How to Apply & Admissions

What you need to know about applying

Whether it’s your first or second time around, we know that going to University is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. At the University of Bolton, we are here to help.

Below, we outline everything you need to know, from submitting your application and entry requirements to the important policies you should be aware of.

Take your time to read and digest everything, and if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch on +44 (0)1204 903 394 or Admissions@bolton.ac.uk.

For information on the number of applicants, offers, acceptances and registrations on our 2019-20 entrants, please visit our transparency information page.

How to apply

Home Admissions and Entry requirements

The University of Bolton accepts applications from students from all backgrounds, with each applicant being assessed on their own merit in accordance with the Student Admissions Policy and the criteria outlined for each specific course.

We accept UCAS points from subjects such as General Studies and Critical Thinking at A2-level/AS level for most courses. We also accept up to 16 points from Key Skills at levels 3 and 4, the Free-Standing Mathematics qualifications or Higher Sports Leaders Awards. You can also combine points from different qualifications, as long as they’re not in the same subject.

Each applicant is required to have five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, or equivalent. For some courses, this must include English and Maths, all of this information can be found on the specific course page.

References and Statements

Alongside all of the above, applicants must also have academic references and a personal statement.

References are a critical part of the application process, and need to include the following information:

  • Attendance and punctuality
  • Academic performance
  • Time management skills
  • Information in regards to any extra-curricular activities

Meanwhile, your personal statement is your chance to explain why you’d be a great student and a good match for the course you’ve chosen. This goes towards helping to determine who is accepted on to the course alongside academic achievements, and can outline:

  • Why you want to do the course
  • Where you think the course will take you
  • Information about any paid or unpaid work experience
  • Your interests and hobbies

Full-time Undergraduate

All full-time Undergraduate applications are made via UCAS for entry in September. When making your choices, you’ll require the following information:

  • Institution Code Name: BOLTN
  • Institution Code Number: B44

If you are submitting an application for entry in January, this cannot be submitted via UCAS (aside from Nursing, see below) and must be done through the University’s online application form.

To submit an application, find the course you’re looking for using the ‘Course Finder’ and select ‘Apply Now’ and follow the instructions.

Nursing

When applying for BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult), all applications, regardless of the NHS Trust, should be made via UCAS. This includes January entrants. Alternatively, you may apply directly if you do not have a UCAS application.

When applying, please make sure you select the correct NHS Trust where you wish to undertake your placement.

Pre-degree, Part-time, Postgraduate taught and professional development programmes

All non-UCAS applications must be submitted directly through the University of Bolton website, this can be done using our online application form.

You can find and submit an application form by using the ‘Course Finder’ to find the relevant course. Once on the page, select the ‘Apply Now’ tab and follow the instructions.

Postgraduate research

For those looking to undertake a Postgraduate research degree at the University of Bolton, we encourage you to contact the relevant Research Coordinator for the academic area where your research proposal will be located.

For further information, please visit our dedicated Research and Graduate webpages.

International & EU Pre-degree, Undergraduate and Postgraduate taught

We encourage applications from international students who wish to study at the University of Bolton. There is a reason why our students have voted us number 1 for student satisfaction in Greater Manchester (Complete University Guide 2020).

When it comes to the application process for international students, we try to make it as easy as possible.

The individual application process will all depend on the course you’re looking to study and your current location. The ways to apply are:

  • Direct to the University. Links for the next available intakes of these courses are shown on the course pages. Please click the link, which will direct you to the online application form. Please read our user guide before completing this
  • Via one of our approved in-country referral partners. A list of our partners may be found on our International website pages
  • Apply via UCAS for courses starting in September via https://www.ucas.com/

If you have any queries please contact the International Team on +44 (0)1204 903 110 or international@bolton.ac.uk.

Postgraduate research

For international students looking to undertake a University of Bolton Postgraduate research degree, it’s advised that you contact the relevant Research Coordinator for the academic area. You can get in touch with us on +44 (0)1204 903 394 or Admissions@bolton.ac.uk.

Important Information

Important information

The University of Bolton’s Admissions Policy can be found in the Student Policy Zone.

Within this policy, you’ll find lots of important information about our admissions principals and our decision-making process, such as:

  • How we assess applications
  • Entry requirements
  • How we’ll communicate with you
  • Your responsibilities during the process

We advise that before applying to the University of Bolton, you read through all of this information.

Your contract with the University

By offering you a place to study at the University, it means we are preparing to make a contract with you. This contract will be updated throughout the various stages of the admissions process and during your time as a student.

The information within your offer, enrolment letters, and information within key documents, all form an essential part of the contract. Therefore, it’s important that all applicants read through and understand them before accepting the offer and enrolling with us.

 

The Terms & Conditions of Enrolment and Course Fees Policy can be found in the Student Policy Zone.

Complaints and appeals for applicants

If you are unhappy with the way your application has been handled, or if you want to request a review of the decision made on your application, you should contact our Admissions Team on +44 (0)1204 903 394 or Admissions@bolton.ac.uk in the first instance.

Following this, if you are still unhappy, the next step would be to consult with the Complaints and Appeals Process for Applicants, which can be found in the Student Policy Zone.

Enrolment Cancellation

After you’ve enrolled with the University, you have 14 days to cancel your enrolment if you are unhappy with your decision.

If this is something you are considering, we would encourage you to discuss it with either your personal tutor or a student advisor. Following this, if you still wish to cancel your enrolment, you’ll find the Enrolment Cancellation Form in the Student Policy Zone.

Additional Policies 

All other policies which relate to your studies at the University of Bolton, including our attendance policy, the library code of conduct and exam procedures can be found in the Student Policy Zone.

Below, we’ve highlighted all the key dates for applicants looking to start at the University of Bolton in 2020.

UCAS APPLICATION OPENSWednesday 4 September 2019

UCAS APPLICATION DEADLINE - Wednesday 15 January 2020
(Except those with a 15 October deadline)

Your application will be given equal consideration with others if it is submitted before 18:00 (UK time) on 15 January.

UCAS EXTRA OPENSTuesday 25 February 2020

UCAS Extra gives you the chance to apply for an extra course if you are not holding any offers elsewhere.

OFFER REPLY DATE (DECLINE BY DEFAULT)Tuesday 5 May 2020

If you receive all your decisions by the 31 of March, you will need to reply to your offers by the 5 of May, or they’ll be declined.

OFFER REPLY DATE (DECLINE BY DEFAULTThursday 4 June 2020

If you receive all your decisions by the 6 of May, you will need to reply to your offers by the 4 of June or they’ll be declined.

OFFER REPLY DATE (DECLINE BY DEFAULTThursday 18 June 2020

If you receive all your decisions by the 4 of June, you will need to reply to your offers by the 18 of June or they’ll be declined.

FINAL APPLICATION DEADLINETuesday 30 June 2020

This is the last date for the receipt of applications at UCAS (18:00 UK time). All applications received after this date will be automatically entered into Clearing.

UCAS EXTRA CLOSESSunday 5 July 2020

This is the last date for existing applicants to apply through UCAS Extra.

2019 ENTRY CLEARING OPENSMonday 6 July 2020

Clearing vacancies will open to be applied for.

A-LEVEL RESULTS DAYThursday 13 August 2020

If you have achieved your predicted A-Level grades then your place on the course will be confirmed. The University’s Clearing services will open if there are places available.

UNIVERSITY SEMESTER ONE START DATEMonday 21 September 2020

Congratulations and welcome to the University of Bolton. Following a week of welcome and enrolment events, you’ll be ready to begin your journey with us.

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Help Centre

We have the answers to your questions, find all the advice and support in one place.

Part of the University of Bolton Group

Bolton college
Alliance learning
Anderton centre2
RiSE pos rgb logo
TEF Silver QQA