If you intend to study full-time for your degree, you must apply for your place with us through UCAS, using the UCAS University Centre Somerset page.
For entry in September, you can submit your application any time from 1 October the year before you wish to commence your studies. We would, however, advise you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure you maximise your chances of securing a place and where possible by the UCAS equal consideration deadline in January.
Full instructions and help on completing a UCAS application can be found on www.ucas.com/apply.
The personal statement is an important part of your application. It is your opportunity to tell us about yourself, what motivates you, what your ambitions are, what transferable skills you have obtained, your experiences to date and how they will help you to achieve your goal. The personal statement must be yours but please seek advice from your tutors and careers teams (if available) who will steer you in the right direction. More details on personal statements can be found on the UCAS website.
Once you are happy with your application, you have paid the fee and sent your application off you cannot change your personal statement nor can your referee change your reference. UCAS will send your application to your chosen universities or colleges. You will be advised, by UCAS, to use UCAS TRACK which will enable you to view the status of your application online at any time. We will also contact you via email at each stage of your application, including your invitation to interview, your offer and details regarding induction and enrolment.
If you would like to study on a part-time basis, please apply directly to University Centre Somerset, via our website. For help with this process, please contact us on 01278 455464 or email info@somerset.ac.uk
All entry requirements will be stated on course detail pages on our website. For access courses, entry requirements may vary but in order to study a Higher Education course (Level 4 and above) you need to have completed a full Level 3 qualification such as A Levels, vocational studies or an apprenticeship and Level 2 qualifications such as GCSEs or a recognised equivalent qualification.
Some courses will require specific subjects and, we may also ask for specific grades in these subjects.
Entry requirements for the majority of our courses are expressed in UCAS Tariff Points. Tariff Points can be found on the course detail pages on our website and we recommend that you use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to calculate your expected number of Tariff Points.
Whichever course you choose to study, you will be expected to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the demands of the course, including a satisfactory understanding of written English and basic Maths. We generally ask for four GCSEs, or equivalent, at Grade 4 or above, to include English Language and Maths. We accept any combination of old and new GCSE grades and recognised equivalent subjects such as Functional Skills.
Applicants with English as their second language must have a minimum IELTS Level 6 or equivalent.
Mature students who do not meet these formal entry requirements are welcome to apply if they can evidence their interest, relevant experience and knowledge in the field of study. A formal interview will be required.
If an applicant has been out of education for more than five years an Access to Higher Education Diploma, or similar, in a relevant subject may be required.
Please feel free to speak to our Progression and HE Admissions Manager to discuss your application in more detail by phoning 01278 455464.
For the majority of our courses, applicants will be invited to interview, where you will need to display the relevant skills and enthusiasm for the course and we will confirm your suitability to study on your chosen course. For art-based subjects, you will be expected to bring a portfolio displaying pieces of your original work along with evidence of drawing ability and creativity. Please be prepared to talk about these at your interview
Please note that entry to some of our programmes is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please check individual course pages for information about additional interview and entry requirements.
We strongly recommend visiting University Centre Somerset at one of our Open Events, which take place throughout the year. Our Open Events give you a sense of studying at UCS, the opportunity to meet our staff and students, and to tour our accommodation on selected dates. Students, teaching staff and the admissions team will be available to answer any questions you may have regarding your university life and application.
To find out when our next Open Events are and to pre-register, visit our events page.