How to apply for University: Undergraduate

What happens if I don’t achieve my expected grades?

When we receive the notification of your results we will review your grades. We will then confirm places to applicants who have obtained our minimum entry criteria. This may differ from your current offer and could be lower depending on your programme and type of qualification.

Some programmes however, have professional body requirements regarding entry criteria. This may mean that we cannot offer the same level of flexibility. We will also ensure that current applicants with a conditional offer who do not achieve the minimum entry criteria are offered a place on one of our Integrated Foundation programmes (where there is an associated ‘with foundation’ programme) regardless of the outcome of your final results.

What is the latest date that I can start my programme of study?

The latest date for university enrolment is three weeks from the start date of the programme.

If you are unable to complete enrolment by this date due to extenuating circumstances please contact admissions@northampton.ac.uk and your situation will be reviewed.

Are you still accepting university applications?

Yes, the University is accepting applications and processing offers. We look forward to receiving your course application.

How do I apply for university for September?

All applications for full-time undergraduate courses are completed through UCAS. The code for the University of Northampton is N38. You will need this to complete your application.

You can apply for a course through UCAS from early September to start the September of the following year. The  closing date for applications is the last Thursday in January. Late university applications are accepted after this date but are not guaranteed the same level of consideration as applications made earlier. Application dates and deadlines can be found at UCAS.

Please apply directly to the University for the following:

• part-time study
• distance or online learning
• post registration study
• full-time postgraduate study

For research degrees, please see the specific research application information.

If you are an International student, please see our information about applications for international students.

When will I hear if I have an offer?

Applicants can expect to receive a decision within 21 days of the closing date. Courses that require an interview, portfolio submission, audition or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may take slightly longer. We will write to you explaining the next stage in the application process.

If your application is successful and you are not required to come to an interview, you will receive a formal offer email. You will then receive further information about your course.

Can I change the course I applied for?

It’s possible to change your course if you would like to. This would depend on meeting the entry requirements for the new course and whether there are available places.

If the new course requires an interview or audition you will need to attend this before being offered a place. You will need to email admissions@northampton.ac.uk to request a change of course. State your full name, your current and new course, and student number.

What type of university offer could I receive?

Each university application is considered on its own merit. Receiving an offer to study with us is a clear indication that we would welcome you as a new student on the course you have applied for.

The most common offer is a Conditional Offer. However, you may also receive one of the following types of offers depending on a number of criteria. As an example, the course you have applied for, whether you attended an interview, completed a practical activity and your predicated grades:

• Unconditional Offer
• Contextual Conditional Offer
• An offer that includes a guaranteed place on an Integrated Four Year (IFY) programme

There may be other non-academic conditions you need to meet. For example, this could include getting a standard DBS check or providing proof of your qualifications. If you are unsure of these conditions, please check the New Students webpage or contact admissions@northampton.ac.uk.

Undergraduate course application

You can apply for a university course from 7 September in the year before the course starts. The normal closing date for applications is 26 January. Late applications are accepted, but are not guaranteed the same level of consideration as applications made before 26 January.

My university application

We will normally provide applicants with a decision within 21 days of the closing date.

Courses may take longer if they require:

• an interview
• portfolio submission
• audition or
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

We will write to you explaining the next stage in the application process.

If your university application is successful and you are not required to come to an interview, you will receive a formal offer letter and further information about your course.

Can I change course once I’ve applied?

You can change your course after you have already completed your university application. You will need to ensure places are still available and you meet the entry requirements for the new course.

If the new course requires an interview or audition you will need to attend this before being offered a place. You will have to put forward your course request in writing. This can be done either by post to the Admissions office or by emailing admissions.

Applying for direct entry into second or third year

If you have completed academic study equivalent to the first or second year of the course you are applying for, there’s a possibility to enter the course at the second or third year.

You will need to apply through UCAS and provide a transcript or list of course modules including how many credits they are worth. The Admissions Tutor will then consider the application.

Applying for part time undergraduate courses

Many of our courses can be completed part-time. Courses offered on a part time basis are an excellent way of gaining a qualification around a busy home life or job. The University of Northampton recognises that many of our students have family and work commitments. Therefore, we offer various courses on a part time study basis, working flexibly around your requirements.

The majority of part-time and professional courses start in October. Please apply for university as soon as possible, to ensure we have your details before your course starts.

Part time course entry requirements

When considering university applications for part-time study, we assess relevant personal, professional and educational experience. This way, we can ensure that the course is a good match for you. Entry requirements vary so please check individual courses for details.

Applying for taught postgraduate courses

The majority of taught postgraduate courses start in October. Most courses do not have formal closing dates but applicants are advised to apply for university as early as possible to secure a place.

Applicants should hold a good first degree with at least second class honours, or an equivalent qualification. Relevant personal, professional and educational experience is also taken into consideration. Exact requirements vary between courses. Please check the relevant GTTR (Graduate Teacher Training Registry) for details. You can find further information on how to apply for postgraduate courses on our pages.

Applying for PGCE courses

Your Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) application for a course should be made through GTTR (Graduate Teacher Training Registry).

If you would like more information about applying for a course at the University of Northampton, please email the Enquiries Team or phone them on 0300 303 2772.

Our commitment to equal opportunities

We encourage university applications from all sections of the community. We encourage you to apply to university regardless of your sex, marital status, age, responsibility for dependants, socio-economic status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation or disability.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy

We work hard to ensure that students with disabilities are able to apply for university and study successfully with us.

If you have additional needs, we advise that you contact the Additional Student Support and Inclusion Services Team (ASSIST) or course tutor as early as possible, so that you can discuss your needs and visit the University to assess the facilities if necessary.

Applying for university if you have Criminal Convictions

Our Applicant with Criminal Convictions Policy details how we handle our university applicants who have criminal convictions. This includes:

• Which applicants need to declare criminal conviction(s)
• What happens if you are applying for a DBS programme and declare a criminal conviction(s)
• How we assess DBS check outcomes and self-declaration of criminal conviction(s)

The below also provides additional information and things which you may need to consider when you apply for university if you have a criminal conviction(s).

Non-DBS Programmes

If you are applying for a Non-DBS Programme (e.g. the programme does not require you to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check) and have a criminal conviction:

• You will not need to declare any criminal convictions during the admissions/application process
• You may be required to declare criminal convictions during other processes (e.g. accommodation application). However this falls outside of the admissions process
• You must do your own research to determine whether your criminal conviction may prevent you working in your chosen profession. This might include contacting relevant professional bodies, regulatory authorities or accreditation bodies

We encourage you to contact us on admissionsconfidential@northampton.ac.uk if there is anything about your conviction, licence/probation rules etc which we may need to take into account. We won’t necessarily need to know the details of your conviction. However, we might need to know the rules or requirements surrounding your conviction/licence/probation. This is so we can consider whether we can make reasonable adjustments, so that you can study with us. This may include (but is not limited to) if:

• You can only attend on certain days/times due to release or probation requirements/rules
• You are not permitted to access certain resources or the internet

DBS Programmes

If you are applying for a DBS Programme (e.g. the programme requires you to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check) and you have a criminal conviction:

• You will need to declare yes on your application (UCAS or Direct Application) if you have a criminal conviction which would appear on an enhanced DBS check. If you answer yes, we will send you a letter detailing how we will handle your declaration.
• If you receive an offer from us and make us your FIRM choice we will contact you to complete a DBS check prior to enrolment. Upon receipt of your DBS outcome (or if we ask you to self-declare e.g. due to a late application) a Criminal Convictions Panel will make an assessment of your criminal conviction(s) and whether you can study with us

You must do your own research to determine whether your criminal conviction may prevent you working in your chosen profession. This might include contacting relevant professional bodies, regulatory authorities or accreditation bodies

You may be required to declare criminal convictions during other processes (e.g. accommodation application). However this falls outside of the admissions process.

Additional Information

If you need additional support or information then you may wish to consider contacting Unlock or Nacro. These organisations provide criminal justice services, support and useful information for individuals with criminal convictions.

Find out about UCAS Extra and whether you are eligible on our UCAS Extra page.