If you have questions about your applying to uni during coronavirus, we've got your back
We're doing everything we can to limit the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on your study plans and we're ready to welcome you to #TeamMDX!
We know you've got questions though, so we've put together this information for all new students, whether you're starting in 2020 or thinking about applying for January 2021.
We'll keep this updated regularly and get in touch with you directly about any changes to your course or application.
Our guide to what to expect when you start uni, including our plans for teaching and student services, as well as where to get personal advice.
With changes to the system for assessments this year, we’re taking a more flexible approach to admissions.
We're happy to accept the higher result for your A-Levels or BTecs, or the equivalent, from your:
We'll also consider your predicted grades and mock grades if they meet our entry requirements. We'll just need to speak with your tutor to confirm that you're right for the course.
The government and Ofqual have decided that you can use centre assessed grades to apply to uni. These are the grades which your school or college assesses you were most likely to have achieved, had your exams gone ahead.
If your centre assessed grades means that you'll have higher results, then UCAS will send them to us. We'll also accept centre assessed grades directly from you so you don't need to wait for UCAS to get your place with us. If you want to know your centre assessed grades, then you'll need to ask your school or college.
Look out for more info in your email and give us a ring if you're not sure.
We’ll always use your highest results to help us make a decision about your application. We'll look at more than just your grades to make sure the decision is fair. And if we're not able to offer you a place on your original course, we'll always try and find an alternative option.
Remember that we'll continue to give equal consideration to all applications regardless of where you are from, or where you live. And we don't have any plans to change the term, enrolment or induction dates advertised on our website.
We understand that you may feel that your grades don’t show your ability because of problems with the system for assessments this year.
Try not to worry – it’s still worth talking to us about applying. We’ll do our best to look at your application on an individual basis. We'll consider making an offer at a lower grade and look at more than your grades when we’re making a decision.
Whatever your results, ask us about your options in Clearing.
With changes to the system for assessments this year, we’re taking a more flexible approach to admissions. To assess your academic achievement and confirm your offer, we're happy to use the higher result for your A-Levels or BTecs, or the equivalent, from your:
We'll also consider your predicted grades and mock grades if they meet our entry requirements. We'll just need to speak with your tutor to confirm that you're right for the course.
These are the grades which your school or colleges assess you were most likely to have achieved, had your exams gone ahead.
If your centre assessed grades means that you'll have higher results, then UCAS will send them to us. We'll also accept centre assessed grades directly from you so you don't need to wait for UCAS to get your place with us. If you want to know your centre assessed grades, then you'll need to ask your school or college.
Look out for more info in your email and give us a ring if you're not sure.
There will be lots of personal factors in your decision about whether to start a course in 2020 or January 2021. We're here to look out for you and give you the support and updates you need to make the right choice, so reach out if you have any questions.
Here are some things to think about:
For the first few months of term, we’re planning to teach you through a mix of online virtual and face to face learning. This means we can keep everyone safe while aiming to give you some opportunities to come onto campus. These arrangements are different across the courses that we offer so check your course page for info.
To understand more about our approach, read our guides to how we'll teach your subject.
We encourage you to work towards starting your degree in the autumn if you can, because that means you'll have more opportunity to make the most of being part of the #TeamMDX community. If that's not possible, then you might be able to start in January 2021 so check our list of courses with January start dates.
Don't worry, you can still apply for student finance in the same way as before, but if you're not sure about the process UCAS has plenty of information available to help get you started.
The Student Loans contact centre has re-opened for students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland after a temporary closure as well, but if you've got any questions about your student finance application you should check their FAQs to see if you can find an answer there first.
If you're from the EU, you'll still be able to apply for student finance for this year and January 2021.
When you apply to a postgraduate course during coronavirus, we want to reassure you that:
We understand that everything that's happened recently means that your undergraduate studies might have been impacted, for example you've achieved a different result than expected. Get in touch with us if you're worried and we'll be happy to discuss your application with you.
We understand there will be an impact on international applicants in a number of different ways, but while the the situation is changing every day:
We're aware a large number of international applicants have had their exams cancelled:
We can sponsor you for a CAS if your course has some face to face on campus teaching. When you have a CAS then you can apply for Student route (formerly tier 4) visa to study in the UK.
If you’ve applied for a course that’s taught fully online, then we won’t be able to sponsor you for a CAS because of UK Visa and Immigration regulations. This means you won't be able to come to campus for the start of term. If living on campus is important to you, then your Regional Office can support you to change to a course with some face to face teaching which will allow you to apply for a study visa.
Check your course page for information about you'll be taught.
You can decide to move into accommodation for the start of term, during the first few months or in January. We'll support you to find a room as long as we have availability. There's more info on accommodation below.
If your course is taught fully online then you won’t be able to move to accommodation on campus for the start of your course. If you want more options, then speak to your Regional Office about changing your application.
The main Sheppard Library will be open and providing a full service during weekdays. Our library service also includes free remote access to our big collection of online ebooks and journal articles.
There will be bookable study spaces on campus and desktop PCs and Macs available. You can also loan a laptop for home, for short or long term use.
You’ll get lots of expert online support through one to one appointments, virtual training sessions and drop-ins.
Our online and virtual experiences give you the chance to find the information and support you need, explore our outstanding facilities and find out what it's like studying here.
So, even if you can't make it to our north London campus right now, you can still get a feel for what it's like to be a part of #TeamMDX.
Our admissions enquiries team is happy to listen, give you any information you need and answer all your questions.
They're here to support you and even though you can't come to see them on campus, the team is still available for you to contact in a number of different ways.
