University Courses - How to Apply

Full-time Foundation Degree, Honours Degree and Top-Up Honours Degree programmes

Details of all our full-time university-level courses are available in our propsectus, on this website or on the UCAS website www.ucas.co.uk.

Each course and instution has a unique reference code which must be used on your application. Course codes are listed on the UCAS website and in our University Courses prospectus.

The institution code for Somerset College of Arts and Technology is S28.

To request a copy of our University Courses Prospectus 2008 click here.

Applications for all of the above courses are made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

You must apply online via the UCAS website www.ucas.co.uk. Paper applications are not longer available.

If you are at school or college you will need to ask you tutor or careers advisor for a BUZZWORD (password) in order to access the online application form.

Mature students can apply online without a BUZZWORD.

You must pay an application fee to UCAS when you apply. Currently the fee is 15 for a maximum of 5 choices (this has been reduced from 6 choices for 2008 entry onwards). If you only want to apply to one course this fee is reduced to 5.

Application Deadlines

UCAS can start receiving your application for 2008 entry from 1 September 2007. The deadline for non-arts and design and arts and design Route A applications is 15 January 2008.

Closing date for applications to Oxford University, University of Cambridge and courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science or veterinary medicine is normally 15 October.

We accept late applications throughout the remainder of the applications year until 30 June, but you should be aware that late applications are considered at the college's discretion and no guarantee can be made that late applications will be given the same level of consideration as those submitted by the proper closing date.

Arts & Design Courses

There are 2 routes of application for all full-time, degree-level arts and design courses. These are known as Route A and Route B. You need to apply via UCAS whichever route you choose. We accept applications from both, it is up to you which route you choose. You can apply via both Route A and B but you are limited to a maximum of 5 choices.

Route A: You submit your application in the same way as all other potential university students (see above).

Route B: You submit your application for up to 3 choices for sequential consideration. You specifiy which of your choices is your first, second and third choice. Applications via Route B can be accepted by UCAS from 1 January to 24 March.

Each course has two UCAS codes, one for each Route. Please ensure you use the correct code when completing your application form.

Whichever Route you choose you will be asked to attend and interview and present a portfolio of your work.

What Happens Next?

Our Admissions staff receive your UCAS application approximately 2 weeks after it's receipt at UCAS. Your application is then assessed by the appropriate subject staff and we will then:

a. Make you a conditional or unconditional offer. If you offer is conditional, this means you will need to achieve certain qualifications/grades in order to take up your place.

b. Invite to for interview so that we can find out more about your suitability for the course. After your interview you will be made a conditional or unconditional offer.

You will receive confirmation of the decisions of each of university or college you have applied to via UCAS. It is then up to you to decide which offers to accept. You are allowed to accept 2 offers; one is your first or "firm" choice, the second is your second or "insurance" choice.

If your firm choice is conditional and you do not meet the specified criteria when your exams results are known, but you do meet the conditions of your insurance choice, you will be automatically accepted for that place.

All decisions on applications made by the proper deadline will be made by 31 March (except arts and design Route B applications).

Route B Decisions

If you recieve an offer from your first choice and accept it your application will not be sent onto your second and third choice. If you decline it, or the college or university does not make you an offer your application will be sent to your next choice provided that there are still vacancies. The same process applies for your second choice.

You have 14 days from the date on your offer letter to reply to a Route B offer.

If you do not reply during this period the offer will be withdrawn. Your application will then be sent to your second choice and then, if applicable, your third choice.

If you have applied for Route B courses only, you can only hold one offer.

If you have applied for choices in both Route A and Route B, you can hold two offers, but you can only hold one offer from your Route B choices.

If you firmly accept an unconditional offer for either a Route A or Route B course, you cannot accept any other offer.

UCAS Extra

From mid-March to the end of June you can apply to more institutions if you have been rejected by your original 5 choices or declined all offers you have been made.

UCAS Extra vacancies are listed on the UCAS website and you are only allowed to apply to one course at a time. If you are made an offer and accept you can no longer access the Extra facility.

If you are unsuccessful or decline an offer or do not receive a decision within 21 days of making an application through Extra, you can apply again to a different course and/or institution.

Clearing

If you are unsuccessful in gaining a place on either your firm or insurance course, don't panic! UCAS operates what is called a "Clearing" system that takes place from mid August to 20 September. The Clearing system makes it possible for you to contact other institutions to find out what courses still have places available and submit your application for a place.

You will find details of all Clearing place available on the UCAS website and they are also published in The Independent newspaper each day.

For more information on How to Apply via UCAS visit www.ucas.co.uk.