the system and
move you to the correct group
The welcome screen will now allow you to start
working on your application. Please ensure you
watch the videos at each section.28
You will also be required to verify your email,
please ensure that you complete this. It is also very
important that if you change your email address you
must update this information on your application.
You can now start working on your application and
complete the following sections. Make sure that you
complete all compulsory fields (*). Some key areas
to be aware of are mentioned below:
Personal Details
Student Support – Fee Code
In the Personal Details Section of the application
form the Student Support Fee Code –
02 is the correct answer for most students.
However, you need to select 05 if you are applying
for Nursing or an NHS-funded degree. Please check
NHS Bursary Scheme rules.
http://www.nwsspstudentfinance.wales.nhs.uk/home
Unique Learner Number
This is not applicable to complete
Nominated Access29 If you are not available, the nominated access could speak to UCAS on your behalf. Additional Information Activities in Preparation for Higher Education This section is only to be completed if you have been on a Higher Education Course. Student Finance The Student Finance questions will relate to your home address irrespective where you decide to study at university. Your home address determines the allocation of finance. Choices Registration Costs You can choose up to five courses (all now or some later through Extra). There’s no preference order and your universities will not see where else you’ve applied to until after you reply to any offers you get. The Registration Costs you will need to pay to send your application to UCAS:
30
1 course choice - £20.00
Maximum 5 choices - £25.00
This fee will not be required until you have fully
completed the application form and are ready to
send to UCAS
Please note you cannot indicate order of preference
when making your choices on your application.
Website links that will support you with your choices:
https://university.which.co.uk/advice/a-level-choices/what-a-levels-do-you-
need-for-the-degree-you-want-to-study
Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science
If you are applying for Medicine, Dentistry or
Veterinary Science then you have a maximum of
four choices for these courses.
Four choices for medical courses
Fifth non-medical choice without prejudice
Deferred Entry
Make sure you’ve checked that the university or
college accepts deferred entry applications for the
course.
They may not be offering the course the following
year, may be changing it, or prefer students not to
have a gap in study before they start their degree.31
Entry Requirements
Very important that you check and meet entry
requirements. It is advisable that you choose
courses that are within a range of your predicted
grades.
Education
You must enter all of your qualifications to date and
your pending qualifications. Bring in your GCSE
certificates and enter any resits that you have taken.
Please check with your tutor that you have entered
the correct qualifications that you will achieve at
Coleg y Cymoedd. It is vital that you enter the
correct qualification as this could affect your offer. If
you have a certificate and are unable to find the
qualification.
In the Education section, select add qualification32 In the search box enter the word other and choose Other (UK Qualifications), this will then allow you to manually enter the result. Employment This if for paid employment only, voluntary, or work experience can be explained in your personal statement Statement The personal statement is a very important section of the application that needs to be completed by you. This is an opportunity for you to inform the university/ universities of why they should accept you at their university. The personal statement is about selling yourself. The personal statement is a Maximum 4000 characters / 47 lines. The structure of the personal statement is very important and it is imperative that you check the spelling and grammar, therefore it is advisable to enter your personal statement in a word processing application and copy and paste the text of your personal statement into the application. You must ensure that the personal statement is all of
33
your own work, UCAS have a Plagiarism detection
technology that is used on all statements.
Common mistakes
Not taking your personal statement seriously
Not showing commitment to the subject area
Using too many clichés
Underestimating the time, it takes to write an
excellent statement
Check university websites they may also tell you what
they are looking for in a personal statement for that
particular course.
Which? University website
https://university.which.co.uk/advice/personal-
statements/personal-statement-subject-guides-
admission-tutor-tips34
Personal Statement Example Structure
Main Introduction
Start with an opening sentence that encourages the reader to read
on.
Justify your choice of course.
Say why you want to do that course.
What interests you about the subject, reason for choosing the
course, possibly name dropping modules to show you have done
your research. If you can, indicate what you want to do after it.
Mention any relevant work experience.
Any work experience that is not directly related to your chosen
course – can you identify core transferable skills which you
learned or developed there.
Show that you are a critical thinker – what has made you think this
way? A Level, BTEC, extended project.
Conclusion
Conclude with something memorable to stick in the Admission
Tutors minds.
Leave them wanting to interview or make you an offer reinforce
your commitment and enthusiasm.35
Tariff Points
Universities and colleges are independent
organisations and each year they decide how to set
their entry requirements. Those universities and
colleges that use UCAS Tariff points to express their
entry requirements will simply set their requirements
using the new number system.
Please refer to the links below for the tariff points for
each qualification/ grades.
Key qualifications – Tariff points
Tariff point calculator/
https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Tariff Point New System
https://www.ucas.com/?tile=tile-44636
The table below is only a small example of tariff
points attached to qualifications.
GCE & GCE & Tariff BTEC BTEC BTEC BTEC
VCE AS VCE A (QCF) (QCF) (QCF) (QCF)
levels levels Extended Diploma Subsidiary Certificate
Diploma Diploma
168 D*D*D*
160 D*D*D
152 D*DD
144 DDD
128 DDM
112 DMM D*D*
104 D*D
96 MMM DD
80 MMP DM
64 MPP MM
A* 56 D*
A 48 PPP MP D
B 40
C 32 PP M
28 D*
D 24 D
A 20
B E 16 P M
C 12
D 10
8 P
E 637
Track your Application
Once you have submitted your application to UCAS,
it is important that you frequently log into Track
your application.
After you’ve sent your application, you can see how
it’s progressing by signing in to the UCAS online
system, Track your application.
In Track your application, you can see when
decisions are received from universities and
colleges, and reply to any offers you get. When the
universities and colleges have received and
considered your application, they will make their
decision. If they make you an offer, it can be either
unconditional or conditional.38 Unconditional - you have already met all the university or college’s academic entry requirements. Conditional - that the offer has certain conditions you need to meet, for example, you have to achieve certain exam result. You must check the deadline date for replying to your firm choice and insurance choice.
39 Universities may invite you to attend an interview, this is a process that will support tutors in selecting suitable applicants for the chosen course. This invitation will either be sent to you directly, or via Track your application login, therefore it is vital that you frequently log into your Track your application account. It can be difficult for a university to change your appointment date, therefore please ensure that you keep the appointment date, or inform the university immediately if you are unable to do so, or no longer wish to attend. The UCAS website has a dedicated area providing you with information, if you are invited to attend an interview: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/apply- and-track/track-your-application/undergraduate- interview-invitations MMI Interviews Multi Mini Interviews (MMIs) are a type of interview used by a rising number of Medical Schools. A multiple mini interview consists of a series of short, structured interview stations used to assess non- cognitive qualities including cultural sensitivity, maturity, teamwork, empathy, and reliability and communication skills.
40 Cardiff University is one of the universities that uses this method of interviewing: https://www.themedicportal.com/e- learning/interview/mmi-questions/ https://multipleminiinterview.com/ Points to remember: • Consider the Interview that you expect • Think about how you can stand out • Read your personal statement • Read the Course Information • Know your Subject • Arrive Early
41
Extra
Extra is a process that allows applicants to apply to
additional universities or colleges that still have
vacancies.
You do not have to wait until clearing to apply for
other courses. Extra operates from the end of
February until the end of June. UCAS’s on-line
Course Search system shows which courses have
vacancies. If an applicant is eligible to use Extra, a
button will appear on their Track your application
service on this website.
You can then apply for one course at a time using
Track your application. To use Extra applicants,
need to have:
• already made five choices;42 • received decisions from all their choices
43
Clearing
Clearing is used by applicants who have not
managed to secure a place at university or college
for the current year.
When can you use Clearing?
• It's available July to September each year.
• If you already have your exam results but you
have no offers, you can use Clearing from
July.
• If you had conditional offers but your exam
results didn't go to plan, you can use Clearing
from results day, when Clearing vacancies
will be listed in the UCAS search tool.
• Identify courses (with vacancies) that interest
you and contact the course providers directly
to see if they will offer you a place.
For further information on the Clearing process,
refer to the link below:
https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/apply-
and-track/results/no-offers-learn-how-clearing-works44
Useful Links
www.ucas.com
This is the main website that applicants should
access frequently to keep up to date with
information regarding your application, and the
progress of your application.
http://search.ucas.com/search/providers
The course search tool is a very informative tool and
will allow you to search for courses. Generating a
result of all the universities that offer you chosen
subject area.
www.unistats.com
www.ukcat.ac.uk
UK clinical aptitude test
www.bmat.org.uk
Admissions test for applicants to Medicine,
Biomedical Science and Dentistry courses at certain
universities.
http://www.lnat.ac.uk/
The Law National Aptitude Test, it helps universities
check that you will succeed on a Law course.
www.rnib.org.uk45 Apprenticeships https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships-in-the-uk Complete University Guide https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/ NHS Bursary https://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/undergradua te-students/new-students/what-financial-support-is- available/nhs-bursary.aspx
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