How to apply
Taking the next step in your education should be exciting, not complicated. Whether you are applying for a full-time degree through UCAS, applying directly for a part-time course, or looking to secure a degree apprenticeship, we are here to guide you through the process.
Simple, step-by-step guidance
If you intend to apply for one of our Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND), Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) Foundation Degree (FD) or Degree Course as one of your Higher Education course options, or if you wish to apply for a BSc (Hons) Nursing course, then you need to apply via UCAS at www.ucas.com.
If you wish to apply ONLY for a UCS course (excluding Nursing), then you can apply to us directly using the link on the course page of the website.
For HNC/Ds, HTQs and Professional Qualifications you can apply using the link on the course page.
For entry in September of an academic year, you can submit your application any time from 1st September the year before you wish to commence your studies. For example, to start a course in September 2028, you can apply from 1st September 2027.
We would, however, advise you to submit your application by the UCAS equal consideration deadline in January to maximise your chances of securing a place. The specific Equal Considerations Deadline for any given year is available on the UCAS website.
Full instructions and help on completing a UCAS application can be found on www.ucas.com/apply.
We have also published a ‘Your UCAS Application’ Guidance Session, available below, and a BSc Nursing UCAS Application Guidance Session that you can watch online.
What about a Personal Statement?
The personal statement is an important part of your application. It is your opportunity to tell us about yourself. It has changed, so it is now structured by answering three questions:
1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?
2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject?
3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
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.
What does the application journey look like?
Find out everything you need to know about the admissions process at University Centre Somerset below.
Applying via UCAS
Once you are happy with your UCAS application, you will need to pay the application fee and send it off.
Please note: once the application is sent, 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.
UCS 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.
Applying directly
Remember, you can only apply to UCS directly if UCS if your only choice.
You cannot applying for nursing degrees using this route.
Click the Apply Directly link on your chosen course page and complete the application form.
Visit our course directory for more information.
Entry Requirements
All entry requirements will be stated on specific course pages on our website.
In order to study a Higher Education course (Level 4 and above), you will need to have completed a full Level 3 qualification (such as A Levels, T Levels, Technical & Professional courses, or an Apprenticeship) and achieved Level 2 qualifications (such as GCSEs, including English and/or maths, or a recognised equivalent qualification).
Some courses will require specific subjects, and we may also ask for specific grades and evidence of achievements 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 pages on our website. We recommend that you use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to calculate your expected number of Tariff Points.
Contextual Offers
At UCS, we recognise an individual’s potential to succeed and flourish. In order to do this, we consider qualifications and experience in the context of each applicant’s background. We make offers based on evidence that suggests a student’s suitability to succeed on their chosen course of study. As such, where appropriate, we will consider making a contextual offer to study with us to recognise life experience and potential, as well as previous academic achievement.
Whichever course your 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/C or above, including English Language and maths. We accept any combination of old and new GCSE grades and recognised equivalent subjects, such as Functional Skills, for most courses.
Applicants with English as their second language will be required to evidence English qualifications. A NARIC statement of comparability may also be required for international qualifications to be considered. You can find out more about this here: www.enic.org.uk.
Our application guidance for applicants in the country on a Visa may vary in line with UK Home Office Guidance and changes in UK Government Legislation. Please note: we are not currently issuing CAS for Student Visa sponsorship.
Interviews
Not all applicants will be invited for an interview; it will depend on the course you are applying for and whether we can get enough information from your application to determine your suitability for the programme.
Interviews may be online or in person, and during interview, you will need to display the relevant skills and enthusiasm for the course so we are able to confirm your suitability to study.
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 this at your interview.
An interview is a requirement for Nursing courses and this take place in person at our Taunton campus.
Please note: some programmes require a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health check.
Please check individual course pages for information about additional interview and entry requirements.
Open Events
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 what studying at UCS is like, the opportunity to meet staff and fellow 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 university life and your application.
To find out when our next Open Events are, and to pre-register, visit our Events page.
Helpful information
Finance
From government-funded tuition and maintenance loans to our own targeted bursaries and grants, there are numerous ways to fund your studies.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship programmes provide individuals with the opportunity to train on the job, gaining a nationally recognised qualification while earning a salary.
Term Dates
Planning ahead? Our academic calendar includes key term dates, bank holidays and
scheduled breaks, so you can stay informed and
organised throughout the year.