If you’re looking to start university in Sept 2013, getting your head around UCAS (University Central Admissions Service) early will make the process of applying to university much easier.

All applications to UK universities comes through UCAS and it is a great way to research which ones across the country offer the subjects or courses you’re interested in.

Most of you will have a rough idea about what you want to study at university level but it’s always worth checking with UCAS and each uni about their entry requirements to make sure you are eligible to apply. We have a great ‘course search’ page on our website that  goes into detail about entry requirements, regarding what subjects you need to have experience of, and the tariff points you need to apply.

UCAS awards Tariff points to A-level and BTEC qualifications, so understanding your predicted grades will point you in the right direction to the courses you can apply for. The UCAS tariff pages go into great detail about all types of UK qualifications but examples for A Levels are below:

A*-  140 points
A- 120 points
B- 100 points
C- 80 points

Applicants can make up to five choices through UCAS, so it’s worth researching courses and universities and choosing the ones that suit you best.  Universities hold open days throughout the year so you can visit for more information.

The UCAS cycle for starting University in 2013 will open in September, however different subjects will have different deadlines:

• 15 October for dentistry, medicine, veterinary science and veterinary medicine and for all courses at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
• 15 January for all other courses except those above and art and design courses with a 24 March deadline.
• 24 March for art and design courses except those listed with a 15 January deadline.
• 30 June – the final deadline. All applications that we receive by this date are processed and sent to the universities and colleges. Applications that we receive after 30 June will not be sent to the universities and colleges in the normal way. Instead, these applications will go directly into Clearing.  (Clearing takes place in August and this is when Universities show which of their courses still have spaces available.)

When you come to apply, you will need to register and create an account for your self on UCAS and submit details regarding your education and qualifications, any related work experience, and a personal statement. Your personal statement is great way to really sell yourself to the Admissions Team and explain why you have chosen the course you have.

Watch this space for a blog about how to write a great personal statement to enhance your application!

Let your course search commence!

Sam