How to Apply

UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS POLICY
BSc Healthcare Sciences (Audiology)
2012-2013

We are currently updating the BSc (Hons) Audiology degree as part of the Modernising Scientific Careers agenda.

The degree is moving from a four to a three year degree for 2012 start.

This document outlines the School of Healthcare's Undergraduate Admissions Policy for the BSc (Hons) Healthcare Sciences (Audiology) programme for 2012 entry. It supports the admissions principles and policies of the University of Leeds, as outlined in the 2012 University of Leeds Undergraduate Admissions Policy and should be considered alongside this document. This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis.

NOTE: Please read carefully through each section of this policy before applying.

Application process

1. UCAS process

All full time undergraduate applications must be made through the online Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (www.ucas.com) by 15^th January. The School of Healthcare does not normally participate in the UCAS Extra scheme for entry onto the Audiology degree course. Direct applications are not accepted and students applying directly to the University will not normally be considered. As required by UCAS, applicants must complete the UCAS application form, providing a personal statement; a, list of all qualifications undertaken and those pending; and an appropriate referee's statement. In addition they must declare if they wish to defer entry and they must declare any prior criminal conviction.

2. Access to Leeds scheme

The School of Healthcare is committed to identifying all applicants who have the potential to succeed at the University of Leeds. Applicants who have experienced educational or social disadvantage will be flagged to admissions tutors using a combination of school performance, geographic factors and personal circumstances. Admissions tutors can then assess the applicant's potential in light of this contextual evidence and consider making an Access to Leeds offer alongside the standard offer. Access to Leeds students will be eligible for an offer if they meet the University's GCSE matriculation stand. They do not normally have to meet programme specific GCSE entry requirements, however for programmes such as BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Audiology) that require numeracy, all applicants must have gained a grade C in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent). For more information on Access to Leeds please refer to www.leeds.ac.uk/ace/access/access.htm

3. Deferred applications/ Gap-Year

The School of Healthcare will accept applications for deferred entry. We welcome applications from applicants who are intending to undertake a Gap Year. Please note that your application will not be adversely affected if you wish to take a gap year.

4. Re-sits/ Re-applications

The School of Healthcare will accept applications from applicants who have re-applied and/or re-sat examinations. However, applications will not normally be considered from students who have failed the practice element on an Audiology programme at a different university. Students who have failed an academic element at a different university may be considered if they can show evidence of addressing the failed element following leaving their previous programme.

5. Internal transfers

The School of Healthcare will consider applications from applicants who wish to transfer internally from other programmes at the University of Leeds, providing places are available. Applicants need to contact the Academic Lead for Admissions, m.l.ellwood.ac.uk.

They will be asked to submit a new personal statement saying why they wish to change and detailing any relevant experience. They will also have to undergo an interview. Transfers will not normally be accepted after week 4 of the new academic year.

6. Joint Honours applications

The School of Healthcare does not currently offer Joint Honours programmes

7. Applications from minors and vulnerable persons

The University of Leeds Undergraduate Admissions Policy details our policy on dealing with applications from minors and vulnerable persons. Age and "vulnerability" itself is not generally a bar to admission. However it is recognised that careful consideration may need to be given to someone's age and vulnerability when applying for certain programmes.

8. International/ Overseas students

Due to the nature of the funding for programmes in the School of Healthcare, applicants need to satisfy the residency requirements for a bursary and feeds from the NHS student grants unit. Further information regarding residency can be found on the NHS student grants website at http://nhsstudentgrants.co.uk.

Proof of English Language proficiency will be required and minimum levels and approved tests for the School of Healthcare are GCSE English Language grade C or above
IELTS: 7.0 overall with not less than 6.5 in every skill
TOEFL: 600 (paper based) with not less than 5.0 in “test of written English”
TOEFL iBT: 100 with minimum scores of 22 in listening, 24 in reading, 24 in speaking and 25 in writing.

Additionally all students will require a full 5 year enhanced CRB, Occupational Health clearance and two satisfactory references, one of which must be an academic reference

Further information for prospective international applicants can be found on our website at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/coursefinder?type=UG

9. Mature students

The School of Healthcare welcomes applications from mature applicants and support is available through the Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC). This support includes pre-entry advice and guidance for adults, matriculation tests, alternative entry schemes, preparatory programmes for adults, developing academic skills before entry, and information on a range of issues relevant to such applicants. For further details, contact: part-time@leeds.ac.uk, phone 0113 343 3212 or see www.leeds.ac.uk/lifelonglearningcentre.

10. Part time applicants

At the present time the School of Healthcare does not have part time pathways for the above undergraduate programme.

11. Disabled applicants

The School of Healthcare welcomes applications from disabled people. In line with the University's obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act,[1] disabled applicants will not be treated less favourably than other applicants are, or would be, treated. The School of Healthcare will strive to make reasonable adjustments, to help ensure that disabled applicants have full and equal access to our admissions procedures and courses. The judgment about an individual candidate's academic suitability should be kept separate from any consideration of the applicant's disability-related support requirements. As well as responding to individual requests for such adjustments from applicants or students, the School will also strive to be proactive in ensuring that our admissions process and any related events (for example, School open days) are as accessible as possible.

In line with the Disability Discrimination Act, the School adopts a broad definition of disability, which would, for example, cover many people with dyslexia, long-term mental health conditions, partially sighted, hearing impaired. Applicants are asked to indicate their disability status on their application form and we encourage applicants to disclose any disability. Where candidates choose not to disclose their disability this may make it more difficult, or in some cases impossible, for the School or University to make adjustments. Applicants need to be aware of the professional nature of the programme and are asked to contact the School prior to application to discuss whether their disability will affect their ability to practice.

Disabled candidates are also advised to contact the University's Disability Team, which is part of the University's Equality Service (visit the Equality Service's website at www.equality.leeds.ac.uk) once an application has been submitted through UCAS, to discuss any support requirements they may have in relation to the programme for which they have applied. Applicants are also welcome to contact the School directly to discuss any support or adjustments they may require and contact details can be found at the end of this document. The disability co-ordinator for the School of Healthcare is Ms Jo Lay. 0113 3431322, j.lay@leeds.ac.uk.

This policy should also be read in conjunction with the University of Leeds Undergraduate Admissions Policy, which states the University's broader commitments to delivering a fair and equal admissions process for disabled applicants.

12. Applicants with a health-related issue or other mitigating circumstance

The University of Leeds Undergraduate Admissions Policy details our policy concerning applicants with a health related issue. The School sees health-related issues^[2] as being distinct from disability-related issues, although, of course, in some cases, a disabled applicant may also have a health-related issue.

Applicants with a health-related issue should contact the School as soon as possible if their health is likely to impact on their ability to engage with the admissions process.

If a candidate feels that their prior ill-health -or personal circumstances other than ill-health (for example, bereavement or other difficult home or family circumstances) -may have affective their pre -medical studies or may have affected the grades they received in past examinations, we normally advise that they bring this to the attention of their school or college who should inform the appropriate examinations board (s) to highlight these circumstances for consideration when awarding the final grade in a qualification.

On this basis, we expect that the examinations board(s) would already have taken mitigating circumstances into account when awarding grades and hence any grades in a qualification would have already been moderated appropriately. We are therefore unlikely to significantly lower our entry requirements if an applicant does not achieve the grades specified in an offer, after consideration by the awarding body.

However, any formal request for mitigating circumstances to be taken into account in the admissions process should be supported by a full declaration about the nature of the circumstances and whether or not these were declared to the exam board of the qualifications concerned. This declaration should be made either by a verified statement in the initial UCAS application or by sending directly to the relevant Admissions Tutor verified documentation from the referee. Documentation highlighting mitigating circumstances will be retained with the application form and may be considered following publication of results in August but as stated above, will not normally play a role in the applications process.

Admissions intake

13. Admissions intake

The intake for the BSc (Hons) Healthcare Sciences (Audiology) programme through UCAS is typically 25 home students, including mature students and those from the European Union. International fee-paying students are considered in addition to this figure. The number of students on each programme may change annually as directed by the Strategic Health Authority.

14. Competition for places

Programmes within the School of Healthcare are generally very popular and for the BSc (Hons) Healthcare Sciences (Audiology) programme we receive in excess of five applications for each available place. Most of our applicants have an excellent academic record.

Selection process

15. Selection process

All applications must be made online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (www.ucas.com). Academic grades normally form only one part of the final decision and the following sections give examples of how applicants may demonstrate that they have the skills, knowledge and attributes that we believe will enable them to become a successful student in the School of Healthcare.

The selection criteria treats all students fairly and not discriminate unlawfully on grounds of marital status, gender, gender re-assignment or transsexual status, race (including colour, nationality, national origin or ethnic origin) disability, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief, political or other opinion, social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or other status.

16. Academic entrance requirements

5 GCSE's grade C or above to include Maths, English and Science

PLUS EITHER 3 A levels at grade ABB one of which must include(Biology, Human Biology, Physics or Chemistry)

OR QCF BTEC Extended Diploma in Science at Distinction/Distinction/Distinction and must contain at least one-third science content

OR an Access to Higher Education Course in Science (Kitemarked) with a minimum of 45 level 3 credits passed at Distinction. 5 GCSE's grade C or above to include Maths, English and Science

For details on other qualification requirements please read the University Admissions policy : University of Leeds Undergraduate Admissions Policy

17. Personal statement advice

The personal statement of the UCAS form helps us to assess the nature of the applicant's interest in the academic subject and is an important part of the selection process. Accurate spelling and grammar are of paramount importance. It is essential that applicants take this opportunity to demonstrate their enthusiasm and aptitude for Audiology and academic subjects studied on this programme. It is preferable if applicants can have attended a clinical visit to an audiology department prior to application. We wish to hear about the reason for your choice of Audiology as a career; details of any relevant work experience and clinical visits you have been on and any relevant transferable skills you have.

18. Shortlisting stage

Applicants are short listed against agreed criteria and must meet the academic entry requirement for the programme at application or within the academic cycle. The academic background of the applicant plus the personal statement on the UCAS form helps us to assess the nature of the applicant's interest in the academic subject and is an important part of the selection process. Additionally the reference provided on the UCAS form must be supportive of the applicant.

19. Interviews

Applicants successful at the shortlisting stage will normally be invited to interview as part of the selection procedure. Interviews will normally take place during the months of November to April.

Applicants who have been successful at shortlisting will be made a conditional offer. One condition is they must attend a selection day in the School of Healthcare.

On this day, applicants will have the opportunity to look around the School of Healthcare and University and meet some of our staff and students. Parents/family will be given the opportunity to talk to staff from the School. Applicants will receive a written invitation from the School to attend a selection day on a specific time or date. Please let us know as soon as possible if you require an alternative date using the contact details in your invitation letter. We will do our best to accommodate such requests but this cannot be guaranteed. Applicants who do not attend without contacting the School will be rejected. All offers will be subject to satisfactory health screen and Criminal Records Check

20. FITNESS TO PRACTISE - other requirements for entry

Health Requirements

Any offer of a place to study Audiology is conditional upon a satisfactory medical screening, to be undertaken under arrangements made by the School of Healthcare by all students before the commencement of their studies. Separate arrangements are made for applicants with disabilities - see section 11

Successful applicants will be required to provide documentary proof of immunisation status. Students unable to provide this documentation will be required to undertake appropriate screening and immunisation following commencement of the programme. The School reserves the right to refuse admission to the Audiology course to a student who is not cleared through the Occupational Health Screening process. Applicants should note that the health requirements may be subject to change.

Criminal Record Checks

On the UCAS application form candidates are expected to indicate in the relevant box if they have a relevant criminal conviction. All convictions must be disclosed and this includes convictions, cautions and fixed penalty notices.

For 2012 entry, students entering programmes and courses which involve regular access to children and/or vulnerable adults will be legally required to register with the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) which is administered by the Independent Safeguarding Authority. The Independent Safeguarding Authority has recently been established as a single agency to monitor all individuals who want to work or volunteer with vulnerable people.

Registration with the scheme will cost £64.00 as a one off payment which will cover both the cost of registration and a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. Following successful registration you will be issued with an ISA Registration Number which will stay with you for the rest of your career. The University will send further instructions on registering with the VBS as part of the admissions process.

As part of any offer, the School will need to verify whether you have a criminal record and, if you do, are you in the view of the School still suitable to carry on with the course. For the vast majority of students who are resident in the UK, the record will be checked via the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Enhanced disclosure will be sought at the point of offer confirmation (i.e. when you have met all conditions as stated in your offer). Further information on the CRB is available on their website at: www.crb.gov.uk

Due to the nature of the course the University requires that applicants disclose all information relating to your conviction(s). The University is entitled to this information in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

If anything revealed by the search is regarded as a potential problem, the School will review the matter in accordance with its policy. A copy of the School's policy on Criminal Record Checks can be obtained from the Admissions Office, or is available on the Admissions website at www.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/How to Apply.

Any concealment of a criminal record including cautions and fixed penalty notices may result in withdrawal of an offer or expulsion from the course.

21. Offers

Those applicants with the highest overall performance in the interviews will be made an offer of a place. Offers are made on the basis of merit and the ability of each applicant to meet the academic and non-academic criteria for admission to the relevant programme of study. Offers are made based on the information supplied on the UCAS form and performance at interview. The University of Leeds Undergraduate Admissions Policy gives further detail on the type of offers that are made. Due to the professional nature of the programme, offers will not normally be made until a second reference has been received. All offers will be subject to satisfactory health screen and Criminal Records check (CRB)

Unsuccessful applicants

22. Reasons for unsuccessful applications

Due to the volume of applications received we may have to reject students who already hold or are predicted lower than the minimum academic entry requirement, and also many students who meet the non-academic requirements. The UCAS forms of applicants who are unsuccessful in gaining a place on their chosen programme may be passed to the admissions tutors for other courses which the applicant may be interested in. Applicants will be informed of any decision via UCAS.

23. Feedback

Unsuccessful applicants may wish to request feedback on the reason for the outcome of their application, however you are encouraged to read this policy in full in the first instance as this may reveal the reasons that the School was unable to offer you a place. All requests for feedback must be made in writing to the Admissions Office and signed by the applicant. The University's policy on providing feedback to applicants can be found in the University of Leeds Undergraduate Admissions Policy.

24. Complaint

The School of Healthcare will consider all applications fairly and effectively in line with the procedures outlined in this document and the University of Leeds Undergraduate Admissions Policy.

Applicants who wish to challenge a decision to reject their application should write to Academic Lead for Admissions; Michelle Ellwood, University of Leeds, School of Healthcare, Baines Wing, Leeds LS2 9JT, detailing the nature of their complaint. Full details of the complaints procedure can be found in the University of Leeds Undergraduate Admissions Policy.

Opportunities to visit

25. University open days

The University of Leeds Undergraduate Open Days are usually held in June and October and are designed for prospective applicants rather than those who have already been made an offer.

26. Scholarships & funding

Applicants for the BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science (Audiology) are eligible to apply for the University of Leeds Scholarship or bursary, see here for details.

Contact details

27. Pre- and post-application enquiries

For general enquiries and information relating to courses and admission to the School of Healthcare, applicants should contact the School of Healthcare Learning and Teaching Support Unit.

Telephone - +44 (0) 113 343 1348,

email: the admissions team

[1] In summary, the DDA states that a disabled person is someone with a physical or mental impairment which is long-term (lasting 12 months or more) and which has a substantial impact of that person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

[2] In contrast with disability issues, health issues are generally shorter-term (lasting less than 12 months) and have a less significant impact on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

School of Healthcare - Faculty of Medicine and Healthcare