Applying to university

Making an informed and strong application through UCAS is a lengthy process from initial research to enrolling on a degree programme.

UCAS Application Cycle

The UCAS application cycle can be broken down into 4 distinct sections.

Research should begin as early as possible, ideally during your GCSEs to ensure that the correct post-16 qualifications are selected and that the necessary grades are obtained. 

During your post-16 studies your research should increase, including attending Open Days, visiting university websites, watching webinars and videos. We encourage you to ask lots of questions to ensure that you are fully informed about all of the options available to you. 

Students can start to complete the sections of their UCAS form in the July of year 12/first year of college and continue to work on it throughout the summer.

Applications officially open in September of year 13/second year of college and close in October for Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science and in January for all other courses. Forms received after this date will be marked as late and universities are not under any obligation to consider them.

At this stage you do not have to indicate or rank your course choices in order of preference, they are just listed alphabetically.

It is not possible for a university to see the other institution choices that you have made.

Students should be made aware that they only make one UCAS application and therefore they need to ensure that their course choices are either the same or similar so that their form, which includes their personal statement remains focused.

If you submit your application on time then you will receive decisions from all your university choices. 

You have until May to decide which will be your first choice of university (known as your firm) and your second choice (known as your insurance). Once this decision has been reached you need to indicate this preference on your UCAS Hub.

Please advise that this is irreversible, so discarded courses at this stage cannot be retrieved.

Typically students choose an insurance choice which is offering a lower grade entry in comparison to their firm choice, so if their results don't go as expected they may still be accepted into their insurance choice. Although this isn't always possible and it is your decision. 

Ultimately, the firm choice needs to be the one that the student wants to attend the most. 

Once you receive your results it will hopefully be a time to celebrate! If you have met (or exceeded) the conditions of your firm offer then your place will be confirmed. Similarly if you have missed your firm but achieved your insurance offer then this will be confirmed.

If you have unfortunately missed the grades required for both you firm and insurance choices then you will be entered into Clearing and you will be able to approach alternative institutions to try and secure a place.

Once your place has been confirmed you can continue to prepare everything that you may need and begin the countdown to your freshers week!

Choosing a course and institution

When it comes to Higher Education the range of courses and institutions to choose from is vast.

In order for you to maximise the opportunities that are available to you it is important that you begin to plan for your future well before the beginning of Year 13. 

For most students your immediate research surrounds choosing the right degree programme, one that will satisfy your academic curiosity and lead into your desired profession.

We encourage you to closely examine the modules included in each of the potential programmes as even though the courses may have the same title their content can vary significantly. Consideration should also be given to the way in which you prefer to learn and be assessed; playing to academic strengths and selecting a degree that is structured in a complementary manner will result in the best possible match.

When researching different courses you may want to think about the following questions. 

  • What modules are there to choose from?
  • What facilities are available?
  • Is there a placement year?
  • Is there a chance to study or work abroad?
  • How is the course assessed?
  • How is the course taught?
  • Is it single or joint honours?
  • Is it professionally accredited?
  • What are the entry requirements?
  • What is the length of the course?

You could think about the following questions when researching different universities. 

  • How far is it from home?
  • Do you want a city or rural campus?
  • How many sites/campuses does it have?
  • Are there good transport links?
  • What are the local attractions like?
  • What clubs and societies are available?
  • What is the accommodation like?
  • Are there strong links with industry?
  • What is the league table position?
  • What are the student satisfaction (NSS) results?

Researching a Course and Institution

How do you decide which subject you want to study and which university you want to attend? Watch our video for some hints and tips on how to make this key decision.

Attending Open Days

Visiting a university during an Open Day will allow you to assess first-hand the facilities on offer as a student at that institution. You should make sure they have everything you would need to maximise your learning potential and that any equipment or software is industry standard, so you graduate with the most relevant skills.

Higher Education can not only offer an extended academic experience, but the activities organised through the Students’ Union can provide exciting opportunities to engage in new hobbies and sports, volunteering and a platform for meeting new people.

It is important that university is viewed as a complete package. You should review all elements of what is on offer to enhance both your academic and social experience, and factor these into your decision making process.

Possible course questions you could ask at an open day. 

  • What are the entry requirements for this course?
  • What modules are covered in the course?
  • How many teaching hours are delivered each week?
  • How many hours a week do you get with the tutor?
  • How many hours (on average) are required outside of lectures for additional reading and studying?
  • What job opportunities are typically associated with this degree?
  • How is the course assessed? (Exams, coursework etc.)
  • What are the facilities like for the course?
  • Is there an option to undertake placements and/or study abroad?

Student life questions you could consider asking at an open day. 

  • What recreational and sporting facilities are available on campus?
  • What clubs and societies are available?
  • What support and guidance groups are available for students?
  • What study support is available for students?
  • What career guidance is available for students?
  • What are the public transport links like?
  • How much are students advised to budget per term/year?

Questions you could ask current students.

  • Why did you choose to study at university?
  • What do you enjoy about University?
  • How did you find living away from home?
  • What is the community like at University?
  • What do you with you'd known before you started University?

Questions you could ask about accommodation and/or commuting to university. 

  • How much are accommodation fees?
  • What type of accommodation is available? (Catered, non-catered, en-suite, shared bathroom)
  • How far is it from the university buildings/campus?
  • How do I apply for accommodation?
  • Are all first year students guaranteed accommodation?
  • What facilities are available within the accommodation itself? (Laundry room, shared lounge, internet access.)
  • What security measures are in place?
  • So you have special accomodation for students with disabilities?
  • How far are the nearest shops/bars/restaurants?
  • What are the transport links to the university?
  • Are there any fresher events for commuter students?
  • What support is there for commuter students?

Personal Statement

The personal statement is an integral element of the UCAS application form and inevitably the section that can prove to be the most challenging.

It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate to Admissions Tutors your passion and enthusiasm for your chosen course and to highlight the transferable skills that you have that will make you successful when studying.

There isn’t one set formula for writing the perfect personal statement, however it will require time, patience and several redrafts to ensure that the finished piece really is the best representation of your capabilities.

It is recommended that you include a variety of examples to illustrate what fuels your ambition, where you have acquired your skills from and how your current studies will complement your Higher Education choices.

Please be aware that the personal statement for 2026 entry will be changing. Information will be updated in due course. 

Advice and tips on writing your personal statement

How to apply for university

Ready to apply for university? Then head to our how to apply to university webpage for more information on key dates and a guide on completing your UCAS application. 

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