For the majority of courses, the first round of applications through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) in the UK will close on January 31, 2024. Are students who haven't prepared their applications still worried about choosing the right university? With only five course options, how should you strategize your application? And if you don't receive an offer for any of the five courses, what should you do next? In fact, some UK institutions now accept independent applications. This time, Cyclopes will analyze the benefits of direct applications to UK universities and the UK university options available.
Benefits of Direct Application to UK Universities
Besides not using up your UCAS application quota, UK universities that accept direct applications don't require students to choose their Firm Choice and Insurance Choice universities before results are released, as per UCAS's mechanism. This allows students to have more backup options without affecting their UCAS applications. So, which UK universities accept direct applications?
Options for Direct Application to UK Universities
Coventry University
Located in central England, Coventry University is about a 20-minute train journey from Birmingham. Besides the traditional September intake, the university also offers January intake for some courses and options to study at its London campus. Popular courses include Engineering, Physiotherapy, and Automotive Engineering.
2. University of West of England Bristol
UWE Bristol is located in the southwest of England, about 1 hour and 40 minutes by train from London. UWE has campuses in the City and Frenchay Campus (about 20 minutes from Bristol city center). Popular courses include Computer Science, Architecture, Physiotherapy, and Design.
University of Leicester
Located in central England, the University of Leicester is about an hour by train from Birmingham. Leicester was voted the UK city with the lowest cost of living index in 2023. Most necessities are within walking distance of the campus, which is not only convenient but also saves students a significant amount on transportation costs. Most courses offer a year of exchange or internship options. Popular courses include Biological Sciences, Media Studies, Archaeology, and Physiotherapy.
4. University of Hertfordshire
The University of Hertfordshire, located in Hatfield, is about an hour by train from central London. The university ranks in the top 20 globally for Animation, Visual Arts, and Game Design. Popular courses include Art and Design, Architecture, and Physiotherapy.
5. Royal Holloway University of London
RHUL is located in a town called Egham, near London, about 45 minutes by train from central London. The university's campus, especially the Founder's Building, is known for its iconic traditional architecture. Popular courses include Psychology, Media Studies, Music, and Computer Science.
Entry Requirements for Direct Application to UK Universities
The general entry requirements for the above universities are:
HKDSE scores: 444 - 554
IELTS scores: 6.0 - 6.5
In addition to the five universities listed above, other UK universities also accept direct applications. Whether you wish to submit an application through UCAS or are interested in universities that accept direct applications, feel free to contact Cyclopes. Our professional consultants can help with all your overseas study inquiries.