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Contextual Admissions for undergraduate applicants

Find out what contextual data is and how we use it to support your application

A diverse student body is important to us, and we aim to select students with the greatest potential to succeed on degree courses, regardless of their background and circumstances.

What is contextual data?

Contextual data is the information we take into consideration alongside what is already on your UCAS application that may have impacted your studies, for example, if you have spent time in care. We do this because we understand that sometimes your personal circumstance can impact the grades you achieve and access to other experiences, like extra-curricular activities or work experience.

Why we use contextual data

We want to ensure there are more opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds to attend university. Looking at a range of contextual data alongside the information already on your UCAS application gives us a better indication of your potential to excel in your chosen degree and helps us to ensure that all applicants have fair opportunities throughout our admissions process.

What does this mean for me?

If you meet the criteria below and we wish to make you an offer, you will receive a contextual offer up to 16 UCAS points lower than the entry requirements found on our course pages.

Any pre-requisite conditions would still need to be met as per our published entry requirements including GCSE requirements. You would still need to successfully complete any additional selection requirements such as an interview or portfolio.

Am I eligible?

Applicants domiciled in the UK may be eligible for a contextual offer if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • Live in a POLAR4* Q1 Postcode
  • Have spent any time in Care under a Local Authority

We will automatically receive the relevant information, such as your postcode, from your UCAS application. Please see below for further information for Care Leavers. Contextual offers will only apply to students completing a tariffable Level 3 qualification as defined by UCAS. Please note, this excludes applications made via clearing.

Contextual offers will only be made to applicants applying via UCAS using our institution code G70 and where the standard entry requirements are 64 UCAS points or higher.

Further information on POLAR4 Quintile 1

*POLAR – Participation of Local Areas: This measure classifies areas based on how likely young people are to participate in Higher Education across the UK. POLAR4 Q1 is used to show the lowest rate of participation.

Further information on the POLAR measure can be found here: www.officeforstudents.org.uk/data-and-analysis/polar-participation-of-local-areas/

To find out if your postcode is associated with POLAR4 Quintile 1, you can use the following postcode lookup: www.officeforstudents.org.uk/data-and-analysis/postcode-search/

Further information for Care Leavers

In order to qualify, you must be under the age of 25 at the start of your undergraduate degree and are being supported by your local authority.  It is essential that you indicate that you have spent time in care when you complete your UCAS or Direct Entry application form and you will need to email us and attach a letter from your local authority, which confirms you are a care leaver, to: contextualadmissions@greenwich.ac.uk

This will help us to identify and contact you to support you with our contextual admissions service and your journey into Higher Education.

Do also take a look at our care leaver and care experienced students webpage to find out lots more about the support that is available to you whilst you are studying at the University of Greenwich.

FAQs

What happens if I have already been given a conditional offer?

If you contact us at contextualadmissions@greenwich.ac.uk and attach the evidence requested, we may be able to make you a renewed offer at a lower tariff.

What happens if my application has already been rejected?

E-mail us at contextualadmissions@greenwich.ac.uk to inform us that your application has been rejected and we will review your application.

Travel reimbursements

If you’re eligible for a contextual offer, you can apply for up to £50 to reimburse you for travel costs when you attend an offer holder event. See our terms and conditions to find out more.