The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is how prospective students apply for university and college in the UK. As most British higher education institutions are members of UCAS, any prospective home or overseas student wishing to study an undergraduate course must apply via UCAS.
How does UCAS work?
All prospective students can submit a single application via the UCAS website, with up to five choices. As from 2006, applications can only be submitted online.
Choosing the right course
The UCAS website provides lots of information and guidance for applying to college or university. The first step is to carefully consider which course you would like to study. The course can be a life changing decision, which will be a transitional stage from where you are now, to your future career. It is important to undertake as much research about the course as possible.By reviewing what you already know, your main strengths and weaknesses, what the course entails and your future prospects. This should give you a sound understanding of whether the course is the right path for you.
Choosing the right university or college
The college or university is where you will be spending a lot of time during your studies; therefore it is essential to choose the right one for you. Understanding the college or university departments, research and education facilities are indicators of whether the course is right for you. Consider the university location, as each offers something different in terms of university lifestyle.
Entry requirements to college and university
If you wish to study a particular course, you need to meet the minimum entry requirements stipulated by the college or university. UCAS provide a comprehensive Entry Profile for each course, which provides information about the course, academic entry requirements and any other relevant information about the course. The UCAS site will inform you if the course requires a further test such as an admissions test or health test. Some courses, such as art and design, may require a portfolio submission.
Application process
After researching the course you wish to study and the colleges or universities that best match your needs, you should be ready to apply online. UCAS provide a comprehensive system for applying to college or university, where you will also find important application deadlines. Here you will input all of your personal details, courses you are applying for, colleges and universities you wish study at, your UCAS personal statement and references. Once you’ve checked, double checked, and checked your details again, you are then ready to submit your application. UCAS then forward your application to your chosen colleges or universities for review. From here, you can then follow your progress, the types of offer, reply to offers and any other information that could be relevant – for example, being invited to interview.