UCAS Advisers: Entry Profiles

How Entry Profiles can help your students to make the right decision

Entry Profiles are intended to give potential applicants specific information to help them make informed decisions about the courses they apply for. Detailed knowledge about the course, about formal entry requirements and about the qualities and experiences that universities and colleges are looking for in their applicants can help ensure that every applicant finds his or her way onto the right course. Entry Profiles are published on the UCAS Course Search. They are therefore available for all potential applicants to view as they search for courses and start making important initial decisions about where to apply.

We believe that Entry Profiles are invaluable guidance tools for teachers, careers advisers, applicants and potential applicants. They are compiled by staff at the university or college, who understand the kind of detail your students need to know about their courses, and what kind of personal qualities, interests and experiences will be helpful, in order to be a successful student on the course they ultimately choose.

Entry Profiles help students differentiate between courses

Courses vary enormously at different universities and colleges, even though the names of two or more courses might be the same. Differences in course content, structure, the availability of optional modules, and the department's approach to learning and teaching can make the experience of studying a particular subject very different for students at different institutions, even before the size and location of the institution is taken into account. It is important, therefore, that applicants are fully informed about every aspect of the course and the institutions offering it before they apply, and that they know what kind of qualities are being sought in an applicant. They can then make fully informed choices.

What are Entry Profiles for?

To provide important information for anyone interested in applying for a higher education course.

To help students imagine what it would be like to attend that university or college.

To let students know what the entry qualifications are, so that they can be sure that they are studying the required subjects for that course, and are on track to gain the grades which the university or college expects.

To tell students about the course in detail - what makes it different from other courses with the same title? What is the content of the course? Are there optional modules, special features, opportunities to travel abroad?

To tell students about the university or college which is offering the course. Where is it? How far away from their home is it? What facilities does it have? What kind of accommodation is available to first-year students?

To let students know what interests, personal qualities, or relevant experience the admissions staff might be looking for in their applicants.

To explain the institution's admission policy and selection procedures, including (where applicable) information about interviews or auditions.

Entry Profiles are found in the Course Search section of this website. They are subject to a process of continuous development and updating. To help us with this task, we welcome your comments. Please send them to profiles@ucas.ac.uk.