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Undergraduate

Glossary of terms

Our guide to the key terms you may see when applying for an undergraduate degree. 

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The University’s admissions team will handle everything to do with your application, as well as being there to answer any questions you might have about the University or course.

An applicant is someone who has submitted an application to a university but has not yet completed the full admissions process to become a student.

Clearing is an opportunity for applicants to apply for a place that hasn't been filled.

An offer we give an applicant if they meet the requirements and conditions of their chosen course, for example, if they gain the required A-level grades.

Most university offers are made on a conditional basis, like receiving certain exam results or other conditions (such as health checks). Confirmation is the process that takes place after exam results are received or the outcome of other conditions are known.

A university admissions process that takes into consideration an applicant's circumstances and background.

A contextual offer may be made if an applicant meets certain criteria. This offer would be lower than our usual entry requirements.

Delaying the start date of the course being applied for. For example, if an applicant wants to take a gap year before starting university.

The date when there is a guarantee that all applications receive equal consideration (usually the end of January).

An applicant's first-choice university.

An applicant's second-choice university, if they do not meet the conditions of their firm choice.

An applicant would still need to meet the conditions of their insurance choice to get a place.

Circumstances or issues that have impacted or disrupted an applicant’s studies. 

A piece of writing an applicant provides as evidence of their experiences outside of their academic studies.

The grades an applicant's school or college predict they can achieve. Predicted grades are used to indicate academic suitability for the course being applied for and will appear on an applicant's UCAS form.

Someone who provides a reference for the UCAS application form.

A supporting statement from a teacher, adviser, or other professional, for the UCAS application form.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is an organisation that administers applications for entry onto full-time higher education courses.

UCAS Extra allows applicants to apply for an alternative place if no offers are held from their first five choices.

A place on the UCAS website where students can follow the progress of their university application.

Your UCAS number is your personal ID given to you by UCAS.

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a test that applicants are required to take when applying to certain medical or dental courses. Further information is available on individual course pages.

An offer made to an applicant without any conditions because entry requirements may have already been met.

This number is provided on receipt of an application to The University of Manchester. This is different to UCAS number/personal ID.

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