ADMISSIONS POLICY
October 2014
1
Introduction
This policy is designed to reflect the diverse nature of Queen Margaret University
undergraduate and post graduate courses, and of its student body. The policy supports
the University Vision and Strategy.
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Vision
Through our portfolio of socially and economically relevant educational courses, we set
out to maximise the potential of our students, to ensure ‘sought after’ graduates and
postgraduates who are able to think independently, reflectively and creatively, who are
ready for employment, and who have an enthusiasm for lifelong learning. We continue to
build on our excellent track record in widening the participation of students who have
previously been inhibited from entering higher education for social, economic or cultural
reasons.
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University strategic objective
We seek to establish QMU as the university of first choice for a range of entrants based
on the quality of our provision and our commitment to selecting entrants from a range of
target groups, including those from the least represented quartiles of the population
(based on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation), Low Progression schools, Looked
After and Care Leavers and articulating students.
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Principles
4.1
The University seeks to provide access to its courses from as wide a range of entrants as
possible, subject to the essential principle that entrants have a reasonable expectation of
completing their course successfully within the normal duration of the course.
4.2
This principle is codified through:
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4.3
University-wide general minimum entrance requirements specified by level of
course.
Specific entrance requirements for each course framed to apply the University's
general entrance requirements to the particular needs of that course.
Clear provisions and procedures for the admission of students who do not meet
these normal entrance requirements, but who fulfill the essential principle set out in
paragraph 4.1.
Queen Margaret University is committed to equality of opportunity. We seek to promote
diversity amongst our students, staff, applicants and visitors. We recognise the particular
contributions that are made by individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and
experiences to the achievement of our vision and strategic objectives. We aim to promote
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entry to, and provide education at, undergraduate and postgraduate level to a diverse
range of students, whatever their background. Our Equal Opportunities Policy is available
on our website.
4.4
Each application received by the University is considered carefully on its own merits,
taking into account educational, professional and personal experience.
In assessing candidates for admittance to the University, we are committed to the
following principles:
 Fairness – the University strives to use admission assessment methods that are reliable
and valid.
 Transparency – details of our entry requirements are published in our prospectus and
on our website and are clear and transparent to applicants and their advisers.
 Reflecting our community – we are committed to admitting as wide a range of
applicants as possible to reflect our community.
 Encouraging participation – we aim to minimise barriers to applicants and encourage
student persistence, progression and retention through our targeted pre-entry, transition
and post entry support services.
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Recruitment and outreach
5.1
The University ensures that a wide range of pre-entry activities and outreach activities are
available to applicants and stakeholders, along with individual advice and guidance.
5.2
We offer a number of opportunities, both on and off campus, for applicants to receive
information, advice and guidance about applying for our courses. This includes
undergraduate Open Days and postgraduate Open Evenings. Further subject specific
visit opportunities are also be offered to undergraduate applicants who receive an offer of
a place through our post application visit days.
5.3
Staff in student recruitment, outreach and admissions offer clear and consistent
information about admissions requirements and these are published in our prospectuses
and on our website.
5.4
A range of staff, including the Transition and Pre-entry Adviser, College Articulation
Officer, Student Funding Adviser and the Disability Team are available so as to ensure
that potential students obtain all the relevant information required before and during their
decision making process to come to the University.
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Admission requirements - general
6.1
All courses have prescribed entry requirements relating to previous academic attainment.
The minimum entry requirements for each course are published each year in our
prospectus and on our website.
6.2
Achieving the minimum entry standards does not guarantee an offer of a place on a
course as there can be considerable competition for places.
6.3
Admissions Tutors are responsible for setting entry criteria, subject to advice from
programme teams, validation and review panels and School Academic Boards.
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6.4
For our professional courses we look for evidence of motivation, suitability, skills and
attitudes and exploration of the profession, and for applicants to demonstrate this in their
personal statement.
6.5
Entry requirements are set when a course is approved, or validated, and are reviewed on
a regular basis. Any changes to entry requirements will be agreed by the School
Academic Board, the programme team and the Head of Admissions and Recruitment.
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Undergraduate requirements
7.1
Qualifications
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications for entry. We set our entry
standards for Scottish Highers, A levels and Irish Leaving Certificate using the UCAS tariff
to ensure equity. We also consider a range of other equivalent qualifications using
established bodies such as UCAS and UKNARIC to compare qualifications.
7.2
The general minimum entrance requirement for an Undergraduate Degree is one of the
following:
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7.3
At least three SQA Highers at grade C or above. Most degrees also require passes
in Maths and English at Standard Grade/Int2, or National 5 at grade C or above.
At least two full A Levels at grade E or above and two Advanced Subsidiary Levels
at grade C or above.
The Irish Leaving Certificate with passes in the Higher Level subjects at grade C2 or
above.
Pass in the International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass in the European Baccalaureate.
A BTEC national Diploma at level 3.
A relevant Access or Foundation course.
Scottish Curriculum for Excellence
The University welcomes the Curriculum for Excellence. The majority of entry
requirements are for Scottish Highers taken over two or more sittings and we will accept
Highers achieved over 2 years. We have published a detailed statement setting out our
admissions requirements, which is available on our website.
7.4
A Levels
We normally require a minimum of two full A levels and will accept AS level qualifications
in addition to the two A levels. Not all courses will accept A level General Studies for
entry, and this is made clear in our prospectus and on our website.
7.5
Advanced entry
The University welcomes and supports students entering into level 2 or above of its
undergraduate degrees.
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We have established articulation agreements with local colleges. Applicants must apply
through UCAS by the UCAS deadline in order to be considered for a place. We aim to
place applicants with a relevant HNC into the second year of our courses and those with
an HND into the third year of our courses.
Admission to the joint degree BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen is via UCAS to
Edinburgh Napier University. The selection process involves an audition.
We consider HNC and HND qualifications for entry into level one of courses which do not
have an articulation route.
We also accept a wide range of other qualifications, including diplomas and certificates
which equate to SCQF level 7 or 8 for advanced entry. However, the content and level
must match that of our courses sufficiently for us to be satisfied that the learning outcomes
have been achieved.
Students presenting Advanced Highers or strong A level grades in relevant subjects may
be eligible for entry to the second year of some of our courses.
We are also able to consider accreditation of non certificated learning (APL) and we have
a rigorous process in place for assessing APL see our website.
7.6
Use of UCAS tariff
We use the UCAS tariff as the basis for making an offer for a number of courses. For
some courses our offers may be based on grades if we require specific grades in
particular subjects. We also use the tariff to compare applications for highly selective
courses.
7.7
Grades
Where we make an offer based on grades, we will make it clear in the offer when we
expect these grades to be achieved by.
7.8
Re-sits
Where an applicant has attempted a qualification more than once, we normally count the
highest grade achieved, but we do not double count the qualification.
7.9
Currency of qualifications/no formal qualifications
We normally look for entry qualifications to have been taken within three years of starting
a course. Where an applicant’s qualifications are older than this, we normally require
additional evidence of recent study and / or relevant experience in order to consider them
for a place.
If an applicant does not have the normal entry requirements, but has relevant experience
and can demonstrate that there is a reasonable expectation that they will complete the
course, then it may still be possible to consider them.
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We strongly recommend appropriate SWAP Access courses for applicants who have no
formal qualifications or have been out of formal education for some time.
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Widening access and participation
The University is committed to widening participation from under-represented groups.
8.1
Use of UCAS contextual data
We make use of contextual data when deciding to whom an offer should be made. We do
not adjust our entry requirements, but we require all applicants to meet the normal entry
requirements for our degrees.
8.2
Local agreements LEAPS/SHEP/SWAP
The University is a partner in LEAPS, SHEP and SWAP. We have agreed to give priority
to applicants from each of these schemes and guarantee to make offers wherever
possible to applicants who have the potential to meet our entry requirements and to
succeed on our courses.
8.3
Direct entry Associate Students
Applicants apply to the University through the Universities and Colleges Admission
Service (UCAS). Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements as set out in the
University prospectus.
Students will complete an HNC or HND qualification with the partner College before
progressing into the second or third year of the degree course at the University.
8.4
Academies
We aim to make offers to all qualified applicants who have attended one of our
academies.
Applicants should apply to the University through the Universities and Colleges Admission
Service (UCAS). Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements as set out in the
University prospectus.
Where an applicant has successfully completed an HNC award with the Academy, they
are given direct entry into Level 2 of the appropriate University degree.
8.5
Care leavers
The University recognises that care leavers who have spent time in local authority care,
either in residential accommodation, foster care or under supervision orders at home, may
require additional advice and support during both the pre entry and post entry transitional
period. We offer all care leavers additional support from our Transition and Pre-entry
Guidance Adviser.
8.6
Disabled applicants
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The University welcomes a diverse learning community and aims to support all students to
participate fully in their studies and in University life. All applicants who declare a disability
and/or additional support needs in their application form will be contacted by a Disability
Adviser to discuss their individual requirements and the support that may be available to
them should they study at QMU.
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Postgraduate
All postgraduate applicants should have already achieved a first degree, normally at
Honours level or equivalent, or a professional diploma which is recognised by the relevant
professional body as the equivalent of an Honours degree. We may also accept diploma
level qualifications and considerable relevant experience. Exceptionally, we can accept
applicants for postgraduate level study without a first degree for some courses if they have
considerable relevant professional experience.
Postgraduate applicants are normally required to provide two references, one of which
may be from an employer. Details of entry requirements are given in our prospectus and
on our website.
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Associate Students - postgraduate
Postgraduate students can be admitted as ‘associate students’ to allow them to take an
individual module, or part of a postgraduate course, without registering for the award.
For the purposes of entry to courses, the minimum entry qualifications stated will be the
same, irrespective of whether the candidate intends to study for only a few modules in one
academic year and those wishing to pursue the award. However for Entry requirements
may be more flexible for those applying for only one module as associate students at the
discretion of the admissions tutor.
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PhD by research
All applicants must provide a proposal. This allows us to check how well the applicant
understands the research process and to make sure the topic is in an area we can
supervise.
The research topic must be within the expertise of our staff. The topic must have
academic merit and it must be capable of generating new knowledge. Research which is
linked to the applicant's creative work may be considered.
Applications to our PhD research degrees should be made via our Division of Governance
and Quality Enhancement. Full details can be found on our website at:
http://www.qmu.ac.uk/post_research/apply.htm
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International applicants
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We welcome applications from international applicants around the world and accept a
wide range of international qualifications. We use NARIC and other reliable sources to
establish equivalences of international qualifications with UK standards of entry, and
make offers on a like for like basis. We publish equivalencies for popular overseas
qualifications on our website and can offer advice on alternative routes for entry where
they do not meet our requirements (such as foundation level courses). We also work with
a number of agents who act as official representatives of the University and can assist
with advice on applications and suitable course options.
The University has a number of partners overseas through whom students can study for a
QMU degree. Minimum entry requirements for such arrangements are the same as those
that apply to the course delivered in Edinburgh.
We welcome applications from students who have achieved one of our awards overseas
and who wish to continue with further studies at QMU Edinburgh.
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English language minimum requirements
We require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, with no element below 5.5, for all UG and PG
courses. For many courses, the minimum score required is higher than this. Information
about our minimum scores is given in our prospectus and on our website.
We accept a wide range of qualifications as ‘equivalent’ to IELTS and these are published
and regularly updated on our International Students Website.
Higher English for Speakers of Other Languages - The University accepts this qualification
in place of Higher English as an entry requirement.
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UKVI requirements
QMU holds a Tier 4 sponsor license for UKVI purposes. Students who need a Tier 4 visa
will be subject to additional UKVI requirements. The University prefers students to have
completed a UKVI approved Secure English Language test as evidence of their language
competence where proof of English Language ability is required. All international students
have their attendance at university monitored in line with UKVI requirements.
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Deposits
We require any Tier 4 sponsored student to pay a deposit or to provide proof of full
financial sponsorship prior to issuing a CAS.
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Other Admissions requirements
16.1 PVG / Disclosure checks
Applicants for certain courses of study must declare all criminal convictions, and in these
cases the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 does not apply. Candidates for healthcare
courses will be asked to provide a satisfactory criminal record check from the Protection of
Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, or an appropriate equivalent. Full details about those
courses that require full PVG/ Disclosure checks are given in our prospectus and on our
website.
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16.2 Criminal convictions
To safeguard the welfare of our students, we require all applicants to declare any relevant
criminal convictions. Applicants are asked to state whether they have any criminal
convictions. This would either be through the UCAS application form for full-time
undergraduate students, or through the University application form for all other students.
Where an applicant declares a criminal conviction, further information will be requested
and the University will then take this into account when deciding whether or not the
applicant may be admitted.
Further information is provided in the University Regulations available on our website.
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Admissions process
17.1 Application forms
All full time applications for undergraduate courses must be made through UCAS. All part
time applications and applications for postgraduate courses should be made directly to the
University using our on-line application form on our website.
17.2 Decision making
The University takes a holistic approach to the assessment of merit and potential for
admission. Each application is considered on its own merits, taking into account
academic, professional and personal experience.
The University has a centralised admissions service. All applications are dealt with by a
team of professionally trained officers and administrators. Decisions on applications may
be made by admissions officers or by academic admissions tutors. Each decision is
based on a set of entry criteria.
The University selects applicants who are judged to be able to complete the course based
on their achievements and their potential.
17.3 Equal consideration
All UCAS applications received by the published UCAS deadline are given equal
consideration. All postgraduate applications which are received by the application
deadline are considered equally.
17.4 Interviews and auditions
A number of our courses require interviews or auditions as part of the application
procedure. We inform potential applicants of any requirement for interview or audition in
our prospectus and on our website. Arrangements are made to interview applicants by
telephone or by Skype where travel to the UK is not possible.
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We explain to applicants the nature and purpose of the interview and ensure that
interviews are conducted fairly by appropriately qualified staff.
17.5 Portfolio inspections
A number of courses require the inspection of a portfolio of work. Full details on these
requirements are published in our prospectus and on our website
17.6 Compassionate circumstances
Where an applicant has compassionate circumstances, we take this into consideration.
However where these circumstances have affected the grade achieved in a qualification
required for entry, we would expect that this is dealt with by the examining body.
17.7 Evidence of qualifications
Applicants must provide photocopies of their qualifications with their application, and we
require to see the original documentation at matriculation.
17.8 Deferred entry
We allow applicants to defer entry to most of our programmes. UCAS applicants are
required to meet all the conditions for entry in the year that they apply. Postgraduate
applicants can defer a conditional offer. Where it is not possible to defer an offer of study,
an applicant can reapply the following academic year. An applicant can only defer the
offer of a place once, and after that will be asked to reapply
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Matriculation and induction
18.1 Entrants are fully informed through our Matriculation and Induction website of the
arrangements for matriculation and of details surrounding arrangements. These may be
tailored to different types of students, such as direct entrants, international students etc.
We offer a short pre-induction course, ‘QM Advance’, to help ensure smooth admission
into our courses.
18.2 Direct entry students benefit from the ‘QM Assist’ programme which includes a range of
activities in local colleges and a designated induction programme for direct entrants at the
start of the academic year.
18.3 The University also supports a student mentoring scheme, ’QM Connect’ which offers new
students the opportunity to be matched with a trained mentor.
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Bursaries for RUK students
The University is pleased to offer a number of means tested non repayable tuition fee
bursaries for students who are charged RUK fees. Full details are available in our
prospectus and on our website
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Scholarships
The University also provides information about a number of other scholarships and
bursaries available to applicants. Full details of eligibility and deadlines are available on
the University website.
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Our commitment to service delivery
21.1 The University is committed to continuous improvement in all it does. We take a
professional approach to admissions.
21.2 All professional support staff receive regular training, support and guidance to ensure that
they provide accurate and timely advice and guidance to applicants and other
stakeholders.
21.3 Academic admissions tutors work closely with recruitment and admissions staff to ensure
that entry requirements are fair and transparent.
21.4 Staff in admissions are trained and supported to ensure that they are able to make fair
and equitable admissions decisions.
21.5 We aim to process applications as quickly as possible. However, where there is an
application deadline, applications may not be processed until after the deadline in order to
ensure equal consideration. Where a decision cannot be made quickly, we inform the
applicant of the reason for any delay.
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Contact with applicants
All correspondence with applicants is by e-mail. To ensure that admissions
correspondence is received, all e-mail correspondence and supporting documents should
be sent to admissions@qmu.ac.uk.
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Applicant website
The applicant website provides applicants with extensive information and advice about the
application and admissions process.
24
Terms and conditions
All applicants are referred to the Universities Terms and Conditions which are available on
our website and to which all students must sign up when accepting the offer of a place to
study at QMU.
25
Withdrawal or changes to courses
If the University has to change or withdraw a course after an application has been
received, then we e-mail any applicants to explain the reason for the withdrawal and offer
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them advice and guidance about any alternative courses, either at QMU or elsewhere.
UCAS applicants are able to make a further choice.
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Feedback to unsuccessful applicants
Where an applicant is unsuccessful, we give a reason for this via UCAS, for
undergraduate applicants, or by e-mail for postgraduate applicants. We are always able
to give further advice on reasons and to advise about any future applications.
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Complaints and appeals
27.1 Appeals
STAGE 1 - If an applicant is not satisfied with the feedback on their application and wishes
to appeal the decision, they can do so by contacting the admissions office by email in the
first instance. An administrative review of the decision will be conducted and if an error
has been made then the decision will be corrected straight away.
STAGE 2 – If there has been no administrative error and the appeal is concerning the
judgement of the decision, then the decision will be reconsidered by the academic
admissions tutor and the Head of Admissions and Recruitment.
A decision will be made within 14 days of receipt of the appeal.
27.2 Complaints
Complaints about any aspect of our admissions policy or service, should firstly be raised
with the member of staff responsible. If the complaint cannot be resolved then applicants
may submit a formal complaint either by using our complaints form or by emailing
complaints@qmu.ac.uk. All complaints will be answered within 10 working days. The
University’s complaints procedure can be found within the Quality pages of the website.
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Data protection
The University needs to keep certain personal data about students to fulfil its purpose and
to meet its legal obligations to funding bodies and government. In holding personal data,
the University will comply fully with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Full details of the policy are available on the University website.
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Responsibility for this policy
The Admissions policy is approved by the University Student Experience Committee and
any changes or updates will be approved by that Committee. A full review of the policy in
its entirety is undertaken every five years. Academic admissions tutors and the Head of
Admissions and Recruitment are responsible for the operation of the policy and for its
regular monitoring and review. The policy will be checked annually to ensure accuracy
and to reflect any changes.
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This policy is underpinned by several other University policies which are available on our
website:
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Equal Opportunities Policy
Disability Policy
Student Retention Strategy
Fitness to Practice Policy
Code of Practice on Criminal convictions and disclosure
Data protection policy
Undergraduate and Postgraduate regulations.
References:
QAA Code of Practice, Chapter B2: Recruitment, Selection and admissions to higher education
(October 2013)
SPA Guidance on Admissions Policies
Prof Steven Schwartz: Fair admissions to Higher Education: Recommendations for Good
Practice. 2004
Reviewed August 2015, Yvonne Watt, Assistant Secretary - ELSS
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