UK University Entry Requirements | The UK Study Expert

If you’ve been confused by entry requirements listed on UK university websites, then you’ve come to the right place. We know the grading system, and all this talk of A-Levels, looks and sounds like a foreign language. Have no fear – the UK Study Expert is here to simplify UK entry requirements for you.

 

First, what you need to know is each university has a set of entry requirements based off of American exams and GPAs, therefore, you won’t be going off of UK requirements at all! These US requirements are usually buried somewhere deep on the university’s website. In this article, we are going to go over the general requirements you need to get into UK universities for both graduate and undergraduate programs.

 

Graduate Degree Program Requirements

Let’s begin with the easiest requirements to break down: Graduate (Master’s) Degree requirements. You’ll be happy to find out that Graduate degrees in the UK do not need the GRE (what a sigh of relief)! UK universities will be looking at your GPA as the main entry requirement for their programs.

 

Generally, if you have a 3.0 and above, you’re in a really good spot for most UK universities. Of course, the higher your GPA, the better, but generally UK universities are more lenient towards GPA than their US counterparts.

 

Students who have a 2.5 GPA and above still have a good list of universities to choose from.

 

Under 2.5 is definitely doable, but the lower you go, the more of a case-by-case situation it will be when admissions is deciding on your application (work experience also comes into play, of course).

 

Besides GPA, certain specialty programs may ask for portfolios or entrance exams, but this is not the norm for most graduate programs. If anything extra is needed beyond a student’s GPA, it will be clearly stated on the university’s program page.

 

You can take the quiz on our website to see a list of your best matches based off of your GPA.

 

Undergraduate Degree Program Requirements

Undergraduate Degree requirements are slightly more complex, and vary depending on the university you are applying to.

 

The best exam to boost your UK application is the AP exam. The more AP exams with high scores you have, the better. If you are looking to study at prestigious universities such as University of Oxford, Cambridge University, Imperial College London, University College London, University of Edinburgh, etc., it is a main component for admission in a student’s application. This is due to the UK education system and A-Level qualifications. The closest equivalent to this in the US is AP exams, which is why this is a hard requirement and universities will not provide any substitutions or flexibility. The IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum is also highly considered.

 

if you don’t have AP exams, there’s also plenty of other high-ranked, well-known universities that offer flexible requirements to choose from!

 

Since COVID and universities moving away from standardized testing, many UK universities have followed suit and have implemented a new test-flexible approach. The ‘main formula’ most universities are looking for is:

 

Ex. 3.0 GPA + (SAT or ACT or AP exams with a good score)

 

However, we have been finding that more universities are taking different combinations of exams and honours classes or dual enrollment classes in place of the ‘main formula.’

Some universities ask for less/more exams, and some universities will be fine with lower GPAs, while some will require higher GPAs. There are even a growing number of universities that have gone test optional!

 

Furthermore, if you have an associate’s degree, this will also be considered in place of exams at most universities, just note that your credits may not transfer.

 

As you can see, there are so many ways to fulfill requirements for UK universities! To make this much easier on you, we have provided this quiz on our website to compile a list of your best university matches based off of your GPA and test scores.

 

Foundation Programs and Extended Degrees

 

For undergraduate students who don’t quite meet the mark on GPA and test requirements, there is an option to do a foundation program before your undergraduate program. These are also sometimes called extended degrees. This will add an extra year prior to starting your undergraduate degree, and entry requirements are usually pretty minimal for most foundation programs – a lower GPA and test scores is more readily accepted.

 

To find out if a Foundation degree is the right option for you, you can read our article Should You Consider a Foundation Degree.

 

The UK Study Expert Search Tool and Quiz Can Help You

Lucky for you, the UK Study Expert has taken the guesswork out of figuring out what each university requires with our handy dandy search tool. Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match.

 

 

UK Universities with January 2023 Intake | UK Study Expert

Did you miss the 2022 deadline? If so, don’t worry. There’s options to apply for January 2023 entry!

 

January entry is not as common compared to US universities, however, there are a selection to choose from. We have listed below which universities will accept January 2023 entry. Click the university links to find out what their specific entry requirements are:

 

 

These universities also have January 2023 intakes available:

 

  • Anglia Ruskin University

  • Aston University

  • Bangor University

  • Bedfordshire University

  • Birmingham City University

  • Birkbeck University of London

  • Bolton University

  • Brunel University

  • Bradford University

  • Brighton University

  • Buckinghamshire New University

  • University of Central Lancashire

  • Canterbury Christ Church University

  • Chester University

  • Chichester University

  • Cranfield University

  • Cumbria University

  • Derby University

  • De Montfort University

  • Durham University

  • East London University

  • Edinburgh Napier University

  • University of Essex

  • Glasgow Caledonian University

  • Hult International Business School

  • Huddersfield University

  • Keele University

  • Kingston University

  • University of Leicester

  • Leeds Beckett University

  • Liverpool Hope University

  • Liverpool John Moores University

  • Liverpool University

  • Manchester Metropolitan University

  • Northumbria University

  • Northampton University

  • Nottingham Trent University

  • Queen Mary University London

  • Queen University Belfast

  • Reading University

  • Richmond The American International University in London

  • Regents University London

  • Robert Gordon University

  • Southampton Solent University

  • Southampton University

  • Royal Holloway University of London

  • Staffordshire University

  • Sunderland University

  • Swansea University

  • Ulster University

  • University College Birmingham

  • Teesside University

  • University for the Creative Arts

  • University of Dundee

  • University of Gloucestershire

  • University of Greenwich

  • University of Huddersfield London

  • University of Law

  • University of South Wales

  • University of Suffolk

  • University of West London

  • The University of West of Scotland

  • West of England University Bristol

  • London South Bank University

  • Coventry University

  • Greenwich University

  • University of Hertfordshire

  • Sheffield Hallam University

  • Portsmouth University

 

Ready to apply? The UCAS application is now open!

How to Add a UCAS Buzzword | The UK Study Expert Guide

You might have heard some “buzz” around the UCAS buzzword (sorry, dumb joke), and you might be thinking to yourself, “why should I add the buzzword to my UCAS application?”

 

Here we are going to breakdown the purpose for the buzzword, and the way to add it to your application, for both students and school college counselors.

 

→ Need help with your UCAS application? Get our UCAS Guide for $27

 

Why Should I Add a UCAS Buzzword to My UCAS Application?

 

Let me first point out that adding a UCAS buzzword is not mandatory to add to a student’s application. If you don’t add a buzzword to your application, you will be considered an independent applicant.

 

If you find out your school or organization has a buzzword after creating your UCAS application, you can always add it in later. Just make sure you add it in before you submit your application!

 

The purpose of the UCAS buzzword is quite simple – it links a student’s UCAS application to a school or organization. This makes it so the school, or the organization, working with the student can easily see the application from the UCAS Advisor Portal.

 

If you are a student, this means you can have your counselor can view and help support you with your application without sharing your password, protecting your privacy.

 

If you are a school counselor, this makes it very easy to upload the student’s reference letter, as well as provide predicted grades to universities (predicted grades are sometimes asked for by UK universities), all through the UCAS Advisor Portal. You’re also able to see how many students have applied to UK universities from your school.

Ultimately, this makes the process more streamlined without as much back and forth with universities via email after applying.

 

The UK Study Expert has a UCAS Buzzword

 

Please complete the following form and let us know you’d like your application added to our system. We will reach you in 1-2 business days. A small fee may apply. For 2025 applicants, please use buzzword: ukstudyexpert25. A small fee is required for this service. 

 

For Students: How to Link to an Organization/School with a UCAS Buzzword

 

First, make sure to ask the organization/school you’re wanting to link to what their buzzword is so you have that handy. Once you create your UCAS application, you will come to a series of questions that ask:

 

 

UCAS Application

 

 

 

Press the ‘Yes’ button, then continue to the next question:

 

 

 

UCAS Buzzword

 

 

 

Press continue, and you’ll finally enter the buzzword here and hit ‘Save Buzzword.’

 

UCAS Buzzword

 

 

After adding the buzzword, let the school/organization know you’ve requested to link your UCAS via buzzword. They will then go into the UCAS Advisor Portal to approve the request. You’re now linked!

 

 

If you’ve already started your UCAS application, you can still link your application to a school or organization using a UCAS buzzword. You’ll sign into your UCAS Hub to do so, then click on your application:

 

 

 

UCAS Application

 

 

You’ll be taken to your application status dashboard, where you can click on the ‘Add buzzword’ button the left side:

 

 

UCAS Profile

 

 

 

Again, make sure to let your school or organization know you have requested to link via buzzword so they can go in and approve your request. You are then all set!

 

 

———————————————————————-

 

Need help figuring out your UCAS application?

 

Check out our step-by-step UCAS Guide! Get the UCAS Guide for $27

 

 

About the Author:

Ashley Jeanson is an international education expert with over 9 years of experience in the field. She’s worked for a mixture of study abroad providers, universities in the US and the UK, and third-party providers, mostly specializing in helping American students attend UK universities. In her spare time, she travels the globe and is eternally in search of the best cup of coffee.

How to Create a Centre & UCAS Buzzword | The UK Study Expert

For College Counselors and Independent Education Consultants Only:

 

Before we dive in, there’s two things you should know about the UCAS buzzword:

 

  1. Adding a UCAS buzzword is not mandatory. If a student doesn’t add a buzzword to their application, they will be considered an independent applicant.

  2. The student can add a buzzword midway through their application.

 

? Need help with your UCAS application? Get our UCAS Guide for $27

 

Creating a Buzzword

 

If your school or organization is interested in creating a buzzword, there’s a few things you should know before starting the process:

 

  • You must become a UCAS centre first before you can create a buzzword

  • If you are an IEC (Independent Education Consultant) and have an organization, you must provide a reference letter from a university to support your UCAS centre submission. This could take weeks to process unless you are buddy buddy with a university representative.

  • You can choose to pay for your student’s applications at the end. This could be helpful if you are working with students who might be applying at the last minute and come to find out that their credit card won’t take international payments.

 

First thing you’ll do is register your school as a Centre on UCAS. You can do this on this page: https://www.ucas.com/corporate/eu-and-international-schoolscentres

 

After that is set up, you can create your UCAS Buzzword. You’ll sign into UCAS and go to your Advisor Dashboard:

 

 

You’ll then click on the right year in the Centre Management section, where you’ll see these categories:

 

Here you will see ‘Centre linking (buzzword)’ and this is where you can create and save your buzzword! You’re then ready to give out your buzzword to students when asked for.

 

Ultimately, linking a UCAS application to a school/organization is a quick and efficient way to help support students in their UCAS applications. We hope the above information is useful and helpful in your journey to applying (or helping a student apply) to UK universities.

 

For more information, check out the UCAS website on how to manage applications as a UCAS centre.

 

 


 

 

Need help figuring out your UCAS application? Check out our step-by-step UCAS Guide! Get the UCAS Guide for $27

 

 

About the Author:

Ashley Jeanson is an international education expert with over 9 years of experience in the field. She’s worked for a mixture of study abroad providers, universities in the US and the UK, and third-party providers, mostly specializing in helping American students attend UK universities. In her spare time, she travels the globe and is eternally in search of the best cup of coffee. 

Graduate UK Application Essay Guide | The UK Study Expert

Admissions essay, letter of intent, personal statement? Whatever you call it, a good one can mean the difference between getting an offer into your dream Master’s degree and being rejected. It is your chance to show the university skills and experiences that don’t show on a transcript, and also show a bit of your personality!

 

What should you include?

 

The key to writing your personal statement is, ironically, not to make it too personal. It’s really important to keep these three things as the overarching theme throughout the essay:

 

1. The program (degree) you’re applying for, and why you want to study it

2. Why you think you’ll be successful in the program

3. And what evidence you have to back that up

 

UK universities are largely interested in your academic narrative, rather than your personal one, so keep this in mind as you write. Are you showing your academic prowess at the best level?

 

Here are some key things you can include:

 

  • Relevant study from undergrad (this could be specific papers, classes, etc.)

  • Show your soft skills! These are just as crucial to completing a degree as subject knowledge

  • Explain who your main influences have been and why- extra points if you can call on research from someone in your subject are at the university

  • Notable achievements: are you a member of a society, have you written any papers or won any awards, scholarships or prizes?

  • Talk about your career plans and how taking the degree is going to get you there.

 

Don’t forget Admissions teams will be assessing your ability to complete a degree successfully, so this is who you need to be targeting with your statement.

 

Structure and Grammar

 

Most universities won’t ask you to cover specific content in your personal statement, which does give you some free reign. The length of the piece will vary depending on the university (University of Sussex asks for about 500 words), but conciseness is important.

 

At Sussex, we suggest thinking about these questions to help focus your piece:

 

  • Why do you want to study a Masters and how will it benefit you?

  • How does the course fit your skill set?

  • How do you stand out from the crowd – i.e. work experience?

  • What are you aspiring to be/do in your future career?

  • How can your work contribute to the department/University/society?

 

These ideas can be useful to think about when you’re planning or giving your notes some structure before you’ve even started your first draft.

 

When you’re thinking about structure, it should be formal and essay-like. You should have a clear introduction, a substantive middle section, and a strong conclusion. It should use a standard sentence structure, with accurate punctuation and grammar, and be upbeat in tone. You’re talking about the best bits of yourself- if you’re not excited by that, then it’s likely admissions teams won’t be either!

 

If you follow these steps, you should have a really strong personal statement to go with your application, giving you the best chance of acceptance into a Masters at a UK university. For more tips, and a sample statement, head over to the University of Sussex’s website.

 

Kasia Symons is the International Officer for the Americas at University of Sussex.

 

To learn about UK Graduate Universities, check out our Graduate University Search Engine to learn more.

 

If you want to ensure that you are making the right decision in the application process, our advisors can support you throughout the process and help you get into your dream UK university!

Joint, Single & Combined Degrees Guide | The UK Study Expert

While searching international universities can be a bit overwhelming with the different application processes, it doesn’t help when bachelor’s degrees are written in ways that you may not be familiar with.

 

In the UK, as opposed to the USA, universities do not allow much flexibility to study outside of your chosen course (degree) as your modules (classes) are set. For instance, if you were to study History, you would find it hard to be able to take a Biology class. While this is great for those wanting to avoid pre-requisite classes that are typically found in the US university system, it can make students feel a bit trapped. Never fear, there are some courses that do allow students to study more than one subject. In this blog. Below, we list the different types of degrees you can choose to when searching and applying to UK universities. The following are various UK degree options a student can expect.

 

Please note, this is not representative of all universities – you should always contact a representative of the university you are interested in to discuss your degree options. This article mainly refers to universities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

 

Single Honours Degrees

A single honours degree is the traditional degree from a UK university. This will be specific in your course and will typically take three years. Most universities will have the class listings for the degree on the course page under a modules tab. This type of degree will be very focused on your chosen subject area and does not allow much opportunity for students to study outside of their subject area. Your classes each year will be from a select list of modules with some being compulsory modules and others being optional modules, which you must choose a number to take.

 

Joint Honours or Combined Degrees

A joint degree is a degree that is typically a combination of two degrees. These are also referred to as combined degrees. This would give you a diploma in both chosen subjects. The subjects must be closely related, for instance, History and International Politics may be together as a joint honours degree. While it allows you to achieve accreditation in both subject areas, you will not have the opportunity to study much outside of the two areas. Your classes each year will be from a select list of modules with some being compulsory and others being optional.  You must choose a number of modules to take for the semester.  Universities will have these joint degrees listed on their course pages and will typically not have any additional entry requirements for these degrees.

 

If you are interested in joint or combination courses, Aberystwyth University has a variety of different subjects you can choose from. You can visit our website to check out our list of degrees here.

 

Integrated Degrees

While each university may call this something different, this is a degree that may take longer than the traditional 3 years a student can expect to study at the undergraduate level in the UK. This may be a degree that is 4 years with the third year serving as an integrated year abroad or integrated year in industry. This means that for that third year you are either studying at another university, in another country, or you are obtaining work experience in the UK or abroad, depending on the options available at your chosen university.

 

For many students, this four-year course is the only option that allows students to study abroad for a full year. The three-year course would only allow for a semester or a summer program. If you are interested in any of your university’s 4-year integrated courses I would recommend applying for that course and then, if you change your mind later, you can move to the three-year course. Due to visa regulations, it is easier to change from a 4-year student visa to a 3 year than it is to change from a 3 year to a 4-year student visa.

 

You may also see degrees that are 4 years and are integrated Master’s degrees. This would give you your Bachelor’s accreditation after 3 years but you would automatically be enrolled for the Master’s level course in the subject and after 1 more year you would graduate with your Master’s as well.

 

No matter what subject you are interested in, you should see what different types of degrees your department or university offers. You never know, you may be able to gain practical work experience or enjoy a year abroad as part of your degree. As always, you should contact a representative of the university you are interested in to discuss your degree options as some may have differing entry requirements.

 

Jackie Jarocki is a Regional Officer at Aberystwyth University. Jackie is a former international student from the USA who came to study in the UK in 2018 and never left! She has been working in the UK Higher Education in international student recruitment since 2019.

 

 

What Is Clearing? A Complete Guide | The UK Study Expert

Clearing can be confusing and stressful, but it does not need to be. It is an opportunity for you to still get a place at the university of your choice during the Summer prior to September entry start!

 

 

What is Clearing?

Clearing is a system offered by UCAS, which is a UK based organization that helps you to apply for study in the UK. Clearing opens on 5 July 2022, after which point all applications made automatically go into Clearing. There is a myth that clearing only offers courses that no-one wants but that is not true. Lots of highly popular courses are still available. Each university will publish a list of courses available on the website, that will allow you to review each course and decide what you would like to study, then you can contact the university. If you have already made an application through UCAS, please keep your UCAS ID number handy with your academic results and your contact information when speaking to the universities.

 

The great benefit of this is you can receive guidance on how to apply, support with university information, qualification acceptance and equivalencies. UCAS is there to help you figure out what the next step in your education might be, and to support you when you take that step.

 

 

Why Apply through Clearing?

This process can support you if:

 

  • you already applied through UCAS and have not yet received an offer (or none you wanted to accept)

  • hold a conditional offer but have not met the required grades

  • declined their offers

  • you’re applying after June 30th

 

 

How to Apply

As an international applicant wanting to apply to a university in the UK, you will first need to contact the university directly to make sure that the degree is still available before submitting your choice on UCAS. Each university will have a dedicated clearing support team available from the 5th of July to answer all your questions. It’s easier to call them. If calling isn’t an option, you can email your US university manager or officer to assist you through the process. Don’t forget to ask if they have available housing for international students on campus too. After speaking with them, they will work to provide you with a decision on your clearing application as quickly as possible.

 

Once you have permission from the university, then they will give you instructions on adding the degree to your UCAS application. You will select ‘Add Clearing Choice’ with the course details by the date the university/college gave you on the phone. You can only choose one degree/university and this will count as you accepting their offer. It’s important to do a thorough research of degrees and universities prior to accepting.

 

So, consider joining a university with rich academic heritage, that is thought provoking and challenges thinking, whilst also been part of a close-knit community.

 

 

Below is a link to further information on Clearing for International applicants:

 

International students and Clearing | Goldsmiths, University of London

 

My name is Nicola and I’m an International Recruitment Manager for Goldsmiths, University of London. My job is to support students and agents with applying to the University as well as been a supportive member of the International recruitment team. My main area of responsibility is the Americas and I am keen to promote the fantastic reputation of Goldsmiths University of London to potential students.

 

 

UK Test-Optional and Test-Flexible

Standardized testing has always been a substantial requirement for UK undergraduate university admissions. This is due to their UK education system and their entry requirements for UK students. In our article Deciphering the High School System – US vs. the UK, UK students do not study a broad curriculum during high school like the US. Students focus on specific subjects as early as Year 10 (14 years old) and have to take those specific exams at the end of their course. These final year exams determine whether they are admitted into university.

 

When the pandemic occurred, many universities had to reevaluate their admissions policies on testing due to student’s safety and accessibility. UK universities haven’t fully gone completely test-optional, but most have become test-flexible. What is test-flexible? Test-flexible allows students to choose a variety of tests or classes to support their academic profile to be admitted into university.

 

Here is an example of what test-flexible means in the UK:

 

Pre-COVID example: AP exams + (ACT or SAT) + GPA

Post-COVID entry requirements: (AP exams and/or college level classes or honours level classes) + GPA. SAT/ACT not required or optional.

 

It’s kind of like trying to figure out a puzzle, right? We recommend first laying out what exams/classes a student will take and then go from there.

 

Just remember:

 

  • AP exams are equivalent to UK high school exams (A Levels). Most universities will require these or will accept college level courses in lieu of AP exams. Some will accept honours level classes but not all.

  • ACT/SAT – optional to provide in most university cases as long as you have AP’s or college level classes.

 

TIP: When searching for a specific programme, make sure to check if they require a specific AP exam for that subject. Many universities will require AP exams for specific degrees to show you are proficient in the subject. STEM is always likely to require subject specific exams, even if the university does not require them.

 


Are you a student interested in knowing your top UK university matches based on what exams you will be taking? Try our free UK university quiz to learn more! Free UK University Quiz

 

You can also use our free UK search engine HERE to select which exams you will be taking to narrow your search. Or you can click on each university profile to learn more about their transparent entry admissions criteria.

 

If you want to ensure that you are making the right decision in the application process, our advisors can support you throughout the process and help you get into your dream UK university!

 

UK Still Accepting Applications | The UK Study Expert Guide

UPDATE [August 29, 2022]: The below universities are no longer accepting applications for 2022. Did you miss the September 2022 deadline? Learn which universities are accepting applications for January 2023! Read More.

 


 

The following UK universities have provided information if they are still accepting undergraduate and graduate applications for September 2022.

 

To speak to a university representative, please go onto their university page, click their university Contact Button and complete the form. The form will go directly to the university representative’s inbox who assists US students.

 

Any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

 

WALES

 

Aberystwyth University 

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Occupational Therapy are no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: UCAS, Direct University Application or CommonApp

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

Cardiff University

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Occupational Therapy are no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

SCOTLAND

 

University of Abertay

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

University of Glasgow

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, and Nursing are no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

Heriot Watt University

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

ENGLAND

 

University of Birmingham

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Business, Law, Computer Science are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Scholarships available for PG courses – Global Masters Scholarship of £10,000.

Application: Direct University Application

 

University of Bristol

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? No

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

Falmouth University 

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Data Science BSc, Music Business BA, Sound Design BA are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Artificial Intelligence MSc, Game Programming MSc are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: Direct University Application

 

Goldsmiths University of London

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: MFA Fine Art is no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: Direct University Application

 

Imperial College London

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? No

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

University of Kent

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Medicine is no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

Kings College London

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? No

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Some programmes could still be open, however, students need to check the pages on a course by course basis.

Application: Direct University Application

 

Leeds Beckett University

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: BSc Physiotherapy is no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: MSc Speech and Language Therapy is no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: Direct University Application

 

London Metropolitan University 

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Courses that are full for September 2022 will have a banner across the top of the course page noting they are full, but almost all of our undergraduate/postgraduate courses are still open.

Application: Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Dietetics and Nutrition MSc is no longer accepting applications for 2022. Courses that are full for September 2022 will have a banner across the top of the course page noting they are full, but almost all of our undergraduate/postgraduate courses are still open.

Application: Direct University Application

 

The University of Manchester

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: We are accepting limited applications for some of our environmental engineering courses, some of our international studies and politics courses, and very limited availability for biology or biomedical courses for 2022.

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

Middlesex University London

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: BA Social Work is no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

Newcastle University

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Medicine and Dentistry are no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: UCAS or CommonApp

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

Norwich University of the Arts 

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

Oxford Brookes University

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Direct applications for international students are open until 30 June 2022. Allied health courses tend to close for applications before the deadline because of demand.

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Direct applications for international students are open until 30 June 2022. Allied health courses tend to close for applications before the deadline because of demand. 

Application: Direct University Application

 

University of Plymouth

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Medicine, Dentistry and some health programmes such as Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Health programmes such as Occupational Therapy and Nursing are no longer accepting applications for 2022.

Application: Direct University Application

 

University of Roehampton London

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: UCAS or Direct University Application

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

University of Sheffield

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: BA Digital Media and Society, LLB Law and Criminology and LLB Law are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

University of Surrey

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Veterinary Medicine, Acting, Musical Theatre are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: Direct University Application

 

University of Sussex

Undergraduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Application: UCAS

Graduate:

Accepting Applications? Yes

Notes: Data Science MSc (with placement), MSc Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management are no longer accepting applications for 2022

Application: Direct University Application

 

To speak to a university representative, please go onto their university page, then click their university Contact Button. The completed form will go directly to their university representative’s inbox who assists directly with US students.

 

Any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

UK Undergraduate Equal Consideration Deadline | UK Study Expert

US and UK universities do not have the same undergraduate admission processes and UK universities do not have Early Decision or Early Action. Instead, UK universities have set deadlines in October and January, depending on the university or the course.

 

? Need help with your UCAS application? Get our UCAS Guide for $39

 

There are two major types of early deadlines both typically on October 15th:

  • Degree specific (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, etc.)
  • University specific deadline (Oxford, Cambridge, etc.).

 

If your university or degree subject isn’t in this category, your university may recommend you to apply before the equal consideration deadline.

 

According to the UCAS website, equal consideration guarantees an equal opportunity to be considered against the same selection criteria (academic and non-academic) as all others who apply within that time, providing assurance that admission is not granted on a first-come-first-served basis. Applying before this deadline ensures the student is given the best opportunity in being admitted. This deadline is usually around mid to end of January (deadline varies by year).

 

If a US student applies after the equal consideration date, don’t panic! Most universities tend to have rolling admissions for international students. Students can still be accepted after the deadline as long as places aren’t filled for that course.

 

If you decide to apply after the equal consideration deadline, make sure not to wait too long. Don’t forget that once you’re accepted, you’ll still need to prepare for the next processes such as choosing and applying to accommodation, applying for your student visa, and more.

 

If you have questions about a university’s deadlines and processes, you can reach out to our universities through our university pages. Click the “contact us” and your message will be sent directly to the UK university representative who assists with US students or counselors.

 

 

If you want to ensure that you are making the right decision in the application process, our advisors can support you throughout the process and help you get into your dream UK university!

 


Front Cover - UCAS Guide 2025
Need help figuring out your UCAS application? Check out our step-by-step UCAS Guide! Get the UCAS Guide for $39

Am I Eligible to Pay UK Home Fees?

Let’s say that your student (or child) is British and has applied to the UK, but is currently living here in the US. The family is wondering, hmm, since we are British, are we eligible to pay Home (domestic) Fees or are we categorized as “international” and pay the International Fees?

 

Whether you pay “Home” or “International” fees depends on whether you meet certain criteria. Speaking with Falmouth University we were able to clarify. To be classed as a “Home” student, you normally need to meet one of two basic criteria before the first day of the first academic year of the course:

 

  • The student must have “Settled” status in the UK. Meaning, the student will have no time limit on the amount of time they can reside in the UK. That usually means a UK passport or another form of “indefinite leave to remain” granted by the UK government.

 

OR

 

  • The student must have been a “Resident” in the UK for the three years prior to the start of the course. That means they have been working, studying, and generally living their everyday life in the UK.

 

There are some exceptions to this, such as, parents owning a property in the UK and paying UK taxes. If you are categorized as a “Home Fee” student, it’s worth noting that it may be more competitive for admissions.

 

We recommend checking with the university for confirmation. Some universities will offer confirmation before a student applies; however, most will recommend applying first and will review the student’s application before assessing their status.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about the different policies, you can check UKCISA guidelines to help navigate what your status is. UKCISA also has a useful overview.

 

How The UK Study Expert Search Tool and Quiz Can Help You

 

Are you in the process of finding the right fit UK university? Check out our university search engine. Where you’ll be able to learn about UK universities and their entry requirements.

Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match. 


Need to speak to an advisor about studying in the UK? Check our 
Services webpage to see what the best available options are for your needs.

 

 

Conditional vs Unconditional Offers | The UK Study Expert

Navigating your way around UK higher education admissions can be a bit daunting, especially as it is so different from the US way of doing things. You have researched your options, written a wonderful personal statement, and applied, congratulations! Now it is time to be patient whilst you await the responses from your chosen universities.

 

Below I am going to outline the different types of offers you may get from the UK universities you have applied to. Here in the UK many prospective students are made an offer of study based on their predicted final grades, whether this be the final high school grades and test scores, if applying for undergraduate, or the final cumulative GPA if applying for postgraduate. The offers set out below reflect this:

 

  • Conditional Offer – This offer means you have a place reserved for you as long as you meet certain requirements, usually the conditions of your offer so your final exam results or your final transcript. Universities don’t need to see the evidence of your final qualification right away (unless you have applied very late). They will set a deadline for you to provide your final documents to then confirm your place.
  • Unconditional Offer – This means you have successfully been given a place at this university and have met all the academic requirements we need for entry. Please bear in mind you may still need to sort your visa and other documentation before traveling to the UK and being able to commence your studies.
  • Unsuccessful – This means that the university is unable to make you an offer, this usually happens if your predicted final grades are not high enough to match the universities offer.

 

Once you have heard back from all the universities you will then need to make a decision as to what pathway you are going to take. If you are applying for undergraduate and have applied through UCAS you will need to choose one university as your firm choice and a second as your insurance choice. Remember to take your time over this and choose the course that appeals to you the most and will help you achieve your future goals.

 

Things to remember:

 

  • Deadlines – whether this be the UCAS decision deadline date, or the decision date set by universities be aware of them! Put them into a spreadsheet so you can keep track and respond to any offers before they expire.
  • Be aware, those applying for undergraduate, some universities may entice you by promising an unconditional offer if you make them your firm choice. Try not to be influenced by this. Choose the university based on the course that is the most appealing to you and your future goals.
  • Deposit – once you have your offer that you want to accept you may be required to pay a deposit to confirm. Make sure you are aware of this and pay the deposit before the deadline.
  • Speak to your family and friends before choosing where to study, their insight could prove to be very valuable.

 

Good luck with your applications, remember to do your research and apply with plenty of time.

 

Katie Sharpe is Senior International Student Recruitment Manager (North America) at the University of Surrey.  Located 35 minutes south of London in the town of Guildford, the University of Surrey has been awarded the prestigious accolade of ‘University of the Year for Graduate Employment’ in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2022 recognising the University’s consistently high performance in the employability of its graduates.

 

 

How The UK Study Expert Can Help You

Looking to find your best match UK university? Lucky for you, the UK Study Expert has taken the guesswork out of figuring out what each university requires with our handy dandy search tool. Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match.

 

Need to speak to an advisor about studying in the UK? Check our Services webpage to see what the best available options are for your needs.