Making and Submitting Your Application

Making and Submitting your application can sometimes be a confusing process that some people may find a bit overwhelming. There is no need to worry about the application process as it is generally quite straight forward and we have some information on hand to help and advise.

Personal Statements

Your personal statement is a substantial and important part of your application that may distinguish you from other applicants. Your personal statement is read thoroughly by the Admissions Unit and Admissions tutors when your application is being considered. It is your opportunity to sell yourself and could make the difference between you being accepted or rejected.  

Clear and well written - Your Personal Statement should be clear, well written, well-structured, and display good English language skills. It should be organised into paragraphs with an introduction, middle, and end. Do not use bullet points or informal language. 

You should focus your personal statement on the course you have applied for and it should support your desire to study your chosen course. 

You should explain your reasons for applying for your chosen course – why would this course suit you? What interests you about the course? You should demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to the course. 

If you are applying as a mature student then you could include information on why you have decided to return to study at this point and how you developed an interest in the subject. 

Highlight what you have done to develop knowledge of your chosen area of study  - You should detail any jobs, placements, work experience (paid or unpaid), or activities that you have undertaken to develop your interest/knowledge in the area that you have chosen to study. This should include the nature of the experience/activities, where you were based and the amount of time you spent there. You should also state when this experience took place as some courses only consider recent experience. 

When considering the course you are applying to it is important that you identify the personal qualities you possess or have developed that will help you during the course.  This is especially important when you are applying to a course that requires particular values from the applicant (teaching, nursing, social work, paramedic science, etc).  You should ensure that you identify your personal qualities and transferable skills within your Personal Statement. 

You should show you have general knowledge and insight about the subject area you will be studying. How will your present knowledge help you? What have you done to prepare you for studying? 

Show you have carefully considered your study choice - We would be interested to know how the course relates to your future plans. You do not have to have a definite career path planned out, just an understanding of the future prospects the subject may lead to. If you are not sure then you can explore career options by degree subject at https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree (opens in new window)

Further information can also be found at: www.ucas.com/personalstatement (opens in new window)

Once you have submitted your personal statement we will not accept amended versions unless you are applying for an alternative course through UCAS Extra, UCAS Clearing , or by contacting the University directly if you have already been offered a place. If this is the case then you need to email a new personal statement to admissions@wlv.ac.uk ensuring you include your student number. 

Your personal statement should be your own work and individual to you. All personal statements are read thoroughly by the Admissions Unit and if similarities are spotted between your personal statement and those from other applicants, your application may be refused. 

UCAS also checks personal statements and identifies those that have a high content of work from other sources (other personal statements, material from the internet, etc.). UCAS will notify you if your personal statement has been identified in this way and they also notify the University of Wolverhampton. 

If this is the case, the school or institute that you have applied to will be asked to consider your application in detail. You may wish to inform us of the situation that has led to your personal statement being identified in this way. You should do this by logging a Helpdesk call on the Applicant Helpdesk in e:Vision (opens in new window). 

If you are applying from overseas, your personal statement must include the following - 

  • Your Full Name 
  • The course you are applying for 
  • Why are you applying to the University of Wolverhampton
  • Why does studying in the UK and this course interest you
  • Why do you think you’re suitable for the course and how will studying this course benefit you
  • What would you like to do after completing this course
  • Any skills, achievements, or other information you wish to provide to support your application


Previous study at the same level
 

If you have previously completed studies at the same or a higher level as the course you have applied for, your personal statement must clearly outline why you wish to study your course and how it will relate and add to your previous qualification or how the two qualifications combined will support your career aspirations. 

Addressing these areas in your personal statement will help you to develop your answers to the questions that you may be asked as part of your pre-CAS interview.  

References

The referee’s report is an integral and important part of the selection process, and the information given will help guide Admissions Staff in making their decisions.

An academic reference should be provided by a current or previous tutor from your most recent educational institution. 

An employer's reference should be provided by your line manager at your current or previous place of work. 

A school reference should be provided by your personal tutor or Head of Year at your school. 

Please note: references written by friends and relatives will not be accepted. 

References should be written on letter-headed paper and should clearly state:

  • The applicants' name, choice of course, and student number.
  • The referee's name, occupation, and relationship to the applicant. 

Important: References in paper format 

If you are posting a reference to the Admissions Unit, this must be on letter-headed paper. 

The reference should, where possible, cover the following: 

  • Your suitability for the course(s) you applied for 
  • Intellectual qualities including: 
  • development to date and previous examination performance with special reference to any factors which may in your opinion have adversely influenced the result 
  • present performance 
  • potential, including an assessment of the probable results of any pending examinations 
  • Personal qualities, such as motivation, communication skills, powers of analysis, and independent thought 
  • Career aspirations 
  • Health and other personal circumstances relevant to the application 
  • Athletic, social, and other interests 

Please remember that under the Data Protection Act, the applicant can request a copy of the reference and any other personal information that we hold about them. 

If the application form, including the reference, has any information missing or has any false or misleading information, the University has the right to cancel the application and withdraw any offers.

Online 

If an applicant has identified you as their referee on their online application form, you will receive an email from the Admissions Unit asking you to upload a reference to their application. 

You can fill in a reference via the link we email to you. The email will give you a direct link to the application where you will be able to locate the document on your pc and upload it. 

Email - admissions@wlv.ac.uk 

Submitting an Application

Apply through UCAS (opens in new window) for all full-time or sandwich undergraduate degree and diploma programmes.

  • When? as a general guide, applications should be made to UCAS between September and mid-January. Check with UCAS for specific dates and deadlines.
  • We are happy to consider late applications between mid-January and the end of June (prior to clearing), provided we have places available on the course you have chosen. Forms received after this are held for Clearing.
  • How? apply online via UCAS - Apply (opens in new window).
  • Where? If you don't have easy access to the internet you can use a UK Online Centre (opens new window).

If you wish to apply to us for direct entry into the second or final year of a programme, you will need to apply through UCAS.

Simply state on the form your preferred point of entry, and include as much information as you can about the qualifications you have that may exempt you from the earlier stages of the programme.

Please send a copy of the transcript (not the original) direct to the University, quoting your UCAS reference, and including a covering letter indicating which course you are applying for.

Transferring course

If you are changing universities or courses of study, contact your Local Authority to notify them of any changes. Be aware that if you have previous studies that this can affect student finance.

You can apply directly to the University for most Postgraduate courses* and all Part-time courses.

Simply find the course you wish to apply for via our course finder and follow the link to 'apply directly'.

*Please note the following Postgraduate courses are an exception and must be applied for through different platforms:

  • Postgraduate Teacher Training for Primary and Secondary Education (PGCE) applications made through GOV.UK (opens in new window)
  • MA Social Work applications made through www.ucas.com/apply  (opens in new window)
  • LLM Legal Practice and LLM Law Conversion applications made through LAWCABS (opens in new window)

International (non-EU) students can apply directly to us through our website or our network of Regional Managers and Contracted Educational Advisors (CEA), based across the world.

Visit our International web pages to find out more about how to apply.

To apply as a new user you will have to make a new account. Your personal details will be required as well as a valid e-mail address to register.

Once you have set-up your account you will automatically receive an email giving you information regarding your application form and a breakdown of what will be needed for each stage of the process.

To apply as an existing student, you can log in using your e:Vision login details. If you have forgotten your password, request a new one by following the link as shown above and following the on-screen instructions. A new password will be sent to the email that you used to register with the university.

You can start searching for a course now using the Course Finder and begin your application.

UCAS Applications

If you are applying via UCAS, you will need to refer to the deadlines set by them. Make sure you give yourself enough time to fill out your application and send it to us in plenty of time. See the key dates for UCAS (opens in new window)

We welcome late applications, but please keep in mind that late applications will only be considered for courses that still have places available- there is no guarantee.

Direct Applications

Direct applications can be made any time prior to the course start date but we will need sufficient time to process it, get copies of relevant qualifications and certificates from you, and inform you of the outcome and the next steps.

You may find the following tips and useful information beneficial when it comes to making your application.

  • If you are applying through UCAS, be sure to check the Key Dates to ensure you do not miss an important deadline in the application process.
  • Be sure to complete your application form in full ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date, listing all relevant qualifications both past and present ensuring your predicted grades are listed.
  • Put clear thought and effort into your personal statement, some courses shortlist on the personal statement which means that if your personal statement does not meet our requirements your application will be unsuccessful. Please see the Personal Statement guidance above which offers further advice in writing your statement.
  • Ensure your application includes a reference from your most recent teacher or employer submitted using an official work email address, if applying through a school or college ensure your teacher clearly states your predicted grades on your application.
  • Make sure you have done research about the course you are applying for, checking the published entry requirements, the location, and that you are applying for the correct course.
  • If applying through UCAS make a note of your UCAS Personal ID number so you can quote this when contacting us with any queries. Alternatively or if you are making a direct application make note of your Wolverhampton University student number.

You can apply directly to the University for most Postgraduate, all Part-time courses and some undergraduate courses* if you are a mature applicant (anyone over the age of 21)

Simply find the course you wish to apply for via our course finder and follow the link to 'apply directly'.

*Please note the following Postgraduate courses are an exception and must be applied for through different platforms:

  • Postgraduate Teacher Training for Primary and Secondary Education (PGCE) applications made through GOV.UK (opens in new window)

  • Subjects taught with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

  • Batchelor of Midwifery

  • BNurs (Hons) Adult nursing, Children's Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Learning disability nursing

  • BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

  • BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science

  • BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

  • BSc (Hons) Podiatry

  • BA (Hons) Social Work or MA Social Work applications made through www.ucas.com/apply

  • LLM Legal Practice and LLM Law Conversion applications made through LAWCABS

  • MPharm

 

Find out more about Funding, Costs, Fees, and Support 

Advice and Guidance

If you need any additional advice and guidance on completing the application form and writing a personal statement then contact the Gateway on (01902) 321032 or email gateway@wlv.ac.uk.

Video guides

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Watch webinar recordings on every aspect of making your application.