York St John University Admissions Policy
version 2.0
Introduction 4
1. Admissions Policy 4
1.1. Principles 4
2. Aims 4
3. Admissions criteria 5
3.1. Processing of applications 5
3.2. Minimum Entry Qualifications 5
3.3. International Requirements 5
3.4. International English Requirements 6
3.5. Non-Academic Entry Requirements 6
3.6. Entry for candidates without standard qualifications 6
3.7. Entry for Candidates with disabilities 6
3.8. Candidates who have been in Care 6
3.9. Special Entry Routes 6
3.10. Costs and fees 7
3.11. Fees Assessment 7
3.12. Rejection 7
3.13. Reasons for rejection 7
3.14. Re-applications 7
3.15. Applications for alternative start dates than advertised 7
3.16. Applicants requesting deferred entry 7
3.17. Re-admission of students 7
3.18. Applicants with Criminal Convictions 7
3.19. Applicants made an offer for an alternative programme 8
3.20. Entry with advanced standing 8
3.21. Direct Entry to the final level of a degree programme 8
3.22. Interviews, Auditions and Portfolios 8
3.23. Selection Process 9
3.24. Re-sitting qualifications 9
3.25. Offers 9
3.26. Accepting an offer 9
3.27. Confirmation of offers 9
3.28. Adjustment applicants 9
3.29. Open and Visit days 9
3.30. Applications identified under the UCAS similarity detection service 9
3.31. Fraudulent applications 9
3.32. Minimum age on entry 9
3.33. Withdrawal of programmes and major changes to programmes 10
3.34. Complaints 10
3.35. Retention and Disclosure of Admissions Information 10
3.36. Mitigating Circumstance 10
3.37. Terms and Conditions 10
4. Authority and responsibility 10
4.2. Applicants responsibilities 10
5. Complaints Procedures 11
6. Support and review 11
7. Framework 12
Appendix 1 – Admissions Roles 13
Centralised Admissions Staff 13
Faculty based Admissions roles 13
Appendix 2 - Relevant legislation 14
Data Protection Act 1998 14
Freedom of Information Act 2000: 14
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974): 14
Human Rights Act (1998): 14
Sex Discrimination Act (1975) 14
Race Relations Act (1976) (amended 2000): 14
Aims to prevent discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic 14
Disability Discrimination Act (1995) (amended 2005) 14
Employment Equality Regulations (2006): 14
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006): 14
Equality Act 2006 14
Appendix 3 - Relevant University Policies 15
SRA1 - Admissions Policy 15
SRA2 - University Admissions Procedures 15
SRA3 - Non-Standard Entry and Admission with APL (Advanced Standing) or APEL Proforma 15
SRA4 - QAA Code Mapping Document: Recruitment & Admissions 15
SRA5 - Policy on Data Protection in the Handling of Admissions 15
SRA6 - Admission of Students & Criminal Conviction 15
SRA7 - Policy for Applications from Candidates not offering Standard School Leaving Qualifications, and Candidates for 15
SRA8 - Alternative Entry System (MSES) Guide to Essay Writing 15
SRA9 - Alternative Entry System (MSES) Administration Guide 15
SRA10 - Admission of Students under the age of 18 15
SSPP6 - Race Equality Policy 15
SSPP4 - Disability Policy 15
SSPP8 - Statement for Students with a Disability 15
SSPP31 – Disability Equality Scheme 15
SSPP25 - Student’s Religion and Belief Policy 15
SSPP19 - Sexual Orientation 15
Introduction
The Admissions policy provides the basis for admissions practice across the University.
Section 1 – The Admissions Policy for the admission of students
and
Section 2 – The Procedures and guidelines to support the implementation of the University’s Admissions Policy are updated annually as a separate document, and are issued to staff separately. (Please refer any enquiries to Admissions)
1. Admissions Policy
1.1. Principles
1.11. The University seeks and highly values diversity within the student community. We endeavour, through our policies to ensure that all of our students are given the opportunity to achieve their potential through studying at degree level. In line with this objective, the University is committed to recognising both academic and other personal and professional achievements of each applicant.
1.12. The University welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We recognise that student potential is not always evident simply through formal academic qualifications and we particularly welcome applications from those who are currently under-represented within higher education.
1.13. The University is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all our students. We recognise that the University community is enriched by a diverse student body made up of students from the UK, the European Union and overseas.
1.14. In accordance with our commitment to fair admissions, selection is made on the basis of a variety of criteria. Evidence of suitability for study includes academic achievement, professional and personal experience and potential to succeed on the intended programme of study.
1.15. The Admissions Policy aims to be fair to all applicants and to meet the legal obligations applied through relevant legislation and University policies. A list of the relevant legislation is in Appendix 1 and University policies are in Appendix 2.
2. Aims
2.1. The aims of the Admissions Policy are to ensure that:
i. All applicants are treated equally, fairly and consistently
ii. Applicants are appropriately informed throughout the admissions process
iii. Clear decision making by applicants and the University is assured
iv. National, regional and University strategic objectives are recognised.
3. Admissions criteria
The admission of any student will be determined by an assessment of the potential of the student to contribute to and benefit from their proposed course of study and by academic, personal, professional and other relevant criteria.
3.1. Processing of applications
3.11. The University aspired to process applications as effectively and promptly as possible. Guidance on the procedures for the processing of applications is set out in the Admissions Procedures document.
3.12. The University ensures that the appropriate briefing and training is given to all involved in the admissions process.
3.2. Minimum Entry Qualifications
3.21. The University requires all students entering the University for an Undergraduate Programme to meet its minimum entry requirements.
3.22. Unless otherwise stated, the minimum entry requirement is as follows
3.23. Two passes at A level(where each A level is a 4 or 6 unit award) / pass in a 12 unit AVCE or a combination of the two qualifications, plus three other subjects at GCSE Grade c or above, including English language;
Or
A BTEC or SCOTVEC National Diploma or Certificate
Or
Three Scottish Highers level passes at Grade C plus three passes at Standard level including English language
Or
Four Irish Higher level passes at Grade C including English Language.
3.24. Although minimum entry requirements are quoted as UCAS tariff points in the University prospectus and in UCAS Entry Profiles, conditional offers will be made in the context of the qualification being studied and offered for assessment for entry.
3.25. Alternative entry routes have been approved for applicants who have been out of education for a minimum of 2 years and who do not meet the normal minimum entry requirement conventionally
3.26. Individual programmes of study may specify entry requirements in addition to this minimum requirement and include subject specific elements. These are established in accordance with any individual programme requirements.
3.27. Typical entry grades and subject requirements are notified annually in the prospectus, on the web (www.yorksj.ac.uk) and in current course literature.
3.28. Entry offers are made normally made on a tariff point basis and will take account of NQF Level 3 qualifications and key skills qualifications within the English and Welsh post 16 curriculum. Separate credit will not be given for AS awards converted to A levels and the tariff offer cannot be met by AS examinations alone.
3.29. All applicants will be required to present original certification of their qualifications upon request.
3.210. An applicant may be asked to attend an interview or an audition
3.211. All students who are not interviewed but who receive an offer of a place will be offered the opportunity to visit the University in the context of a visit day.
3.212. The University reserves the right to request further information in relation to an application either directly from an applicant or from a former place of education.
3.213. All applications will be considered with due regard to currently implemented University policies and external legislative frameworks as necessary.
3.3. International Requirements
3.31. Applications received from International prospective students will be considered and processed consistently with Home/EU applications.
3.32. Those applicants offering overseas qualifications will be expected to have achieved the equivalent of the quoted minimum entrance requirements to enrol. Assessment will be made using both UK NARIC and the UCAS Guide to International Qualifications.
3.4. International English Requirements
3.41. International applicants must be proficient in English in order to be admitted directly onto a course. The University will normally accept one of the English Language qualifications set out below, though some courses may demand this at a higher level than specified here (this list is indicative and not exhaustive).
3.42.
GCSE O Level/IGCSE / Grade C or aboveInternational English Language Testing Service (IELTS) / 6.0 (min. 5.5 in each section)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) / 550 + 4 on Written English Test
CB 220 + 4 on Written English Test, Internet 79
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced/Proficiency English / Grade C or above
Pitman City and Guilds ESOL / Upper Intermediate
Edexcel London Test of English / Level 5
TOEIC Reading & Listening AND TOEIC Writing & Speaking / 730 points R&L AND 130 Speaking & 120 Writing
STEP Pre-First
Any assessment developed by YSJ International
3.5. Non-Academic Entry Requirements
3.51. Entry to some programmes of study requires students to meet non-academic conditions. These are usually criminal records check and health checks as required by certain professional programmes. Where such entry requirements are routine, they will be specified in course literature.
3.52. Such conditions must be fulfilled before entry to the programme of study. Information on how the University managed the CRB procedures and the consideration of applications with criminal convictions is set out in the University Policy on Admissions of students and criminal conviction. Applications from candidates with criminal convictions will be carefully considered. Applicants must, upon request, provide full details of the conviction. The University retains the right to refuse entry to any applicant with a criminal conviction which may jeopardise the security, safety or reputation of the University or its community, or where there are relevant professional criteria which apply.
3.6. Entry for candidates without standard qualifications
3.61. The University is committed to provide alternative entry routes for applicants who do not hold standard academic qualifications to meet the normal minimum entry requirements and have been out of full time education for a period of at least 2 years. See University Policy on Applications from candidates not offering standard school leaving qualifications, and candidates for admission on the basis of transferred credit.
3.7. Entry for Candidates with disabilities
3.71. The University is committed to considering applications for students with a range of disabilities. Applicants are advised to indicate special requirements on their application forms and are encouraged to seek advice on the suitability of the course, University accommodation and other matters. Applications to University courses will be assessed purely on academic grounds.
3.72. The University will be proactive in encouraging disclosure at all stages of the application process.
3.8. Candidates who have been in Care
3.81. The University is committed to welcoming applicants who have been in Care and have received the Frank Buttle Charter mark as an endorsement. Applicants are advised to indicate on their application forms and are encouraged to seek advice on finance, University accommodation and other matters. Applications to University courses will be assessed purely on academic grounds.
3.82. The Widening Participation Development Officer will contact those applicants made an offer who have disclosed they have been in Care.
3.83. The Widening Participation Development Officer is the key contact within the University for those who have been in/are still in care and wish to find out more information about the support available to them.
3.9. Special Entry Routes
3.91. The University may develop specific entry opportunities in partnership with schools or colleges at home or abroad with the intention of supporting the University’s commitment to widening participation in higher education within the UK and increasing the number of international students within the University. Such entry routes will be approved by the University’s Senior Management Team, and the Quality and Student Experience Committee on the recommendation of the relevant faculty where appropriate. All students admitted will meet the minimum entry requirements of the University.
3.92. No potential student will be excluded from entry to any University programme as a result of discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, nationality, ethnic or national origin, race, religion or creed.
3.93. Applications from candidates with disabilities will be judged on the basis of the criteria described in above, subject to professional practitioner requirements where they apply. Academic decisions and discussion of support needs are undertaken independently. If the University is unable to meet additional needs, or can only do so by compromising the learning experience which would disadvantage the applicant, the University undertakes to inform the applicant immediately the situation is apparent.
3.10. Costs and fees
3.101. Information about the financing of undergraduate programmes at the University is available on our website, as well as being included in our prospectus. Further information is supplied on request from ; any specific costs related to programmes of study will be notified in the course leaflet.
3.11. Fees Assessment
3.111. Information about the financing of undergraduate programmes at the University is available on our website; further information can be supplied on request. Any specific costs relating to programmes of study will be notified in the course leaflet.
3.112. All applicants are required to indicate their nationality, country of birth and country of permanent residence as part of their application. In most cases the provisional residential category will enable the University to make the final decision on the fee status of an applicant. Applicants can be assessed as eligible to pay either home tuition fees, or overseas tuition fees.