91Ó°ÊÓ

1.1 This policy sets out 91Ó°ÊÓ’sÌýpolicies and procedures relating toÌýadmission toÌýall degree programmesÌýacross Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught and Postgraduate Research levels of study.ÌýÌý

1.2ÌýThisÌýpolicyÌýoutlines:Ìý

• How we provide information about our programmesÌý

• How we assess applications and communicate decisionsÌý

• How we provide support,ÌýadviceÌýand guidance for applicantsÌý

1.3 TheÌýCourtauld is committed to operating admissions practices that are fair, transparent,ÌýconsistentÌýand accessible,Ìýin line with Universities UK’s Fair Admissions Code of Practice, of which 91Ó°ÊÓ is a signatory.Ìý

2.1 The purpose of this Policy is to set out the principles and requirements that apply to admission to taught and research programmes at 91Ó°ÊÓ.Ìý

2.2 This policy supports 91Ó°ÊÓ’s strategic vision to advance and widen participation in the understanding of the visual arts, ensuring students from all social, cultural and economic backgrounds have the opportunity toÌýbenefit from 91Ó°ÊÓ’s unrivalled range and depth of teaching in the history, conservation, curation and business of art.Ìý

2.3ÌýThis Policy applies to:Ìý

• AllÌýapplicantsÌý(and prospective applicants)Ìýfor admissions to degree programmes at 91Ó°ÊÓÌý

• All supporters (family, guardians, teachers, advisors, agents) of applicantsÌý

• AllÌýProfessionalÌýServices and AcademicÌýStaff supporting the admissions processÌý

2.4ÌýThis Policy should be read alongside the relevant programme webpage, application guidance, offer-holderÌýinformationÌýand any conditions set out in an applicant’s formal offer communication.Ìý

3.1 This Policy is set within relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, including those relating to equality, consumer protection, dataÌýprotectionÌýand immigration:Ìý

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3.2ÌýReferences to external requirements in this Policy should be understood as references to those requirementsÌýwhich may beÌýamended orÌýupdatedÌýafter the review date of the Policy.Ìý

4.1 GeneralÌýPrinciplesÌý

4.1.1 91Ó°ÊÓ will provide clear information about entry requirements, application routes, deadlines, selection processes, offer conditions, deposits, visaÌýrequirementsÌýand other matters relevant to admission.Ìý

4.1.2 Applications will be considered fairly and consistently against published criteria. 91Ó°ÊÓ will consider both prior achievement and potential, recognising that applicants mayÌýdemonstrateÌýreadiness for study inÌýdifferent ways.Ìý

Consideration of potentialÌýachievement beyond academic qualificationsÌýmay include (but is not limited to):Ìý

• consideration of different qualifications/routes into HEÌýÌý

• educationalÌýcontextÌý

• participation in sustained widening participation outreach activityÌýÌý

4.1.3 91Ó°ÊÓ is committed to widening access and participation. AdmissionsÌýprocessesÌýsupport the commitments set out in theÌýCourtauld’sÌýAccess and Participation PlanÌý2025-2029ÌýbyÌýseekingÌýto minimise unnecessary barriers for applicants, promoting equality of opportunity forÌýunderrepresentedÌýgroups. Contextual information may be used where relevant to support fair assessment and to recognise the circumstances in which an applicant’s achievements have been gained.Ìý

4.1.4 91Ó°ÊÓ will make reasonable adjustments to the admissions process whereÌýrequired. Disability declarations are used to arrange support or adjustments and are not used when making academic admissions decisions.Ìý

4.2 EntryÌýRequirementsÌý

4.2.1ÌýEntry requirements are published on programmeÌýwebpages,ÌýandÌýareÌýreviewed andÌýapproved by theÌýUndergraduateÌýAdmissions and Widening Participation Committee,ÌýPostgraduateÌýAdmissionsÌýand Widening Participation Committee, or Research Degrees Committee asÌýappropriate.ÌýApplicants are encouraged to review entry requirement information before they apply.Ìý

4.2.2 Entry requirements are set to reflect the knowledge, skills and experienceÌýrequiredÌýfor successful study on the relevant programmeÌýwhilstÌýalsoÌýsupporting fair access.Ìý

4.2.3 91Ó°ÊÓ considers UK and international qualifications. International qualifications are considered with reference to recognised comparability information, includingÌýÌýwhereÌýappropriate.Ìý

4.2.4 Applicants whose first language is not English mayÌýbe requiredÌýtoÌýdemonstrateÌýEnglish languageÌýproficiency. Accepted tests, scores and any exemptions areÌýpublishedÌýonline in 91Ó°ÊÓ’s English language requirements guidance.Ìý

4.2.5 Where an applicant has studied atÌýan appropriate levelÌýin English, this may be considered as evidence of English languageÌýproficiency, subject to the requirements published by 91Ó°ÊÓ and, where relevant, UK Visas and Immigration.Ìý

4.2.6ÌýTheÌýCourtauldÌýis committed to allowing all our applicants toÌýdemonstrateÌýtheir potential, and show themselves to their best advantage, regardless of background. In recognition of the barriersÌýapplicantsÌýfrom underrepresented backgrounds face in applying to higher education, 91Ó°ÊÓ offers a contextual offer scheme. EligibleÌýapplicantsÌýmay receive an offer of up to two grades lower than our typical grade requirements.ÌýApplicantsÌýfrom the following groups are likely to be made a contextual offer:Ìý

• ApplicantsÌýfromÌýÌýQ1&2Ìý

• ApplicantsÌýfrom the Global MajorityÌý(as defined in ourÌýAPP).Ìý

• State school attendeesÌý

• DisabledÌýApplicantsÌý

• Care experiencedÌýApplicantsÌý

• CarersÌý

• EstrangedÌýApplicantsÌý

• ApplicantsÌýwho are the first in their family to attend higher educationÌý

4.2.7 All 91Ó°ÊÓ’s admissions activities areÌýmonitoredÌýand evaluated in respect to its mission and targets as set out in theÌýAccess and Participation Plan.Ìý

4.3 ApplicationÌýRoutes andÌýDeadlinesÌý

UndergraduateÌý

4.3.1 Undergraduate applications areÌýsubmittedÌýthrough UCAS. Applicants are encouraged to apply by the relevant UCAS equal consideration deadline.ÌýFurtherÌýinformationÌýis available online onÌý91Ó°ÊÓ’s Undergraduate Study webpage.Ìý

4.3.2 91Ó°ÊÓÌýcomplies withÌýthe deadlines published by UCAS, ensuring that no application received by the equal consideration deadline is rejectedÌýon the ground that it was received after others. 91Ó°ÊÓÌýdoesÌýmanage and assess applications throughout theÌýcycle andÌýmay make offers before the equal consideration deadline.Ìý

4.3.3 91Ó°ÊÓ may consider undergraduate applications received after the equal consideration deadline where placesÌýremainÌýavailable. It mayÌýparticipateÌýin UCAS Extra or UCAS Clearing where placesÌýremainÌýavailable after earlier deadlines have passed.Ìý

PostgraduateÌýTaughtÌý

4.3.4ÌýPostgraduate taught applications are made directly to 91Ó°ÊÓ through its online application form. Applicants should apply by the published deadline for the relevant programme.ÌýFurtherÌýinformationÌýis available online onÌý91Ó°ÊÓ’s Postgraduate Study webpage.Ìý

Postgraduate ResearchÌý

4.3.5ÌýPostgraduate research applications are made directly to 91Ó°ÊÓ. ApplicantsÌýare normally required toÌýregister interest through the published pre-application process beforeÌýsubmittingÌýa full applicationÌýthrough its online application form.ÌýFurtherÌýinformationÌýis available online onÌý91Ó°ÊÓ’s Postgraduate Study webpage.Ìý

GeneralÌý

4.3.6ÌýLate applications may be considered where placesÌýremainÌýavailable and where there is sufficient time to complete all admissions, offer, deposit,ÌývisaÌýand enrolment requirements before the start of the programme.Ìý

4.3.7ÌýApplicants should ensure that all required information and supporting documents are provided by the stated deadline. Incomplete applications may be delayed,ÌýwithdrawnÌýor consideredÌýbased onÌýthe information available.Ìý

4.4 Assessment andÌýSelectionÌý

4.4.1 Applications are assessed using the information provided in the application and any required supporting documents, which may include qualifications, transcripts, personal statements, references, written work, portfolios, researchÌýproposalsÌýor other programme-specific material.Ìý

UndergraduateÌý

4.4.2 Undergraduate applications are assessed against the published entry requirements and selection criteria for the relevant programme.ÌýThey are assessed by the Admissions TeamÌýand,ÌýwhereÌýappropriate, by the Academic Head of Admissions.ÌýContextual information may be used where applicable.Ìý

Postgraduate TaughtÌý

4.4.3 Postgraduate taught applications are assessed by the Admissions Team and, whereÌýappropriate, by academicÌýprogramme leadsÌýwith responsibility for admissions to the programme.Ìý

Postgraduate ResearchÌý

4.4.4 Postgraduate research applications are assessed with reference to academic achievement and potential, the proposed research project, supervisory fit and capacity, and interview performance where an applicant is shortlisted.Ìý

GeneralÌý

4.4.5 Some programmes requireÌýadditionalÌýselection activity, such as an interview, test, portfolioÌýreviewÌýor practical assessment. Where this isÌýrequired, it will be set out in programme information or applicant communications.Ìý

4.4.6 91Ó°ÊÓ does not normally interview undergraduate applicants, although an informal discussion may be used in limited circumstances where clarification isÌýrequired, including during Confirmation and Clearing.Ìý

4.4.7 Interviews for postgraduate programmes may be used where they form part of the published or communicated selection process. Interview performance will be considered alongside the application and supporting documents.Ìý

4.4.8 For the MA in the Conservation of Easel Paintings and MA in the Conservation of Wall Paintings, selected applicants mayÌýbe requiredÌýto complete relevant tests,ÌýsubmitÌýaÌýportfolioÌýand attend an interview before an offer can be made.Ìý

4.4.9 For the MA History of Art, applications are reviewed with reference to the applicant’s indicatedÌýoptionÌýpreferences and study interests, as well as the published entry requirements and selection criteria.Ìý

4.4.10 Further information on specific programme assessment requirements can be found on theÌýCourtauld’sÌýonline application guidance.Ìý

4.5 Offers,ÌýConditions andÌýDecisionÌýCommunicationÌý

4.5.1 Formal admissions decisions are communicated to applicants through UCAS for undergraduate, 91Ó°ÊÓ’s application system for postgraduate, and via email.Ìý

4.5.2 An offer may be unconditional or conditional. Conditions may relate to academic qualifications, English languageÌýproficiency, references, document verification, fee status, deposits, visaÌýrequirementsÌýor other requirements relevant to admission.Ìý

4.5.3 Applicants are expected to meet the conditions of their offer by the deadlineÌýstatedÌýin their formal offer communication.Ìý

4.5.4 91Ó°ÊÓ may consider whether an applicant who has narrowly missed an academic condition can still be admitted. This does not apply where the condition is required by law, regulation, visa sponsorshipÌýrequirementsÌýor another mandatory requirement.Ìý

4.5.5 Where a deposit isÌýrequired, the offer communication willÌýstateÌýthe amount, the deadline and how it should be paid.ÌýIf the deposit is not paid by the deadlineÌýstatedÌýin the correspondence, the offer may be considered withdrawn.Ìý

4.5.6 Deposit, refund and cancellation terms are set out in the offer communication andÌýpublished fees and refunds information.Ìý

4.5.7 ApplicantsÌýwho receive offers to multiple programmes must firmly accept one offer only by the deposit deadline.Ìý

4.6 Feedback,ÌýComplaints andÌýAppealsÌý

4.6.1 91Ó°ÊÓ is not normally able to provide detailed individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants. WhereÌýadditionalÌýfeedback is requested in writing, 91Ó°ÊÓ may provide brief feedback where this isÌýappropriateÌýandÌýpracticable.Ìý

4.6.2 A request for feedback is not an appeal and will not result in a reconsideration of the application.Ìý

4.6.3 91Ó°ÊÓ will not normally considerÌýnew informationÌýor documentsÌýsubmittedÌýafter a decision has beenÌýmade, unlessÌýthis is requested by 91Ó°ÊÓ.Ìý

4.6.4 91Ó°ÊÓ is committed to providing a transparent,ÌýfairÌýand communicative Admissions service. Whilst it is hoped that most queries or issues can be resolved informally, there may be times when a formal appeal or complaint is necessary.Ìý

4.6.5 An applicant may request a review of an admissions decision only where there is evidence that the admissions procedure was not followed.Ìý

4.6.6 Appeals relating to admissions decisions should be put in an email and sent to the Admissions Manager. The appeal will be logged and ifÌýappropriate passedÌýto the Head of Admissions. If either member of staff was involved in the original decision, then the application will be passed to another suitable member of academic staff. The final decision will be sent to the applicant by the Academic Registry on behalf of the tutor.Ìý

4.6.7Ìý91Ó°ÊÓ will not consider a complaint or appeal that is based solely on disagreement with academic judgement.Ìý

4.6.8ÌýComplaints or requests for review should beÌýsubmittedÌýin writing to the Admissions and Enrolment Team within 14 days of the relevant decision orÌýincident, unlessÌýa different timescale is specified in the relevant procedure.Ìý

4.6.9Ìý91Ó°ÊÓ will normally communicate only with theÌýapplicant, unlessÌýthe applicant has provided written consent for a named third party to discuss the application.Ìý

4.7 Applicant Responsibilities, Verification and FraudÌý

4.7.1 ApplicantsÌýare responsible forÌýproviding complete,ÌýaccurateÌýand truthful information in their application and for responding to requests for information by the stated deadline.Ìý

4.7.2 ApplicantsÌýare responsible forÌýkeeping their contact details up to date and forÌýcheckingÌýemailÌýcommunicationsÌýfromÌý91Ó°ÊÓ.Ìý

4.7.3 91Ó°ÊÓ may verify qualifications, references, English language evidence, identity documents, fee status information, personal statements, researchÌýproposalsÌýand any other information provided as part of an application.Ìý

4.7.4 Where information appears to be false, misleading, incomplete, plagiarised, fraudulent or not the applicant’s own work, 91Ó°ÊÓ may investigate, request further information, suspend consideration of the application, reject the application, withdraw an offer, withdraw visa sponsorship or withdraw registration if the applicant has enrolled.Ìý

4.7.5 91Ó°ÊÓ may refer suspected fraud or other relevant matters to UCAS, awarding bodies, UK Visas and Immigration, theÌýpoliceÌýor anotherÌýappropriate bodyÌýwhere it is lawful andÌýappropriate toÌýdo so.Ìý

4.7.6 91Ó°ÊÓ reserves the right to interview an applicant at any point in the admissions process where this is necessary to verify information, assess credibility or meet visa sponsorship requirements.Ìý

4.8 SpecificÌýAdmissionsÌýArrangementsÌý

4.8.1 DeferredÌýEntryÌý

4.8.1.1Ìý91Ó°ÊÓ may consider deferred entry requests on a case-by-case basis. Deferrals are normallyÌýpermittedÌýfor one year only. Applicants seeking a longer deferral will normallyÌýbe requiredÌýto reapply.Ìý

4.8.1.2ÌýWhere a deferral is agreed, programme content, tuition fees, entryÌýrequirementsÌýand other arrangements may change for the new year of entry.Ìý

4.8.2 Transfers andÌýPriorÌýLearningÌý

4.8.2.1Ìý91Ó°ÊÓ may consider applications from applicants seeking to transfer from another institution where relevant prior credit or experience can be considered and where the programme structureÌýpermitsÌýit.Ìý

4.8.2.2ÌýResearch degree transfers may be considered whereÌýappropriate supervisoryÌýarrangements, registration requirements and governance approvals can be met.Ìý

4.8.3 ApplicantsÌýUnder theÌýAge of 18Ìý

4.8.3.1ÌýApplicants must be at least 17 years old at the point of admission, unlessÌýtheÌýrequirement isÌýspecificallyÌýwaived.Ìý

4.8.3.2ÌýWhere an applicant will beÌýunder 18Ìýat admission or enrolment, 91Ó°ÊÓ will consider the application in line with itsÌýUnder 18ÌýPolicyÌýandÌýSafeguarding obligations. Admission in such cases is exceptional and subject toÌýappropriate arrangementsÌýbeing in place.Ìý

4.8.4 CriminalÌýConvictionsÌý

4.8.4.1 Starting for the 2026/27 cycle, applicantsÌýareÌýnotÌýnormally required toÌýdeclare criminal convictions as part of the application process unless this isÌýrequiredÌýfor aÌýnon-degree programmeÌýrequirementÌýat 91Ó°ÊÓ (work, accommodation etc.).Ìý

4.8.5 Disability andÌýReasonableÌýAdjustmentsÌý

4.8.5.1ÌýApplicants are encouraged to tell 91Ó°ÊÓ about any disability, learning difference, mental healthÌýconditionÌýor long-term health condition where theyÌýrequireÌýsupport or reasonable adjustments during the admissions process.Ìý

4.8.5.2ÌýInformationÌýdisclosedÌýfor support or adjustment purposes is handled separately from academicÌýselectionÌýwhereverÌýpracticable.Ìý

4.8.6 FeeÌýAssessmentÌý

4.8.6.1Ìý91Ó°ÊÓ assesses fee status using information provided by the applicant and with reference to relevantÌýÌý

4.8.6.2ÌýIfÌýadditionalÌýinformation isÌýrequiredÌýtoÌýdetermineÌýfee status, applicants must provide it by the deadlineÌýstatedÌýin email correspondence. Where information is not provided, the assessment may be finalisedÌýon the basis ofÌýthe evidence available.Ìý

4.8.7 StudentÌýVisasÌý

4.8.7.1ÌýApplicants who require a visa to study in the UK must meet UK Visas and Immigration requirements and any Courtauld requirements for Student visa sponsorship.ÌýThe requirements and associated deadlines are set out clearly online on 91Ó°ÊÓ’s International guidance, and in emailed offer communication.Ìý

4.8.7.2Ìý91Ó°ÊÓ will issue a CAS only where the applicant holds an unconditional offer, has met any deposit requirement, and has satisfied the checksÌýrequiredÌýfor sponsorship.Ìý

4.8.7.3Ìý91Ó°ÊÓ may withdraw an offer or decline to issue a CAS where there are significant concerns that the applicant will not meet visa requirements, will not obtain a visa in time, or will not be able to enrol within the permitted period.Ìý

4.8.8 EducationÌýAgentsÌý

4.8.8.1Ìý91Ó°ÊÓ does not currently use education agents to recruit applicants on its behalf.Ìý

4.8.8.2ÌýApplicants are encouraged to contact 91Ó°ÊÓ directly for admissions advice and support.Ìý

4.8.9 ProgrammeÌýChanges orÌýDiscontinuationÌý

4.8.9.1Ìý91Ó°ÊÓ will makeÌýallÌýreasonable effort to provide clear andÌýaccurateÌýinformation about programmes. Where aÌýsignificant changeÌýor discontinuation affects applicants or offer holders, 91Ó°ÊÓ will communicate the change and any available options as soon as reasonablyÌýpracticable.Ìý

4.8.10ÌýRefund andÌýCancellation rightsÌý

4.8.10.1ÌýApplicantsÌýhaveÌýthe right to a 14-day cancellationÌýperiod, starting from the day an applicant accepts their offer fromÌý91Ó°ÊÓ.ÌýCancellation rightsÌýareÌýset out inÌýoffer communication and published fees and refunds information.Ìý

4.8.10.2ÌýAn applicant can cancel their acceptance for any reason during this period by clearly expressing their decision in writing by emailing the admissions team.ÌýFurther information on fees and refunds is available online.Ìý

4.8.10.3 If an applicant cancels their acceptanceÌýafter paying tuition feesÌýwithin the 14-day period, 91Ó°ÊÓ will reimburse the applicant including their deposit no later than 14 days after theÌýday on which the applicant informed 91Ó°ÊÓ of their cancellation.Ìý

4.8.11 Reapplying andÌýReadmissionÌý

4.8.11.1ÌýAn unsuccessful applicant may reapply in a future admissions cycle.ÌýA previousÌýunsuccessful application will not disadvantage a future application.Ìý

4.8.11.2ÌýApplicants seekingÌýreadmission after withdrawalÌýfrom a Courtauld programme must apply through the standard admissions process and are not guaranteed a place.ÌýApplicants are asked to include informationÌýregardingÌýtheirÌýpreviousÌýwithdrawal and their reasons for wanting to restart the programme.Ìý

4.8.11.3 Applicants cannot apply for a programme they have already completed at 91Ó°ÊÓ.Ìý

6.1 91Ó°ÊÓ will review this Policy every three years from the point of approval and publication. The Policy may be reviewed and updated earlier if there are changes in legislation, regulation,ÌýgovernmentÌýor institution policy before this point.ÌýThe Admissions and Enrolment ManagerÌýis responsible forÌýmonitoring changes that mayÌýimpactÌýthe Policy.Ìý

Below are the Admissions Team’s email addresses covering various aspects of theÌýAdmissionsÌýPolicy:Ìý

ugadmissions@courtauld.ac.ukÌý– Undergraduate Degree ProgrammesÌý

pgadmissions@courtauld.ac.ukÌý– Postgraduate Taught and Research Degree ProgrammesÌý

international@courtauld.ac.ukÌý– Visa and Immigration, International Entry RequirementsÌý

feepayments@courtauld.ac.ukÌý– Deposits and Tuition FeesÌý