Admissions Policy and Procedure
2014/5
Marketing and Recruitment
University of Sunderland
1
Contents
Page(s)
3
1. Responsibility
2. Admissions Policy
3
3. The application process
3-4
4. Disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties
5. Criminal Convictions
4
4-5
6. Scholarships
5
7. Contact Information
5
Appendices:
A. Entry Qualifications
B. Admissions Complaints and Appeals Procedure
C. Admissions Code of Practice for Applicants with
Disabilities or Specific Learning Difficulties
D. University of Sunderland Terms and Conditions
E. Admissions Code of Practice for Applicants
declaring a criminal conviction
F. University of Sunderland Equal Opportunities
Policy
G. Sunderland Scholarship Programme Appeals
Processes
2
6
7-8
9
10-12
13-14
15
16-17
1. Responsibility
The University of Sunderland Admissions Policy relates to entry in the academic year 2013/14 is reviewed annually and is the
responsibility of the Director of Marketing and Recruitment.
The Admissions Review Panel (ARP) meet regularly to ensure that the institutions policies and procedures for the recruitment and
admissions of students are fair, clear, explicit and implemented consistently. It also discusses new legislation.
The Applications Review Panel is constituted as follows:
Assistant Director, Academic Services (Chair)
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Applied Sciences
Assistant Director, Marketing & Recruitment
Head of Department (Education)
Legal Adviser (Legal & Governance)
Admissions Manager (Secretary)
2. Admissions Policy
This policy covers all foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate taught full and part time applications for study at either the
University’s Sunderland Main campus, London campus or partner colleges.The policy is aimed at applicants, Higher Education
Advisors and University of Sunderland admissions and academic staff.
The University of Sunderland welcomes applications from applicants who have the ability and motivation to succeed. The
University is a strong advocate of lifelong learning and widening participation providing study opportunities for all applicants who
have the potential to benefit from them. It also promotes the advantages of an inclusive national framework which recognises the
value of both academic and vocational qualifications. Factors such as work experience, vocational training and non-standard
qualifications can be taken into account when considering an application. Admissions tutors and admissions staff have
discretionary powers to assess each case on individual merit. Qualifications which are not acceptable on their own may be
considered where there are particular combinations that are seen to meet the specific requirements of an individual programme.
The University monitors changes in the curriculum to ensure that all new qualifications are fully endorsed by the decision makers
and recognises the importance of timely and accurate pre-entry information to prospective students to enable them to make
informed choices and decisions in their selection of programmes of study. To this end the University’s aim is to be proactive in the
provision of information and advice to all applicants.
The entry criteria for each programme is reviewed annually, agreed at a Executive level and passed via Strategic Groups for
dissemination. The agreed criteria is used by the admissions office to make decisions and only where there may be some
deviation will an application be referred to an admissions tutor and/or ARP for a final decision.
Potential candidates should not be discouraged if they do not meet the precise criteria and if, for any reason, the University is
unable to offer an applicant a place on their chosen programme, they will, where possible, make an alternative offer to a
programme which the applicant may find suitable. This offer will not be made without first consulting the applicant.
The University ensures that staff involved with admissions, interviews, decision making etc are professional and receive
appropriate training and development in admissions and related areas. Internal and External training is given via the UCAS
Continuing Professional Development programme, Higher Education in Admissions conference sessions, advice from the
Supporting Professionalism in Admissions (SPA) team and sharing best practice with other HEI’s.
See Appendix A for Entry Qualifications
Feedback Policy
The University does not currently provide automatic feedback to unsuccessful applicants but will provide feedback, where possible
within seven working days, to those who submit a written request to the Admissions Manager, University of Sunderland, Student
Gateway, Chester Road Campus, Sunderland, SR1 3SD. The admissions manager will give the reasons and, where possible,
offer an alternative study choice. The request must include the applicant’s full name, address and application reference number
(where known). Applicants who wish to appeal against a decision will be referred to the Admissions Review Panel under the
Admissions Complaints and Appeals Procedure – see Appendix C.
The Supporting Professionalism in Admissions (SPA) programme, the Delivery Partnership Steering Group (DPSG) and UCAS
are currently working together for a consistent method of feedback to applicants following the Government’s response to the
consultation on Improving the HE Application Process. The University look forward to their recommendations and will amend this
policy accordingly.
3. The Applications Process
The applications process varies depending upon the type of programme applied for. All applications, that are not given a decision
on the day of receipt, will be acknowledged by email.
The University will endeavour to process fully completed applications within a reasonable time scale adhering to any constraints
from internal and extermal target numbers.
External deadlines will be adhered to at all times. The admissions team have audits which run on a regular basis to ensure
applications are monitored and deadlines are achieved. The Strategic Recruitment Group meet monthly and use application data
and statistics to monitor the application process. This data and statistics are used to inform policy changes if required.
3
Full time Undergraduate programmes
Applications for entry to Undergraduate Programmes must be submitted through the Universities and Colleges Admissions
Service (UCAS) online facility apply at www.ucas.com where detailed online help is available. The UCAS institution code for the
University of Sunderland is SUND S84.
All applications received by UCAS prior to the 15th January 2013 deadline will be given equal consideration. Any forms received
after this date but prior to 30th June 2013 will be considered as post-15 January and will be considered for programmes with
vacancies. Applications received after the 30th June 2013 will be considered under the Clearing System.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Programmes
If you are a graduate and want to apply for an initial teacher training qualification through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry
(GTTR), you can apply online at www.gttr.ac.uk.
Part-time and Postgraduate taught programmes
Applications for part-time and postgraduate taught programmes can be submitted directly to the University by using the on-line
application form (http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/howtoapply/)
Verifying Qualifications
In order to fulfil quality requirements the qualifications of all students entering the University will need to be verified before full
registration to study is completed. This verification is completed for undergraduate applicants via the UCAS system if the results of
their qualifications have been received by them from the examining bodies. All other qualifications will be assessed by the
admissions team during confirmation of offers. If this is not practical, applicants will be notified that they must bring original copies
of their qualifications to registration.
Non-UK Qualifications which are not in English must be translated and our applicants from overseas will also be given the
opportunity to produce original documents for verification to University staff either working or visiting overseas.
See Appendix D for Terms and conditions
Fraudulent Applications
The University takes the issue of fraudulent applications very seriously. If an applicant is found to have submitted a fraudulent
application the University their application will be withdrawn and the relevant clearing house informed. Applicants have the right to
appeal and should follow the Admissions Complaints and Appeals Procedure at Appendix B.
4. Disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties
In line with the University’s commitment to a policy of Equal Opportunities (see Appendix F) under its admissions policy, no
student will be subjected to less favourable treatment on the grounds of disability or specific learning difficulty. It is recognised,
however, that support for disabled students and students with specific learning difficulties may be restricted by the limited
resources of the University and appropriate procedures have been established to facilitate this. These procedures are described in
the Admissions Code of Practice for Applicants with Disabilities or Specific Learning Difficulties – see Appendix C
5. Criminal Convictions
To help the University reduce the risk of harm or injury to our students and staff caused by the criminal behaviour of other
students, applicants are required to inform us of any relevant criminal conviction.
Relevant criminal offences include convictions, cautions, admonitions, reprimands, final warnings, bind over orders or similar
involving one or more of the following:



Any kind of violence including (but not limited to) threatening behaviour, offences concerning the intention to harm or
offences which resulted in actual bodily harm.
Offences listed in the Sex Offences Act 2003.
The unlawful supply of controlled drugs or substances where the conviction concerns commercial drug dealing or
trafficking.

Offences involving firearms.

Offences involving arson.

Offences listed in the Terrorism Act 2006.
Warnings, penalty notices for disorder (PNDs), anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) or violent offender orders (VOOs) are not
classed as convictions for the purpose of this section, unless you have contested a PND or breached the terms of an ASBO or
VOO and this has resulted in a criminal conviction.
If you have a relevant criminal conviction that is not spent, you must declare it. Please note that you do not need to include
convictions, cautions, warnings or reprimands which are deemed 'protected' under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
(Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be
found on the Disclosure and Barring Service website (www.gov.uk/government/collections/dbs-filtering-guidance).
If a person does not re-offend during their rehabilitation period, their conviction becomes 'spent' (as defined by The Rehabilitation
of Offenders Act 1974). Convictions that are spent are not considered to be relevant and you should not reveal them. You should
note that certain offences are never spent. For more information on offences and rehabilitation periods, click on
4
www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/offenders/rehabilitation/rehabilitation-offenders.pdf
Please note: for courses in teaching, health, social work or courses involving work with children and vulnerable adults, any criminal
conviction including sentences and cautions (including verbal cautions), reprimands, final warnings and bind-over orders are
exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and must be disclosed.
Failure to declare a relevant criminal conviction may result in application being refused and if you are convicted of a relevant
criminal offence after you have applied, you must inform us. Continuing students will be expected to declare and relevant criminal
conviction immediately and will be required to confirm at re-enrolment that they understand this.
Further details of these procedures are outlined in the Admissions Code of Practice for applicants declaring a criminal conviction
can be found in Appendix E.
N.B. This section was updated on 18 March 2014
6. Scholarships
Changes to the way the Government funds higher education means that from 2012 students have paid higher tuition fees than in
previous years. The University has a number of generous scholarships available. Please see
http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/ug/feesandfunding/sunderlandscholarships/ for further information and Appendix G for the Appeals
process.
7. Contact Information
For further information on entry requirements, general advice or the University Admissions Policy contact:
The Admissions Office
Marketing and Recruitment
University of Sunderland
Chester Road Campus
Sunderland SR1 3SD
Tel: 0191 515 3154
Email: admissions@sunderland.ac.uk
5
Appendix A – Entry Qualifications
The University accepts all nationally recognised advanced qualifications for entry to higher education, and gives equal
consideration to academic and vocational qualifications for all programmes of study. The University may also take into
consideration skills and expertise gained from work experience or vocational training.
Entry requirements for specific programmes of study are published in the University Prospectuses, the University website
(http://welcome.sunderland.ac.uk/) and, for undergraduate programmes, on the UCAS (www.ucas.com) entry profiles which are
updated as required by admissions staff and faculty recruitment officers. The University offers places to undergraduate applicants
using the UCAS Tariff (http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/ucas_tariff/).
International Applicants
Applications are considered on individual merits. Qualifications are assessed by experienced admissions staff, with careful
consideration to other factors such as work experience and maturity. Our experience over many years has shown that our
international students perform very well on our courses. Guidance for international qualifications is also taken from UK NARIC
(http://www.ecctis.co.uk/naric/Default.aspx)
English language requirements
Applicants, whose first language is not English, must have a sufficient command of the English language to complete
their studies satisfactorily and have completed an English Language proficiency test that has been assessed as meeting
the UK Home Office requirements .equivalent to a minimum level B2. Please note that the programmes at the University
of Sunderland require a minimum of International English Language Test (IELTS) band 6.0 or equivalent with a
minimum of 5.5 in each component and some programmes require a higher level. Course specific entry requirements
can be made available upon request.
Entry to Teacher Training
Entry to all Teacher Training programmes are governed by the following regulations:






All applicants must have passes a grade C or above in GCSE Mathematics and English or a recognised equivalent
qualification, applicants born after 1st September 1979 require a Science at grade C or above. Mature students
may in certain circumstances be allowed to sit a special test for one or both of Mathematics and English for
Secondary Teacher Training programmes.
All applicants must attend an interview as part of the selection process
Provision for Medical assessments and disclosure of criminal convictions for those with access to children apply to
all Education programmes and are based upon current DfE requirements.
Students applying for programmes which award Qualified Teacher Status must have passed the Teaching Agency
numeracy and literacy Skills Tests prior to the commencement of their programme
The University will, taking into account current DfE and Teaching Agency regulations, do all it can to accommodate
the needs of Initial Teacher Training candidates who declare a specific learning difficulty.
The University’s Admissions Policy promotes the value of timely information to applicants and the spirit of this
statement is reflected in the procedures that have been established to provide applicants with appropriate guidance
on accessing support for university selection procedures for all Initial Teacher Training programmes.
Fitness to Practice – Pharmacy
Pharmacy is a registered health care profession for which the ability to practice safely and effectively is essential, so all pharmacy
applicants will be subjected to Fitness to Practice procedures.
This means you are required to complete two self-declaration forms, one about your health and the other about your conduct. For
UK students you will also be required to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and for overseas students, a
Certificate of Good Conduct from your home police force is necessary.
A Fitness to Practice information pack containing the relevant documents will be sent to you by the University of Sunderland once
you hold a conditional firm offer with us. These forms are then reviewed alongside your application, and you must meet both the
academic and fitness to practice requirements before you will be given an unconditional offer. These checks enable us to make
safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain activities including the pharmacy work
experience placements.
At the end of Level 1 all overseas applicants will then be required to obtain a DBS Check which will then replace the Certificate of
Good Conduct.
6
Appendix B – Complaints and Appeals Procedure
Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Introduction
General Provisions applicable to both complaints and appeals
Complaints Procedure
Appeals Procedure
Application for review of the outcome of complaints and appeals
1 Introduction
The Marketing & Recruitment Admissions Office are committed to provide a high quality application process. This procedure
explains how, where and to whom your comments should be made if you wish to complain or appeal against a decision.
2 General Provisions
These provisions apply to both Parts 3 and 4.
Time Limits
Complaints received more than one month after the event in question shall not normally be investigated. Appeals received more
than one month after the date of the letter notifying an applicant of a decision shall not normally be investigated. Complaints or
appeals received beyond the normal time limit shall be referred to the Admissions Review Panel who shall determine whether or
not circumstances exist which make it reasonable for the complainant or appellant not to have made a submission within the
normal time limit.
Anonymous Complaints
Complaints made anonymously shall not be investigated.
Responsibilities of Complainant
Complaints or appeals shall be made in writing to the Admissions Manager, University of Sunderland, The Student Gateway,
Chester Road Campus, Sunderland SR1 3SD. They shall include the complainant’s full name, applicant number and as much
detail as possible about the grounds for complaint or appeal, including relevant names and dates. The complaint or appeal shall
also include confirmation that the complainant or appellant consents to the matter being investigated with all relevant parties and
to any information disclosed in the complaint or appeal being divulged to those relevant parties.
Confidentiality
All information which a complainant provides to the Admissions Manager or any other staff dealing with the matter in the course of
an investigation shall be treated as confidential, subject to the need to divulge it to relevant parties in the course of the
investigation and subject to any requirements of the Data Protection Act.
3 Complaints Procedure
The procedure described below shall be followed in cases where an applicant to the University wishes to complain about the
administration of the University’s admissions policies and procedures. It shall not be used where a complaint relates to the service
or procedures of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), in which case UCAS’ own complaints procedure
should be followed. Additionally, complaints will not be accepted from applicants from outside the UK who do not follow the
University’s processes and timescales as required by the UK Borders Agency .
3.1 Initial Investigation
a)
b)
c)
d)
The Admissions Manager shall, wherever possible, attempt to resolve complaints quickly and informally.
The Admissions Manager shall determine whether the complaint discloses sufficient grounds related to the administration
of the University’s admissions policies and procedures. 1
If it is decided that the complaint does not disclose sufficient grounds, the Admissions Manager shall explain the reason(s)
for this decision in writing to the complainant.
If it is decided that the complaint does disclose sufficient grounds, the Admissions Manager shall investigate it, consulting
all relevant parties.
i)
Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the Admissions Manager shall judge whether the complaint
may be resolved at that point by conveying information gathered, or whether the matter needs to be considered at
a higher level.
ii)
If it is judged that a resolution can be achieved, the Admissions Manager shall put the response in writing to the
complainant.
iii)
If it is judged that the matter needs to be referred for consideration at a higher level, the Admissions Manager shall
refer the matter to Admissions Review Panel. The Panel shall then act as Complaints Officer.
3.2 Investigation by the Complaints Officer
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
The Complaints Officer shall be given administrative support by an administrative officer nominated by the Admissions
Review Panel.
The Complaints Officer shall investigate the complaint and may seek any further information that is deemed necessary to
come to a decision.
A record of all proceedings shall be maintained by the nominated administrative officer.
The Complaints Officer shall determine the outcome of the complaint.
The outcome may include:
(i) dismissal of the complaint or
(ii) finding the complaint justified
1
If the Admissions Manager is the object of a complaint, the Admissions Review Panel shall make arrangements for a senior
officer from another part of the University to undertake the Admissions Manager’s role in relation to the complaint
7
f)
g)
If the outcome is (e ii) above, the Complaints Officer shall determine the University response.
As soon as possible after completion of the investigation, which shall be conducted as expeditiously as is reasonably
practicable, the nominated administrative officer shall notify the complainant in writing of the outcome and consequential
action, if any, to be taken.
4 Appeals Procedure
This procedure shall be used in cases where an applicant wishes to appeal against the decision of an admissions tutor.
Appeals against the decisions of admissions tutors may only be made on the following grounds:
i) Failure to apply the relevant policy or procedures
ii) Bias or Prejudice.
Challenges to the academic judgement of admissions tutors may not form the basis of an admissible appeal.
4.1 Initial Investigation
a)
b)
c)
The Admissions Manager shall determine whether the appeal discloses a prima facie case on the specified grounds.
If it is decided that it does not disclose a prima facie case, the Admissions Manager shall explain the reason(s) for this
decision in writing to the complainant.
If it is decided that the appeal does disclose a prima facie case on the specified grounds, the Admissions Manager shall
investigate it, consulting all relevant parties.
i)
Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the Admissions Manager shall judge whether the appeal
may be resolved at that point by conveying information gathered, or whether the matter needs to be considered at
a higher level.
ii)
If it is judged that a resolution can be achieved, the Admissions Manager shall put the response in writing to the
appellant.
iii)
If it is judged that the matter needs to be referred for consideration at a higher level, the Admissions Manager shall
refer the matter to the Admissions Review Panel who shall act as Appeals Officer.
4.2 Investigation by the Appeals Officer
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
The Appeals Officer shall be given administrative support by an administrative officer nominated by the Admissions
Review Panel.
The Appeals Officer shall investigate the appeal and may seek any further information that is deemed necessary to come
to a decision.
A record of all proceedings shall be maintained by the nominated administrative officer.
Exceptionally, and where deemed appropriate by the Appeals Officer, the appellant and any other relevant parties may be
invited to a hearing. Any person invited to attend a hearing by the Appeals Officer may be accompanied by a friend or
representative. The nominated administrative officer shall provide the appellant, as soon as is reasonably practicable,
with relevant case papers. The conduct of the hearing shall be for the Appeals Officer to decide.
The Appeals Officer shall determine the outcome of the appeal.
The outcome may include:
(i) dismissal of the appeal or (ii) finding the appeal justified
If the outcome is (f ii) above, the Appeal Officer shall determine the University response.
As soon as possible after completion of the investigation, which shall be conducted as expeditiously as is reasonably
practicable, the nominated administrative officer shall notify the appellant in writing of the outcome and consequential
action, if any, to be taken.
5 Application for Review of Outcome
a)
b)
c)
d)
An application for review of the outcome of a complaint or appeal shall be admissible only on the ground of procedural
irregularity on the part of the Admissions Manager or Complaints or Appeals Officer.
A person wishing to apply for a review of the outcome of a complaint or appeal shall do so in writing, addressing the
application to the Admissions Review Panel, University of Sunderland, The Student Gateway, Chester Road Campus,
Sunderland SR1 2SD within 14 days of notification of the outcome of the investigation. The Admissions Review Panel
may dismiss an application which does not provide a prima facie case on the specified ground.
If the Admission Review Panel, having reviewed the original complaint or appeal file and sought any evidence as appears
to be necessary to reach a decision, considers there to be grounds for review, the matter shall be referred to the Vice
Chancellor.
The Vice Chancellor shall determine the outcome of the review which shall be final. There shall be no further
opportunities for review within the University.
8
Appendix C - Admissions Statement and Code of Practice for Applicants with Disabilities,
Specific Learning Difficulties or Medical Conditions
Admissions Statement
Support for Disabled Students
The University of Sunderland is fully committed to principles of Equality and Diversity. We welcome applications from potential
students who have or may have a disability and are eager to ensure that all reasonable adjustments and support can be put in
place where appropriate.
When you apply for a course at Sunderland you will have the opportunity to disclose that you have a disability, specific learning
difficulty or a medical condition. You are not obliged to provide us with this information. However, if you do not, it may mean that
we are unable to provide you with the level of support and assistance that you require.
We advise all applicants to make themselves familiar with the demands of a programme, including requirements for field trips,
placements, years abroad and teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Further information on disability support as well as contact details for members of the Disability Support Team can be found at
http://sls.sunderland.ac.uk/disability/
Context
The University of Sunderland has in place an admissions procedure to enable an initial assessment of students’ support needs.
The Admissions office will work closely with the University’s Disability Support Team and Health & Wellbeing Service to provide
information and guidance to applicants with disabilities, sensory impairments, SpLDs, Aspergers Syndrome, compromised mental
health or medical conditions. Where appropriate, Faculties and/or Services will be advised during the admissions procedure about
the reasonable adjustments that may be required for individual students.
This document sets out the procedure that has been developed to ensure that the support needs of applicants are given timely
consideration during the admissions process.
Admissions Procedure





Admissions Officer will contact applicant by e-mail (followed up by telephone or letter if no reply to email) to seek
information on the applicant’s declared disability/medical condition/SpLD and on the support they may require. This
information will be stored confidentially on the SPD (Student Personal Details) screen on SITS database. This screen is
password protected and access is restricted to Admissions Manager and the designated Admissions Officer and
Admissions Administrator.
Once the above information has been collected the Admissions Officer will liaise with the Disability Support Team or
Health & Wellbeing Service to undertake an initial assessment of whether the university can meet the applicant’s
support needs and to ascertain if additional information/action is required. If additional information/action is required a
Disability Support Adviser (Disability Support Team) and/or Health & Wellbeing Adviser (Health & Wellbeing Service) will
contact the applicant and liaise with the Admissions Officer.
Once the applicant’s initial assessment is concluded the University will be clearer about whether the applicant's support
needs can be addressed and if reasonable adjustments can be made.
Copy information cover sheet will be kept in a locked filing cabinet in the Admissions Department for the current year
and then archived for 5 years. Disability Support/Health and Wellbeing keep copy of application form for their records.
If the applicant cannot be supported then application needs to be passed to Admissions Manager and Head of Disability
Services or Senior Health & Wellbeing Adviser.
What can the University offer applicants?




Communication with appropriate staff regarding your application.
Information on learning and daily living support and Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
Advice on the accessibility of premises including Halls of Residence.
If requested, an early visit to the campus or Halls of Residence. Applicants wishing to arrange a visit can find more
information here http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/ug/opendays/individualtours/
What can applicants expect from the University?






Courteous and helpful staff who will focus on your needs and offer appropriate advice and guidance.
A prompt response to any reasonable query.
Provision of information and guidance on disability and/or health & wellbeing issues related to studying at university
and/or living in Halls of Residence.
Advance notification of any unavoidable changes to an appointment and an acceptable alternative arrangement
That any information, written or verbal, that you have given us about yourself is securely stored and, within legal
limitations, is treated with complete confidentiality. Your permission will be asked before any information is passed on to
any third party external to the University.
An agreed course of action with a timescale to be undertaken by us
What does the University expect of applicants?



To treat all staff and other users of the Disability Support Team and Health & Wellbeing Service with courtesy
To respond promptly or within agreed time scales to any requests that we make for information from you and any
appropriate actions that are to be undertaken by you
That you let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend an appointment so that another person can be
offered that appointment and we can rearrange an alternative day & time with you
The University of Sunderland has worked steadily to remove many of the barriers placed in the way of disabled people
9
Appendix D – Terms and Conditions (updated October 2013)
By enrolling each year, students agree to the Terms and Conditions specified in the Student Handbook issued at the time. The
current Terms and Conditions are set out below. These Terms and Conditions may be varied by the University from time to time.
Course directories and prospectuses describe programmes available from the University of Sunderland (the University). Every
effort is made to ensure that all details are correct at the time of going to press but these may be subject to alteration. Should you
become a student of the University, you will receive further documents describing the teaching, examination, assessment and
other educational services (the educational services) offered by the University, including details of fees payable. In the event of
any inconsistency between the information contained in a Directory/Prospectus and the information set out in these further
documents then the further documents will prevail. The University will take all reasonable steps to provide the educational services
in the manner set out in each Directory/Prospectus and in those further documents. The University does not, however, guarantee
their provision. The educational services, programmes, facilities and other arrangements for students described in each
Directory/Prospectus are regularly reviewed and are naturally subject to change from time to time sometimes without notice.
The University reserves the right to make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of programmes and modules, to
discontinue and to merge or combine programmes and modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the
University in the context of its wider purposes. If the University discontinues any programme, it will use reasonable endeavours to
place the student on a suitable alternative programme.
The University will not be deemed to be in breach of these Terms and Conditions, or otherwise liable to its students in any manner
whatsoever, for any failure or delay in its ability to provide the educational services due to an event beyond the reasonable control
of the University. Such an event, for the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, means any cause preventing the University
from providing the educational services arising from or is attributable to acts, events, omissions or accidents beyond the
reasonable control of the University including, without limitation, strikes, lockouts or other industrial disputes, protests, war or
national emergency, an act of terrorism, riot, civil commotion, malicious damage, compliance with any law or government order,
rule, regulation or direction, breakdown of plant or machinery, utilities failure, fire, explosion, an Act of God, flood, storm, epidemic
or other natural disaster, or default or delays of suppliers or sub-contractors. The University will use all reasonable endeavours to
minimise the resultant disruption to those services.
It is the students’ responsibility to familiarise themselves with and to ensure compliance with the requirements of any professional
body which they wish to join either before or after graduation. Students should be aware that a change in their circumstances
whilst studying (e.g. acquiring criminal convictions or certain physical or mental ailments or illnesses) may affect their continued
compliance and in such cases should be notified both to the relevant professional body and to the University for clarification.
It should be noted that criminal convictions may not necessarily be a bar to study, but should nevertheless be notified to the
University.
Where appropriate, registration on a programme may be conditional upon compliance with any requirements arising from
legislation or regulations made from time to time in relation to the protection of children and vulnerable adults,(including a
Disclosure and Barring Service check), and/or the submission of a Medical Clearance form.
International students are responsible for complying with the terms of their visa, and with Immigration legislation more generally.
The University cannot accept responsibility and expressly excludes liability for damage to or loss of students’ property whilst on
University premises or the transfer of computer viruses to students’ equipment unless caused by the negligence of the University.
Whilst registered as students of the University, the University requires its students to familiarise themselves with and comply with
its ‘Rules in Respect of Student Conduct and Discipline’, copies of which can be obtained from the University and can be found on
its website: www.sunderland.ac.uk/regulations
The University requires its students, as a condition of enrolment, to ensure the payment to the University in each academic year of
the tuition fee and any other additional charges pertaining to the programme upon which they are enrolled. In addition to the tuition
fee and charges for residential accommodation, students may be required to pay for study materials provided by the University.
These may include but are not limited to consumables such as creative art materials, computer disks, and special paper, to
learning packs which are intended as cheaper alternatives to textbooks. If field trips are included within the programme you may
be required to meet the cost. The University reserves the right to revise or add fees at any time but appropriate notice will be given
to those students affected by them. Students should be aware that if a student has not paid the due fees or discharged any other
financial obligation to the University, the University reserves the right to neither allow the student to register nor continue in their
studies, nor award a degree or other certification and reserves the right to take action to recover outstanding monies.
Data Protection Act 1998
The University Of Sunderland is registered as a data user with the Office of the Information Commissioner. Any personal data
collected and or processed by the University is held in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1988.
The University collects and holds personal data relating to its students for a variety of purposes. These include:
Facilitating the enrolment process;

supplying operational services , including teaching and other forms of education;

organisation of study abroad;

organisation of work placements, internships, volunteering and student jobs;

maintenance of the student record (including but not limited to personal and academic details) and management of
academic processes (for example, academic audits, examination boards and awarding degrees);
10










operating a biometric attendance register system;
meeting the University’s responsibilities under immigration law;
management of student accommodation;
general routine administrative functions such as access to buildings and library borrowing (which will include the use of
an individual’s photograph as it appears on their student card);
publishing information (such as on examination notice boards, and for University prospectuses and marketing
materials);
use of photographs on the University website and in marketing materials either taken direct from the student card or
taken specifically;
operating a CCTV and automatic number plate recognition system;
the provision of advice and support to students (via, amongst others, Student Services, Student Accommodation
Services, the Advice Service, the University of Sunderland Students’ Union, and the Careers Service);
operating the Day Nursery (some nursery staff may be provided with limited access to some student information for the
purposes of billing and administration); and
alumni operations and correspondence which may be sent to you during your time at the University and continue to be
sent to you after you have left the University.
The University (via academic departments, Student Services and other ancillary departments) discloses student information to a
variety of recipients, including third party organisations, some not connected to the University including but not limited to:

employees and agents of the University;

the University of Sunderland Students’ Union;

students’ sponsors, loans organisations and scholarships schemes (such as LEA’s, the Student Loan Company, and
funding councils);

the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) - further details can be obtained from www.hesa.ac.uk/collection-notices
;

the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) or their agents;

relevant government departments or agents acting on their behalf to whom the University has a statutory obligation to
release information (including, but not limited to, the Home Office, Council Tax Offices, Local Authorities, the Child
Support Agency, the Benefits Agency, the Department of Work and Pensions);

Higher Education Institutions (where exchange or placement programmes are being undertaken);

employment agencies, prospective employers and third parties requesting confirmation of awards;

current or potential employers of students,;

current or potential providers of education to students including, but not limited to, partner or franchise institutions in
connection with the delivery of academic programmes of education; and

the providers of the Campus Card.
The University may process sensitive personal data about you, such as details about your mental or physical health and/or
disability, information concerning ethnicity, domicile, religious or political opinions, sexuality, criminal record, or alleged criminal
activity for the purpose of planning or monitoring. In limited circumstances the University may also disclose this sensitive personal
data to third parties, where there is a legitimate need or obligation, during or after your study.
The University undertakes to maintain student data in secure conditions and to process and disclose data only within the terms of
its Data Protection Notification.
The details above indicate the nature of this notification but are not exhaustive – the University’s Data Protection Officer should be
contacted if students have any specific questions. Please note that the University is reliant on students for much of the data it
holds: please help the University to keep records up to date by notifying any alterations to student addresses, personal details, or
course enrolments.
The University may wish to contact you when you have completed your programme of study to inform you about products or
services which may be relevant to you, and to keep you informed about University activities.
The University complies with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. Guidance on Data Protection issues can be found
in the Data Protection Policy and the Data Protection Guidance available on request from the Data Protection Officer.
Under the Data Protection Act 1998 an individual has the right to a copy of the current personal information held on them by the
University and a right to raise an objection to data processing that causes unwarranted and substantial damage and distress. It
should be noted that although you can object in some circumstances, the University may be required to hold certain information in
order to deliver the course in question and to comply with specific sections of the Data Protection Act 1998. To discuss any
objections or concerns, or to obtain a copy of the current personal information held about you, please contact the University’s Data
Protection Officer at the following address:
The Data Protection Officer
University of Sunderland
4th Floor
Edinburgh Building
Chester Road
Sunderland
SR1 3SD
Or send an email to: dataprotection@sunderland.ac.uk
EDUCATION ACT 1994
Under the provision of the Education Act 1994 any student has the right not to be a member of a Students’ Union and not to be
unfairly disadvantaged with regard to the provision of services, or otherwise, by reason of having exercised that right. At the
University of Sunderland all students, members and non-members alike, have in general the right of access to services provided
by the University and the University of Sunderland Students’ Union (USSU). However, there are some rights which are not
extended to non-members, and these include the following:
11
(i)
the right to participate in USSU and NUS (National Union of Students) elections and decision-making processes,
including those of clubs and societies,
(ii)
the right of USSU and NUS representation,
(iii)
the right of access to USSU bars, and certain USSU commercial activities, except as guests of members,
(iv)
the right to commercial advantages negotiated for the benefit of USSU and NUS members.
Should you accept an offer to study at the University and you become a student of the University, these Terms and Conditions
shall constitute part of any contract between you and the University and your acceptance will signify your consent to the
incorporation of these Terms and Conditions. Any offer of a place made to you by the University is made on the basis that in
accepting such an offer you signify your consent to the incorporation of this notice as a term of any such contract and also your
agreement to comply with University regulations and procedures.
These Terms and Conditions are governed and are to be construed in accordance with English law. The English Courts will have
exclusive jurisdiction to deal with any dispute which arises or may arise out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions,
except that the University may bring proceedings for an injunction or enforcement of any order or judgment in any jurisdiction.
University of Sunderland,
Edinburgh Building, City Campus, Chester Road
Sunderland, SR1 3SD, UK
www.sunderland.ac.uk
12
Appendix E – Admissions Code of Practice for Applicants declaring a criminal conviction
1.
Introduction
1.1 Since September 1998 UCAS have asked applicants to indicate on their UCAS application form as to whether they have any
criminal convictions, and the University now asks the same question on all non-UCAS forms. The information regarding an
applicant’s declaration is now communicated electronically and the University will, in future, be able to identify the applicants
before they get to the decision stage. In the meantime, the paper records continue to be checked by the admissions team
and they then act as appropriate upon the information given. In addition to this, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
enhanced certificates are required for certain programmes within the University, which include Teacher Education, Social
Work, Community and Youth Work, Nursing, Pharmacy and Careers Guidance. The handling of the DBS process is covered
by separate guidance, and does not form part of this document.
1.2 From time to time the University may be alerted during the applications process to issues relating to a criminal record or
suitability to study, for example by contact from the police, probation services, social work agencies, or other body.
1.3 The University also seeks information regarding a students’ fitness to study for certain programmes (for example Pharmacy,
Teacher Training and Social Work), or may be alerted during the application process to issues which relate to fitness to
study, for example via additional information recorded by the police on DBS.
1.4 This procedure details the principles behind the University’s approach to managing such cases as arise in 1.1-1.3 above, and
the procedure that it will undertake to manage such cases. This procedure relates to all applications to non-short course
programmes of the University, to those students who have had an agreed leave of absence in excess of two years, and to any
students who have had an unagreed leave of absence of a year or more.
2.
Principles
2.1 The aim of the University’s applications process is to select students who have the ability to benefit from the course they
apply for, and who will make a contribution to the University community. This process takes place within the context of the
University’s Equal Opportunities Policy and the University’s policy of extending opportunities for Higher Education study as laid out
within the Strategic Plan. However, it is important that the University achieves these aims without prejudice to the safety and wellbeing of other members of the university community, or to the effective operation of the University’s business and there will be
occasions when this has to be placed ahead of all other considerations.
2.2 The procedures outlined below are intended to provide a mechanism to ensure that the well-being of the University
community is secured so far as is possible without prejudice to its principles of extending access and widening participation, by
ensuring that an application from an person with criminal convictions is fully considered in the light of those convictions before
admission takes place, in order to determine whether the admission of that applicant could constitute a risk to the safety and
security of the University’s students, staff, visitors or property or to the operation of the University’s business. The University also
has a responsibility to comply with legislation and best practice on the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
2.3 All information that arises in any of these processes is to be regarded as highly confidential, and wherever possible if the
information has to be shared outside the Applications Review Panel (see below), it must be anonymised. However, it may be
necessary for the effective discharge of this process, or for the management of the University’s business, for information to be
disclosed to relevant parties within the institution. This will be done on a need to know basis, and with reminders to the parties
disclosed to about their obligations in terms of confidentiality. Members of the Panel should manage communications on Panel
business in accordance with the position on confidentiality, and ensure that all documentation is shredded and emails deleted
where appropriate.
2.4 The aspects of this procedure that deal with criminal convictions seek to identify those students who could pose a risk to the
University community. Particular scrutiny will be given to any conviction which resulted in a custodial sentence, and to those
students with repeat convictions which demonstrate a pattern of offending. Particular attention will be paid to crimes of violence
and crimes against the person, theft, drug-related crime, sexual offences, and offences affecting a vulnerable person, and also
where an offence would make it difficult to follow the professional aims and competencies associated with a programme.
Exceptional decisions may always be made to identify a student as posing a potential risk and requiring further consideration by
the University even though the student’s conviction may fall outside these categories listed.
2.5
The Panel will also consider failure to disclose relevant information by an applicant, and whether this is an error, or
whether it has on the balance of probabilities been knowingly withheld. In the later case, the Panel will make a separate judgment
on whether the failure to disclose is in itself reason to refuse admission.
If information that had not been disclosed comes to light after the student has enrolled, the Panel will consider whether, had that
information been known, the application would have been refused. If it would have been, or if the Panel determine that an
application was fraudulent in not disclosing the information, the case will be referred by the Panel to the relevant Disciplinary
Officer within the University for action under the University’s Disciplinary Regulations.
2.6
The University may receive information on criminal convictions or relevant issues from a third party. This information
may not be used in consideration of a case unless it is verifiable. If the information is found to be correct, and it is relevant, the
procedures below will be followed. The fact that the information has been received will be notified to the applicant, unless it has
come as ‘other relevant information disclosed at the Chief Police Officer(s) discretion’ as part of an enhanced disclosure (in which
case permission must be sought from the police) or unless there is significant risk of harm (e.g. prejudice to an ongoing
investigation) in doing so.
2.7
Where a programme is professionally accredited, the University would normally refuse admission where there is the
likelihood that an applicant would not be able to practise or to take up a related profession, or where it would be likely that
placement providers would not accept the student for a placement that forms an integral part of the programme. Where the
University judges that an applicant would be able to take up a profession or practise, it will nevertheless issue all offers to that
applicant with the proviso that the University cannot guarantee that this would be the case.
13
3.
Process
3.1
Currently, UCAS and University application forms are received by the Admissions Office and the relevant section
checked by the admissions team who take appropriate action based upon the information given. The same process applies to
direct applications received electronically. In the application cycle 2015/16 UCAS will no longer produce paper copies and the
University is working towards a new electronic process which will identify those who have either declared a criminal conviction or
have not responded to the question.
3.2
If an applicant declares no criminal conviction, the application proceeds as normal. It is a disciplinary offence for a
student to have failed to make this declaration honestly, accurately and completely, and if found proven may result in the student’s
place at the University being withdrawn.
3.3
If the applicant does not complete this section of the form, their application record is flagged. It then proceeds through
the normal academic decision-making process. If it is decided to make an offer of a place the applicant is then asked for further
information within a specified time and informed that their application cannot be responded to until this information is received. If
there is no response to this request, the application will be rejected.
3.4
Any application where a conviction is declared initially the application record is flagged and then proceeds through the
normal academic decision-making process. If it is decided to make an offer of a place the applicant is then asked for further
information within a specified time and informed that their application cannot be responded to until this information is received. If
there is no response to this request, the application will be rejected.
3.5
If, on the basis of the evidence returned, the Admissions Manager determines that the conviction is spent under the
provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), or that the conviction falls within those for which the Admissions Manager
has been granted delegated authority by the Admissions Review Panel and there is no other exceptional reason for passing the
case to the Admissions Review Panel, then the student is cleared and the application process is proceeded with as normal.
3.6
All other applications are passed to the University’s Admissions Review Panel.
The Admissions Review Panel is constituted as follows:
Assistant Director, Academic Services (Chair)
University Solicitor or nominee (Deputy Chair)
Assistant Director, Marketing and Recruitment Services
Representative from the Faculty of Education and Society
Representative from the Faculty of Applied Sciences
Admissions Manager (Secretary)
Up to two additional members of University staff can be co-opted if required where there is a need for specific expertise. External
representatives can be invited to attend to advise on a decision for a particular case where the Panel agrees that there is a serious
consideration of risk to be made, and external input is necessary to making that consideration (for example, for professional
programmes such as teaching and social work). When external representatives are invited to advise, all documentation must be
anonymised.
Quoracy required for the Panel to make a decision is three full (not co-opted) members, one of whom must be the Chair or Deputy
Chair.
3.7
The applicant may be asked to provide further information (for example, a reference) or to provide consent for the
University to contact sources for relevant further information (e.g. probation or social worker reports, medical evidence etc.).
3.8
The Panel will consider each application based upon the principles outlined in this document. The reasoning for all
decisions will be minuted. If a conviction is spent it will normally be disregarded unless completion of the course involves
unsupervised contact with vulnerable persons or gives an automatic right to practice any profession exempted under the
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
3.9
The Panel will make a decision:
- to require further information from an applicant before a decision can be made;
- to allow the application to proceed as normal;
- to refuse the application of any individual;
- to lay down such conditions as it thinks fit for the admission of an individual;
- to refuse application to a particular programme, but to allow an alternative application to another programme;
3.10
If a decision is taken to proceed with an application, this will be forwarded to the Admissions team so that an offer will
be made, accompanied if necessary by a letter detailing possible implications for future professional status. If a decision is taken
not to proceed with an application, this will be forwarded to the Admissions team for a rejection decision to be made.
3.11
In certain cases where a decision to refuse an application is made an appeal can be made to a Deputy Vice-Chancellor
via a written submission to the Secretary of the Applications Review Panel within 14 days of the notification of the decision. An
appeal will be accepted for consideration only where the applicant submits new evidence or information which was not available to
the Panel at the time it made its decision, or submits evidence that there was material procedural irregularity in the Panel’s
consideration of the case.
14
Appendix F – University of Sunderland Equal Opportunities Policy
The University of Sunderland wants to ensure that all members of the University community are treated, and treat each other, with
respect and dignity in all its activities.
Whilst recognising all the relevant statutory duties in respect of legislation against discrimination on the basis of race, gender and
disability, we acknowledge that people are also discriminated against on the basis of other factors in addition to those prohibited
by law.
The University therefore requires that discriminatory behaviour which is offensive or demeaning to anyone is treated as a matter of
concern and dealt with appropriately. It believes that this principle is of fundamental importance in the context of a learning
community in which the exploration, formulation and exchange of ideas and knowledge, and the acknowledgement of a wide
diversity of opinion and belief, is central to its existence.
Accordingly, the University will ensure that the principles of respect and dignity of the individual, and of equality of opportunity for
all, will be incorporated in the policies, organisation and management, and in all the activities of the University community.
15
Appendix G - Sunderland Scholarship Programme Appeals Processes
Note: There is no appeals process for all other University of Sunderland Scholarships; the decision of the panel is final.
1 Introduction
The University Admissions Office is committed to provide a high quality admissions and scholarship application process. This
procedure explains how, where and to whom your comments should be made if you wish to appeal against a decision. In the
case of a National Scholarship Appeal, the Admissions Panel will review any such appeal based upon the conditions detailed in
our terms and conditions and any such appeal will only be judged against these and NO scholarship appeal can be made on the
basis of academic decisions.
2 General Provisions
Time Limits
Appeals received more than one month after the event in question shall not normally be investigated. Appeals received more than
one month after the date of the letter notifying an applicant of a decision shall not normally be investigated. Appeals received
beyond the normal time limit shall be referred to the Admissions Panel who shall determine whether or not circumstances exist
which makes it reasonable for the appellant not to have made a submission within the normal time limit.
Anonymous Appeals
Appeals made anonymously shall not be investigated.
Responsibilities of Applicant Appealing
Appeals shall be made in writing to the Admissions Manager, University of Sunderland, The Student Gateway, Chester Road
Campus, Sunderland SR1 2SD. They shall include the appellant’s full name, applicant number and as much detail as possible
about the grounds for appeal, including relevant names and dates. The appeal shall also include confirmation that the appellant
consents to the matter being investigated with all relevant parties and to any information disclosed in the appeal being divulged to
those relevant parties.
Confidentiality
All information which an appellant provides to the Admissions Manager or any other staff dealing with the matter in the course of
an investigation shall be treated as confidential, subject to the need to divulge it to relevant parties in the course of the
investigation and subject to any requirements of the Data Protection Act.
3 Appeals Procedure
The procedure described below shall be followed in cases where an applicant to the University wishes to appeal about the
administration of the University’s scholarships procedures.
3.1 Initial Investigation
a)
b)
The Admissions Manager shall, wherever possible, attempt to resolve appeals quickly and informally.
The Admissions Manager shall determine whether the appeal discloses sufficient grounds related to the administration of
the University’s admissions policies and procedures.
If it is decided that the appeal does not disclose sufficient grounds, the Admissions Manager shall explain the reason(s)
for this decision in writing to the complainant.
If it is decided that the appeal does disclose sufficient grounds, the Admissions Manager shall investigate it, consulting all
relevant parties.
i)
Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the Admissions Manager shall judge whether the appeal
may be resolved at that point by conveying information gathered, or whether the matter needs to be considered at
a higher level.
ii)
If it is judged that a resolution can be achieved, the Admissions Manager shall put the response in writing to the
complainant.
iii)
If it is judged that the matter needs to be referred for consideration at a higher level, the Admissions Manager shall
refer the matter to the Admissions Panel. The Panel shall then act as Admissions Appeals Officer.
c)
d)
3.2 Investigation by the Admissions Appeals Officer
a)
The Admissions Appeals Officer shall be given administrative support by an administrative officer nominated by the
Admissions Panel.
The Admissions Appeals shall investigate the complaint and may seek any further information that is deemed necessary
to come to a decision.
A record of all proceedings shall be maintained by the nominated administrative officer.
The Admissions Officer shall determine the outcome of the complaint.
The outcome may include:
(i) dismissal of the appeal or
(ii) finding the appeal justified
If the outcome is (e ii) above, the Admissions Appeals Officer shall determine the University response.
As soon as possible after completion of the investigation, which shall be conducted as expeditiously as is reasonably
practicable, the nominated administrative officer shall notify the complainant in writing of the outcome and consequential
action, if any, to be taken.
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
4
Application for Review of Outcome
a)
An application for review of the outcome of an appeal shall be admissible only on the ground of procedural irregularity on
the part of the Admissions Manager or Admissions Appeals Officer. An appeal cannot challenge the academic judgement of the
panel.
b)
A person wishing to apply for a review of the outcome of a complaint or appeal shall do so in writing, addressing the
application to the Admissions Panel, University of Sunderland, Admissions Department, Chester Road Campus,
16
c)
d)
Sunderland SR1 2SD within 14 days of notification of the outcome of the investigation. The Admissions Panel may
dismiss an application which does not provide a prima facie case on the specified ground.
If the Admissions Panel, having reviewed the original complaint or appeal file and sought any evidence as appears to be
necessary to reach a decision, considers there to be grounds for review, the matter shall be referred to the Vice
Chancellor.
The Vice Chancellor shall determine the outcome of the review which shall be final. There shall be no further
opportunities for review within the University.
17