Departmental Admissions Statement

Admissions Tutors

• Dr Kirsten Cater
• Dr Simon Hollis
• Dr Mike Fraser
• Dr Bogdan Warinschi (Overseas)

Admissions Cycle

2009-2010 for entry in October 2010

1. Admissions Process

1.1 Introduction

This statement describes the procedures used by the Department of Computer Science for admission to the degree programmes listed in 1.2. Although the Mathematics and Computer Science degrees and the Computer Science and Electronics degrees are joint honours degrees the admissions are handled by the Department of Computer Science on behalf of the Board of Studies and there are no differences in the procedure used.

Applications from under-represented groups and local applicants are actively encouraged. To this end the Department participates in such schemes as HEADSTART, WISE, Summer Schools, Open Days, etc. Attendance at such events will be considered positively.

1.2 Programmes covered:

• G400 BSc Computer Science
• G401 MEng Computer Science with Study in Continental Europe
• G403 MEng Computer Science
• GG1K MEng Mathematics and Computer Science
• GG14 BSc Mathematics and Computer Science
• GH46 MEng Computer Science and Electronics *
• GH4P MEng Computer Science and Electronics with Study Abroad *

* Please note that these programmes have replaced the H622/H634 Computer Systems Engineering degree programmes. The new programme offers more flexibility and dedicated specialization themes in the last two years of study.

Candidates may transfer between Computer Science G400 and G403 till the end of the second year as the curriculum for both these degree programs are the same for the first two years.

1.3 Admissions Team

The Department's Admissions Team consists of the Admissions Tutors and the Admissions Co-ordinator. Regular meetings are held with the Head of Department to set Admissions policy and to review statistics and forecasts.

1.4 Applications

All applications are considered by the Admissions Tutors and the Admissions Co-ordinator. All candidates are assessed according to the following criteria to determine whether they should be considered for an offer (conditional or unconditional):

1. achieved or predicted grades in acceptable qualifications
2. the personal statement on the UCAS application form
3. the reference on the UCAS application form
4. additional contextual information

Any applications that seek entry to year 2 of one of our degree programmes will be considered by the Admissions Team; however the candidate must have successfully completed the first year of a Computer Science degree at another UK university and will usually be asked to attend the department for an interview.

All applications are considered on an equal basis and are not segregated by the type of educational institution attended by the candidate. The same process is applied to applications from home, overseas and mature students.

Wherever possible, all candidates are contacted or informed of a decision within 4 weeks of their application being received in the Department. Candidates to whom offers are to be made are informed in writing following attendance at an Admissions Day, or sooner in the case of exceptional circumstances or non-UK candidates. Details of offers are confirmed through UCAS. Unsuccessful candidates are informed through UCAS.

1.5 Admissions Days

Applicants to whom the Department are considering making an offer to are invited to attend an Admissions Day as an indicator of commitment to their chosen course (normally Wednesdays from November to March). Candidates are offered a choice of dates to attend and allowance is made for any exceptional circumstances. This provides an opportunity for applicants and their families to see the department, meet the staff and students, and learn about Bristol and the University.

Although there are other opportunities to visit the department, such as University Open Days, if a candidate is invited to attend an Admissions Day then they are expected to attend even if they have attended one of these other University events. This is because the Admissions Day is specifically tailored to prospective students, as well as giving the admissions team an opportunity to clarify issues that may not be clear from the application forms and to help decide on the details of any offer that may be made. Allowance is made however for a candidate that cannot make an Admissions Day due to any exceptional circumstance, if this is the case then the applicant should inform the Admissions Team as soon as possible.

1.6 Interviews

The department does not formally interview candidates in the UK apart from in the following exceptional circumstances:

• (i) to clarify issues that may not be clear from the application form;
• (ii) mature students whose qualifications provide a poor guide to academic ability;
• (iii) overseas students whose qualifications are unfamiliar to admissions staff;
• (iv) applications to enter the school in the second year of a degree having successfully completed the first year of a degree at another UK university.

Such interviews are rare, but where they do occur the interview panel will consist of two or three members. Interviewers are trained in accordance with the university's 'fair and effective' recruitment programme. When a candidate has been invited for a formal interview as described above they may also be asked to complete a short test of a mathematical nature.

1.7 Final Selection

When the A-Level results are announced, the department may occasionally accept additional strong “near-miss” candidates. Once the Faculty policy has been established and it has been decided on how many additional candidates can be accepted, the Admissions Team and Head of Department will review all aspects of individual cases to produce a list of candidates in order of preference for consideration by the Faculty.

2. Criteria for Assessing Candidates

2.1 Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements for standard qualifications (A-level, SQA, IB, Access, BTEC, Welsh Bacc, 14-19 Diploma, GCSEs) can be found in the University's online Undergraduate Prospectus. Other qualifications, including international qualifications, will be considered on their individual merits; further information is available on the International site.

2.2 Academic Record Criteria

Decisions regarding applications are made according to the following guidelines:

1. Candidates are expected to demonstrate high academic ability, normally equivalent to AAA / AAB at A level. Allowance is made for:
   • candidates who have extenuating circumstances
   • candidates who have relevant additional skills, knowledge or experience
   • mature candidates with relevant work experience and/or a University Access qualification
   • candidates from a school or college whose published academic performance indicators are below the national average
   • candidates from a school or college within the Bristol postcode area
   
   
2. For those offering A-Levels, Mathematics A-Level is required for all of our degree programmes. For those students studying other qualifications we will also require a high level of mathematics.
   
   
3. Those A-Level students interested in applying for the Computer Science and Electronics degree programmes should note that Physics or Electronics A-Level are also required as well as Mathematics A-Level.
   
   
4. Those A-Level students interested in applying for the Mathematics and Computer Science degree programmes should note that Further Mathematics is desirable, but not required, alongside Mathematics A-Level.
   
   
5. Those who are applying to study in Continental Europe are usually expected to achieve a GCSE grade A/A* (or equivalent) in the appropriate language, or have substantial other language experience.
   
   
6. A-Level General studies or Critical Thinking is not counted as part of offers, nor is it considered in the academic assessment of applicants.
   
   
7. A-Level Computer Science or ICT are not required for any of our courses.
   
   
8. Candidates for whom English is not their first language are expected to demonstrate that their command of English is of a sufficiently high standard, normally equivalent to that required to satisfy the University's English language criterion. This is usually 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each part of IELTS test.

2.3 Contextual Information

We take an holistic approach to all applications, ensuring that the educational and social context in which an applicant applies is taken into consideration, where supported by clear evidence that this may have adversely affected academic achievement. This may include time spent in Local Authority care, information about which is provided in the UCAS application.

We also consider evidence of clear motivation to study. This may include attendance at a University summer school, a targeted Access Scheme (such as Access to Bristol), or participation in Aimhigher outreach activities. Consideration will also be given to applicants who have completed a targeted Access scheme at another university, under the 'Mutual Recognition Scheme'.

We do not take the following into consideration when making admissions decisions: the school type attended by an applicant or whether an applicant's parent has any experience of higher education.

2.4 Personal Statement Criteria

Candidates are expected to give a personal statement. This should demonstrate a genuine interest in the chosen course and basic knowledge of the subject. Also highlighting their skills in mathematics and problem solving. It should also give evidence of strong study skills, responsibility, leadership and team working, commitment and achievement, both in academic and extra-curricula activities. Any relevant work experience or a Year in Industry placement should be highlighted along with any relevant reading/research beyond the A-Level course syllabus. We are also interested in the candidate’s other interests, both in and out of school (e.g. sport, music, societies, hobbies, etc), especially where this shows evidence of organisation, self-motivation, and the ability to balance different activities.

2.5 Reference Criteria

Candidates are expected to have a satisfactory reference. If from a school or college, preferably from a current personal tutor confirming the academic potential of the candidate to study at degree level. It should also give evidence of the commitment of the candidate to academic study and contributions to school life. Assessors will want to consider the accuracy and consistency of the predicted grades in the light of previous GCSE and AS level achievement (or reasons why this is not the case), evidence of effort and a positive attitude towards studies, and if there are any educational or special circumstances.

A non-academic reference should confirm the relevant experience of the candidate and give evidence of responsibility and commitment as well as mathematical and problem solving capabilities. Where appropriate, it should indicate the potential of the candidate for study at degree level.

2.6 Criteria for International Applicants

English Language requirements can be found in the UG Prospectus and at the University's Governance site:

2.7 Statement on Non-discrimination

All candidates are assessed on an equal basis and no candidates are discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexuality, religion, disability or age.

3. Offers

Typical offers for A-levels and other UK qualifications can be found in the Entry Data in the online Undergraduate Prospectus. Offers to applicants with non-standard qualifications will be made equivalent to the published A-level offer.

Professor Nishan Canagarajah
Head of Department

31st March 2009