Aberystwyth University Admissions Policy for 2025 Entry

1. Our Admissions Policy outlines the University’s admissions process for all of Aberystwyth’s courses except those courses taught at partner collegesj/institutions and where the admissions process is managed by the individual college/institution. The policy is reviewed annually by the Head of Admissions Operations to ensure it reflects current procedures and regulations. Oversight is provided by the University’s Recruitment, Marketing and Admissions Board, which reports to Senate.

Centralised Admissions

2. Aberystwyth University operates centralised admissions for most of its courses and Admissions staff adhere to standard operating procedures to ensure fairness and consistency when considering and processing Applications are assessed individually, considering both academic merit and personal circumstances. Applications that require an interview or portfolio review, are referred to the relevant academic department for consideration.

Entry Requirements

3. The University welcomes applications from students studying a wide range of UK and international qualifications. Our online course pages provide information on our standard entry requirements for each programme and information on international qualifications can be found on the country specific pages. Applicants with qualifications not listed should contact our Admissions Office for guidance.

Specific information for International applicants

4. Applications from international students are subject to the same consideration as UK applications, except where additional requirements are placed upon the institution by Government/legislative bodies including the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). International applicants must normally obtain a language qualification to meet the entry requirements for their programme of study.

5. As per UK Visas and Immigration guidance, international students must supply a fully certified, original translation for each document provided that is not in English or The translation must be made by a professional translator or translation company, able to be independently verified by the UKVI.

6. Where applicants who require a Student visa have satisfied all the conditions of their offer, the University will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Our International Recruitment and Development Office and Visa Advice & Support service can provide support and guidance to international applicants, if required.

Widening access and contextual admissions

7. Aberystwyth University aims to recruit students from all backgrounds who can benefit from our teaching and research. Our Widening Access activities are designed to promote inclusivity and diversity, addressing the recruitment, retention, and progression of students from a wide variety of groups who are traditionally under-represented in higher education.

8. The University operates a Contextual Admissions Policy for undergraduate UK applicants to identify those who may have experienced barriers to participation in higher education and issue a reduced offer to those who meet set criteria.

Recognition of Prior Learning

9. Applications with relevant professional and/or life experience or evidence of previous study are considered on an individual Applicants are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office to discuss individual circumstances.

10. UCAS applications: Undergraduate applicants for full-time courses should apply via UCAS.

11. UCAS applications: All other applications should be submitted directly to the University using the online direct application form (the link to which can be found on individual course pages on the website).

12. Applications should be submitted at least four weeks before the start date of a programme, however, additional time should be allowed for Student visa processing where necessary.

13. Research degrees: Admission to research degrees is contingent on the availability of appropriate supervision and research funding.

14. We aim to process fully completed applications within 7 working days of receipt, however, delays may occur during busy periods or if additional or missing information is required. Offer decisions are communicated through the UCAS Hub for UCAS applicants, or by email for direct applicants. Offers for all applicants are followed up with an email which links to the Admissions Policy, which is to be considered in conjunction with the University’s Admissions Terms and Conditions and Academic Quality Handbook, all of which are reviewed annually.

Selection Events, Interviews and Portfolio Consideration:

15. Where entry to a programme requires completion of a selection test or interview, the details will be published on the course pages on our website.

16. Applicants who have been invited to attend interview will be invited to disclose any disability or accessibility requirements prior to Where these are disclosed in good time, reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate the applicant’s requirements.

17. Where a course requires a portfolio, applicants will receive further information directly from the department.

Alternative offers

18. If an applicant does not meet the conditions for their original choice of course, they may be considered for and offered entry to an alternative This is applicable at both initial offer and at confirmation stages.

19. Applicants are under no obligation to accept an alternative offer at any point in the process and should consider all options before doing so.

Deferred entry

20. Applicants may request deferral of their admission, subject to meeting entry requirements and availability of places. Applicants wishing to defer admission for more than 12 months will be required to reapply. Applicants should email the Admissions Office to request a deferral.

Feedback to unsuccessful applicants

21. Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback by submitting a written request to the Admissions Office. Applicants wishing to appeal a decision should refer to our Admissions Complaints and Appeals Procedure.

Tuition Fees and Deposits

22. Information on Tuition Fees, typical living costs and deposits (including the International Tuition Fee Deposit Policy) can be found on the University’s website. Fee status is determined according to UKCISA guidelines and applicants may be asked for additional information to confirm their fee status.

Professional and Regulatory requirements

23. Programmes which are subject to professional, statutory, and regulatory body requirements may include non-academic criterial such as fitness to practise assessments, completion of a DBS and/or police checks (criminal records checks). These are detailed on the programme’s course page.

Applications under the age of 18

24. Aberystwyth University is predominantly an adult environment where students are normally age 18 or Applicants who will be aged 17 at the start of term may be considered for entry, subject to compliance with the University Policy for Applicants Under the Age of 18.

 Criminal Convictions

25. Aberystwyth University has a responsibility to its community and may require applicants to disclose certain unspent criminal convictions and/or declare where they are bound by restrictions or have probation/licence conditions to fulfil following a In addition, some programmes may also require full disclosure of all criminal offences and cautions at the point of application, in line with professional body requirements and require a DBS Check prior to enrolment. Offer holders will be contacted to inform them what is required. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of an offer. Full details are available in our Criminal Conviction Policy.

Changes to and Withdrawal of programmes

26. The University reserves the right to make changes to programme titles and content, entry requirements, start date, method of delivery, location of study, costs, or to suspend, combine or withdraw a programme, both prior to and after a student’s admission to the University, if such action is reasonably considered In such cases, affected applicants will be notified and supported in exploring their options.

Applicant Expectations

27. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide full and accurate information in their application, to ensure that the University is informed of any changes to their personal circumstances, and to respond to any additional requests for information that are relevant to their application in a timely manner.

28. Where an applicant, or third party acting on behalf of an applicant, has knowingly misled the University by providing false or misleading information as part of their application process, any offer of a place may be In addition, the University may notify relevant bodies as appropriate. These include UCAS, the UKVI, and the relevant UK police force.

29. Applicants are expected to disclose all previous HE studies and outcomes/results on their application. The University reserves the right not to consider an applicant for entry if they have previously been excluded from Aberystwyth or any other institution on academic or other grounds.

30. Applicants should be aware that their previous study and outcome(s) will be taken into consideration, along with any new supporting evidence, if applicable.

31. Applicants who are in debt to the University for any reason shall not be permitted to enrol on a course at the University. Any new applications will therefore be withdrawn at the point of application until the debt has been cleared in full or a repayment plan has been agreed and implemented with Finance Office staff.

32. We are committed to a policy of equality of opportunity and aim to provide a safe learning, working, and social environment that is free from discrimination. Students, staff, visitors, and all others associated with the University have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and equity, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010. If an applicant displays behaviour(s) that are in contravention of the University’s Equality and Diversity policy, we reserve the right to withdraw admission/enrolment and to terminate any contract.

Personal Data

33. The University collects and processes applicant data in line with the Data Protection Act 2018. Personal information is retained and securely disposed of in accordance with the University's Records Retention Schedule. Applicants can request a copy of their personal data held by the University.

34. The University does not use sensitive personal data to inform its decision-making process. This information will only be used for monitoring purposes and, in cases where an applicant has declared a disability, to allow the Student Services team to contact an applicant to assess any support needs required to study at Aberystwyth.

Language choice

35. In compliance with Welsh Language Standards, Aberystwyth University operates a bilingual policy to ensure that the Welsh language is treated no less favourably than Enquirers and applicants are welcome to communicate with and receive correspondence from us in Welsh or English.

36. Applicants can switch the language preference at any stage of the process.

Applicant Complaints and Appeals procedure

37. Applicants who believe that they have reason to appeal against the outcome of their application or who are unhappy with an aspect of the admissions process, should refer to the Applicant Complaints and Appeals procedure.

Enrolment

38. Successful applicants will receive instructions on enrolment approximately three weeks before the start of term. Full details are available on the University’s enrolment web pages.