Admissions Policy

1) Introduction
The University of Bradford is committed to ensuring that its selection policies and procedures are transparent, followed fairly, courteously, consistently and expeditiously, that information concerning applicants remains confidential between designated parties, and that decisions are made by those equipped and authorised to make the required judgements. All decisions are made on the basis of academic judgement and expertise, and all applicants are considered in terms of their eligibility to complete the course successfully. This document is intended to outline the way in which the University adheres to this commitment, and to the precepts within Section 10 of the QAA Code of Practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education: Admissions to higher education. The University is also committed to keeping all related practices, policies and procedures under constant review, with particular reference to emerging best practice recommendations and guidance. The University is committed to ensuring that all admissions and recruitment activity is governed by relevant and up to date policies and procedures that are implemented consistently and fairly. All appropriate University and partner institution staff are issued, and required to comply with, the Universitys policies and procedures during the course of recruiting to, and delivering, a programme leading to an award of the University. It is not intended to be an exhaustive document and is designed to be read in conjunction with the policies and procedures referenced throughout.

2) Staff Training and Development

Training and development for staff working within admissions is designed as an ongoing programme, acting as a means of dissemination, discussion and guidance, in addition to providing information about the Universitys approach to fair admissions and the associated policies and procedures. All staff making admissions decisions are appropriately selected by their senior management and kept up to date via regular meetings and training session in order to ensure compliance with regulations and consistency of procedures. Examples of these training sessions include workshops about recruitment strategy, qualifications and entry requirements as well as system training for those staff involved in recording offers. In addition, the University holds annual workshops for staff involved in Confirmation and Clearing and other specific events that occur during the application cycle. Admissions operational meetings are held monthly and each School is expected to send at least one representative. Admissions policy decisions are made by Learning and Teaching Committee at which all Schools have academic representation. Email list are also used to provide ongoing updates on admissions-related issues.

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The University has recently introduced centralised decision making for the majority of its undergraduate programmes to aid with consistency and understanding, and all offers made within the Schools are checked by members of the central Admissions team prior to being processed to ensure fairness and consistency. Offers made by the centralised Admissions Office are subjected to secondary checking to ensure consistency. The Admissions team are also responsible for providing advice and guidance on issues such as external recommendations and guidelines (eg QAA, UCAS etc) and on qualifications that are unfamiliar. Guidance is also available, where appropriate, from the International Office and the Education Liaison team.

3) Equal Opportunities
The University has a socially inclusive student population and works hard to encourage participation from all communities. The University aims to offer the best possible learning experience for all students irrespective of their age, cultural, social, health or financial background. The University is committed to Equality of Opportunity for both students and staff, and to student success. To support these aims the University will ensure that in the conduct of all its activities procedures are introduced and implemented which prevent the occurrence of inappropriate discrimination, whether direct or indirect. Any discriminatory behaviour, including harassment or bullying by individuals or groups, will be regarded extremely seriously and could be regarded as grounds for disciplinary action, which may include expulsion or dismissal. The following policies are adhered to in all aspects of recruitment and admissions: Policy Statement on Equal Opportunities Race Equality Policy Gender Equality Scheme Disability Equality Scheme Policy on Religion and Belief i. Students with Disabilities Applicants and students who declare a disability are contacted by the Universitys Disability Service in order to discuss their individual needs. Where a disability is declared at the point of application the information is not made available at the point of selection. ii. Adult Learners The University welcomes applications from adult learners and is able to provide information, advice and guidance to those wishing to return to education. Where appropriate relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis, alongside any formal academic qualifications. iii. Widening Participation The University is committed to widening participation to higher education. The Access and Widening Participation Team work closely with local schools, colleges and community groups, offering activities designed to increase both aspiration and attainment in groups currently underrepresented in higher education. Further information can be found within the University of Bradfords Access Agreement.

4) Recruitment
i. Marketing

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The University strives to ensure that promotional materials are relevant, accessible and accurate at the time of publication, and to provide as much information as possible to enable applicants to make informed decisions. The University is committed to the provision of comprehensive written course information and to the use of Entry Profiles, (for full-time undergraduate programmes), the website and course booklets in particular in order to achieve this. ii. Recruitment Events In addition to comprehensive written information, the University holds regular Open Days and Applicant Visit Days to offer potential students the opportunity to find out more. The Universitys Education Liaison, Access and Widening Participation, and Academic School staff also offer a comprehensive suite of both inbound and outbound activities. These include advice and guidance relating to admissions processes and procedures, general information about the benefits of higher education and specific sessions relating to issues such as finance. This activity is kept under regular review and is widely offered to all schools, colleges and careers advisors. iii. The Compact Scheme The University of Bradford Compact Scheme allows those considering applying to university the opportunity to participate in a series of taster sessions and masterclasses delivered by University staff. Eligible students registered on the Compact Scheme are invited to attend a week long summer school, the successful completion of which provides the student with 30 additional UCAS points towards their University of Bradford course offer. For further information please see www.bradford.ac.uk/compact iv. Progression Agreements A number of Progression Agreements are currently in operation between the University, partner institutions and further education providers. Applicants wishing for their application to be considered under such an agreement must, if requested, complete any additional documentation and return it to the University as soon as possible. Where an applicant meets the required prerequisites, the University commits to adhering to the terms of the agreement.

5) Qualifications and Course Requirements

i. Academic Qualifications The University considers a range of qualifications for entry to degree programmes including, for undergraduate applicants, A Levels, BTEC Nationals, Access Diplomas and the International Baccalaureate. Academic entry criteria, which vary between courses, are set by Academic Schools using University-wide and subject specific benchmarks and are readily available in the Universitys printed material and online resources. For courses that are jointly validated by the University and a professional body criteria for entry will, in addition, meet any requirements specified by the professional body. Where an applicant is awaiting the result of academic qualifications any course offer will be made conditional upon achievement of the required qualifications. ii. The UCAS Tariff

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The UCAS tariff is in place to ensure equality between different types of qualifications and to try and introduce consistency and fairness in offer making for applicants with different qualifications. In the majority of cases the University utilises the UCAS tariff when making course offers for undergraduate entry. Where an offer is made which does not come under the UCAS tariff this will be clearly communicated to the applicant. POLICY: iii. University of Bradford UCAS Tariff and Offer Making

English Language Students for whom English is not their native language must satisfy the Universitys minimum entry criteria for English Language. The University required minimum standard is a valid IELTS 6.0 certificate or equivalent. Individual Academic Schools or courses may require a higher score which would be communicated clearly to applicants. The only exception to this is the International route of the Combined Studies Foundation Year where IELTS 5.5 is acceptable as English language tuition is included in the course. Any student who gains IELTS 4.5 must complete and pass the International Foundation Programme prior to gaining entry to any undergraduate programme. Any applicant who can demonstrate they undertook a significant pre-HE or HE course taught and assessed in English may, under certain circumstances, be admitted following the undertaking of a University diagnostic test. In addition to the University English Language entry requirements, applicants requiring a visa must also satisfy the English Language requirements of the UKBA at the time of entry to the UK. POLICY: University of Bradford English Language Policy University of Bradford English Language - Admissions requirements for English speaking applicants

iv.

International equivalencies The University of Bradford welcomes applications from those holding international qualifications. NARIC is used as a baseline for assessment of international qualification equivalencies with additional information sought from relevant staff members where appropriate. Further information about specific country requirements can be found via our International Office website (www.bradford.ac.uk/international/)

v.

Qualification Verification For many undergraduate applicants confirmation of qualifications is obtained by the University directly from UCAS. For other applicants, or where there are additional qualifications not confirmed by UCAS, the applicant must provide a copy of all documentation prior to an unconditional offer being made and follow with original certificates and documentation at enrolment.

vi.

Criminal Convictions and Criminal Records Bureau Checks The University of Bradford is compliant with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and as such having a criminal conviction should not deter potential students from applying to study. However,

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the University is also obliged to do everything within its power to reduce the risk of harm or injury to students and all relevant convictions must therefore be declared. There are a number of courses at the University which are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and for which all spent sentences, cautions and bind-over orders must be declared. Offers for such programmes will be made conditional upon passing a Criminal Records Bureau check. POLICY: University of Bradford Criminal Convictions Statement

6) Provision of Information
The University of Bradford is committed to ensuring the provision of accurate and timely information to all applicants to ensure that their transition is as smooth as possible. All applications are acknowledged upon receipt and full contact details, should a query arise, are provided. Offer letters, where applicable, contain all required information including the obligations the applicant is placed under. Applicants are also directed to the University website where additional information regarding the Universitys ordinances and regulations can be found. The University has recently launched an applicant portal to provide additional information to applicants and is committed to continually exploring and investing in new technology such as smart phone applications. All applicants with a confirmed place are provided with welcome and enrolment information prior to the start of the programme. The University provides an induction session for all students at the beginning of their course which includes information about the University, the Students Union and the welfare and support services that are available. Additionally, upon enrolment, students are issued with an induction pack which contains reference information about the University facilities as well as its Rules and Regulations. An online pre-enrolment portal is available to enable students to gain advance electronic access to all such information. Develop Me is an area of the University website, allowing students to access resources and information both prior to and during their studies. The University understands the potential consequences of initiating late changes to course provision and has strict procedures and criteria in place discouraging and governing such action. Approval for any changes is only granted where absolutely necessary and is co-ordinated and regulated by the Academic Quality Unit in order to minimise any adverse impact. Where significant changes have been made to a published course, those applicants holding an offer on that course will be informed of those changes as soon as possible and will have the option of withdrawing their acceptance on the course. Where appropriate consideration for an alternative course will also be offered to all affected applicants.

7) Selection Procedures
i. Full Time, Home Undergraduate Applications Applications should normally be made via the UCAS. Where students apply directly to the University the application is submitted to UCAS by the University. The University adheres to all guidelines, procedures and legislation required by UCAS. Further information can be found at www.ucas.ac.uk. ii. EU, International, Part Time and Postgraduate Applications Applications should be made via the Universitys online form. The form has been designed to incorporate all aspects of the UCAS application including criminal convictions and disability Admissions Office, January 2012 (RL) Page 5

information. iii. Interviews In line with best practice guidance the University of Bradford will invite applicants for interview under the following circumstances: Where there is an accreditation requirement to do so, Where an applicant does not meet the formal course entry requirements, Where the School or department requests special permission from the DVC (Academic) to interview applicants.

Where interviews are held for recruitment purposes, applicants are informed that whilst attendance may be beneficial, it is not a pre-requisite to obtaining an offer of study. Wherever possible interview formats follow the guidance laid out by SPA. International students may be offered a telephone or Skype interview. POLICY: University of Bradford Interviewing Policy iv. Candidates Offered a Place Should the University decide to make an applicant an offer of a course place the applicant will be informed by letter or e-mail and, for undergraduate applications, via UCAS Track and the Universitys applicant portal. Where an applicant has already satisfied all the necessary requirements of the course (both academic and non-academic) and has provided all requested documentation an unconditional offer will be made. For applicants awaiting academic qualifications or for courses with additional entry requirements such as a CRB check, a conditional offer will be made. The formal offer will include details of all conditions which the applicant must satisfy in order to gain admission to the University. v. Changed Course Offers The University may, under certain circumstances, make an offer for a course which is different to the course for which the applicant originally applied. This may occur if, for example, the applicant does not meet the entry criteria for their original course choice or the course is full. Should the University wish to make a change course offer the applicant will be informed of the change and provided with additional information. vi. Deferred Entry Applicants may, at the point of application, request deferred entry to the following academic year. Should an applicant wish to defer their year of entry once an offer of study has been made they should contact the University who will, wherever possible, amend the offer start date. Those applying for deferred entry in order to take a gap year may wish to refer briefly to their plans within their application. vii. Plagiarism and Fraudulent Applications The University takes all aspects of plagiarism extremely seriously. Undergraduate applications made via UCAS are subjected to similarity detection testing, the results of which are available to Admissions Office, January 2012 (RL) Page 6

universities. Should it become apparent that an application has been plagiarised, in part or whole, the University will contact the applicant to advise them of this and discuss the course of action to be taken. POLICY: University of Bradford Plagiarism Statement

Applicants are required to confirm that all information supplied within their application is, to the best of their knowledge, true and accurate. Should an application be found to contain incorrect or fraudulent information the University may withdraw any offer made or terminate the studies of a student already enrolled. In the case of undergraduate students, details of fraud committed would also be reported to UCAS. viii. Rejected Applicants Applicants who are not made an offer of study are able to request feedback from the University. This must be undertaken in writing. The University will attempt to ensure all such requests are dealt with in a timely manner. Requesting feedback will in no way prejudice any current or future applications. Failure to obtain an offer of study does not prevent re-application at a later date. Should a future application be submitted the University may consider information from the previous application during the selection process. POLICY: ix. University of Bradford Feedback Policy

Confirmation and Clearing Once confirmation of qualifications has been received, the University will do all it can to ensure that the applicant is notified as to whether or not their place has been confirmed as quickly as possible. In cases where it has not been possible to make a decision, such as when qualifications or information remains outstanding, the applicant will be notified of the reasons for the delay and likely timescales. For undergraduate applicants the decision will be displayed in UCAS Track. Where undergraduate places remain available once those applicants who have met the terms of their offer have had their places confirmed, the course will go in to Clearing. Any UCAS applicant in the Clearing system can approach the University for consideration of available places.

x.

Entry after Y1 Admission to the second year of a degree programme will be considered on a case by case basis. Any student wishing to be considered for second year entry should contact the Admissions Office with full details of the modules taken during their first year of study.

8) Data Protection
The University works hard to ensure that applicant data is kept securely and accessed only by those who have legitimate reasons to do so. Further information on the Universitys commitment to data protection can be found within: University Ordinances,

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Data Protection Principles

9) Appeals and Complaints

The University of Bradford is committed to the fair and equitable treatment of all applicants. An appeal is a request for reconsideration of an application decision. This procedure should be followed if an applicant believes that the decision reached is incorrect or unfair. A complaint may be made if an applicant believes they have legitimate grounds to be dissatisfied with the process followed, or the actions of a staff member, during the application or admissions process. If upheld a complaint outcome could include an apology or an undertaking to revise procedures but will not include a reconsideration of any decision. Details of the procedure to be followed can be found within the Admissions Appeals and Complains Policy. POLICY: University of Bradford Admissions Appeals and Complaints Procedure

10) Monitoring and Reviewing Policies and Procedures

The University is committed to ensuring that all recruitment, admissions and widening participation strategies are regularly reviewed to ensure that they remain current and valid and accurately reflect the missions and strategic objectives of the University. Learning and Teaching Committee is responsible for discussing and reviewing all elements of Admissions Policy and for monitoring course entry requirements. Recommendations are be made, as necessary, via the Learning and Teaching Committee.

11) Collaborative Provision

The University works with a number of partners both within the UK and overseas and all partners are expected to adhere to the standards set by the University and outlined within this document. The Head of Admissions (or nominated representative) is responsible for overseeing the establishing and monitoring of all partner institutions entry requirements and associated policies and procedures.

12) Further Information

For further information please contact: Admissions Office The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford BD7 1DP +44 (0) 1274 236088 www.bradford.ac.uk Review date: January 2013 Admissions Office, January 2012 (RL) Page 8