Begin in the UCAS Hub. Create an account, add your personal details and education history, then shortlist courses. You can apply for up to five choices (most subjects). Aim to submit by the 29 January 2025 equal-consideration deadline. Some courses (e.g., Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary) have earlier deadlines.

1. Research & shortlist: compare entry requirements, course content, location and placements.
2. Complete sections: personal details, qualifications (achieved & pending), employment, and any declared circumstances.
3. Write your personal statement: show motivation, subject engagement, and relevant skills/experience.
4. Nominate a referee: typically a teacher/tutor; mature applicants can use an employer or tutor.
5. Pay & submit: check everything carefully, pay the fee, and submit before your deadline.

Tip: You can apply even if you’re waiting for predicted grades—just ensure your referee adds them.

A strong statement is clear, specific and reflective. Use your 4,000 characters (or 47 lines) to prove why this subject, why you, and why now.

• Motivation: the moment, module or experience that sparked your interest.
• Evidence: super-curricular reading, projects, competitions, work experience, MOOCs.
• Skills: analysis, problem-solving, communication; show how you developed them.
• Reflection: what you learned and how it prepares you for degree-level study.
• Structure: focused intro → evidence-rich middle → concise academic-looking conclusion.

Avoid clichés, lists without reflection, and irrelevant hobbies unless you link them to course-relevant skills.

For school/college applicants, your teacher or tutor usually writes the reference. Mature applicants can ask an employer, training provider or recent academic tutor who can comment on suitability for study.

Give your referee:

• Your course choices and reasons for applying.
• Draft personal statement and CV.
• Deadlines and any context they should include (e.g., mitigating circumstances).

References are submitted directly to UCAS and are not usually visible to applicants.

UCAS Tariff points convert grades from certain qualifications into a numerical score (e.g., A-levels, some BTECs/Scottish Highers). Not all courses use the Tariff—many still make grade-based offers.

Example (A-level): A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24. A typical points-based offer might be 120 points (e.g., BBB or a mix of qualifications that totals 120).

Always check the course page: some require specific subjects and grades regardless of Tariff totals.

Yes. International applicants apply through UCAS in the same way but must meet academic equivalencies and English-language requirements (often IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each component, though requirements vary). You’ll also need the appropriate student visa and evidence of funds.

Apply early to allow time for CAS issuance, visa processing and accommodation. Universities’ international offices can advise on documentation and deadlines.

Many courses still consider late applications if they have places available. If you’re applying after offers have been made, you may be considered on a rolling basis. From July, unplaced applicants can use Clearing to find available courses, especially around results day.

Contact admissions directly—strong grades, a targeted statement and prompt communication can help.

Your firm is your first choice. Your insurance should be a realistic backup—usually with lower entry requirements or a different grade profile. Consider course fit, location, accommodation and support services.

• Only choose one firm and one insurance.
• Check reply deadlines in UCAS—missing them can auto-decline offers.
• Visit (in person or virtually) before deciding if possible.

If you meet your firm conditions on results day, you’ll be placed there automatically; if not, you may go to your insurance if you meet its conditions.

Potentially. Before decisions are made, some universities will swap course choices on request. After offers, changes depend on the provider—ask admissions. If you’ve accepted an offer and want to change, you may withdraw, self-release and use Clearing, but only do this when you’re confident about securing a new place.

Small admin edits (e.g., updating qualifications or contact details) can be done in your UCAS account.