Applications Guide
Flexible and friendly
Harper Adams operates a flexible admissions policy. All applicants will be treated on their merit and admissions tutors will do all they can to assist candidates who have satisfied the minimum requirements to enter Higher Education. Particular subject requirements and grades are only specified where these are mandatory prerequisites to the study of a specific undergraduate course. These are detailed below and on the course pages. Further information can also be found in the course section of the UCAS website.
- Choosing the right course
- What is the minimum age for studying at Harper Adams?
- What are the entry requirements?
- Do the courses require or provide practical work experience?
- Selection and interview process
- Conditional and unconditional offers
- Do I need to apply through UCAS?
- Can I apply direct to Harper Adams?
- When should I apply?
- Applicants from outside the UK
- Can I defer entry?
- Higher Education CARD
- Contact information
Choosing the right course
It is often difficult for candidates to know which course to purse, particularly with such a wide choice available, which is why we offer you as much help and advice as necessary.
It is also one of the main reasons why all potentially suitable candidates are invited for interview and counselling before making offers of a place. You can also be reassured that our modular course structure is very flexible and there is provision for transfer between courses should you find your career aspirations change. Particular help and advice is available for Year 11 and sixth form students at the Higher Education Choices (HEC) Conference in July.
In addition we hold a number of Open Days each year.
Minimum age
To study on a degree or diploma course at Harper Adams you must normally be 17 by the start date of the course in the year of your entry. Students must abide by regulations set out by the University College for students under 18 years of age.
Entry requirements
UCAS Code Name: HAUC
UCAS Code Number: H12
In general, we do not prescribe particular subjects that must be passed prior to entry, as we have found that ability, motivation and achievement are best developed if candidates study subjects which interest them.
Mature candidates without formal academic qualifications may be admitted provided that in the opinion of the admissions tutor they can benefit from the course and have the ability to attain the necessary standard for success.
Degree courses
In addition to five GCSE passes (grade C or above) including Maths, English and Science, you should also possess at least one of the following:
- A pass in a minimum of two subjects at A-Level or AVCE, usually two Cs or above.
- Grades CC at Vocational Double Award.
- MMM grades at National Diploma.
- Merit at OCR National Diploma
- A merit in an Access course validated by an authorised validating agency.
- A pass with a minimum mean mark of 60% in the 1st year of the Extended Foundation Degree Programme (for transfer opportunity).
- Grades BCCC at Scottish Higher.
- Grades BCCC at Higher level in the Irish Leaving Certificate.
- A pass in the full diploma of the International Baccalaureate.
- A pass in the European Baccalaureate.
- Any other qualification deemed by Harper Adams to be equivalent to the above and of sufficient rigour for further study on an appropriate programme.
Foundation Degree courses
In addition to five GCSE passes (grade C or above) including Maths, English and Science, you should also possess at least one of the following:
- A pass in a minimum of one subject at A-Level or AVCE.
- Grades EE at Vocational Double Award.
- Grade PPP at National Diploma.
- A pass grade at OCR National Diploma.
- A pass in an Access course validated by an authorised validating agency.
- Grades CC at Scottish Higher.
- Grades CC at Higher level in the Irish Leaving Certificate.
- A pass in the full diploma of the International Baccalaureate.
- A pass in the European Baccalaureate.
- Any other qualification deemed by Harper Adams to be equivalent to the above and of sufficient rigour for further study on an appropriate programme.
Practical work experience
Harper Adams is unique in the UK in that nearly all of its Degree and Foundation Degree courses include a year of work experience on a placement basis. However, you may be exempt from the placement year if you already have substantial work experience of two or more years. Because of the applied nature of courses, we request evidence of your appropriate experience.
For certain courses, such as veterinary nursing, a minimum amount of prior practical experience is normally required before entry. Others require a minimum amount of work experience before the start of the placement year. Your experience will be assessed in the admissions process. Some students may be advised to undertake further work experience either prior to entry or during vacations while on the course; others may be advised to complete a pre-college year of experience.
Selection and interview
An admissions tutor, who is a member of the academic staff involved with teaching your chosen course(s), will consider your application. They will look carefully at the information you have given about yourself, and your referee's report, as well as your academic record and any exams you are due to take.
The tutor will look at your interest and motivation in your chosen area of study as well as your academic ability.
All potential suitable applicants who live in Britain are usually invited for interview before being offered a place. Interview days are as relaxed and informal as possible and give you (and your parents if they would like to accompany you) an opportunity to learn more about us, see our facilities and meet current students. You can discuss course content and other aspects of your chosen subject area with academic staff and benefit from their advice. Please note that all applicants for Veterinary Nursing are required to attend an interview prior to an offer being made.
We usually give two weeks notice of your interview date. If you cannot attend on that date please let us know and we will offer you an alternative date.
While we appreciate that travelling to interviews at various universities can be expensive and time consuming, we believe it is essential for you to find out as much as possible about Harper Adams before deciding where to spend these important years of your life.
Conditional and unconditional offers
After the interview, the admissions tutor and senior tutor decide whether to make you an offer and whether to attach any academic or work experience conditions.
If you are at school or college and have exams pending you can expect to receive a conditional offer specifying grades or point scores. The average A-Level point score of our students is on a par with the national average for most similar courses and is better than average for some.
If you have already satisfied the minimum entrance requirements, and are otherwise suitable, you will receive an unconditional offer.
Applying through UCAS
PO Box 28
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire, GL52 3ZA
Telephone: 0870 1122211
Fax: 01242 544961
The UCAS Handbook gives detailed guidance on completing your application so please read it carefully.
Applying direct to Harper Adams
Applicants for MSc courses and the Postgraduate Diploma course should apply direct on a Harper Adams application form. This also applies to candidates for part-time degree courses and the Harper Adams Credit Scheme awards.
For further information on applications for Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy by research please contact the Research Administrator.
When to apply
Your application should normally reach UCAS between September 1st and January 15th for entrance in the following September. UCAS specifies January 15th as the normal last date for receipt of applications. In practice, however, late applications are accepted and processed by UCAS throughout the remainder of the application year.
UCAS advise that late applications are only considered by institutions at their discretion. However, we guarantee to consider applicants for all courses, irrespective of the timing of the application, provided places are still available.
Applicants from outside the UK
All overseas candidates for undergraduate courses should apply through UCAS. Most candidates should send their completed application forms direct to UCAS, but those from the following countries are advised to submit their application to UCAS via the appropriate Overseas Student Office in London, as listed in the appendix to the UCAS Handbook:
- Cyprus
- Ghana (private applicants only)
- Guyana
- India
- Luxembourg
- Tanzania
- Thailand
Deferred entry
Applications from candidates who have chosen not to come straight from school, particularly if they are gaining further practical work experience, are welcome.
We believe that a year between school and college can be beneficial in enhancing a student's maturity and motivation. Those contemplating a year out should apply in the normal way in their final year at school. If you subsequently decide that you wish to start earlier, please contact the Admissions Officer as soon as possible.
Higher Education CARD
If you are one of the students from the West Midlands who is working towards HE CARD, then make sure you indicate this on your UCAS form. You should put HE CARD in two places:
- Under the Education section. Click on 'Add a Qualification', select Other and Other again. Under 'Subject' put 'HE CARD', and in the Date field put June 2007, for 'Awarding Body' put a dash and leave 'Results' blank. Enter the name of your school or college and its centre number, and then click on 'Finish' to add this qualification.
- Personal Statement. Write here about the skills and qualities you have developed as a result of participating in the HE CARD programme and the way in which the scheme has helped you prepare for Higher Education and Harper Adams in particular. These will also be discussed when you have your interview, so make sure you are prepared.
Contact information
For further information please contact:
Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB
Tel: +44 (0) 1952 820280
Fax: +44 (0) 1952 814783
