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Frequently asked questions
This page contains answers to FAQs on the following subjects:
How to apply
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How do I apply for a part-time course?
To apply for a part-time undergraduate course, use our course search to find your chosen course, and click on 'Apply now'. This will send your application directly to UWL and we will consider your application as soon as possible.
We will let you know whether your application has been successful by email.
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Transferring to UWL from a different university / Applying for entry for Year 2 or Year 3 (top up) of a course
If you are currently studying at another university and would like to transfer to UWL, you’ll be pleased to know that many of our undergraduate courses accept students into the courses’ second and third years. This is called 'advanced standing'. Your eligibility for advanced standing will be assessed by our academic staff on an individual basis as detailed in the “Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning” section below.
We welcome applications if you are currently studying (or have completed), a Foundation Degree, CertHE, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university or other higher education provider. However, please note that your studies must have been completed within the last four years to be eligible to transfer.
If you wish to transfer onto a full-time course at UWL in September you need to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). If you would like to transfer to part-time study with us, or if you’d like to start a full-time course in January, you should apply online directly to us.
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Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning
At UWL we value the experience you have gained through prior qualifications, learning and work. This is known as 'recognition of prior learning' which includes credit transfer where you are using credits gained in another university or higher education provider. Your prior learning (certificated and/or work experience) may qualify as academic credit. In the case of previous university level study, this can be used to award you advanced standing to start at a higher level than the normal entry point. Or in the case of other learning you could get exemption(s) from part of your chosen course.
How to apply for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning
We assess your past experience and/or qualifications to see if they can count towards the course you plan to study.
You can apply for advanced standing or other HE credit to be transferred to UWL. You can also apply for academic credit if you have:
- relevant work or voluntary experience
- have a professional qualification
- participated in other courses or training.
Advantages of recognition of prior learning
- reduces the time of study
- gains recognition for your prior work and learning experience
- avoids repetition of learning
- may provide financial savings.
Types of recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the general term used for giving credit for learning activities, whether based on prior certificated learning or prior experiential learning. There are several ways to get RPL:
Credit transfer
This is where you have gained academic credits at another University or higher education provider which you use either to gain advanced standing or exemption from particular modules.
Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning
Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning (RPCL) looks at your prior studies and professional qualifications outside of HE to see if these can exempt you from certain modules on the course you wish to study.
Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning
Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) is a process for assessing work experience in the field of your studies for credit on your course. You must compile a portfolio of evidence to show how your work experience has covered the learning requirements for a course module. You can combine credit for learning (RPCL) and credit for learning from experience (RPEL) to start your course at a higher level. Your Course Leader will be able to discuss the RPEL module requirements with you; you should start this process before the start of your course where possible.
Articulation Agreement
Articulation Agreements are for students who have studied a particular course at another institution, guaranteeing entry at a later stage of a designated UWL course.
Progression Agreement
Progression Agreements are for students who have studied a particular course at another institution, allowing you to apply for entry to a later stage of a designated UWL course.
How to apply for credit transfer and RPL
Contact our Admissions Team on +44 (0)20 8231 2220 or email PriorLearning@uwl.ac.uk if you would like to enquire about transferring credits or recognition of prior learning. We have also produced a more detailed Credit Transfer Guide.
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I have used all my five UCAS choices and not got a place – what can I do?
If you have already used up all five of your UCAS choices and you weren’t accepted or have declined all the offers you received, you can add another choice through UCAS Extra. See the UCAS website for more details.
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I need to provide references with my application, who can they be?
Some of our courses require you to provide two references. Please check on the entry requirements section of your course page whether the course you are applying requires references.
Wherever possible, one referee should relate to your current or recent work and one to any current or recent study you have undertaken. You should include written references, or referee contact details with your application form.
Help with your application
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How can I get some advice about applying to UWL?
Choosing the right course and place to study is a big decision. To help you make your decision try and get as much information about the courses and universities that you are interested in as you can.
- Come to an UWL Open Day to look around the campus and meet course tutors and current students.
- Watch our vlogs to see what our students say about their time here.
- Download a copy of our Prospectus.
- If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
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I have a disability or specific learning difference, how can I get support with my application?
If you have a disability or specific learning difference and require support or reasonable adjustments for your application, interview or selection test, please contact the Wellbeing Team in advance so that we can discuss your requirements:
- 020 8231 2739
- wellbeing@uwl.ac.uk
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I am a care leaver, how can I get support with my application?
We welcome applications from students who have been in care or are currently living in care. We offer a wide range of support and guidance to help with specific questions or concerns care leavers may have throughout their time with us.
Support is available for looked-after children and care leavers who are interested in applying to the University to help you make informed choices:
- We can give you individual support from a dedicated member of staff right from when you first start thinking about university and courses, through to making an application and accepting an offer.
- We can support you with making your application and the admissions process including one-to-one and group information, advice and guidance sessions.
- We can help you with finance and funding advice.
- We run bespoke visits, subject specific taster days and guided University Open Days.
- We can support you with the cost of travel to certain University of West London events.
If you are a care leaver thinking about applying to university or a teacher, support worker, foster parent or guardian wanting to know more, please contact our outreach team for advice and support.
After you have applied
Any questions? Call us on 020 8231 2220 or email undergraduate.admissions@uwl.ac.uk.
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I have applied through UCAS, what happens next?
When UCAS sends us a copy of your application, we consider whether to offer you a place based on your qualifications, personal statement and referee's report. For some courses we may ask you to attend an interview or submit a portfolio. You will hear about whether or not we have offered you a place through UCAS Track.
If you are given a conditional offer from us, and your results meet the conditions of the offer, you will receive a letter confirming your place.
If you narrowly miss the grades of your offer, we will consider your application again and you may still be offered a place.
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as possible. However, for very popular courses with limited availability, it is possible that you may not hear from the University until all 'on-time' UCAS applications have been considered.
Once you have received all your offers via UCAS, you will have to decide which offer to accept as your firm choice and which as your insurance choice (in case you do not achieve the grades asked for by your firm choice).
Do be careful that you don't miss your deadline for responding to your offers – it will be clearly marked on UCAS Track.
The UCAS website has a useful timeline of key dates.
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I have applied directly to UWL, what happens next?
If you have applied directly to the university, we will get back to you by email as quickly as possible with a decision on whether we can make you an offer.
This will be communicated by email.
You will be asked to reply to an offer within three weeks of receipt.
If you would like to speak to the team about your application please call 0800 036 888.
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I have changed my mind, how can I change to a different course or study mode?
If you change your mind and decide you want to study a different course or want to change your mode of study from full-time to part-time or vice versa you will need to contact the admissions team who will advise you whether you will be offered a place on your new choice.
- 020 8231 2220
- undergraduate.admissions@uwl.ac.uk
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How will I know if I have been invited to an interview or audition?
If you have an applied for one of the following courses you may be invited to come to the university for an audition, interview or selection day or invited to submit your portfolio:
- Art and Design courses
- Music courses
- Nursing courses
- Textile and Fashion courses
- Midwifery courses
- Operating Department Practice courses
We will let you know by email whether you have been invited for an interview or audition. Please make sure you check your emails. If you have applied through UCAS this will also appear on your UCAS Track Record.
Please reply no later than five days before the scheduled interview date to let us know if you are coming or not.
Please note that it is unlikely that we will be able to re-schedule the date if it is not suitable: we can only do this in exceptional circumstances. Contact admissions on undergraduate.admissions@uwl.ac.uk.
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What happens at the interview or audition day?
Please see our interview and audition page for more details about individual course interviews and auditions.
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What do I do if my contact details change?
We will contact you almost exclusively via your email address and not by post. So please ensure that the email address you put on your application form, or your UCAS form when you applied, is still active and remember to check it at least once a week.
Check that University of West London emails are not getting caught in your 'junk mail' filter. To stop this happening, put '@uwl.ac.uk' in your safe senders list.
If you change your email address, please let us know, and also UCAS if applicable. You can tell UCAS using UCAS Track, and let us know by emailing undergraduate.admissions@uwl.ac.uk.
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Feedback
If you would like feedback on your application or wish to provide feedback about the admissions process, please contact the admissions team at undergraduate.admissions@uwl.ac.uk.
Of course we hope to provide you with a good service when you are applying to study with us. If however, you are dissatisfied with the service you receive, you are entitled to make a formal complaint in accordance with the Admissions Policy.
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How do I contact the Admissions Team?
If you have any questions or would like help with any stage of your application, please do contact us:
- undergraduate.admissions@uwl.ac.uk
- 020 8231 2220
How to apply as an international student
Any questions? Call us on +44 (0) 20 8231 2440 or use our contact form.
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How can I apply for a course as an international student?
It is very simple to apply for a course at the University of West London as an international student; simply find a course that suits you, then on the course page follow the steps to apply using the ‘Apply Now’ button.
If you need further assistance or would like to discuss your application please contact the international office.
As part of your application you will need to provide:- academic transcripts (officially translated to English)
- a personal statement explaining why you are suitable for the course
- two professional and/or academic references
- a copy of your passport
- copies of any other supporting documents
If you are still studying please send the most up-to-date transcript you have. You may receive a 'conditional offer' until your studies are complete - this may then be upgraded to 'unconditional' when you complete your studies, if you meet the entry requirements.
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What are the entry requirements for international students?
Your ability to succeed and benefit from your chosen course is our first concern when setting our entry requirements.
We accept applications with country-specific qualifications which correspond to the UK's qualifications for undergraduate study (eg A levels) - please see your country page for further details.
You may have an opportunity to enter straight into the second or third year of an undergraduate degree if your qualifications are higher than an A-level equivalent. We also consider other qualifications, including approved access to Higher Education (HE) courses, Open University credits and various professional qualifications.
Use our course search to find entry requirements for your chosen course.
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What are the English language requirements for international students?
If English is not your first language, or if your previous education was not conducted fully in English, you will need to show evidence of your English language ability to study a course with us.
Please visit our English language requirements page for information on required scores and acceptable tests or qualifications.
Application and attainment data
See details regarding the University of West London's applications, accepted offers and more.
Find out more
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Accommodation
Love where you live. Find safe & affordable accommodation.
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Help with undergraduate funding
Find out about financial support.
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Interviews, auditions and portfolios
How to prepare for your interview or audition.
Visit us and see for yourself
Come to an open day to find out more
We offer open days throughout the year which will give you a chance to find out more about different courses, meet lecturers and speak to current students about their time at UWL.
You can also look around the campus facilities and accommodation for yourself and ask any questions you may have about university life.