Warwick's Admissions Statement

This document aims to provide an accessible summary of the University’s current undergraduate admissions policies and procedures, for applicants and their advisors. Where more detailed information is publicly available, this is highlighted below.

Admissions procedures take account of sector best practice including the precepts of the QAA’s Quality Code for Higher Education, Part B: Assuring and Enhancing Academic Quality, Chapter B2: Recruitment, Selection and Admission to Higher Education; and UCAS’s business rules and guidance on good practice in admissions.

Admission to the University is governed by University Regulation 6.

1. Admissions statement

The University aims to admit students of the highest calibre, who have the academic potential and motivation to succeed on our challenging courses. The University encourages applications from applicants from all backgrounds and it evaluates the potential of each applicant individually and on their own merits.

2. Legislative and regulatory requirements

2.1 Equal opportunities

The University’s Admissions policy is compliant with relevant equality and diversity legislation. The University is committed to equal opportunities and its admissions policies and procedures have been assessed through an Equality Impact Assessment to ensure that they are fair and consistent.

2.2 Admission of minors

The University does not normally consider applications from any applicant under the age of 16. All successful applicants are expected to evidence academic maturity in their application. Applicants who are under 18 should be aware that they are applying to study in an adult environment and there may be a small number of limitations for them at the University while they are under 18.

2.3 Data Protection

The University complies with UCAS regulations and the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation in respect of the use of applicant data. Warwick’s Enquiry and Applicant Privacy notice covers our use of personal data during the application process.

2.4 Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK

Where an applicant requires student entry clearance or leave to remain (a ‘visa’) to study in the UK, failure to take up an accepted offer of a place, or withdrawal from their course after arrival, is likely to affect their permission to come to or remain in the UK. In order to comply with the UK immigration regulations, the University will notify the immigration authorities, where relevant, of non-arrival and of any changes to a student’s enrolment status.

When an offer holder who requires a Visa to study in the UK completes their application for the University to create a Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS), they confirm that they are not currently, nor have ever previously been, in the United Kingdom without valid immigration permission. If, at a later date, the University is informed that they have been in the United Kingdom without such valid permission it may be required to inform the immigration authorities and/or withdraw its 'sponsorship' of the student’s application for leave.

3. Admissions Criteria and Selection

3.1 Academic requirements

Detailed and up‐to‐date information on entry requirements is provided on our entry requirements page.

The University’s typical entry requirements and subject‐specific requirements are published on the website. Course requirements are also published on the UCAS website. Typical academic entry requirements are set by the specific department(s) offering each course and are reviewed and approved by the Course Proposals Scrutiny Panel. The website always contains the most up‐to‐date information available. Our published offer levels represent typical offers and are not a guarantee either of the offer an individual applicant may receive, or that offers will be made to all applicants whose predicted or previously achieved grades meet the published offer.

In addition to specific course requirements, to fulfil the basic University Admissions Requirement, all applicants must possess qualifications equivalent to a pass at Grade C /4 or above in GCSE English Language, and in Mathematics Minimum requirements for some courses exceed this and applicants should refer to course‐specific information on the website for further details.

The University is committed to giving full and fair consideration to all entry qualification information presented by individual applicants and regularly assesses applications from candidates offering a broad range of qualifications, where these are deemed equivalent to GCE A‐level. Typical offers are noted online for a range of these qualifications and applicants are encouraged to contact the University if they wish to discuss their own qualifications

3.2 English language requirements

All applicants who do not meet University Admissions Requirements in respect of English language are required to demonstrate that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high for them to derive full benefit from their degree course. Many English language qualifications are acceptable to meet this requirement. The level of competence required varies by degree type. Find out more about English language requirements.

4. Assessment and selection

The University receives many more applications from suitably qualified applicants than there are places available. Assessment of applications is carried out by the central Admissions Service in close liaison with academic course selectors (Admissions Tutors) in the respective academic departments, to ensure that decisions are made fairly and consistently.

Each application is assessed on its own merits and in competition with others. Selectors will consider the evidence provided in the application against the criteria for that particular course. This will include consideration of existing academic achievements and the context within which they have been achieved (including any verified extenuating circumstances), predicted grades, the personal statement, and the academic reference.

Where departments invite applicants to interview, further details are provided via the course pages on the website:

In addition to the interviews for these courses, applicants offering a very atypical profile, or those returning to study after a period out of education, may sometimes be offered an interview.

The University aims to return decisions to applicants in a timely manner. Where an application is received by the January equal consideration deadline, we will finalise a decision by the UCAS deadline in May.

Because decisions are made on a highly competitive basis it is not always possible to make offers to all applicants who meet, or even exceed, the typical entry requirements.

4.1 Applicants with a disability, specific learning difference or development condition

Students with a disability, specific learning difference or developmental condition are encouraged to apply to the University and are considered on the same academic grounds as all other candidates. If unconditionally accepted by the University, candidates declaring a disability may be contacted by the University’s Disability Services (Student Support Services) to discuss their requirements prior to entry, in order to ensure that reasonable adjustments can be made. Where it is not considered reasonable to adjust, the decision is referred to the Committee on the Admission of Students to Courses of Study (see below).

Visits to the campus can be arranged on request and candidates who have particular accommodation and access requirements are especially encouraged to take up this opportunity, although the option is available to all.

4.2 Returners to study

The University welcomes applications from individuals who are returning to study and each applicant will be considered on their individual merits against the entrance criteria for the particular course. Evidence of recent academic study is usually sought.

4.3 Deferrals

The University welcomes applications from candidates who wish to take a year off between school and university. Applicants are encouraged to make clear on their UCAS application their reasons for wishing to defer entry and how they intend to utilise the time. Please note that Warwick Medical School will only consider applications for deferred entry in exceptional cases.

4.4 Exemption from part or all of an undergraduate degree, including direct entry to Year 2

The University will only consider candidates for exemption from part of a full‐time undergraduate degree course in very exceptional circumstances. A small number of departments may consider exemption from year one of a three-year course, in exceptional cases, if candidates have achieved qualifications (such as Year 1 of a comparable degree) at the appropriate level elsewhere and are wishing to transfer to Warwick. Please note that normal admissions requirements (such as A-levels at grades matching our typical requirements) would also usually need to be met. All such applications must be received through UCAS, and requests for exemption, including for direct entry to Year 2, should be made in writing to the Undergraduate Admissions team at the earliest opportunity. For further details regarding exemption please review our recognition of prior learning policy.

4.5 Fraud, misrepresentation and information of a non‐academic nature

It is an applicant’s responsibility to provide full and accurate information to the University by the relevant deadlines. Failure to do so may result in an application being made unsuccessful or an existing offer rescinded.

University regulation 6.3 (3) (b) provides for the consideration of information of a non‐academic nature that may affect an admissions decision. A Committee on the Admission of Students to Courses of Study may consider such information and advise the Vice‐Chancellor that the application be rejected or an existing offer rescinded. Relevant information may include the declaration of a criminal conviction, activities outside of the law, fraudulent information or misrepresentation, failure to disclose relevant information, or, in the case of Medicine, Teaching and Social Work applications, any issue that may represent an issue of fitness to practise. In these latter cases, a Fitness to Practise committee always considers the information first.

The University may also investigate cases disclosed to it under the UCAS Similarity Detection Service and reserves the right to refer any cases of concern to the Committee on the Admission of Students to Courses of Study.

4.6 Contextual admissions

The University of Warwick is committed to making a high-quality and challenging university education available to those who are capable of benefiting from it, as outlined in our Access and Participation Plan as approved by the Office for Students. Our recruitment and application processes are designed to support students with the potential to succeed at the University and we are committed to ensuring that every application is treated fairly and judged on its merits. Our approach considers educational and individual context in our offer making to provide a rounded understanding of academic potential and achievement, and ensure we consider talented applicants from all backgrounds.

The University may make differential offers to applicants in a number of circumstances of up to 2 A level grades or up to 4 International Baccalaureate points lower than the standard offer for entry to that course (to a minimum of BBB).

a. Applicants with ‘contextual data’ indicators

We consider a range of contextual factors when assessing UCAS applications to build a more holistic and rounded view of students’ academic achievement and potential. The contextual factors we use to inform decision-making and policy are drawn from UCAS application forms and a range of publicly available national datasets.

Applicants must meet one of the following contextual ‘flags’ to be considered eligible for a contextual offer. This is only applicable to students from state schools; those from independent schools are not currently eligible.

Individual Free School Meals flag: the applicant was eligible for and received Free School Meals at schools as verified by UCAS.

Area-based flag: the applicant lives in an area which has a high level of deprivation (Index of Multiple Deprivation, IMD], 0-20%).*

School flag: the applicant completed their studies at schools/colleges where performance was below average and eligibility for Free School Meals was higher than average.

* Those students in administrative areas of the UK for which school performance data are not available will be flagged for individual receipt of Free School Meals and/or the IMD data in the first instance and a decision made on a contextual offer based on individual circumstances.

b. Applicants who have spent time in care

Any UK care experienced applicant, who has been looked after for at least 3 months will be eligible to receive a contextual offer without having to meet any other indicators. This will require supporting evidence.

c. Post-16 widening participation programmes

Applicants who participate in and successfully complete any of our sustained post-16 programmes (Warwick Scholars, Realising Opportunities, Pathways to Law, Pathways to Banking and Finance, Pathways to Engineering) will also receive additional consideration when they apply to the University. This is dependent on meeting all other admissions criteria. If applicants are given an offer they will receive a dual offer recognising their participation in a post-16 programme, unless they are eligible for a more favourable contextual offer. Where applicable, the dual offer includes both the standard entry offer and a differential offer of up to 2 A level grades or up to 4 International Baccalaureate points lower than the standard offer for that course (to a minimum of BBB) subject to successful completion of a post-16 programme.

d. Estranged applicants

UK applicants estranged from both of their parents are eligible to receive a contextual offer without having to meet any other indicators. They will need to be able to provide evidence to support their circumstances – for example, a signed letter or email from their school, Social Worker or Personal Advisor confirming they are estranged or evidence that they have been in receipt of Income Support and Housing Benefit during their post-16 education.

e. Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Applicants based in the UK who are seeking asylum, have limited leave to remain, are under ‘humanitarian protection’ or have been granted refugee status with indefinite leave to remain will be eligible to receive a contextual offer without having to meet other indicators. This will require supporting evidence.

4.7 Non-standard patterns of examination entry and resits

The University normally expects applicants to demonstrate that they can succeed on a demanding course of study within a defined timescale, as exemplified by (but not limited to) the achievement of three A levels (or international equivalent) over the course of a maximum of two years of study.

Students who resit their final Year 13 examinations may be at a disadvantage when considered alongside those who have attained the required grades within the usual timeframe. Some courses will not consider candidates who have taken three years to reach the required level of attainment.

Though all applications will be considered on their individual merits, students who follow a curriculum where the normal number of required examinations are spread over three or more years may be at a disadvantage when considered alongside those who have attained the required grades within the standard timeframe, and some courses will not consider such candidates.

If students take examinations early (relative to the majority of the cohort) allowances will not be made for lower grades achieved.

4.8 Extenuating circumstances

We understand that sometimes an applicant’s academic progress and attainment may have been impacted by circumstances beyond their control, but which are unlikely to have a bearing on their ability to subsequently succeed at university. Applicants can inform us of such circumstances via our extenuating circumstances procedure. Extenuating circumstances may be considered at either the application review stage and/or at the point of reviewing final results.

We cannot say in advance whether an application is likely to be successful or not on consideration of extenuating circumstances.

Submitting an extenuating circumstances form does not guarantee that the University will make an offer or that we will accept an offer holder who does not meet the conditions of your offer.

4.9 Unconditional Offers

The University of Warwick will only make unconditional offers to applicants who have already met our entry requirements. While it can be reassuring for applicants to know that one of their UCAS choices is willing to give them an unconditional offer, it is important to fully consider the implications of accepting an unconditional offer in these circumstances. Achievement at A-levels is excellent preparation for study at University and these qualifications are considered by graduate employers when shortlisting candidates for graduate schemes. We therefore strongly encourage applicants to base their decision primarily on the course and university that best suits their interests and long term aims, rather than on whether a place at a particular institution would be automatically guaranteed.

5. Support for admissions

The University subscribes to the principles of fair and professional admissions and ensures that opportunities are available for staff in the central undergraduate admissions team to be trained, and kept up to date, on admissions best practice.

Academic course selectors are provided with detailed written guidance on admissions procedures; a dedicated set of on‐line resources; a ‘link’ officer to support and guide their decision making; an annual briefing event; and a checklist to supplement the work of the link officer.

The Student Recruitment Outreach and Admissions Service is responsible for all interactions with UCAS, including the transmission of admissions decisions. The Office is also responsible for providing statistical information to enable the University and departments to monitor numbers of applications, offers and acceptances within each application cycle.

6. Feedback on unsuccessful applications

The large volume of applications received by the University each year means that detailed feedback to unsuccessful applicants cannot be provided automatically at the point when a decision is made. However, the University will provide further feedback to candidates to whom it is not able to make an offer when this is requested in writing. The Admissions team will respond to requests for feedback in a timely manner, although timescales may be longer at busy periods in the cycle. Feedback will normally include generic information to help applicants understand the means by which applicants are selected for the course to which they have applied, but a certain amount of specific information on an individual’s application will be available on request. Unless an applicant has consented to share their data, detailed or personalised feedback will not be provided to a parent, teacher or other supporter. Requests for feedback should be made in writing (by email) to the Undergraduate Admissions Team.

7. Undergraduate admissions fraud

The University of Warwick treats the possibility of admissions fraud very seriously and our admissions team have expertise and experience in fraud detection.

All academic documents submitted by an applicant electronically are checked to ensure they are legitimate before an offer is confirmed. Once students arrive at Warwick, we select a sample of those electronically submitted documents and examine the original. The identity and legitimacy of all referees is also checked.

Unfortunately, every year we detect applicants who have submitted fake or altered academic documents, fake references, or other false or misleading information.

The University takes robust action against applicants in such cases. If we find that fake documents or false information has been submitted, we will withdraw the application and any other applications made by the same person. If fraud is discovered after the individual has matriculated at the University, we are able to terminate their studies under Regulation 6. We will immediately withdraw any future application from an individual who has previously been found to have submitted false or misleading documentation or information.

When investigating potential fraud, we may contact your previous awarding institution to verify your documentation.

8. Complaints

Complaints from applicants regarding the service they receive during the admissions process will be handled in accordance with the Admissions Service Complaints Procedure. Applicants do not have the right to appeal against the academic judgement made on their application.

9. Governance and oversight of admissions

The University subscribes to the principles of fair and professional admissions and ensures that opportunities are available for staff in the central undergraduate admissions team to be trained, and kept up to date, on admissions best practice.

Academic course selectors are provided with detailed written guidance on admissions procedures; a dedicated set of on‐line resources; a ‘link’ officer to support and guide their decision making; an annual briefing event; and a checklist to supplement the work of the link officer.

The Admissions Service is responsible for all interactions with UCAS, including the transmission of admissions decisions. The Service is also responsible for providing statistical information to enable the University and departments to monitor numbers of applications, offers and acceptances within each application cycle.

10. Monitoring

Under Statute 20(2) the Senate regulates the admission of persons to courses of study and the monitoring and reporting of admissions is via the Senate committees, including the Steering Committee, and the Academic Quality and Standards Committee (and their sub‐committees). Admissions statistics are published and publicly available in the University’s Academic Statistics.

Document updated: September 2024