Policy
Contextual admissions policy
Updated on 2 September 2020
An explanation of the factors the University will consider when applying a contextual flag to an application
Putting everything in context gives us the biggest and clearest picture about you.
Why context matters
Achieving a strong set of school or college grades is key to earning a place at our university. That can be challenging, and we know grades are influenced by things like where you live, and other factors. That’s why each year we look at each student application in detail. We note circumstances that may have impacted your potential. We treat everyone fairly and admit the brightest and best students, regardless of background.
Advice and support are always available to all future students, but we need to know about you and your context to fully help you. We take certain factors into account when we look at your grades and these factors may generate a contextual support flag to highlight who is eligible for additional recognition and help.
Crucially, we will never use anything you disclose in a negative way, so as you complete your UCAS application, please do so as fully as possible and also encourage your referee to tell us about your circumstances.
How does a contextual flag help me?
Candidates allocated a Category 1 contextual flag will be made a Widening Access level offer or (for interviewing subjects) normally be interviewed. To be selected for offer or interview you must be on course to meet our widening access entry requirements, including in any essential subjects, details of which can be found on each course page.
Eligible candidates receiving an offer will be offered a place on one of our pre-entry Access Summer Schools. These help students prepare for university study and also offer an alternative way of qualifying for entry. We strongly advise such candidates to take up this special Dundee opportunity, keeping all of June and July free to do so.
What factors do we consider?
Any one of the following will generate a contextual flag:
| Category 1 factors | What do I need to do next? |
|---|---|
| If your home postcode at the time you apply is in a Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintile 1 zone | You will automatically be allocated a contextual flag when we receive your UCAS application |
If you are or have been:
|
You must provide independent verification of the circumstances you outline to enable the flag to be allocated.
|
How else might I get a contextual flag?
Other factors may have impacted your study and staff reading your application may, at their discretion, allocate a contextual flag equivalent to Category 1, if more than one of the following factors apply:
Category 2 factors include
- home postcode at the time you apply is in a Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintile 2 zone
- are an adult returner (5 years post-school or 3 years post-study) or have a relevant accreditation of prior learning or work record or have been made redundant
- have declared a disability or a Mental Health issue
- faced disruption to your education (assessed as attending five or more Primary and Secondary schools or residing more than 40 miles from your Secondary School)
- are Transgender
- in a vulnerable group (e.g. declared a Criminal Conviction or a Children's Panel enquiry)
- are sufficiently active with Reach/ACES or have completed a SWAP programme
Widening Access
participation@dundee.ac.uk