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Admissions
Recruitment & Admissions
1. Aims of the Policy
1.1 The DoGenius Institute aims to provide education for all applicants who demonstrate the potential to benefit from its provision in line with its mission to widen access and participation and its commitment to equality of opportunity. The Recruitment and Admissions Policy is designed to ensure that it is able to admit a diverse student population who possess the abilities and aptitudes to complete their studies successfully.
1.2 The DoGenius Institute has adopted the UUK Fair Admissions Code of Practice and this policy has been developed to ensure that its recruitment and admissions practice protect applicants, support fairness and transparency.
1.3 The Recruitment and Admissions Policy and its associated procedures have also been developed in accordance with the Office for Students Regulatory Framework and the Core Practice of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education (August 2018) that to ensure that ‘The provider has a reliable, fair and inclusive admissions system’. The DoGenius Institute will aim to ensure that all aspects of its processes are inclusive and that decisions are made in a fair and reliable manner.
1.4 The policy also takes account of the Office for Students requirement that ‘students are recruited to courses for which they have the capability to achieve a successful outcome’.
1.5 The policy and associated procedures are also in line with the Competition and Markets Authority Guidance for Higher Education.
2.1 These procedures cover the recruitment and admission of students to Further Education Courses, Undergraduate Courses, including courses with Foundation, Postgraduate Courses, Apprenticeships and Degree and Higher Apprenticeships.
3.1 The DoGenius Institute aims to provide education for all applicants who demonstrate the potential to benefit from its provision.
3.2 The recruitment process is designed to attract a diverse student population who possess the abilities and aptitudes to complete their studies successfully.
3.3 The DoGenius Institute will admit candidates who have the potential to succeed on their chosen course regardless of background. Applicants to the DoGenius Institute are considered on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, age (subject to the DoGenius Institute's policy on the admission of those under 18), disability, religion, sexual orientation or social class.
3.4 The DoGenius Institute will communicate clearly with potential applicants and applicants, and provide clear, accurate and up-front information concerning the courses, the fees, the terms and conditions and the procedures for admissions and enrolment.
3.5 The DoGenius Institute will provide comprehensive and consistent information on the course, the student experience and how it will meet students’ aspirations beyond graduation.
3.6 Recruitment activities will be aimed at providing information and guidance to applicants and keeping them informed of any updates to the course in order to ensure that they can make an informed decision.
3.7 The DoGenius Institute will ensure that selection methods are fair and consistently applied. Applicants will be selected on the basis of their application, including the evidence of their qualifications and experience and, where appropriate, through the use of interviewing, auditions or other such mechanisms.
3.8 Consideration will be given to the nature and the purpose of an interview, or any other selection method, to ensure that it has appropriate selection criteria and is designed to appropriately assess the applicant’s suitability for the course.
3.9 All recruitment, admissions, enrolment and induction procedures will be regularly monitored for their effectiveness for all categories of applicants. Entry requirements will also be regularly reviewed prior to publication to ensure that they are appropriate.
3.10 The DoGenius Institute will aim to remove any barriers to application through support for students with disabilities and appropriate outreach to ensure applications from disadvantaged groups.
3.11 The DoGenius Institute aims to provide a professional service that is efficient and managed by staff who understand their role in the overall student experience. It will take into account the latest research and good practice in its approach to recruitment and admissions.
3.12 In line with the OfS transparency condition, information will be made available to applicants on applications, offers, acceptances and enrolments analysed by gender, ethnicity and socio-economic background. The DoGenius Institute also monitor the link between admissions and student outcomes.
Recruitment
4.1 In accordance with consumer protection law, the DoGenius Institute will provide potential applicants with information that is accurate, complete, clear, unambiguous, up front, timely and accessible.
4.2 Information provided will include modes of study, teaching, learning and assessment procedures, learning outcomes, and the extent of flexibility and choice. The DoGenius Institute will also provide information on which courses are accredited or approved by professional and statutory bodies.
4.3 Information will also be available on the range of learner support, academic or pastoral, available for students. This will include study skills support, information technology and learning resources/library services, personal tutorial support, student welfare, and signposting to counselling, employment and careers services.
4.4 Clear information will also be provided on tuition fees, and any other costs associated with the course and the availability of scholarships and bursaries.
4.5 Where courses are still subject to approval, this will be clearly marked in the prospectus and on the website, as appropriate. Once they are approved, applicants and potential applicants will be informed if there are any changes to the information initially provided.
4.6 Information on how to apply will be provided to applicants, including timescales and key communications, together with expectations of applicants, how to ask for feedback and, where necessary, make a complaint.
5.1 The DoGenius Institute will provide appropriate guidance to enable potential applicants to make informed decisions about their options. The information outlined above will be supplemented by advice and guidance as follows:
- Holding advertised open days/evenings, taster days.
- Providing information and advice from a suitably qualified member of staff to applicants.
- Providing access to information in suitable alternative formats for those applicants with particular disabilities or with particular needs as appropriate.
5.2 The DoGenius Institute's activities will be undertaken with the aim of providing support and guidance to help the applicant make an informed decision.
Admissions
6.1 Applicants to Ofqual regulated courses must normally have a minimum of a previous Level qualification or equivalent qualifications in order to be considered.
6.2 The requirements for Ofqual regulated courses are set in accordance with the appropriate qualification and any awarding or funding body requirements.
6.3 The DoGenius Institute welcomes and accepts all qualifications that are part of the UCAS tariff as well as an extensive range of international qualifications.
6.6 The DoGenius Institute will consider mature applicants (aged 21 or over at point of entry) who have relevant work and/or life experience.
6.7 The DoGenius Institute welcomes applications from individuals who have followed non-standard educational routes, or those who meet entry criteria through experience rather than academic qualification.
7. English Language Requirement
7.1 As all teaching, learning and assessment at the DoGenius Institute is through the medium of English unless approved otherwise, all applicants will be required to demonstrate that they meet the required level of English language competency for their desired course of study.
7.2 Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to have a recognised English language qualification, such as IELTS (International English Testing System) with an overall score of at least 6.5 or equivalent. All qualifications must cover the key components of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
7.3 Where an applicant’s English language competency is below that necessary for their intended course of study, they will be required to successfully undertake a pre-sessional English language course prior to being enrolled on their course.
8.1 Academic partner institutions which offer The DoGenius Institute courses will follow the entry criteria as agreed through the validation/approval process and the contract.
8.2 Admissions for The DoGenius Institute students at sub-contracted partners will be in accordance with the contract with the partner and information on the process will be provided to applicants through the partner.
9. Admissions processes – general principles
9.1 Admissions processes will be outlined to applicants on the DoGenius Institute's website and will explain how to apply and how the DoGenius Institute will process applications.
9.2 Opportunity will be given on application forms (including through UCAS), at any interviews or other selection activities, for applicants to draw attention to relevant qualifications, experience and other information that might support their application.
9.3 The DoGenius Institute will request information on applicants’ personal characteristics and demographics in order to monitor the effectiveness of its admissions processes. However, information about applicants’ ethnicity, gender, disability and age will not form part of the admissions decisions.
9.4 The DoGenius Institute will aim to process applications and to communicate decisions in line with published processing times and deadlines where appropriate. Where it is unable to do this, it will communicate the reasons for this to the applicant.
9.5 Where interviews or additional assessments are used, these will be clearly outlined to candidates in the information provided.
9.6 The DoGenius Institute will carry out checks on documents supplied by applicants to establish authenticity in order to guard against fraudulent applications. Where an application is found to be fraudulent either prior to or after admission, the DoGenius Institute may cancel the offer or enrolment.
9.7 Where an application is processed through UCAS, if the UCAS Similarity Detection Service highlights a “non-original” personal statement, the applicant will be provided with an opportunity to explain the similarity and provide a ‘new’ personal statement. This will allow the DoGenius Institute to continue to consider such applications where there may be a valid explanation.
10.1 Applicants must apply through the appropriate channel as outlined on the DoGenius Institute's website.
10.2 Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the DoGenius Institute is in receipt of all relevant information in order for the DoGenius Institute to make a decision on their application and that all information is accurate. Omission of relevant information, or the supply of inaccurate information, may invalidate the application or the offer of a place.
11. Consideration of applications
11.1 Applications will be assessed against the entry criteria. Those students who meet or who have the potential to meet the criteria will be given an offer subject to places being available.
11.2 Where applicants do not have the formal entry criteria, their applications will be considered on their individual merits and an assessment made about whether they have the potential to succeed on the course.
11.3 Where courses are full and/or waiting lists are held, or when courses have to be closed for any reason, applicants are informed as soon as practicable with the offer of alternative courses, wherever possible.
11.4 Where applicants are considered unsuitable for a particular course, then, wherever possible, they will be referred to other appropriate courses.
12. Interviewing and assessment
12.1 Applicants will receive clear information on interviews, auditions or any form of assessment applied during the application process. Applicants with a disability or other learning needs should contact the DoGenius Institute to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the interview and assessment process.
12.2 Interviews, auditions and assessments will be conducted and evaluated in a standardised manner for the course and will be inclusive to reflect the DoGenius Institute's commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. There will be a clear structure for each interview, or other selection method, and selection will be conducted against predetermined criteria. Where courses require an interview or an audition, applicants will be notified of their appointment within a stipulated timeframe.
12.3 Decisions, and the reasons for the decisions will be recorded in writing as fully as possible to facilitate feedback to unsuccessful applicants. These records will be retained by the DoGenius Institute in line with its Records Retention policies and schedules.
12.4 For certain courses, initial assessment for Basic Skills attainment (numeracy, literacy, ESOL) may be carried out as part of the admissions process. The offer of a place on the course may then be informed by the outcome of those assessments.
13.1 Offers will be made as promptly as reasonably possible. Information will be provided to the successful applicant on:
- any conditions attached to the offer
- the tuition fees and terms and conditions of admission
- what the applicant has to do next and by
when.
- any pre-enrolment support, orientation or induction for access and participation before the start of the course as appropriate
13.2 The DoGenius Institute will normally make offers in relation to the UCAS tariff. These may be varied to take into account students’ educational backgrounds or mitigating circumstance or in the light of other assessments of the candidate’s ability.
13.3 The DoGenius Institute will also provide the offer holder with any updates to the course and any changes made.
14.1 The DoGenius Institute will ensure that substantial alterations to courses from earlier published information are communicated to applicants holding an offer. This may include changes to the course following validation or professional accreditation, closure of a course, significant changes to cost, location, content or title.
14.2 Where a course is withdrawn prior to admission, the DoGenius Institute will inform applicants at the earliest opportunity in line with the DoGenius Institute's published terms and conditions.
15. Applicants with a disability or other learning needs
15.1 The DoGenius Institute encourages applicants with disability to disclose their disability and support requirements at the earliest opportunity, for example on the application form or at any interview. This helps staff and partnership institutions to provide students with appropriate information and support.
15.2 Early disclosure enables the DoGenius Institute to contact the applicant to consider appropriate support requirements and to identify whether reasonable adjustments can be made prior to the start of learning.
15.3 In the unlikely event that the DoGenius Institute is unable to make the adjustments needed to provide the required support, the DoGenius Institute undertakes to offer the applicant support in submitting an alternative application where appropriate.
16. Applicants with criminal convictions
16.1 Having a criminal conviction will not necessarily be a bar to admission and the DoGenius Institute abides by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
16.2 Applicants with a relevant unspent criminal conviction will be considered in line with the Applicants and Students with Criminal Convictions Policy Only those convictions which pose risks to the DoGenius Institute community need to be declared.
16.3 For courses requiring a DBS check, any convictions either declared by the candidate or disclosed as part of the DBS will be considered in accordance with the Regulations for the consideration of criminal convictions for students on courses leading to professional registration found on our policy page.
17.1 Applicants under 18 years old are admitted only after consultation with parents or guardians and with school or local education authority representatives as appropriate. Students under the age of 18 must have a parent’s or guardian’s written permission. The request for permission will be made at the offer stage of the admissions process.
18. Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning and Advanced Standing
18.1 Applicants with prior experience which is equivalent to parts of the course can use the process of the Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning to be considered for accessing courses leading to the DoGenius Institute's own awards and/or using the prior learning as part of these awards. The process is based on a portfolio of evidence to show the equivalence of the normal entrance requirement of a specific course.
18.2 Applicants with a prior qualification or other certified learning may apply for advanced standing (e.g. admission to levels 5 and 6 for an undergraduate course). The prior learning will need to map against the learning outcomes, content, and level of award. Any prior learning must be considered current and in line with the DoGenius Institute's Academic Regulations.
18.3 The amount of RPEL or advanced standing that may be claimed is set out in the DoGenius Institute’s Academic Regulations which are published on our policy and regulations page.
18.4 Applicants wishing to claim advanced standing or exemption from particular modules should contact the Student services prior to their admission to the course.
19.1 Prompt and clear feedback will be provided to applicants who have not been offered a place where requested, and advice about alternatives and future options will be given, as appropriate.
20. Complaints regarding the admissions process
20.1 At the DoGenius Institute we are committed to providing fair, transparent and consistent admissions procedures for all of our applicants. We recognise, however, that there may be occasions when applicants are dissatisfied with the conduct of the admissions process. The DoGenius Institute has therefore developed an Admissions Complaints Procedure set out in Appendix A.
21.1 Information collected as part of the application process will be used only in accordance with the DoGenius Institute's Data Protection Policy and the Privacy Notice for Applicants which are available on our website.
22. Responsibility for recruitment and Admissions
22.1 The responsibility for recruitment lies within the Recruitment section of the DoGenius Institute's team, which is also responsible for all admissions under the Director.
23.1 All staff involved in recruitment and admissions process will receive training which will include relevant information on the CMA and Data Protection Requirements. Training requirements will be reviewed on a regular basis and training will be refreshed annually.
24.1 The Recruitment and Admissions Policy will be reviewed as required by the Board to ensure that it is effective and is meeting the requirements of the Fair admissions code of practice
24.2 It will also be monitored in relation to the qualifications used on entry and the successful outcome of students.
24.3 To ensure that the Recruitment and Admissions Policy is effective, the DoGenius Institute may also undertake surveys of applicants who decline offers.
Admissions Complaint Procedure
1.1 The Admissions Complaint Procedure is restricted to complaints about:
- Interview conduct
- The handling of an application, including processing of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and Occupational Health procedures
- The admissions process
- Where it is alleged that an action or decision was inconsistent DoGenius Institute’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement.
1.2 The Admissions Complaints Procedure may be followed by all applicants, whether submitting their application via UCAS, directly to the DoGenius Institute or as a request for an internal transfer from within the DoGenius Institute
1.3 An applicant cannot complain or appeal where this is a disagreement with the judgement of an admissions decision, in assessing the merits of the application, or in reaching a decision on entry, which has been reached in accordance with the published criteria and processes contained in this policy. Complaints will also not be considered regarding an applicant’s failure to meet the non-academic requirements of study specified by particular agencies (e.g. DBS, immigration status matters or occupational health checks).
2. How to make a complaint
2.1 Where applicants have reason to believe that their application has not been handled fairly, objectively or in accordance with the procedures described above, they should write to the DoGenius Institute's Director setting out the reasons.
3. Handling the complaint
3.1 A review of the handling of the application in the light of the student’s written statement will be undertaken. The Director may confirm or rescind an earlier decision in the light of this review. The Director will send a written reply to the applicant within twenty-five working days of receiving the request for the review of the application.
4. Review of a complaint
4.1 The applicant may ask for a further review of the decision of the Head of Admissions within 20 days of receipt of the outcome where:
- There were procedural irregularities in the investigation of the complaint; or
- Fresh evidence can be presented which could not reasonably have been made available with submission of the initial complaint; or
- The outcome of the investigation was not reasonable in all the circumstances.
4.2 The review will be undertaken by the DoGenius Institute Director who will respond to the applicant within 20 days.
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