Universities have been given a new code of practice which aims to stop the practice of making ‘conditional unconditional’ offers. These offers mean that acceptance is only unconditional to if the recipient makes that university their firm choice. If the applicant selects that university as their insurance choice instead, the offer will be conditional, meaning they must achieve the required grades. This new code of practice avoids students making a choice that may not be in their ‘best interest’ with a placement being given regardless of exam results.

‘Conditional unconditional’ offers have risen in recent years but during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were temporarily banned by the Office for Students. Data that was published by UCAS in 2020 showed that in 2019, there were 35 universities and colleges across the UK where at least 1% of offers made were ‘conditional unconditional.’ A further UCAS survey of over 30,000 students in the same year found that more than half of applicants had received an offer with some incentive to select a university as their first choice. This offer has been criticised with concerns that it demotivates students from working hard for their A-Level grades once they know already that they will be attending their chosen university no matter what, which in turn lowers their potential.

Now, after an 18-month review, Universities UK published its code of fair admissions this month which sets out how processes must support student choice. The code will explicitly state that universities should not make ‘conditional unconditional’ offers or any other offers with lower grade requirements based on applicants making their university a firm choice.

The new code will also declare that unconditional offers should be used in restricted circumstances, such as admissions enlightened by interviews or auditions, but that incentives to students should not place ‘undue pressure’ or ‘the timescales in which they should make’ a decision. Universities UK vice-president for England and Northern Ireland, Professor Quintin McKellar argues that ‘the fair Admissions Code of Practice allows universities and colleges to make a public commitment to prioritise applicants’ interests above all else.’

Universities are expected to sign the new code, but it will not be compulsory. However, a cross-sector group will be evaluating the code’s effectiveness after the publication. Michelle Donelan, the Universities Minister, says that ‘these changes really help to put university applicants’ needs first.’

Read more news articles here:

Lecture ‘Cancelled’ After Guest Speaker Refused to Cross Picket Line

Universities Minister Encourages Dissatisfied Students to Ask for Refunds

Record Numbers Sign up to Nursing Courses