How we select
Applications are assessed against agreed selection criteria for each degree programme.
Across the University there is a very wide range of subjects, some of which are more competitive to get into than others.
For most subject areas, the number of applications we receive outweighs the number of offers we are able to make.
Applications that meet the minimum entry requirements progress to a selection process in which each application received by the specified deadline is given full and equal consideration by at least two professional admissions staff members.
However, for some subject areas the number of applications we receive broadly equates to the number of offers we are able to make.
This means that if you achieve, or are predicted to achieve, the minimum entry requirements, and you have a good personal statement demonstrating an interest in your subject, and a supportive academic reference, you have a very good chance of being made an offer of admission.
This is also true for overseas applicants with full-fee status for subjects other than Medicine.
Selection criteria
Applications are assessed against agreed selection criteria for each degree programme.
The most important factor in decision making is academic achievement above (or predicted above) the specified minimum academic requirement.
In addition, the selection process will also include consideration of a range of non-academic factors.
Contextual factors
We recognise that applicants have differing backgrounds and experience and that they do not all have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their potential. We seek to set academic achievement in context through the consideration of a range of factors.
These may include whether an applicant:
- attends a school where a relatively small proportion of students progress to higher education or where the level of performance in examinations is below average;
- has spent significant time in care;
- has parents or guardians who have not previously attended university;
- has participated in a recognised access programme, including Lothians Equal Access Programme for Schools (LEAPS) and Pathways to the Professions;
- has experienced serious disruption to their formal education (for health or family reasons or for reasons associated with disability). See note on special consideration below.
- Lives in an area of deprivation as identified by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.
Other non-academic factors
Admissions Officers will consider all the information we receive from your UCAS application.
Special consideration of adverse circumstances
The University of Edinburgh is not best placed to fairly and consistently take account of any adverse circumstance affecting an applicant’s performance in pre-entry qualifications. Examples of adverse circumstances include personal or family illness.
The University of Edinburgh therefore expects applicants to have taken appropriate action to ensure that the relevant examination bodies have allowed for such circumstances prior to the announcement of results, or following an appeal.
Further information on special consideration of adverse circumstances is available from the relevant Qualifications Authority.
- SQA Candidates: Appeals
- GCE A Level candidates: Access Arrangements, Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration [PDF 630Kb]
- IB candidates: General Regulations: Diploma Programme [PDF 101Kb]
This article was published on Jul 4, 2012