Aberystwyth University Admissions Policy for 2026 Entry

Aberystwyth University is committed to upholding the highest standards of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in our admissions processes. This policy outlines the approach taken towards the recruitment, selection, and admission of students across our taught and research programmes, ensuring alignment with the principles outlined in the Universities UK Fair Admissions Code of Practice.

Admissions Principles

1. Our Admissions Policy outlines the University’s admissions process for all of Aberystwyth’s courses except those courses taught at partner colleges/institutions and where the admissions process is managed by the individual college/institution. The policy is reviewed annually by the Head of Admissions Operations to ensure it reflects current procedures and regulations. Oversight is provided by the University’s Strategic Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions Group, which reports to Senate.

Centralised Admissions

2. Aberystwyth University operates centralised admissions for most of its courses and Admissions staﬀ adhere to standard operating procedures to ensure fairness and consistency when considering and processing Applications are assessed individually, considering both academic merit and personal circumstances. Applications that require an interview or portfolio review, are referred to the relevant academic department for consideration.

Entry Requirements

3. The University welcomes applications from students studying a wide range of UK and international qualifications. Our online course pages provide information on our standard entry requirements for each programme and information on international qualifications can be found on the country specific pages. Applicants with qualifications not listed should contact our Admissions Office for guidance.

Specific information for International applicants

4. Applications from international students are subject to the same consideration as UK applications, except where additional requirements are placed upon the institution by Government/legislative bodies including the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). International applicants must normally obtain a language qualification to meet the entry requirements for their programme of study.

5. As per UK Visas and Immigration guidance, international students must supply a fully certified, original translation for each document provided that is not in English. The translation must be made by a professional translator or translation company, able to be independently verified by the UKVI.

6. Where applicants who require a Student visa have satisfied all the conditions of their oﬀer, the University will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Our International Recruitment and Development Oﬃce and Visa Advice & Support service can provide support and guidance to international applicants, if required.

Widening access and contextual admissions

7. Aberystwyth University aims to recruit students from all backgrounds who can benefit from our teaching and research. Our Widening Access activities are designed to promote inclusivity and diversity, addressing the recruitment, retention, and progression of students from a wide variety of groups who are traditionally under-represented in higher education.

8. The University operates a Contextual Admissions Policy for undergraduate UK applicants to identify those who may have experienced barriers to participation in higher education and issue a reduced oﬀer to those who meet set criteria.

Recognition of Prior Learning and Experiential Learning

9. This process allows applicants to apply for recognition of skills and knowledge that have been acquired previously, either through learning or work experience. Applications are considered on an individual basis as teaching staff need to consider the applicant's knowledge and skills set and compare against the content and learning outcomes of the course being applied for.

10. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) - The University welcomes applications from those with evidence of previous Higher Education (HE) study from either UK or overseas institutions. Completed individual modules can be considered as part of this process, as well as qualifications such as a Certificate of Higher Education or a Foundation Degree. The latter is also sometimes known as ‘credit transfer’ as well as ‘RPL’, as applicants can apply to transfer their completed HE credits towards another course at Aberystwyth.

11. Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) - The University also welcomes applications from those who can provide evidence of previous experiential learning. This relates to knowledge and skills that have been gained through experience, such as through employment, volunteering or life experiences. The success of applying through RPEL will depend upon how well previous knowledge, skills or experience can be matched against the module outcomes of the course being applied for.

12. Applicants will need to complete an RPL/RPEL Form and provide supporting evidence. The link to the University’s RPL/RPEL Statement is available here Recognition of Prior Learning and the Form is available here RPL/RPEL Form

The Application Process

13. UCAS applications: Undergraduate applicants for full-time courses should apply via UCAS.

14. All other applications should be submitted directly to the University using the online direct application form (the link to which can be found on individual course pages on the website).

15. Applications should be submitted at least four weeks before the start date of a programme, however, additional time should be allowed for Student visa processing where necessary.

16. Research degrees: Admission to research degrees is contingent on the availability of appropriate supervision and research funding.

Decision Making Process

17. We aim to process fully completed applications within 7 working days of receipt, however, delays may occur during busy periods or if additional or missing information is required. Oﬀer decisions are communicated through the UCAS Hub for UCAS applicants, or by email for direct applicants. Oﬀers for all applicants are followed up with an email which links to the Admissions Policy, which is to be considered in conjunction with the University’s Admissions Terms and Conditions and Academic Quality Handbook, all of which are reviewed annually.

Selection Events, Interviews and Portfolio Consideration:

18. Where entry to a programme requires completion of a selection test or interview, the details will be published on the course pages on our website.

19. Applicants who have been invited to attend interview will be invited to disclose any disability or accessibility requirements prior to attending. Where these are disclosed in good time, reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate the applicant’s requirements.

20. Where a course requires a portfolio, applicants will receive further information directly from the department.

Alternative oﬀers

21. If an applicant does not meet the conditions for their original choice of course, they may be considered for and oﬀered entry to an alternative This is applicable at both initial oﬀer and at confirmation stages.

22. Applicants are under no obligation to accept an alternative oﬀer at any point in the process and should consider all options before doing so.

Deferred entry

23. Applicants may request deferral of their admission, subject to meeting entry requirements and availability of places. Applicants wishing to defer admission for more than 12 months will be required to reapply. Applicants should email the Admissions Oﬃce to request a deferral.

Feedback to unsuccessful applicants

24. Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback by submitting a written request to the Admissions Oﬃce. Applicants wishing to appeal a decision should refer to our Admissions Complaints and Appeals Procedure.

Tuition Fees and Deposits

25. Information on Tuition Fees, typical living costs and deposits (including the International Tuition Fee Deposit Policy) can be found on the University’s website. Fee status is determined according to UKCISA guidelines and applicants may be asked for additional information to confirm their fee status.

Professional and Regulatory requirements

26. Programmes which are subject to professional, statutory, and regulatory body requirements may include non-academic criterial such as fitness to practise assessments, completion of a DBS and/or police checks (criminal records checks). These are detailed on the programme’s course page.

Applications under the age of 18

27. Aberystwyth University is predominantly an adult environment where students are normally age 18 or Applicants who will be aged 17 at the start of term may be considered for entry, subject to compliance with the University Policy for Applicants Under the Age of 18.

Criminal Convictions

28. Aberystwyth University has a responsibility to its community and may require applicants to disclose certain unspent criminal convictions and/or declare where they are bound by restrictions or have probation/licence conditions to fulfil. Some programmes may also require full disclosure of all criminal oﬀences and cautions at the point of application, in line with professional body requirements and require a DBS Check prior to enrolment. Oﬀer holders will be contacted to inform them what is required. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of an oﬀer. Full details are available in our Criminal Conviction Policy.

Changes to and Withdrawal of programmes

29. The University reserves the right to make changes to programme titles and content, entry requirements, start date, method of delivery, location of study, costs, or to suspend, combine or withdraw a programme, both prior to and after a student’s admission to the University, if such action is reasonably considered. In such cases, aﬀected applicants will be notified and supported in exploring their options.

Applicant Expectations

30. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide full and accurate information in their application, to ensure that the University is informed of any changes to their personal circumstances, and to respond to any additional requests for information that are relevant to their application in a timely manner.

31. Where an applicant, or third party acting on behalf of an applicant, has knowingly misled the University by providing false or misleading information as part of their application process, any oﬀer of a place may be withdrawn. In addition, the University may notify relevant bodies as appropriate. These include UCAS, the UKVI, and the relevant UK police force.

32. Applicants are expected to disclose all previous HE studies and outcomes/results on their application. The University reserves the right not to consider an applicant for entry if they have previously been excluded from Aberystwyth or any other institution on academic or other grounds.

33. Applicants should be aware that their previous study and outcome(s) will be taken into consideration, along with any new supporting evidence, if applicable.

34. Applicants who are in debt to the University for any reason shall not be permitted to enrol on a course at the University. Any new applications will therefore be withdrawn at the point of application until the debt has been cleared in full, or a repayment plan has been agreed and implemented with Finance Office staff.

35. We are committed to a policy of equality of opportunity and aim to provide a safe learning, working, and social environment that is free from discrimination. Students, staﬀ, visitors, and all others associated with the University have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and equity, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010. If an applicant displays behaviour(s) that are in contravention of the University’s Equality and Diversity policy, we reserve the right to withdraw admission/enrolment and to terminate any contract.

Personal Data

36. The University collects and processes applicant data in line with the Data Protection Act 2018. Personal information is retained and securely disposed of in accordance with the University's Records Retention Schedule. Applicants can request a copy of their personal data held by the University.

37. The University does not use sensitive personal data to inform its decision-making process. This information will only be used for monitoring purposes and, in cases where an applicant has declared a disability, to allow the Student Services team to contact an applicant to assess any support needs required to study at Aberystwyth.

Language choice

38. In compliance with Welsh Language Standards, Aberystwyth University operates a bilingual policy to ensure that the Welsh language is treated no less favourably than Enquirers and applicants are welcome to communicate with and receive correspondence from us in Welsh or English.

39. Applicants can switch the language preference at any stage of the process.

Applicant Complaints and Appeals procedure

40. Applicants who believe that they have reason to appeal against the outcome of their application or who are unhappy with an aspect of the admissions process, should refer to the Applicant Complaints and Appeals procedure.

Enrolment

41. Successful applicants will receive instructions on enrolment approximately three weeks before the start of term. Full details are available on the University’s enrolment web pages.