The Application Procedure

Nearly all people who apply to university apply through a central clearing house, called the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS).

Applicants can apply for up to five courses by completing one UCAS form between mid September and 15 January. For some subjects, such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary science you are limited to a maximum of four choices. You can use the remaining two choices for an alternative subject or leave the spaces blank. 

If you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge, a medical or dental school or for a veterinary science course applications must be returned by 15 October in the year before your course starts.  In addition, 26 universities require students wishing to apply for medicine or dentistry to sit the UKCAT test in the summer preceding their application to UCAS. To take the test you need to register online and take the test at a registered test centre. The results will be used as an important part of the selection procedure. The test is designed to assess aptitude rather than academic achievement. For further information see www.ukcat.ac.uk

For Art & Design Route A applications are made between mid September and 15 January. Applications for Route B are made from mid September to 24 March, although UCAS recommend that you apply by 7 March. It is important to read the available literature and seek advice about filling in your UCAS form. You should also visit the UCAS website.