An outline of the decisions your institution can make

Your institution can make a number of different decisions: unconditional offer; conditional offer; unsuccessful (reject); and withdrawal. All of these decisions must be communicated to the applicant through us. Any additional letter you want to send should make it clear that the formal offer has been sent through us and that the applicant's reply to the offer must also be made through us.

Offers can be made for courses not listed by the applicant. These changed-course offers should only be made with the prior consent of the applicant.

A facility exists for you to make joint offers for degrees and HND/HNC courses or degrees of different lengths. Examples are given in the admissions guide.

Please note that applicants must not be informed that their names are being held on a waiting list as there is no provision for this within the scheme.

Unconditional offerfemale student using pc

This is used when you are satisfied that the applicant has fulfilled all the entry requirements (except those to be met at registration) and are prepared to admit the applicant in the year indicated. An unconditional offer is binding upon you.

If firmly accepted, offers are also binding upon applicants. This means that they cannot then continue to seek admission to any other course in the scheme.

Conditional offer

This is the usual type of offer made to applicants who have not yet fulfilled the academic or other entry requirements for the course. This offer is binding upon you if the applicant meets the conditions set. If the applicant satisfies the conditions you specify (which may include non-academic ones), you must confirm the place and admit the applicant in the year indicated.

The standard text of the offer letters sent by us states that:

  • All applicants must be able to satisfy the minimum entry requirements for the course.
  • The offer of a place can be withdrawn or amended if the information given on the application is incorrect or if it changes materially (for example, if an applicant changes the list of examinations to be taken).

Examples of offers are given in the admissions guide. The following points should be noted.

  • The offer should be set out in such a way that the applicant can understand what is required in order to be able to claim a place.
  • If the applicant fails to satisfy the conditions, you may still decide to confirm the offer of a place.
  • The conditions must be satisfied by 31 August unless an earlier date is specified by you. After 31 August, the awarding of the place is at your discretion.

Our Tariff

Institutions that use the UCAS Tariff are continuing to develop policies for its implementation. Again, your UCAS Correspondent will have details. Click here for full details of the Tariff.

Unsuccessful (reject)

There is no facility for giving the reason for not making an offer.

Withdrawal from choice

You may withdraw any application if, for example, an applicant fails to attend an interview or does not send information required. A reason for withdrawing must be given.