Getting ready to apply
Please click on a heading below to find out more about getting ready to apply.
- Information on the application process
- First steps
- Preparing to apply - undergraduate
- What qualifications do I need?
- Access to Higher Education
- Making your application
- Reference
- After you apply
Information on the application process
You can find a great deal of information on the process of applying for courses by looking at the appropriate online prospectuses:
First steps
Be sure about what you want to study. You may already have an idea about this, but if not, a browse through the prospectus or a visit on an open day or information session may help you to decide.
Look out for any special abilities a subject requires. Some programmes, mostly in the Sciences, Engineering and Languages, require one or more specific A-levels or the equivalent because the curriculum assumes that all students have attained a particular level of subject-specific knowledge at the point of entry. You can get advice on the acceptable equivalents from the Mature Students’ Adviser.
Preparing to apply - undergraduate
It is important to prepare adequately for higher education. If you have been away from study for some time it is worth taking a preparatory course. Any course which involves both studying independently and doing written work should serve the purpose, but it is wise to check with the University. While you could take A-levels, there are several other possibilities such as Access to Higher Education courses, Open University programmes and University of Bristol part-time certificate programmes.
What qualifications do I need?
We welcome students with a broad range of experience and qualifications. In considering applications from adults we take into account a range of vocational qualifications and occupational and life experiences, as well as more traditional qualifications. Although some mature students applying for undergraduate degrees do have A-levels, we welcome mature students with other qualifications such as Access.
Mature applicants may be expected to show evidence of recent academic study. Whatever course you apply for you will need to demonstrate that you are motivated, and committed to degree-level study.
Access to Higher Education
Access to Higher Education courses are a popular route into university for many mature students. Many local further education colleges offer Access courses. Access courses are designed with adults in mind. They provide preparation in specific subjects and give you the opportunity to build your confidence and study skills.
Details of Access to Higher Education courses provided by further education colleges in the Bristol area are available from Open College Network South West Region (OCNSWR).
It's a good idea to check the appropriateness of the Access subjects for your chosen degree area. Our Mature Students’ Adviser will be happy to advise you on this.
For 2010 entry, we will be making graded offers to Access students. Please visit our online prospectus for details on individual course offers. For further information on Access courses visit the UCAS website, or the QAA Access website.
Making your application
In preparing your application, you need to show what you have learned in settings other than education. In both voluntary and paid work you will have had to acquire the organisational and time-management skills essential for successful study at university. Be careful to draw these and other skills to the attention of the admissions tutor; they will show that you have thought hard about what studying will involve.
Some of the key things admissions tutors are looking for from mature students include:
- a clear interest in the subject you are applying to study;
- explanation of your route into education and why you want to study for a degree now;
- how your life and/or work experiences relate to your chosen degree area;
- evidence of research into the subject;
- a good standard of written English.
Please note that if you are applying for any of our Law programmes, you will need to take the LNAT test as part of the application process for the University of Bristol. There is a deadline for taking the test and further information can be found on the LNAT website.
Reference
You will need a reference for your application. An academic referee is best, but a work referee can also be acceptable. Your referee should be able to comment on your ‘readiness’ and potential for higher education.
After you apply
Many departments interview mature candidates. To find out whether or not an interview is part of the selection process for the area you have chosen, take a look at the undergraduate admissions statements.