Undergraduate applications

Applying to university is straightforward when you know the key steps. Begin by checking UCAS deadlines so you can submit your application on time. You’ll then complete your UCAS form, including your course choices, education history and personal statement. Don’t forget your school or college reference, and check that you meet the entry requirements. Some applicants may be eligible for contextual consideration, and a few courses have specific exceptions or extra checks.

When to apply

September 2026 entry

For undergraduate courses starting in September 2026 (including extended and foundation degrees), you can still apply following the 14 January 2026 equal consideration deadline by submitting a late application – you have until 30 June 2026 to do this through UCAS or can do so via UCAS Extra from 26 February until 1 July 2026. UCAS Extra is an option if you've used all five choices and are not holding any offers – you may be able to add another choice in your application.

Clearing opens officially on 29 June, but we’ll be accepting Clearing applications from 27 June. All non-UCAS applications submitted after 30 June 2026 are automatically entered into Clearing.

September 2027 entry

For undergraduate courses starting in September 2027 (including extended and foundation degrees), you can register and start preparing your application from 12 May 2026 and can submit it from 1 September 2026 until 13 January 2027 for equal consideration. This means that universities must consider all applications received by this time equally, and do not have to consider applications received after the deadline.

How to apply

Apply for undergraduate degrees through Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Submit your application by the deadline listed above for the best chance of securing a place. You can choose up to five courses, and the same application is used for all choices. The online form asks for your personal details, qualifications, experience and a personal statement. You can also get advice on how to apply at one of our open days.

Personal statements

Your personal statement is your chance to stand out and show real enthusiasm for your subject and highlight the skills and experiences that support your application. Be sure to research your course, reflect on what you’ve achieved and how it links to your goals, and write in plain English. The same statement goes to all universities, so keep it general and authentic.

References

When you submit your UCAS application, it’s sent to your school or college so your tutor can add a reference. UCAS will then forward your completed application to the universities you’ve applied to.

Entry requirements

Contextual entry

We understand that everyone’s journey is different. When we assess your application, we look beyond your grades. Contextual offers take your personal, educational or socioeconomic background into account and aim to support fairer access to higher education for applicants who may have faced barriers.

A contextual offer is typically up to one grade lower than our standard entry requirements (equivalent to eight UCAS points). These offers are based on the information you share in your UCAS application*. You can also use the ‘more about you’ section to tell us about your individual circumstances. Anything you provide is treated sensitively and used only by staff who support your application – not to determine whether you receive an offer, but to help us understand your achievements in context.

If you meet our criteria (see eligibility for contextual entry below), our admissions team will consider you for a contextual offer automatically.

*Except for Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showmen and Boater applicants – see below.

Eligibility for contextual entry

To be considered, you must be a UK domiciled student with Home fee status and meet at least one of the following:

Exceptions

We’re unable to offer grade adjustments for part-time applicants, deferred entry, or those applying through Clearing. We must ensure that all entry requirements remain appropriate for each programme, so for some courses, grade adjustments may not be possible.