Policy Statement
The School is committed to maintaining high standards for admission and registration, aligned with OfS guidelines and UK Degree-Awarding Bodies’ Frameworks. We ensure fair entry criteria, recognising prior learning and experience, and comply with legislation on equality and consumer protection. Regulations detail registration periods, extensions, and withdrawal options, ensuring clarity and support throughout a student’s journey.
Principles
- Merit-Based: Admissions prioritise talent and potential, recognising diverse pathways like prior experience and unconventional achievements.
- Dynamic: Course information is continuously updated to reflect the latest developments and trends.
- Empowering: Policies are crafted to enable every student to thrive, regardless of their background.
- Omnichannel: Information is disseminated through all available platforms, ensuring broad and effective reach.
- Student-First: Every process is designed with the student in mind, ensuring their needs and voices are central.
- Transparent: All procedures and criteria are straightforward, easily accessible, and fully disclosed.
- Rational: Every decision is backed by clear, logical criteria and solid evidence.
- Efficient: Processes are streamlined to ensure swift and effective decision-making.
- Secure: Data is meticulously protected, complying with all legal standards and ethical practices.
- Innovative: Constantly seeking new methods and technologies to enhance the student experience and operational efficiency.
Regulatory Context
This Policy has been developed in line with the applicable laws, regulations, regulatory advice, and sector best practices, including the following:
| Authority | Name | Url |
|---|---|---|
| UK Government |
Consumer Rights Act 2015
A UK law that consolidates consumer rights, covering contracts for goods, services, digital content, and providing remedies for faulty goods and services. |
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| UK Government |
Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (HERA)
A UK legislation that reformed the higher education and research sector, particularly by establishing the Office for Students and UK Research and Innovation. |
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| UK Government |
Equality Act 2010
Equalities law to prohibit harassment and victimisation, and eliminate discrimination, including in the area of further and higher education, particularly with regards to specified personal characteristics. |
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| Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) |
Code of Practice for Higher Education
Guidance for higher education providers on their obligations under equality law. |
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| Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) |
The Quality Code
This code represents a shared understanding of quality practice across the UK higher education sector, protecting public and student interests and championing the UK's reputation for quality. |
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| Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) |
Advice - Admissions, Recruitment and Widening Access
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Eligibility Criteria for Admission
The School is committed to widening access and participation, including outreach programmes, contextual admissions, and initiatives to support disadvantaged or underrepresented students. The principles for programme admission at the School include fairness, transparency, inclusivity, merit and potential evaluation, English language proficiency, holistic evaluation, legal compliance, academic suitability, ethical standards, and continuous improvement. These principles ensure equitable treatment, clear communication, support for underrepresented groups, recognition of prior learning, and adherence to legal and ethical standards. These principles promote diversity, regulatory compliance, and integrity by ensuring fair, transparent, and inclusive admissions processes, fostering a supportive academic environment that accommodates all applicants and encourages their success. |
Approved programme specifications must outline minimum academic qualifications, language proficiency and any relevant experience, ensuring criteria are fair, transparent, inclusive, and up-to-date. Clear entry criteria ensure applicants understand the requirements, promoting fairness, inclusivity, and regulatory compliance, thereby fostering a supportive academic environment. |
Ensuring Programme Information Accuracy
Under the Accuracy of Information Policy (AOIP), the Marketing Team will have a protocol to collaborate with Programme and Module teams to keep programme information up to date. To meet consumer protection requirements and ensure compliance with key regulations like the New Programme and Module Approval and Modification Regulations. |
The Admissions Team must work closely with the Marketing Team to ensure admissions information matches advertised programme details. To maintain consistency between advertised information and the admissions process. |
The Admissions Policy must outline the Admissions Team's actions for applicants when a programme is discontinued or suspended. To ensure proper transfer of applicants to other programmes and provision of refunds. |
Admission Procedures and Protocols
The Director of Student Services will ensure that robust admission processes, aligned with these regulations, are maintained through an separate Admissions Policy. This will include deadlines, application platforms, and documents required. This guarantees that all admissions procedures meet regulatory requirements and uphold the institution’s standards for fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. |
The Admissions Policy will provide detailed guidelines for how the Admissions Team will implement processes in accordance with these regulations. This ensures that admissions procedures are consistently applied, transparent, and compliant with regulations, thereby upholding the institution’s standards for fairness and quality. |
The Admissions Policy must detail how the School will adhere to all admissions principles, such as its legal obligations to support applicants with disabilities or long-term health conditions. This ensures that the School's admissions processes are inclusive, legally compliant, and uphold the principles of fairness and support for all applicants. |
Appeals and Grievance Resolution in Admissions
The Admissions Policy must detail the procedure for applicants to request explanations, lodge complaints, or appeal admission decisions. To ensure clear processes for addressing concerns about admission decisions. |
Admissions and Data Protection
The School must meet external data provision obligations with the Office for Students (OfS), Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), and the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), while complying with the School's data, privacy, and retention policies. To ensure adherence to external requirements and internal data management standards. |
Evaluation and Performance Indicators for Admissions
The admissions policy must define KPIs and metrics for the Admissions Team to use in monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement. To support the School's commitment to continuous improvement. |
Registration and Enrolment Procedures
New students who accept an offer enter a legally binding contract with the School, which includes paying fees, registering, and adhering to the School's regulations and policies. To ensure students understand their obligations and can seek clarification from the Admissions Team if needed. |
New students must register by the School's specified date and follow the provided process. They must pay tuition and any additional fees according to the Fee Schedule before registration, as detailed in the Tuition Fees, Additional Charges, and Deposits Policy and the Registration and Enrolment Policy. Once registered, they will be enrolled in their programme. Returning students must also register and pay their fees by the School’s specified date. To ensure timely registration and fee payment, facilitating enrolment in the programme. |
All applicants must complete registration and enrolment by the given deadlines to access the School's services, including online or in-person classes, resources, and facilities. To ensure that only registered and enrolled students can use the School’s services and facilities. |
New students must register and pay their fees by the effective dates provided, which determine the maximum registration period. The dates for new students on Full-Time Blended, Part-Time Blended, and undergraduate and Accelerated Blended Learning postgraduate programmes are 1 February, 1 June, and 1 October. Flexible-Online programme students can start any time, with the Admissions Team advising on their registration date. Returning students must complete their awards within their maximum registration period, register annually, and pay any fees. To ensure timely registration and fee payment, and to define the maximum period for completing studies. |
Applicants have the right to cancel their School contract within 14 days of enrolment. If they cancel after this period, different terms may apply regarding fees. Please see the Refund and Compensation Policy on cancellation rights. The impact of cancelling varies depending on whether it's within or after 14 days. Check the Refund and Compensation Policy for specific details, and use the Contract Cancellation and Permanent Withdrawal Form on the Student Portal and School website. |
Modes of Study and Registration Processes
The School's programmes are delivered through four study modes:
To clearly define the available study options for programme delivery. |
Students cannot enrol in a study mode if it is restricted by law, funding criteria, or other provisions. To ensure compliance with legal, financial, and other applicable restrictions. |
A student cannot enrol concurrently in more than one Full-Time Blended Learning or Accelerated Blended Learning programme. To avoid overlapping enrolments in programmes that require full-time commitment. |
Part-Time Blended Learning and Flexible Online Learning students may enrol in multiple programmes, provided there is no significant content overlap and the total credits do not exceed 180 in a year. To ensure manageable course loads and avoid excessive overlap while allowing flexibility in programme choices. |
A student who has been admitted to exams for a similar award at another awarding body will not be enrolled at the School unless the Director of Education deems the modules and programme of study significantly different. If the Director of Education refuses admission, then the student will have the right of appeal to the Academic Board, whose decision will be final. To prevent enrolment in programmes with overlapping content and ensure academic distinctiveness. |
A student who has withdrawn from the School may apply for re-admission through the normal admissions procedures. Previously passed modules will be assessed under the School’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Experience (RPE) policy. To allow former students to return and have their prior learning recognised. |
Maximum Registration Period (MRP)
Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes have minimum and maximum registration periods based on the mode of study, as detailed in the Modes of Study Regulations. The Maximum Registration Period (MRP) is the longest time allowed to complete the programme at the School. To establish clear timeframes for programme completion according to the study mode. |
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The MRP is calculated from the registration date on the undergraduate or postgraduate programme to the date of the student's award, including any periods of repeat study, intermission, and intercalation. This approach ensures that all relevant periods of the student's academic journey are accounted for in the MRP calculation. |
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The maximum registration period (MRP), based on the final awards of the programmes and modes of study, are:
This is subject to Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRB) and other applicable external requirements. This ensures all professional, statutory, regulatory, and other external requirements are met. |
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A student must successfully complete their programme within the maximum registration period (MRP) allowed by these regulations, or they will be excluded. An extension may be granted under these regulations. Please also see the Mode of Study Regulations. This ensures timely completion and adherence to the academic standards set by the institution. |
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For students admitted under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Experience (RPE) Regulations for a module already completed at the School, the total period from the start of that module to the end of the programme must not exceed the MRP on a pro rata basis for the respective modes of study. This ensures that the total duration of study, including prior learning, aligns with the maximum registration period regulations. |
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A student may transfer to another programme or mode of study with the Director of Education's approval. Students may also request to change their mode of study to accommodate work experience. The Director of Education’s decision is final and cannot be reviewed. The MRP will be recalculated based on the effective enrolment date of the previous programme or mode of study, on a pro rata basis. This policy ensures flexibility for students while maintaining the integrity of the maximum registration period. |
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Extensions to Registration Duration
Students may apply for an extension of the MRP in exceptional circumstances where significant, uncontrollable challenges prevent timely programme completion. This provision ensures fairness by accommodating students facing extraordinary difficulties. |
The Academic Board processes MRP extension requests via the AGS. Requests may be approved if they meet policy requirements, appear genuine and exceptional with supporting evidence, are reasonable, reflect satisfactory academic progress, and are in the student's best interests. This ensures that extension requests are fairly evaluated based on policy adherence, genuine need, reasonableness, academic performance, and student welfare. |
Requests should be submitted before the end of the upper limit of the registration period. This ensures timely processing and consideration within the allowable registration timeframe. |
Extension requests must specify a period and cannot be open-ended, with a maximum duration of one year at a time. This ensures clarity and allows for periodic review and reassessment of the student’s progress. |
Students requesting MRP extensions must provide appropriate documentation to demonstrate that their circumstances are genuine and exceptional. This ensures that extension requests are substantiated with valid evidence of extraordinary circumstances. |
Students in the UK on a student visa must follow UKVI rules when applying for an extension from within the country. To apply smoothly, follow these steps:
This ensures that the extension aligns with visa requirements and regulations. |
If the Academic Board approves an MRP extension:
This ensures all relevant parties are informed and the student retains necessary access during the extension period. |
The Student Success Team will calculate any fees for the extension, based on the student's mode of study and the extension period. Fees must be paid before the extension is implemented. This ensures that all fees are appropriately calculated and settled prior to extending the registration period. |
MRP requests will be denied if statutory, regulatory, or professional body requirements prohibit the extension. This ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and professional standards. |
MRP extensions will be denied if they compromise the award's standards or affect academic quality. This ensures that extensions do not undermine the integrity or quality of the academic award. |
If the Academic Board refuses an extension request, the student may appeal to the President within 10 working days, based on procedural errors or new, relevant evidence. The President may uphold the decision, or refer the matter back to the Board for reconsideration. If the President rejects the appeal, the student may pursue the matter through the complaints route under the Student Complaints and Academic Appeals Policy. This ensures clarity in the decision making and appeal process. |
Permanent Withdrawal from Programme
Students considering withdrawal must contact the School to explore support options, including the Student Success Team and their PAT. If a student does not engage for 4 weeks or expresses a decision to leave, the Student Success Team will send a letter to their registered address and a copy by email outlining support mechanisms. This ensures students receive support about their registration. |
Students should consider the following consequences before withdrawing from a programme:
Understanding these implications helps students make informed decisions and ensures they are aware of the potential impact on their financial, visa, and academic status. The School can assist in clarifying these consequences. |
When a student permanently withdraws from their programme and the School, their record will be updated and notifications will be sent to the student, their Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), and relevant staff. This ensures all parties are informed and the student’s record is accurately maintained following their withdrawal. |
If a student withdraws from the School, the Modules Examination Board will determine the outcomes of any assessments completed before withdrawal, and these will be used by the Programme Examination Board under the regulations. This ensures that assessments completed prior to withdrawal are formally evaluated |
If a student withdraws from the School, the Programme Examination Board will determine their eligibility for any exit awards. This ensures that the student's eligibility for awards is assessed based on their academic achievements up to the point of withdrawal. |
The Tuition Fees, Additional Charges, and Deposits Policy and Schedule outlines the fee rights and liabilities applicable upon withdrawal. This policy provides clear guidelines on financial obligations if a student withdraws from their studies. |
Temporary Withdrawal (Intermission)
Intermission applies to the interruption of studies, not to vacation periods. Students wishing to temporarily withdraw and return later should apply for intermission through the Student Success Team. This ensures that intermission is used correctly for significant breaks in study, with appropriate support and documentation managed by the Student Success Team |
Students should use the School's support mechanisms, including the Student Resources, Support, and Wellbeing Policy, Student Success Team, Personal Academic Tutoring (PAT) system, Directors of Student Services and Education, and programme and module leaders, before applying for intermission. Staff are available to assist with accessing learning support. This ensures students receive appropriate help and explore available support options before formally applying for an intermission. |
Students wishing to apply for intermission should submit a written application to the Student Success Team, including their reasons, supporting documentation, and proposed start and return dates. The Student Success Team will review requests and consult relevant staff as needed. This process ensures that intermission applications are handled with the necessary documentation and appropriate consultation. |
Intermission requests must specify the start and return dates. In exceptional circumstances, students may apply for an extension using the same process. The Student Success Team may refuse extensions or apply alternative support procedures as detailed in the Student Resources, Support, and Wellbeing Policy and other relevant policies. This ensures that intermission periods are clearly defined and provides a process for extensions while allowing flexibility for exceptional situations, with appropriate support options available. |
The Student Success Team will grant intermission based on the information and supporting documentation provided. If a request is refused, the student may ask the Director of Student Services to review the decision within 10 working days. If the refusal is upheld, the student may then use the School's complaints procedure. This process ensures that intermission requests are fairly considered and provides clear steps for review and appeal if the request is denied. |
Intermission is generally only allowed at the end of a semester, after all module assessments are complete. If a student seeks intermission before completing assessments, they must also provide extenuating circumstances for those assessments. This ensures intermission is appropriately timed and considers the need for valid reasons if requested before assessments are finished. |
Intermission should typically last one or more whole semesters according to the School's academic calendar. This aligns intermission periods with the academic structure, ensuring they cover complete semesters. |
When an intermission request is approved, the student's record will be updated, and notifications will be sent to the student, their Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), and relevant staff. During intermission, students will not have access to classes, resources, or facilities, except for email and support services such as the Student Success Team and their PAT. This ensures that all relevant parties are informed and clarifies the limitations on access to services during the intermission period, while maintaining support through essential channels. |
Students returning in or after a new academic year must re-enrol to access the School's services, including classes. Failure to re-enrol may lead to termination of registration. Re-enrolment ensures that students remain actively registered and have access to all School services, preventing unintended loss of registration. |
When intermission is granted, the Student Success Team, in consultation with relevant staff, may set conditions for the student's readmission, considering programme changes and the student's best interests. This ensures that readmission conditions are tailored to both programme updates and the individual needs of the student. |
During a student's intermission, any changes will be communicated via email. The student is responsible for checking their email and familiarising themselves with these changes, which may include updates to module content, assessments, and regulations. This ensures students stay informed about important updates and are aware of any adjustments that may affect their studies. |
If a module a student registered for before intermission is withdrawn by the time they return, the School will assist them in enrolling in another module. Upon return, students must complete the assessments for their newly registered modules and, in accordance with the School's regulations and policies, cannot take alternative assessment formats. This ensures that students are properly supported in adjusting to any changes and adhere to the assessment requirements relevant to their new modules. |
When a student returns from intermission and there is a discrepancy between the required modules in the current programme specification and those previously taken, the Programme Examination Board may take appropriate actions to maintain standards. This allows the Programme Examination Board to address any inconsistencies and ensure that academic standards are upheld. |
The Tuition Fees, Additional Charges, and Deposits Policy and Schedule outlines the rules for fee liability during intermission. This policy provides clear guidance on how fees are managed when a student is on intermission. |
Short Course Registration
The School offers some modules and other learning opportunities as short courses under the Short Courses (Non-Credit and Credit-Bearing) Regulations. Short courses are categorised in 3-main ways: 1. Entry Level:
2. Mode
3. Credit Status:
The type, mode and credit status will be stipulated on the short course specification which can be available on the School’s website. Short courses complement the programmes leading to awards under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). |
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Credit-bearing short courses are subject to the same Academic Regulations as other courses, including the Assessment Regulations, Extenuating Circumstances Regulations, Marking and Grading Regulations, Examination Boards and Academic Appeal Regulations, External Examiner Regulations, and Module, Progression, and Award Regulations. Students must review these regulations, available on the School’s website and AGS, as they form part of their contract. Academic regulations will be explained during the welcome week. For details, refer to the Short Courses (Non-Credit and Credit-Bearing) Regulations. These regulations ensure that standards are maintained for credit-bearing short courses, covering assessment, academic integrity, and Examination Board processes. |
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All of the School's academic regulations apply to credit bearing short course. Students can, in the first place, register for credit bearing short courses, and later on, enrol on an academic programme including those modules, through the School's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Experience (RPE) learning process. However, they do so at their own risk. It cannot necessarily be guaranteed that the programme will be available at the future time of enrolment, or that its module requirements remain the same. The School’s awards are:
This is subject to the School's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Experience (RPE) Regulations, and other regulations and policies. In particular, to qualify for an award from the School, the maximum number of credits that can be used under RPL and RPE are:
Students will also be subject to maximum periods registration based on the programme and mode of study they take and this is will be determined pro-rata. The School’s admission team will be able to advise further. Please see the Short Courses (Non-Credit and Credit-Bearing) Regulations This ensures that students are aware of the academic standards and regulations that govern credit-bearing short courses and the potential risks associated with using these credits towards future qualifications. |
The following metrics will be measured and regularly reviewed as key performance indicators for the School to ensure the effectiveness of this policy and associated operations.
Accuracy of Application Status Updates
Percentage of application status updates that accurately reflect the current status of the application. This KPI should be assessed monthly, with a target accuracy rate of 95% or higher. This KPI ensures that the system providing updates is reliable and that applicants receive clear and correct information about their application status. |
Applicant Satisfaction Score
Survey applicants to measure their satisfaction with the admission and registration process. Target: Achieve a satisfaction score of 90% or higher on post-application surveys. High applicant satisfaction is a direct reflection of the quality and efficiency of the admissions process. This KPI provides valuable feedback on how the process is perceived by applicants and highlights areas for improvement. |
Average Application Processing Time
Measure the average number of working days from when a student application is submitted to the final admission decision. Target: Ensure the average processing time is under 10 working days. A shorter processing time enhances efficiency and applicant satisfaction by providing timely responses. This KPI helps the School present itself as a responsive and student-centred institution. |
Registration Compliance Rate
Track the percentage of students who complete their registration by the specified deadlines. Target: Achieve a registration compliance rate of 98% or higher. High registration compliance ensures that students are enrolled in a timely manner, reducing administrative delays and improving the overall efficiency of the registration process. This KPI promotes a smooth transition for students and reinforces the School's commitment to excellent service and operational efficiency. |
Response Time to Applicant Inquiries
Average time taken to respond to applicant inquiries via email, phone, or other communication channels. This should be measured weekly, with a target response time of 24 hours or less. Timely replies to inquiries demonstrate that the institution values its applicants and provides a supportive and efficient communication process, which can enhance the overall applicant experience. |