Introduction
This document details NCHP’s policy on admissions to our pathways. Student recruitment and marketing are beyond the scope of this policy. The policy is written for applicants, advisers, college admissions staff and other individuals and organisations with an interest in NCHP’s admissions activities. The policy is the responsibility of the principal and the academic board. The policy is monitored and reviewed annually in September.
NCHP aims to:
- offer attractive and relevant programmes underpinned by NCHP’s high academic reputation and institutional quality standards
- recruit students with appropriate levels of entry qualifications
- attract and retain students who have the potential to succeed in their chosen pathway
- ensure that there is equality of opportunity for all applicants, whatever their background
- treat all applications fairly and consistently, evaluating each application on its own merits
Whilst the college is responsible for the admission of students, there are certain responsibilities on applicants throughout the admissions process. Applicants must read and accept the terms and conditions at initial application and acceptance stages of the process.
Admissions Criteria
Criteria for admission including entry levels and grades are approved on an annual basis by the academic board. These criteria will support the college’s aims and be in accordance with the UKCP requirements and the principles in this document. Academic qualifications, psychological maturity and capacity to undertake the course are the prime considerations for our admissions selectors.
Selectors will typically use the following criteria to assess an application
- academic qualifications (including qualifications already certificated and qualifications yet to be taken). The college recognises a wide range of qualifications for admissions purposes
- English language proficiency test (for international students whose first language is not English). English tests are now a formal requirement of the UK Visas and Immigration for students requiring a Tier 4 (student) visa to enter the UK
- personal statement
- references
- educational context, for example contextual data provided by applicants, UCAS, information on UK partnership school or international collaborative partner
Pathway specific criteria
In addition to the basic criteria described above, there will be specific entry requirements for certain pathways. Pathway specific criteria can be found in the college’s prospectus and in the pathways section of our website.
Special cases
Transfer to NCHP for part of a pathway will be considered by selectors. NCHP consider applications from students who wish to transfer from another college or university into a pathway, such applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Deferrals
The college will consider applications from students who wish to defer the start of their pathway until the following academic year.
Non-Academic Issues – Criminal Convictions.
To help the college maintain a safe and secure learning environment, applicants to study pathways are required to provide information relating to any previous relevant criminal conviction. Relevant convictions include unspent offences involving any kind of violence, offences concerning the intention to harm or resulting in actual bodily harm, the unlawful supply of controlled drugs or substances where the conviction concerns commercial drug dealing or trafficking, offences involving firearms, arson or those listed in the Sex Offences Act 2003 or the Terrorism Act 2006. Convictions that are spent (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974) are not considered to be relevant. Consideration of convictions is separate to the assessment of academic suitability.
Assessment and Selection
Assessment of applications for study is undertaken by trained academic and administrative selectors and conforms to current principles and practice guidance. Assessment of stages is undertaken by trained administrative and academic selectors in the relevant faculty. Selectors are provided with detailed guidance on admissions procedures, on-line resources and regular briefing events
Feedback and Complaints
Feedback to unsuccessful applicants
Applicants who are unsuccessful with their application to study at the college may formally request feedback on their application. Feedback will not be provided to a third party without the express consent of the applicant.
Complaints
Applicants have the right to complain if they believe that the admissions process has not met the appropriate standard or if they believe that a procedural irregularity has affected the outcome of their application. Complaints should be sent in the first instance to the director of student experience. Should the issue not be resolved, a formal written complaint should be sent to the college’s complaints officer.