Undergraduate Admissions Statement for 2025 entrants
This Admissions Statement applies to applications submitted for entry to Undergraduate programmes for entry in September 2025. It should be read in association with the University’s Admissions Policy, which can be found under 'Admissions' on the Academic Policies and Procedures page.
The purpose of this admissions statement is to provide clear and transparent admissions processes, to maintain consistency, and ensure quality, diversity, and inclusion.
Competition for Places
Applicants can experience competition for places for some programmes, and the level of competition can vary year on year depending upon the number of places available and the standard of applications received. The relevant Faculty Admissions team can provide information on competitive programmes in previous years. While this will indicate previous demand for places, this will not act as a predictor of potential offers in the current admissions cycle.
Application process
The University of Strathclyde operates a decentralised admissions procedure. This means that all academic decisions on applications are made by Faculty Admissions Teams, and these decisions are processed by the central Admissions team.
There are two ways to apply to the University of Strathclyde for undergraduate study:
- Direct Applications (for international applicants)
- UCAS (Universities & Colleges Admissions Service) for UK/Ireland and EU/International applicants who hold settled or pre-settled status.
Both apply options can be found by selecting the Apply tab on the programme pages found on the University of Strathclyde webpages. Please note, Direct Applications may not be available for every programme. The UCAS deadline for equal consideration of your application for September 2025 entry is 29 January 2025.
For your application to be considered, you must have included the qualifications you have already gained, any qualifications you are expecting to complete, a personal statement and an academic reference.
Recent Relevant Study
Typically, there will be a limit to how long ago a relevant qualification was completed as outlined below:
Engineering, Science and Business School programmes:
Your relevant qualifications must normally have been completed within the last 5 years, although we consider extension of attainment under extenuating circumstances.
Humanities and Social Sciences:
Your relevant qualifications must normally have been completed within 3 years.
Any gaps in study should be accounted for and evidenced where appropriate. Failure to do so may result in an unsuccessful application.
Multiple Applications/Offers
Multiple applications to the University/Faculty will be considered. Please refer to the programme information where any exceptions will be noted.
Advanced entry
Entry into second year may be considered for some programmes, subject to completion of appropriate qualifications. This may include Advanced Highers in appropriate subjects, A Levels, IB, or an HND in appropriate subjects (including specific units). Advanced entry is not considered for all programmes – please check the programme pages.
Applicants who have completed study at another University may be considered for some programmes but may have to have attained specific criteria to be eligible. This will be subject-specific and should be discussed with the relevant Faculty admissions team.
Academic entry requirements
Our academic entry requirements for each programme are published on the programme pages of our website.
All applications are considered primarily based on your academic qualifications which will be reviewed alongside any additional relevant information or experience.
For most programmes any offer will be made using the information provided in the application form. For a few programmes an interview may also be required. If this is the case, this will be outlined in the programme entry requirements.
Applications from home-schooled students will be given equal consideration, providing the required official examinations have been successfully completed.
Please be aware that entry can be highly competitive for a number of programmes. Meeting or exceeding the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee an offer, as decisions are based on the overall strength of the applicant pool.
Contextual Admissions
We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. We select our students based on merit, potential and ability to benefit from the education we offer. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make offers based on the minimum entry requirements to certain applicants as a result. Further information can be found on the Contextual admissions page.
Residency Status/Tuition Fee Status
The cost of your studies at Strathclyde will depend upon your tuition fee status. To determine your fee status, we’ll use the information you provide in your application along with any supporting documents to establish whether you should be classed as “Home”, “Rest of UK - RUK” or “Overseas” for fee purposes. If we’re unable to determine your fee status from the information in your application, we’ll send you an invite to complete a Fee Assessment Form. You should complete the online form and submit it to us as soon as possible. Any offer is likely to be delayed until the fee assessment is returned and reviewed. You’ll be classified with the highest potential outcome of fee status until we review your completed Fee Assessment Form, determine your fee status, and send you confirmation of our final decision.
For further information on the fees regulations and guidance used to determine an applicant’s fee status, please see the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) webpages.
Decisions – Successful/Unsuccessful
For a number of our courses, we manage our places through a ‘gathered field’ system, where we consider the majority of applications after the UCAS equal consideration deadline in January. You therefore may not hear from us (through your UCAS Hub) until March, but we appreciate that you will be waiting for an outcome – please be assured that we will process your application as soon as we can.
Once a decision has been made regarding your application you will receive this via UCAS if you have applied through this route, or via your online application if you have made a direct application to the University.
If you receive an offer this will be either Conditional or Unconditional.
Conditional Offer:
this means that you still have conditions to meet, for example exam results or an English language qualification.
Unconditional Academic Offer:
this means that you have met all the academic requirements for admission to the programme. There may be additional administrative conditions to be met to ensure you can register for the programme. You will be made aware of any academic conditions required.
Unconditional Offer:
this means that you have met all of the requirements (academic and administrative) to ensure you can register for the programme.
Unsuccessful decision:
If the University is unable to make you an offer, either because you have not met the entry requirements or because the programme is highly competitive, you will receive an Unsuccessful decision. If places are available, you may receive an alternative offer through the application portal or by email. International applicants who are not eligible for the programme they have applied to will automatically be considered for a relevant International Foundation Programme at the International Study Centre and will be contacted if they meet the criteria.
Summer School:
For some applicants in Engineering and Science, a conditional offer may be made subject to completion of the University’s STEM Summer School (link provided) – a 4 week programme to help further skills in relevant subject areas. All details would be included in the any offer made.
Please note that failure to provide complete information in your application or once requested will mean that an offer cannot be made on your application.
Feedback
Feedback is available upon request to the relevant Faculty.
Confirmation of Results
If you have applied to the University through UCAS, they will send us your results which they receive from your awarding body for any qualifications outlined on the UCAS website.
If you are completing qualifications that are not on the UCAS list, or have applied directly to the University, you will be required to provide copies of the relevant qualification to allow us to confirm your place.
More advice about exam results.
Deferrals
Applications to defer may be considered, subject to the level of competition for programmes. Please note that it will not be possible to defer in some subject areas. If you wish to be considered for a deferred place please check with the relevant Faculty admissions team. Please note that deferrals are not considered within Strathclyde Business School programmes.
ATAS Requirements for International Students
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to some undergraduate students who are subject to UK immigration control and intend to study on integrated Science and Engineering programmes leading to a Masters (Meng, MPhys or MSci) award. If you are on a relevant programme, you may require an ATAS certificate unless you are an exempt nationality.
Visa Requirements for International Students
If you're a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you don't need Entry Clearance (a visa) to travel to the UK. You can travel freely through EEA states using your passport or national identity card.
If you're not an EEA national, you may need a visa in order to study in the UK. You can find out all you need to know about visas and immigration on our student support web pages.
Tuition Fees and Deposits
Some students are required to pay a deposit towards their fees prior to commencing their studies at the University.
Under 16s
The University admits students on merit and does not discriminate on the grounds of age. Some programmes of study are bound by external professional or placement requirements concerning age. All successful applicants are expected to evidence academic maturity in their application. If you are under the age of 16, you must get in touch with the Faculty Admissions Team prior to applying to receive guidance. On application, once a decision is made on your eligibility for your chosen programme of study, consideration will be given to any risk assessments to address safeguarding or welfare concerns. Further information can be found in the University’s Admissions Policy.
Criminal Convictions
The University has a commitment to protect students, staff and other stakeholders by providing a safe and secure environment for all. At application stage and at each registration stage (for programmes of study that require a criminal record disclosure check), a Student must declare any relevant convictions or charges. These will be assessed in accordance with the Procedure for Managing Students with Criminal Proceedings.
Unverifiable Information
The University holds the right to investigate anomalies in your application and may ask for further evidence in support of an application if required.
Extenuating Circumstances
If you have faced extenuating circumstances that are relevant to your application, please contact the Faculty Admissions Team, who may require supporting documentation to review your circumstances. Any requests must be made at the time of application, or by 30 June after application, at the latest. Any offers made under extenuating circumstances will be dependent on places available.
Contact Details
If we need any additional information from you, or we need to send you information relating to your programme choice, we will get in touch with you by email during the admissions cycle. You must therefore ensure that your application states your most up to date, personal (not most recent educational establishment), email address.
Readmission
The Faculty Admissions Team will facilitate requests for re-entering the University to study. Applicants seeking readmission should make contact prior to applying, as not all programmes are eligible for re-entry.
Applicants are also required to enter any prior study at the University on their application form.
Internal Transfer
Some programmes offer transfer within the University for current students. Students wishing to transfer internally should complete the online application form for discussion with their current Advisor of Studies/Supervisor/Academic Department.