Applying for full-time study
Don't forget if you're a Passport member you can login for lots of help and advice with your application.
Applications to all UK universities for full-time undergraduate courses are made through UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply for up to five courses.
Login for more information on:
- when to apply
- how to apply
- writing your personal statement
- university interviews
- preparing your portfolio
For more information
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When to apply
For most courses, UCAS applications can be made between 1 September and 15 January of your final year at college. This includes art and design route A. It may seem like a long way off but it's not too early to start gathering information.
For art and design route B you apply to UCAS between 1 January - 24 March.
For Oxford and Cambridge University courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or science, the deadline is 15 October.
How to apply
All applications are made online. You will be issued with a ‘buzzword’ – a word or phrase needed to register. You need a reference and your application must be approved by your college. You will get a username and password so you can check the progress of your application.
Use the UCAS Applying Online guide – this answers many questions you may have when completing the application. There's useful information on the UCAS website including sections on before, during and after your application.
Be honest about your qualifications - you will have to show copies of your certificates.
Get a reference from your careers adviser or tutor.
Write a brilliant personal statement to sell yourself to admissions tutors. Many courses don't interview applicants, so this may be your only chance to make an impression.
Deferred entry
Gap year - if you defer entry put a D in the deferred entry box on your UCAS form - also check with your chosen institutions they will accept deferred applications.
What happens next?
Once you receive offers from universities you need to choose one as your firm choice and a second as insurance - your plan B.
Types of offer
- Conditional - if you get a conditional offer, you must get the UCAS points or grades to get your place.
- Unconditional - if you receive unconditional offers, you must accept one and decline the others.
University interviews and pre-entry tests
Some universities invite you for interview before deciding to offer a place. You may also be required to sit a pre-entry test. For example, we ask all applicants to nursing or midwifery to sit a literacy and numeracy test before interview. As a Passport member you can login to your VIP page to see sample numeracy tests. Non-passport members can contact our School of Health & Social Care admissions office for more information. T: 01642 384110 E: sohscadmissions@tees.ac.uk.
What if I’m unsuccessful?
Competition is high but there is support if you don't get an offer. If you're a Passport member our team can offer advice and support.
Universities don't automatically tell you why you weren't offered a place but you make a request in writing for feedback.
UCAS Extra
If you haven't been made an offer you can apply again through UCAS Extra. If you're eligible UCAS will send you information around mid March.
Clearing
If you haven’t got a place through UCAS or UCAS Extra, UCAS will send you details on Clearing after the exam results.
In Clearing, you can apply for any course that has places left - even changing your choice of subject. Course vacancies are advertised from the middle of August until late September. Not all courses will be available in Clearing, particularly those in high demand.