Application Advice
Applying to university shouldn’t be a daunting experience. We’ve pulled together a dedicated resource of advice and guidance to support you through the application process. From application deadlines and key dates, to strengthening your application and tips on preparing for interview, there are a number of ways to improve your application, and the University is here to help you every step of the way.
Six steps to applying to University
There are six key steps you’ll need to take when applying to our Nursing and Midwifery courses at the University of South Wales. We’ve provided supporting information and advice on each step you need to follow to make your application the best it can be.
1. Choosing the right course
Matching your skills and strengths with those required for your chosen course and profession.
The need for skilled healthcare professionals is greater than ever and there are many specialist professions you can study at the University of South Wales, each requiring different skills and strengths.
These include degrees in nursing and midwifery, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and operating department practice. Our nursing degrees also cover specialist fields of care including adult, child, mental health and learning disabilities, so it’s important to consider what each type of role involves to help you decide which path to take. You can also start our nursing degrees at different points in the year, and you could opt to start in September or March.
We strongly advise applicants to research each discipline and gain a better understanding of each professional role. You can find out more about the different personal strengths and qualities that are needed for different healthcare roles by reviewing each course listing, visiting our healthcare web pages, or downloading our healthcare pocket guide.
Choosing the right course is a big decision and Open days are a key part of getting it right.
At our Open Day, you can discover all that awaits you at the University of South Wales. You can explore the campus and clinical facilities, sample lectures and equipment, and speak to tutors and students – giving you a real feel for what it’s like to be a student here.
Our degree courses
2. Key Dates and Deadlines
When to apply depends on what course and start date you apply for, but for courses starting in September, we recommend you complete your application by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) deadline to ensure it is guaranteed to be considered for your first choice. This deadline is the last Wednesday in January.
UCAS Application Deadline for September 2024:
31 January 2024
There are a number of dates and deadlines you’ll need to add to your diary. We’ve provided a brief overview to help you keep on top of the admissions process. For further details, you can also visit the UCAS website or you can view or download our UCAS Survival Guide.
*The timeframes listed are indicative and provide a recommended time for each stage of the admissions process.
If you’re currently studying at a school or college, it is likely they will also have their own deadlines to help keep your application on track and will offer their own support with your application. The University also offers a School and College Outreach service to support you.
What if you’ve missed the application deadline?
Don’t panic! We still accept applications throughout the year, so don’t worry if you miss this deadline. You can still apply later, the only difference – your application will no longer be guaranteed equal consideration and it will only be considered if places remain available.
That means, if you're applying after that date, you might find some courses have started to fill up – or perhaps closed completely. At the University of South Wales, this is more likely for our Midwifery and Child Nursing degrees, so please bear this in mind when applying. You should still find plenty of options, including different specialist areas of care in nursing or healthcare. Your application might be reconsidered for a later start date (start in March rather than September), or if another applicant drops out before the course starts, a place may become available on your first choice course.
3. Entry requirements
What you need to be eligible for a course.
The University of South Wales accepts a range of qualifications to meet the listed course entry criteria. A combination of qualifications are acceptable and those commonly accepted by the University are listed on each course web page: southwales.ac.uk/courses
Typical qualifications include A-levels, BTEC Extended Diplomas, International Baccalaureate, Skills Challenge Certificates (formerly Welsh Baccalaureate), and Access to Higher Education qualifications offered at Further Education Colleges.
Other qualifications not listed may also be acceptable, but if you’re unsure, we always recommend you get in touch with the University’s Admissions Team (email: [email protected]) or visit us at an Open Day. Additional requirements include:
For full details on the specific qualifications we accept and additional requirements, please visit:
Using care experience towards your university application
At the University of South Wales, we also recognise the value of care experience and how applicable and relevant this is to Health and Social Care courses. Whether you have existing care experiences, or you are looking to gain work experience in the health and social care sector, we offer an initiative that enables you to make the most out of these experiences to strengthen your application to University.
4. Starting your application
How to apply to University.
Once you’ve chosen your course, it’s time to get started on your application. To apply for a full-time undergraduate course at a university, you must apply online through UCAS.
Our UCAS institution code is W01. Course codes are listed on our website. The UCAS website contains lots of helpful information and explains every stage of the application process.
Apply via UCAS
The first step to applying to university is to create an online account on the UCAS website. There are a few sections that you will have to complete in this online application and you will be guided through these on the UCAS website.
Remember to use the correct year of application and ask your school or college for their buzzword as you will need this to apply. Students who are currently not attending a school or college will apply as an individual.
Remember that if you are applying to multiple universities directly you will need to be very organised in terms of replying to them by certain dates as the emails will not all be displayed in the same place.
Contact us
If you need further and support, you can contact us:
📧 E-mail: [email protected]
☎️ Call: 03455 76 77 78
5. Writing your personal statement
Tips on perfecting your personal statement for Nursing and Midwifery.
The personal statement is a key aspect of the selection process; it’s your opportunity to explain to us why you want to do the course you have chosen, what has inspired you to choose that role, and to demonstrate the skills and qualities you have that suit that role. There are five key themes we look for in personal statements. Ensuring you’ve clearly covered and addressed these in your personal statement will further strengthen and improve your application and hopefully secure an invitation to interview.
Personal Statement Checklist
| ✔️ | Demonstrate an insight and clear understanding of your chosen profession and how you are suited to this course |
| ✔️ | You need to provide evidence that shows you have a clear understanding of the course you are applying for. |
| ✔️ | You need to include details of your motivation and inspiration for your chosen course and profession. |
| ✔️ | Demonstrate an understanding/commitment to the values, qualities, and characteristics expected of the profession. |
| ✔️ | Include details that are relevant to your application: e.g. previous training or transferable skills. |
Making sure you’ve covered the above points will not only help you succeed in being offered an interview but it provides excellent preparation for interview as you’ll have already considered the key areas that will be discussed. For more helpful hints and tips, check out our personal statement extended tips.
Not sure where to begin?
If you’re still not sure where to begin, ask for help and speak to someone. The University of South Wales holds Open Days throughout the year which is a perfect chance to come along and find out more about the University, get further advice about your application and speak to our admissions team one to one.
✔️ Some useful tips to get you started:
- Download and read our healthcare pocket guide before you begin.
- Use the five personal statement themes as a way of planning what you’ll cover.
- Give yourself plenty of time to write your personal statement.
- Make sure you’ve given yourself time to read, edit and check your spelling and grammar.
- Ask someone to proofread your personal statement and get their feedback too.
- Read it out aloud and make sure you’re happy with it before you submit.
❌ Things not to do:
- Don't simply list what you have done. Show what you learned from your experiences.
- Don’t say you want to be a nurse/midwife just because you have watched a TV programme!
- Don't use famous quotes from people you admire. We are interested in what you have to say.
- Don't just list your interests, tell us how your hobbies or interests show your passion and drive.
6. Preparing for interview
What to expect and how to prepare for your interview: All our Nursing and Midwifery applicants are required to attend an interview before being offered a place on the course.
At the University of South Wales we use the interview process to assess your commitment to your chosen course and ensure you will uphold the values expected by the profession and are fit to care for others in a professional setting.
An interview doesn’t have to be daunting experience...
It’s your opportunity to meet with us and allow us to get to know the person behind the application. It’s also your opportunity to decide if we are the right fit for you and you can see yourself studying with us!
What to do once you’ve been invited for an interview
Once we’ve checked and confirmed your eligibility for the course, we will send you an email inviting you to book an interview. You will be directed to book a date and time on our website. There will be a number of choices available, including the option to attend online or in person.
If you’re not able to attend any of the interview dates available, or have booked but need to reschedule, you can contact our Admissions Team (email: admissio[email protected]) who will help find a suitable date for you.
What to expect at your interview
The interview panel will consist of a lecturer and clinician and, in many cases, we also invite service-users to be part of our interview panel. As you would expect, you’ll be asked a series of questions about your chosen field, your understanding of the role, and the qualities needed by a nurse or midwife.
How to prepare for your interview
Remember, this is your opportunity to think about the role and qualities needed, and how your talents, skills and relatable experience match what we’re looking for in a future nurse or midwife. Here are some sample questions that are commonly asked at interview for you to think about:
Preparing for a successful interview
| ✔️ | Familiarise yourself with your application form and personal statement beforehand. |
| ✔️ | Review the sample interview questions online and practise some interview scenarios. |
| ✔️ | Perhaps your school or college has a careers team that can help with this. |
| ✔️ | Prepare some examples that allow you to reflect on relevant experience or skills. |
| ✔️ | Rehearse your answers so you’re clear on what you’d like to tell us at the interview. |
| ✔️ | First impressions count! Plan your journey, arrive on time and dress appropriately. |
| ✔️ | Be confident, be calm and be yourself. Good luck! |