A young woman applying for an undergraduate degree

How to apply

Applying to university can be confusing if you're new to the process, which is why we've put together all of the information you need to know right here for you.

It’s important to understand that grades aren’t everything when it comes to starting a future in higher education. There are various routes into the courses that we offer, and our support and advice teams are here to make sure that you get the full picture when you’re applying, and to make the most of the skills, qualifications and experience that you already have.

When to apply

September start

You can start applying for courses in September the year before you want to start. The main deadline for applications is 29 January. You are encouraged to apply by then, however late applications are accepted through UCAS until 30 June. Any full-time undergraduate applications made after this date will automatically be entered into Clearing.

January start

If you wish to start your studies in January please apply to UCAS in the usual way. Applications must be received prior to the start date of the course you wish to study.

Applying after the deadline

If you’re looking to apply after the January deadline and before clearing and would like to learn more about your eligibility, contact us on enquiries@staffs.ac.uk or +44 (0)1782 294400 and our specialist team of advisors will be able to assist and guide you through the application process. Remember, we consider non-traditional qualifications and experience, so even if you’re not too sure if you meet the criteria to get onto the course it’s worth getting in touch so see how we can help.

Deferring your entry

If you wish to defer entry to your chosen course for one year, we will still welcome your application. Please indicate your reasons for deferral on the application form.

Applying through UCAS

If you want to apply for a full-time undergraduate degree, you should apply through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. UCAS is the central organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges.

All applications for admission to full-time (and sandwich) degrees, DipHE, foundation degrees and BTEC HND courses must be made online through UCAS. If you want to apply for part-time and distance learning courses, you will need to apply directly to the university.

You can choose to apply to UCAS for up to five different courses. If you choose just one course at one university or college, the fee is £12. If you enter more than one choice in the course section your application fee is £23.

To complete your UCAS application online you'll need the correct UCAS course code for each course you're applying for. You'll find these four digit codes (eg P500) in our prospectus, on the relevant course page of this website, or on the UCAS website itself. Along with the UCAS course code, you'll also need the Institution Code of the University; Staffordshire University's institution code is S72.

To find out more about the UCAS application process, visit the UCAS website.

Apply via UCAS

Disabled applicants

No applicant judged to be academically suitable will be refused admission on grounds of disability without compelling reasons. However it is important that you tell us on your application form of any impairment so that, wherever possible, we can ensure that we provide the facilities and support you need.

Please apply as early as possible. For an information leaflet or informal discussion, please contact the Student Inclusion Team.

International applicants

International applicants (outside the European Union) need to apply directly by requesting a link from International Admissions. If you receive an offer of a place on a full-time undergraduate course, you must register an application with UCAS. Visit our dedicated International applicant support pages to find out more about the International student applicantion process.

Applying direct to the University

If the course you are interested in is not covered by UCAS, or is a part-time undergraduate course, you can apply directly using apply link found on each course page.

What happens after I've applied?

Admissions

After we have considered your application, we will write to you and notify the appropriate admissions service (eg UCAS or GTTR) of our decision.

You will be given details of our Open Days and invited to visit us around the time you receive an offer letter. In some cases, you may be invited to attend an interview before we decide whether to offer you a place.

After receiving your results

However confident you are about achieving the results you need, things do not always go to plan. We recommend that you prepare for all eventualities.

If you do not meet the precise conditions of the offer we made you, it may still be possible for us to offer you a place on your chosen course. Contact us for advice as soon as you can.

The Clearing process gives thousands of students a second chance to find a place in higher education. If you go through UCAS clearing and decide to contact us again, do so without delay and remind us that you applied to us during the first phase.

Most universities prefer to consider students who made an application first time round.