Student studying on laptop

Undergraduate Application Guide

Undergraduate Application Guide

We know that the process of applying to study at university can be overwhelming, with various things to consider. At Buckinghamshire New University, we aim to make this process as simple as possible and are here to support you every step of the way.

Below you can find everything you need to know about applying to BNU. We’re delighted that you’re considering joining us!

Before applying to university

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, a great way to find out which place is right for you is to attend an open day. You’ll get to find out more about your chosen course and the University, as well as get the chance to chat to tutors and current students and ask any questions that you have.

If there’s a particular subject or industry you’re interested in, have a browse through our undergraduate courses to see what we offer in that particular field. It’s also worth having a think about the way you want to study, and at what level you feel comfortable starting off at. We’ve got a range of foundation degrees and foundation year programmes available, which might be a good option if you don’t quite meet the requirements or feel prepared for a full degree straight away.

Tuition fees are a key matter for all students, and it’s important you are familiar with how to pay for these and your living costs, and what financial support may be available. You’ll find details of our tuition fees on our individual course pages and information on student finance in our fees and funding section. Try to apply for any loans as early as you can, to make sure you’ve got finance in place by the start of the academic year.

Your personal statement is really important as it’s the one opportunity you have to personalise your application and explain your suitability for your course. It is also one of the most time consuming parts of your application, so allow plenty of time to get it right.

Here's a video with some tips from one of our students.

Above all, make sure your application is completed in full before you submit it to UCAS. You’ll find full instructions and guidance notes at ucas.com. An incomplete application may not be considered by our Admissions Team. To guarantee that we will consider your application, it’s crucial you submit it by 6pm (UK time) on the 31 January 2024. We can only consider applications received after this date if we have any available spaces.

Female BNU student outside High Wycombe campus
BNU students outside Gateway on sign
Applying to Buckinghamshire New University

For full-time undergraduate and foundation degrees, as well as foundation year courses, you need to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

  • If you’re interested in studying our MSc in Social Work, you will also need to apply through UCAS.
  • Please apply directly to us for part-time study options and our Diploma in Foundation Studies: Art, Design and Media course.

When submitting your application through UCAS, you can either apply for just one course at one university or apply for up to five university courses. There is a charge for this service, and the amount you will need to pay depends on how many university choices you select.

Your school or college may have a UCAS buzzword which you’ll need to add to your UCAS application to make it clear which school or college you’re applying from. If you’re applying independently, you won’t need a buzzword.

You need to ensure you complete all sections of your UCAS application fully. Applications are reviewed on an individual basis, and you will need to provide details of your qualifications (both completed and pending), a personal statement as to why you wish to study the course and include a valid, current reference to support your application.

There’s lots of useful information on the UCAS website about filling in your UCAS application. You don’t need to complete it all in one go, so make sure you take your time and complete all sections fully, as if there is information missing your application may be rejected.

To apply to BNU, you’ll also need the following information:

  • Our institution name:  Buckinghamshire New University
  • Our institution number: B94
  • The UCAS course code for your chosen course

Once you have submitted your UCAS application, this will be sent to your chosen university for review. It’s important to make sure you stick to any application deadlines that apply to you. If you don’t, you may find that your application is automatically declined or rejected on your behalf, or that there aren’t any places available on your chosen degree course.

Parents and students queuing at the Gateway building in High Wycombe campus
Five BNU students sat on wooden benches in amongst trees on concourse in the sunshine
What happens once you've applied to BNU?

So, you’ve completed your UCAS application and submitted it to us for consideration. You might be wondering what happens next?

We'll check your application

We’ll make sure your form is fully completed and that you meet the entry requirements for your chosen course. If we need any further information to process your application, such as copies of your passport or qualifications, we’ll email you to let you know.

Once we’ve received all the necessary information, we’ll make a decision on your application. This will be shown on your UCAS Hub (you can use this service at any time to check how your application is progressing).

What your offer means

  • Conditional offer. This means we would like you to study with us as long as you meet certain conditions such as getting certain exam results.
  • Unconditional offer. Fantastic - you’ve met all the entry requirements or you have satisfied our entry criteria in another way, such as with a portfolio or interview.
  • We may ask you to attend an interview. The date and time will appear on UCAS Hub and we’ll email you with any additional details. You’ll need to reply to confirm you can attend. Read more about what to expect at an interview day.
  • Reject your application. If your application isn’t suitable, we’ll include the reason for that on UCAS Hub. In some cases, we can also provide additional feedback but we can’t always guarantee this.

Once you’ve heard back from all universities you’ve applied to, you can choose your firm (first) and insurance (second) choices on UCAS Hub. The deadline for making these choices will depend on when you submitted your application and received your offers – check out the UCAS website to make sure you don’t miss yours.

We aim to reply to your offer as soon as possible but occasionally, due to the volume of applications this may take a little longer. As soon as we’ve made a decision on your application, your UCAS Hub will be updated and we will email you.

Once you are an offer holder, we try to get to know you a bit better! We will invite you applicant visit day in the spring, where you can meet your course leader and our students, view our facilities, and get a taste of what life at BNU is like. For more information on what to expect see our Applicant Visit page.

Once you’ve heard back from all universities you’ve applied to, you can choose your firm (first) and insurance (second) choices on UCAS Hub. The deadline for making these choices will depend on when you submitted your application and received your offers – check out the UCAS website to make sure you don’t miss yours.

If you’re waiting for exam results, we will usually receive these directly from the exam board when released If you’ve met the conditions of your offer (passed your exams!) we’ll confirm your place by email, and it will show on your UCAS Hub. Then the exciting bit starts as we send you all the information you need to enrol on your course and join us at BNU.

If you don’t meet the conditions of your offer, don’t panic. Sometimes we’re able to be flexible if your application is strong and you only just miss your predicted grades, or we may be able to offer you an alternative programme (such as those with a Foundation Year).

Unsuccessful application? Don't worry!

If your application has been unsuccessful, there are still options for you, one of which is UCAS Extra.

UCAS Extra

If you’ve applied through UCAS and you’ve either not received any offers, or declined any offers you have been made, you may be able to add one further choice through UCAS Extra. There are eligibility criteria that you need to meet in order to apply through UCAS Extra - for more information, visit the UCAS website.

If your application has been unsuccessful, there are still options for you, one of which is Clearing.

Clearing

Clearing opens in early July, and is for students who have received no offers, changed their mind about their university choices, or are making a late application. For more information about applying through Clearing, visit our Clearing section.

Contact us

If there’s anything you’re not sure about or you have any questions, please contact our admissions team: