Applying
UCAS
The official service for applying to UK universities and colleges. You make one application through UCAS, listing your course choices.
Personal statement
The part of the UCAS application where you write about yourself, your subject interest and why you are applying. It is read by the admissions staff for each course you choose.
Reference
A short written recommendation that comes with your application, usually written by a teacher who knows you. You do not write it yourself.
UCAS Tariff points
A way of comparing qualifications from different exam boards and routes. Some courses ask for a number of Tariff points rather than specific grades. Check the course page for what it accepts.
Conditional offer
An offer that depends on you meeting conditions, usually exam grades. Most offers are conditional.
Unconditional offer
An offer with no conditions attached. These are less common.
Firm choice
The course you accept as your first choice. If you meet the conditions, that is where you go.
Insurance choice
Your backup choice. It usually has lower conditions than your firm choice, and it is used if you miss the firm conditions.
Contextual offer
A lower offer made to applicants from certain backgrounds or circumstances, as part of the university's own widening participation policy. Each university sets its own rules.
Clearing
The period after results when universities fill remaining places. You can apply through Clearing if you do not hold an offer, or if your results did not meet your conditions. UCAS publishes how it works.
Deferred entry
Applying now for a place that starts a year later, for example after a planned gap year.
Courses and qualifications
Undergraduate
A first degree, such as a BA or a BSc. This is what most sixth formers apply for.
Postgraduate
Study after a first degree, such as a master's or a doctorate.
Foundation year
An extra year at the start of some courses, for students who do not yet meet the entry requirements or are changing subject. It is part of the course, not a separate qualification.
Placement year
A year spent working, usually between the second and final year of a course that offers it. Also called a sandwich course. The course takes a year longer.
Module
One unit of a course, usually taught over a term or a semester, with its own assessment. Degrees are made of modules.
Dissertation
A long piece of independent work, usually in the final year, on a topic you choose within the course's rules.
Teaching and assessment
Lecture
A large teaching session where a lecturer presents to many students at once. Notes and listening are the main work.
Seminar
A smaller session where students discuss the topic, often after doing some reading. Participation is usually expected.
Tutorial
An even smaller session, sometimes one to one or in a small group, going over work or a specific problem.
Personal tutor
A member of staff assigned to look after you as a person as well as a student. Usually your first contact when something goes wrong.
Formative and summative assessment
Formative assessment is work marked to help you improve, and often does not count towards your final grade. Summative assessment is the work that does count.
University life
Freshers' week
The first week of the academic year, when new students arrive, find their way around and join societies. Teaching usually starts after it.
Halls of residence
University accommodation, usually on or near campus, and often where first years live.
Student union
The student body at a university, which runs societies, events and support services, and represents students to the university.
Mature student
A student who starts university later than the typical school leaver age. Universities define it differently.
Visiting and reading
Open day
An event where universities show visitors the campus and the department. Good for the place and the practical details, but it shows the university at its best.
Applicant visit day
A smaller event for people who have applied, usually after an offer. Calmer than an open day, and often more useful.
Prospectus
The university's own brochure or website section describing its courses and campus. A starting point for reading, rather than a description of the ordinary week.
Russell Group
A membership group of research-intensive UK universities. It is not a ranking, and it does not mean other universities are worse.