Menu
31/10/2011
UCAS System Faces Shake Up
The rules for applying for a place in university could undergo their biggest change in over 50 years, under proposals published on Monday.
According to the report by student applications body, UCAS, students will now apply for university after receiving their A-level grades.
The proposed changes come after a review by Ucas found the current application process was complex, lacked transparency, was inefficient and cumbersome. The proposal could also end the clearing system that see thousands of students make last minute bids for university places.
UCAS’s report said: “The cumulative effect of predicted grades, insurance choices and Clearing have led to a system that is complex, is thought to lack transparency for many applicants and is inefficient and cumbersome for higher education institutions.”
Responding to the consultation, Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: “Making the university application process simpler and more efficient would be good news for students. It is important that applicants understand how the system works and that any unnecessary burdens on institutions are removed.
“We look forward to the outcome of the UCAS review of the applications process; we will then consider this proposal further.”
The proposed system - which would not be in place until 2016 at the earliest - would see students sit their A-levels earlier before applying for university over the summer.
Courses would then start in mid-October.
In response to the review, Shabana Mahmood MP, Labour's Shadow Universities Minister, welcomed the proposals to reform the applications system, which she said would allow students to apply based on the grades they had actually achieved as opposed to applying based on guesswork.
"Any changes to the A-level and applications process will need careful consideration by both schools and universities, but as there has been no fundamental overhaul of the university admissions system for over 50 years it is time for applicants to use a system that is fit for purpose and does not disadvantage a particular group of students," the MP said.
(DW)
According to the report by student applications body, UCAS, students will now apply for university after receiving their A-level grades.
The proposed changes come after a review by Ucas found the current application process was complex, lacked transparency, was inefficient and cumbersome. The proposal could also end the clearing system that see thousands of students make last minute bids for university places.
UCAS’s report said: “The cumulative effect of predicted grades, insurance choices and Clearing have led to a system that is complex, is thought to lack transparency for many applicants and is inefficient and cumbersome for higher education institutions.”
Responding to the consultation, Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: “Making the university application process simpler and more efficient would be good news for students. It is important that applicants understand how the system works and that any unnecessary burdens on institutions are removed.
“We look forward to the outcome of the UCAS review of the applications process; we will then consider this proposal further.”
The proposed system - which would not be in place until 2016 at the earliest - would see students sit their A-levels earlier before applying for university over the summer.
Courses would then start in mid-October.
In response to the review, Shabana Mahmood MP, Labour's Shadow Universities Minister, welcomed the proposals to reform the applications system, which she said would allow students to apply based on the grades they had actually achieved as opposed to applying based on guesswork.
"Any changes to the A-level and applications process will need careful consideration by both schools and universities, but as there has been no fundamental overhaul of the university admissions system for over 50 years it is time for applicants to use a system that is fit for purpose and does not disadvantage a particular group of students," the MP said.
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 May 2011
Student Finance Campaign Launches
A public information campaign for prospective students and their parents about changes to the student finance system in 2012 is being launched today. The press, radio, media partnership and social media campaign links students and parents to a new dedicated Direct.gov.
Student Finance Campaign Launches
A public information campaign for prospective students and their parents about changes to the student finance system in 2012 is being launched today. The press, radio, media partnership and social media campaign links students and parents to a new dedicated Direct.gov.
28 November 2013
NAO Critical Of Student Loan Recovery System
The National Audit Office (NAO) has criticised the government for not doing enough to recover student loans. According to the NAO the outstanding loan debt stands at £46 billion and is predicted to rise to £200bn over the next 30 years.
NAO Critical Of Student Loan Recovery System
The National Audit Office (NAO) has criticised the government for not doing enough to recover student loans. According to the NAO the outstanding loan debt stands at £46 billion and is predicted to rise to £200bn over the next 30 years.
27 March 2012
Student Visa System Could Have Been Exploited By Up To 50,000
The National Audit Office (NAO) has claimed, in a highly critical report, that up to 50,000 people may have entered Britain to work rather than study in the first year of the government's student migration controls.
Student Visa System Could Have Been Exploited By Up To 50,000
The National Audit Office (NAO) has claimed, in a highly critical report, that up to 50,000 people may have entered Britain to work rather than study in the first year of the government's student migration controls.
31 January 2012
'Not Too Late' To Apply To Uni - Willets
The Education Minister has told school leavers it's not too late to apply to university, after figures showing a 9% decrease in applications was released on Monday. Responding to the figures, Mr Willets said that even with a reduction in applications, it would still be a "competitive year" like any other.
'Not Too Late' To Apply To Uni - Willets
The Education Minister has told school leavers it's not too late to apply to university, after figures showing a 9% decrease in applications was released on Monday. Responding to the figures, Mr Willets said that even with a reduction in applications, it would still be a "competitive year" like any other.
07 July 2011
Changes To Student Visas Outlined
The Immigration Minister, Damian Green today explained reforms the government is making to the student visa system to stop abuse and bring net migration down to sustainable levels.
Changes To Student Visas Outlined
The Immigration Minister, Damian Green today explained reforms the government is making to the student visa system to stop abuse and bring net migration down to sustainable levels.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy with clear spells, mainly dry evening becoming windy with rain at times from late evening. Turning drier with clear spells towards morning. Milder than of late. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
