Admissions Policy and Procedure

Contents Introduction, widening participation, equality & diversity, and disability

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Admission of under-18s, criminal convictions, admission criteria

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FE provision, international and EU applicants

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How to apply, how decisions are made

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Late and deferred applications, feedback to applicants

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Appeals and complaints

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Extenuating circumstances, admission with credit, adjustment, confirmation of results

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Clearing, Disclosure, data protection, freedom of information

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Employee development, monitoring, disclaimer, contacts

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Mapping to the QAA Quality Code

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Version 2 Applicable from March 2014 Owned by Marketing & Student Recruitment Approved by Senate Equality Assessment completed August 2009 If required this formal document is available in an alternative format eg Braille, tape, disc, email or a larger font size. Please contact the Academic Quality Directorate.

© 2012 Copyright Buckinghamshire New University

Admissions Policy and Procedure

Introduction 1

Buckinghamshire New University is committed to providing a rewarding Higher Education opportunity and experience to those with the potential to benefit from our offer. We welcome and support applications from all social and educational backgrounds and openly seek to offer opportunities to those with potential, with an aim and commitment to aiding and supporting students to succeed in their chosen pathways.

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In line with the Quality Assurance Agency’s Quality Code Chapter B2 1 and the Schwartz Recommendations for Good Practice,2 the University’s policy and procedures for admissions aim to be transparent, clear, fair and consistent in their application.

Widening participation 3

Buckinghamshire New University has a firm and passionate belief in encouraging all who have the ability to benefit from higher education to access it with the maximum ease and the greatest flexibility. We aim to select as participants those who will benefit the most from working with us. These will include those from underrepresented groups, those looking for second opportunities, those already in work, and those looking to develop themselves later in life. We provide a series of alternative access routes and flexible learning paths to promote widening participation; helping learners achieve their potential goes to the heart of the University’s mission and is reflected in all aspects of promotion, recruitment, admissions, on-course delivery and support and progression to further study or employment.

Equality and diversity 4

Through both its Equality and Diversity and Admissions policies, the University is committed to providing fair, transparent and consistent practice. We work to create and maintain an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and achieve their full potential and we are committed to celebrating diversity and promoting equality of opportunity.

Disability 5

Disabled applicants are welcomed by the University and are encouraged to disclose the nature of their disability in their applications. This enables the Disability Service to contact all disabled applicants. This early contact with the applicant allows the University to be pro-active in discussion and provision of reasonable adjustments, so enhancing their studies and student experience, whilst complying with current government legislation.

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For further information please visit: www.bucks.ac.uk/disability

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The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2011), Quality Code Part B: Assuring and enhancing academic quality, Chapter B2 Admissions 2

Admissions to Higher Education Steering Group (2004) Fair admissions to higher education: recommendations for good practice

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Admissions Policy and Procedure

Admission of under -18s 7

The University welcomes applications from people of all ages. However, we have a duty of care towards all our students, employees and visitors and in the case of students joining before their 18th birthday this duty is enhanced as such students are regarded as children under UK law. The University, in admitting students under the age of 18, must ensure that all appropriate legal obligations are recognised and discharged. Students that will be enrolling before their 18th birthday will be required to provide proof of parental or guardian approval through completion of the relevant form: please see the Safeguarding Under 18s and Adults at Risk Policy and Procedure. http://bucks.ac.uk/content/documents/Formal_Documents/Equality_and_Diversity/safe guarding-under-18s-and-adults-at-risk-policy-and-procedure Each applicant will therefore be assessed on his or her merits in the light of available information.

Criminal convictions 8

The University will consider applications from applicants with convictions/cautions and will also consider and has a procedure to monitor full-time undergraduate applications where applicants have declared criminal convictions as part of the application process.

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When an applicant declares a criminal conviction and meets the academic requirements for that programme, the University will seek information about the nature of their criminal conviction. Such information will be handled confidentially and assessed by a nominated Criminal Convictions Panel as part of the decision-making process for admission.

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The panel exercises the University’s duty of care towards its employees and students. Their safety and security is its prime concern and it is responsible for assessing the risk of admitting an applicant.

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Applicants will be notified of the outcomes of these assessments and, in cases where applicants are unsuccessful, an explanation will be provided by the designated Admissions Officer of the Criminal Convictions Panel.

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Applicants to some professional courses require mandatory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, in addition to the initial assessments by the University’s Criminal Convictions Panel, in accordance with the requirements of the respective professional bodies representing their courses. For professional courses, it is essential that DBS clearance is given. Failure to receive this may result in an offer being withdrawn or, in cases where a student has enrolled, the termination of their studies.

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The procedure can be found on the University website: http://bucks.ac.uk/content/documents/formal_documents/academic_quality/criminal_co nvictions_-_procedure_for_consideration_of_applicant_student_criminal_records.pdf

Criteria for admission 14

The University seeks to admit applicants it believes have the potential to succeed. Underlying this strong belief are three factors we feel are key to indicating the likely success of a student:

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Admissions Policy and Procedure

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

Ability at a certain level in thinking and learning



A foundation of skills from which to extend their study



Motivation and commitment

These factors, alongside formal qualifications, will be assessed through a student’s personal statement and at an audition/interview, where appropriate. Each application is individually assessed upon its own merits.

Full-time undergraduate programmes: 16

All entry criteria are defined by academic Heads of School, in conjunction with the Student Recruitment & Admissions Manager. Any academic decision made by the Admissions Team is therefore made in accordance with these criteria.

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In terms of formal qualifications, applicants are required to have achieved a minimum of grade C in both English and Mathematics at GCSE level, or equivalent, with the exception of our Art & Design courses. Applicants to specific, professional programmes, such as Nursing and Social Work, may be required to undertake an additional written assessment to establish an appropriate level of ability in English language and mathematics has been achieved. This usually takes place during specified interview days.

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In addition, applicants will usually be expected to achieve the required UCAS tariff points for their course of choice. Tariff scores are provided on our course information sheets, in our prospectus and can also be viewed against the course Entry Profiles on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com/students/coursesearch and on our website www.bucks.ac.uk

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A tariff points range will usually be provided and students studying a broader range of subjects should display a minimum level of achievement in each, in accordance with the published range. Links to the UCAS tariff for points/grade equations and inclusive equivalent qualifications can be found on the University’s website http://bucks.ac.uk/home_eu_students/admissions

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Although offers are usually made in tariff points, applicants are required to pass two ALevels, or a GCE Double Award, or an equivalent qualification. Other qualifications currently included in the UCAS Tariff may be considered as equivalent qualifications. Applicants taking qualifications not currently included in the UCAS tariff should contact Admissions for advice.

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Applications from mature applicants (over 21), without the above qualifications, but who are able to demonstrate relevant experience, will be given consideration.

Full-time and part-time taught postgraduate programmes: 22

Entry to taught postgraduate programmes normally requires a first degree, but relevant experience, in some cases, can substitute for this requirement. The University does reserve the right to make this decision and entry to programmes without a first degree is at the University’s discretion. Specific entry criteria can be found on the course pages of the University website: www.bucks.ac.uk

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Admissions Policy and Procedure Research degrees: 23

For details of entry requirements and application specifications please refer to Code of Practice: Postgraduate Research Degrees (Coventry University) on the University website www.bucks.ac.uk

Part-time and short courses: 24

Entry criteria for these courses can be found on the course pages of the website: www.bucks.ac.uk

Work-based Foundation Degrees: 25

These are part-time programmes, developed in conjunction with employers, and entry criteria can be found on the relevant course page on the University website www.bucks.ac.uk

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Applicants should note that work-based achievement and experience, alongside employer support and encouragement to pursue the course will form a significant factor in consideration for admission.

Further Education provision within the University 27

Admission to these courses is in accordance with specific entry criteria for each course. Applicants should contact the University for details: [email protected]

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The University operates a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy when dealing with applicants and students under the legal age of consent, or those adults which might be considered as potentially ‘at risk’.

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External organisations, with which the University has associations, are required to have Child Protection Procedures.

Requirements for international and EU applicants 30

International, and EU applicants for whom English is not a first language, and who are seeking to join undergraduate programmes, are expected to hold an IELTS certificate, with a score of 6.0, or an equivalent qualification. Applicants to postgraduate programmes are required to hold an IELTS certificate with a minimum score of 6.5, or an equivalent qualification. Further guidance and regulations for international student entry requirements can be found on our website at: www.bucks.ac.uk/international/application_immigration/entryrequirements

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For applicants with TOEFL qualifications (Internet Based), the required scores are 87 for undergraduate programmes and 90-91 for postgraduate programmes.

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For applicants with PTE Academic Pearsons qualifications, the required scores are 55 for undergraduate and 62 for postgraduate programmes.

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Individual programmes and research degrees may stipulate a higher level, as required.

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In addition, all applicants to specific, professional programmes may be required to undertake a written assessment to establish an appropriate level of ability in English language has been achieved. The University reserves the right to ask for assessment where the award of a programme will lead to membership of a professional body.

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Admissions Policy and Procedure

How to apply 35

All applications to full-time undergraduate programmes should be made online via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS): www.ucas.ac.uk

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Applicants wishing to apply for the Foundation studies in Art Design and Media should contact the University directly.

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Applicants wishing to apply for part-time programmes should contact the University directly for an application form on 0800 0565 660 or email [email protected]

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Applicants wishing to apply for a research degree should initially contact the University directly on [email protected] giving an outline of the area of research interest.

How decisions are made: Full-time undergraduate programmes: 39

The University operates a centralised admissions service for these programmes and decisions are made by a professional team in Student Recruitment & Admissions. This team is highly experienced and qualified to make these decisions, ensuring that it is able to deliver a fair and consistent admissions service.

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For some provision, e.g. Performing Arts, Art and Design, Nursing and Professional Social Work courses, applicants will be required to audition or attend an interview, during which, written assessments in literacy and numeracy may be required. Where an applicant is interviewed or auditioned the decision for admission will be made by the academic or sector professional conducting the Interview.

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Where the Admissions Team may need to seek further advice, appropriate admissions tutors within the faculties may be consulted on an admissions decision. Such occasions may be when an applicant possesses non-standard qualifications.

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Should any information be unclear on completed application forms, the Admissions Team will seek clarification directly from the applicant. This will, naturally, delay a final decision being transmitted to UCAS.

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For standard entry level qualifications to degree programmes (e.g. GCE A levels and Vocational A levels), offers will usually be expressed in UCAS tariff points. For applicants taking non-standard qualifications, offers will be expressed in a way appropriate to the respective qualifications.

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Applicants will receive decisions, and subsequent communications regarding these, directly from UCAS and the progress of applications can be monitored electronically by applicants using TRACK, UCAS’ on-line application tracking service.

Part-time programmes: 45

These programmes are administered via our Student Recruitment & Admissions function in partnership with our respective Faculties/Schools and communications with applicants may derive from the faculty directly or from Student Recruitment & Admissions, depending on the programme.

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Admissions Policy and Procedure Postgraduate taught and professional programmes: 46

Applicants wishing to apply for these programmes should contact the University directly for an application form on 0800 0565 660 or email [email protected]

Research degrees: 47

Applicants should refer to “Code of Practice: Postgraduate Research Degrees (CoventryUniversity) on the University website www.bucks.ac.uk for details of the application process.

Late applications Full-time undergraduate programmes: 48

In accordance with UCAS, the University accepts applications up to, and including, the official UCAS deadline of 15th January each year. Applicants are invited to apply for programmes beyond this date, up to, and including, the final UCAS deadline of 30th June. For applicants wishing to apply late, however, this invitation carries a warning that the quota for many courses is reached early in the academic cycle. Applicants are therefore advised to submit their applications to UCAS before the 15th January deadline. Applications are considered in receipt order.

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With effect from October 2009, if a course is full, it will be indicated on the UCAS website.

Part time and postgraduate taught programmes: 50

Application deadlines are set by the appropriate Faculty/school and are specific to individual courses. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for advice when applying.

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It should be noted that the University’s capacity to recruit and admit applicants is subject to prevailing government funding and institutional resources.

Deferred applications 52

Whilst the University accepts deferred applications, it cannot guarantee that a course will definitely run in the requested year of entry. Such applications can be made directly through UCAS at the time of applying. Applicants wishing to defer after submitting an application should contact the Admissions Office in the first instance at: [email protected] or [email protected]

Feedback to applicants Full-time undergraduate programmes: 53

From September 2009, applicants will receive feedback regarding unsuccessful application decisions electronically through UCAS, via their on-line application tracking service, TRACK.

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Successful applicants will be notified formally, both by the University and UCAS TRACK.

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Admissions Policy and Procedure All other programmes: 55

Applicants wishing to obtain feedback on decisions made in respect of their applications, should contact the Admissions Team in the first instance by emailing: [email protected]

Appeals against admissions decisions 56

The University will accept an appeal against an admission decision only when an applicant is able to provide evidence that prejudice or bias, in relation to equality and diversity issues, has influenced an outcome, or where evidence can be provided that procedural irregularities have occurred. Appeals will not be accepted against an academic judgement, except in cases where an administrative error has been made.

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Requests for appeals should be directed, in writing, to the Student Recruitment & Admissions Manager within 10 working days of confirmation of the application decision. Requests for appeals against admission decisions for research degrees will be forwarded to the Research Unit for investigation and response. Evidence supporting the grounds for an appeal should be provided by the applicant, in order that a decision may be reviewed. The review of a decision does not guarantee its amendment and the University reserves the right to uphold an original admission decision.

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Responsibility for communicating, in writing, the result of an appeal lies with the Student Recruitment & Admissions Manager (taught courses), and the Research Unit (Research degrees).

Complaints regarding the admissions service 59

Complaints should be made within 10 working days of confirmation of the application decision, in writing, and may be made in relation to the level of service received in the following areas: 

the behaviour of an employee of the University during the application process



the level of feedback provided, upon request from the applicant



the way in which an application has been handled

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Complaints regarding the areas of service in 59 above should be directed to the Student Recruitment & Admissions Manager: those concerning admissions for research degrees will be forwarded to the Research Unit for investigation and response. Evidence supporting the grounds for a complaint should be provided by the applicant, in order that the case may be reviewed. The review of a case does not guarantee an amendment and the University reserves the right to uphold an original admission decision.

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Responsibility for communicating, in writing, the result of such a complaint lies with the Student Recruitment & Admissions Manager (taught courses), and the Research Unit (Research degrees).

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Admissions Policy and Procedure

Extenuating circumstances 62

In the event that an applicant believes they have extenuating circumstances which may result in lower than expected attainment in examinations, preventing them from meeting the conditions of their offer, a letter of explanation should be sent to the University’s Admissions Team. This will be kept against the applicant’s record and given consideration, alongside their results, during the Confirmation Period.

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Letters of explanation should be accompanied by evidence from an appropriate person, qualified and able to confirm the extenuating circumstances. As an example, such persons may be defined as doctors or teachers. Submission of extenuating circumstances does not guarantee admission.

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Any applications found to be fraudulent through the UCAS Similarity Detection Service, or found to be fraudulently claiming extenuating circumstances, will be rejected by the University.

Admission with credit 65

The University operates processes in relation to the Accreditation of Prior (Experiential or Certified) Learning, which are aligned to sector practice. Experiential industry experience, or credits accumulated from a programme at another educational organisation may, where appropriate, allow applicants to transfer credits towards a degree programme at Buckinghamshire New University. In these cases, credits may be counted, but marks achieved elsewhere are not carried forward.

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Applicants seeking to transfer credits should contact Admissions for advice.

Application via the adjustment period (full-time undergraduate programmes only) 67

Adjustment is defined as the period during which, applicants who have met and exceeded the conditions of their offer may seek an offer of a place on another programme of their choice at an alternative institution. Once applicants have notified UCAS and the University of their wish to enter the adjustment period, they have five days in which to seek and accept an alternative offer of a place.

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Applicants to full-time undergraduate programmes are able to enter the Adjustment Period, in accordance with rules defined by UCAS: http://www.ucas.com/resultsandnextsteps/adjustment/

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The University will aim to ensure that it makes potential in-coming applicants aware of the risks and financial implications of pursuing this course of action.

Confirmation of results Full-time undergraduate applicants: 70

The confirmation of offers occurs when results are received by the Admissions Team. The process involves the comparison of achieved results against the original offer made by the University. If academic conditions, alongside any non-academic conditions, are met, the University is able to ‘confirm’ places to applicants. Once offers are confirmed, applicants’ offer status will move from CF (conditional firm), to UF

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Admissions Policy and Procedure (unconditional firm) and applicants will be able to view this movement via TRACK, UCAS’ on-line application tracking service for applicants. 71

Offers are assessed, and results compared with offers, on an individual basis. It is at this point that the nature and potential impact of any individual extenuating circumstances is also considered.

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The confirmation of results occurs electronically, in conjunction with other external electronic systems. The University reserves the right to amend any confirmation decisions made as a result of electronic system errors.

Part-time and non-UCAS applicants: 73

It is the responsibility of applicants to notify the University of any examination results required as part of their offers.

Clearing for full-time undergraduate applicants 74

University Clearing occurs from the publication date of ‘A’ level results to the end of September each year and is the period during which universities advertise any vacancies they still have available on specific courses. Applicants who have failed to have their offers of a place confirmed and are not holding offers at any university are eligible to apply through the clearing process.

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When seeking a place via this route, applicants should note that they will only have access to possible admission on specific, named courses and places will be limited.

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Vacancies will be advertised on the University website: www.bucks.ac.uk, as well as the UCAS website: www.ucas.com/clearing and the national press.

Disclosure 77

It is the responsibility of all applicants to supply accurate information at the time of application and to disclose anything which may influence an admission decision. Failure to disclose information which would have been influential in the decisionmaking process, may lead to an offer being retracted.

Data protection 78

All information held by the University will be treated in confidence, in line with the Data Protection Act, 1998, and applications will not be discussed with third parties, unless authorisation has been granted by applicants. Applicants have a right to access personal data held about them by the University by making a ‘Data subject access request’ and the University will respond in 40 days. Further information on data protection can be found on the government website below: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1998/ukpga_19980029_en_1

Freedom of information 79

The University will respond to written requests for information, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, 2000, within 20 working days. For further information, refer to: http://www.ico.gov.uk/what_we_cover/freedom_of_information/your_right_to_know.asp x

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Employee development 80

The University is committed to the training and continuing development of its employees. Employees are encouraged and supported in all areas of learning, both in relation to their development in their respective professional roles and in their individual areas of personal interest. Continual professional development (CPD) courses are provided both internally and externally and the University aims to consistently monitor and update its training methods and procedures to ensure all employees involved in the University admissions process deliver a professional and fair service.

Monitoring 81

Buckinghamshire New University aims to regularly review and monitor its processes and practices with regards to Admissions. This ensures that it remains aware of changes in practice and policy within the sector and is able to provide adequate training for employees and the best possible service to its applicants.

Disclaimer 82

The University reserves the right to withdraw, replace or combine programmes and alter their content at any time prior to applicants’ admission, if it deems it necessary. In accordance with such actions, the University will undertake to offer suitable alternative programmes, or permit the withdrawal of applications by applicants without incurring the payment of fees.

How to contact us: 83

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

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Telephone:

0800 0565 660

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Admissions Policy and Procedure

Mapping to the QAA Quality Code Chapter B2: Admissions (2011)

Expectation

Buckinghamshire New University Response

Policies and procedures used to admit students are clear, fair, explicit and consistently applied

Admissions policy and procedures document produced August 2009 and reviewed March 2013.

Indicator

Buckinghamshire New University Response

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Institutions have policies and procedures for the recruitment and admission of students to higher education that are fair, clear and explicit and are implemented consistently.

Admissions policy and procedures produced in August 2009, in line with the original QAA Code of Practice. Updated in March 2013 in line with the QAA Quality Code, Chapter B2 Admissions

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Institutions' decisions regarding admissions to higher education are made by those equipped to make the required judgements and competent to undertake their roles and responsibilities.

Decisions are made by employees in Student Recruitment & Admissions: all employees are experienced and undergo regular training to keep them up-to-date with current practice across the sector. In some cases, Admissions Tutors are also involved in the decision-making process. Decisions are largely based on defined criteria, but for some courses, audition, portfolio, interview and additional tests are also required.

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Admissions Policy and Procedure

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Indicator

Buckinghamshire New University Response

Institutions' promotional materials and activities are accurate, relevant, current, accessible and provide information that will enable applicants to make informed decisions about their options.

The Institution website is well-maintained and all publications are student-friendly and comply with equality and accessibility guidelines.

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Institutions' selection policies and procedures are clear and are followed fairly, courteously, consistently and expeditiously. Transparent entry requirements, both academic and non academic, are used to underpin judgements made during the selection process for entry.

Policies and procedures are clearly outlined in the University Admissions Policy and Procedures document. There are course lists detailing entry criteria and this information is published on the University website and on course information publications. The University Admissions Policy and Procedures document provides details of this process.

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Institutions conduct their admissions processes efficiently, effectively and courteously according to fully documented operational procedures that are readily accessible to all those involved in the admissions process, both within and without the institution, applicants and their advisers. Institutions inform applicants of the obligations placed on prospective students at the time the offer of a place is made.

Applicants are informed, via offer letter, that they are required to provide evidence of qualifications, as well as any other elements of the conditional offer, at the point of enrolment (or before, if required). International applicants are asked to provide evidence of qualifications before an offer is made. All applicants are also required to accept their offers.

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Institutions inform prospective students, at the earliest opportunity, of any significant changes to a programme made between the time the offer of a place is made and registration is completed, and that they are advised of the options available in the circumstances.

The University’s processes aim to ensure that such instances do not occur. In the rare event that there is a change to a programme, all prospective students are made aware of the changes and the alternatives available. Strict guidelines are followed on product development cycles and Academic Planning Committee.

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Institutions explain to applicants who have accepted a place, arrangements for the enrolment, registration, induction and orientation of new students and ensure that these arrangements promote efficient and effective integration of entrants fully as students.

Explanations are provided in the joining instructions provided to applicants both able and intending to enrol. These are also placed on the University’s website during August, prior to enrolment.

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Admissions Policy and Procedure

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Indicator

Buckinghamshire New University Response

Institutions consider the most effective and efficient arrangements for providing feedback to applicants who have not been offered a place.

As documented in the University’s Admissions Policy and Procedures document.

Institutions have policies and procedures in place for responding to applicants' complaints about the operation of their admissions process and ensure that all staff involved with admissions are familiar with the policies and procedures.

As documented in the University’s Admissions Policy and Procedures document.

Institutions have policies in place for responding to applicants’ appeals against the outcome of a selection decision that make clear to all staff and applicants whether, and if so, on what grounds any such appeals may be considered.

As documented in the University’s Admissions Policy and Procedures document.

Institutions regularly review their policies and procedures related to student admissions to higher education to ensure that they continue to support the mission and strategic objectives of the institutions, and that they remain current and valid in the light of changing circumstances.

The Admissions Policy and Procedures document will be updated as required and a review of the formal document will take place every two years.

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Head of Recruitment attends sector networking groups to inform on required changes to policy and procedures.

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