How to: completing an online application

Our online application allows you to apply directly to Reading in Clearing so you don’t have to wait on the phone. The online application is optimised for desktop use, but you can use a tablet or mobile device to apply. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you easily complete your online application.

If you have previously applied via UCAS, include your 10-digit UCAS personal ID; this will help us verify your personal details faster. 

 

Next, enter your Family name (this is your surname or last name), Forename(s) (this is your first name(s) or given name(s)), date of birth and gender (which is a dropdown list – please select one option from the list, including ‘not specified’ or ‘other’).

Finally, enter your address, phone number (including country code), and email address. We’ll contact you via email, so make sure your email address is correct.

Please note: you won’t be able to move to the next section until all required fields (with an asterisk *) are completed.

Here, you’ll need to confirm your country of domicile (the country which you normally live), your nationality (the country of which you are a passport holder) and your country of birth. Type your answers in each of the search fields. Note: the countries are not listed alphabetically via a dropdown list, so please be sure to type in your answer.

 

If you are a non-UK or Republic of Ireland national, you should select ‘yes’ to the question ‘Do you need a visa to study in the UK?’. Post-Brexit, all EU/EEA nationals (excluding Republic of Ireland) now need a visa to study in the UK.

Select the course you’d like to apply for. Use the ‘Search for a course’ search feature by typing in one keyword from the course title (e.g., ‘Anthropology’, ‘Placement’ or ‘BSc’). The search will take up to 30 seconds to retrieve a list of courses. Depending on your search criteria, the retrieval list may be more than 10 items. In this case, simply click on ‘Next’ to scroll through the retrieved items.

 

Once you’ve found the course you’d like to apply for, tick the box under the ‘Select’ column. Then select ‘Confirm Course’, which will be on the bottom left-hand side under the retrieval list. 
You can only select one course and you will have to confirm your selection in a pop-up box. This action cannot be undone.

If this is the course you want, click ‘Yes’. If you’re not sure or want to re-visit the list of courses, click ‘No’ and simply start your search again. If you’re also interested in another course as an alternative, you can let us know in the ‘Last step’ section (see below).

If there are additional requirements for the course you’ve selected, such as a portfolio, this information will be included here. If there are no additional requirements then this section will be blank and you can move to the ‘Qualifications’ section. If you are applying for a course which requires a portfolio or additional documents, upload these here. The maximum file size is 3MB, so please compress your documents to the appropriate size. If your portfolio is available online, include the URL.

In this section, tell us which qualifications you hold, your subject grades and any comments you have about your qualification. Please include details of your A levels (or equivalent) and your English, Maths and Science GCSEs (or Level 2 equivalent). For each qualification subject, you’ll need to add a new qualification (i.e., each A level will need to be entered separately).

The qualification field is a free-text field, and we’ve pre-loaded most qualifications in the search function. For standard A level qualifications please include a hyphen: ‘A-L’ and then select ‘AL GCE A-level’. If your qualification isn’t in the list, select ‘Other’ and then put the full qualification title in the ‘Notes’ section below.

You’ll need to include the Subject you’ve taken – for instance, ‘Biology’ or ‘English Literature’. This is also a free text field if your subject isn’t on the list.

Finally, select your grade. This is a selectable list, but also a free text type list as well if your grade scale isn’t showing. 

 

Please remember that each qualification will need to be entered separately, and you should include any GCSE or Level 2 equivalent qualifications in English, Maths and Science. If you are an International student, also include the results of your IELTS or equivalent English Language test here.

If you have anything you wish to tell us about your qualifications, please include this in the ‘Notes’ section (for instance, if you intend to have your A level re-marked, or you are unsure what your GCSE equivalent in English, Maths and Science is).

You have the option to upload documents directly to your application. If you don’t have the documents to hand, don’t worry. We can still process your application without them but if we’ve been able to make you an offer and you want to accept your place, we’ll need you to send us everything.

If possible, please upload your final transcript (e.g., your course list and grades) and your Certificate (diploma). If you’re an international student, include a copy of your passport if possible and a copy of your English Language test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL). If you have any other documents you’d like to attach (for instance, if you are currently studying on an International Foundation Programme at another institution and have been issued a CAS), you can upload that for us to review.

If there’s anything else that you’d like us to consider as part of your application, include that here. We’ll automatically assess your application for a suitable alternative course if we’re not able to make you an offer on your first-choice course, but if there’s another course you’d like us to consider that may not be similar to the one you’ve selected above, let us know here.

Finally, if you are attending a University of Reading event or have a University of Reading event code, please enter the code here. For instance, if you’re attending an overseas event where we’re issuing on-the-spot offers, please ask the Reading staff member for the code and enter it here so we can process your application faster. Or if you’re an overseas Agent applying on behalf of a student, enter your code here and include your Agent details in the ‘Last Step’ field so we can record this against your Agency.

Check your email (including any junk/spam folders) as you’ll receive an auto-confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted. It will then be reviewed by one of our decision-makers, and you’ll receive an update as soon as possible.