High Performance Sports Programme Admissions Policy

1. Background

1.1. We have a high-performance sports programme (HPP) to help students who are able to demonstrate current sporting achievement at international level in both their academic and sporting career whilst studying at with us.

1.2. The programme provides selected elite student-athletes with a range of services to:

• enable elite athletes to continue to train and compete at the highest level while studying
• increase the performance level of athletes
• provide an athlete-centred service
• provide the best support and training environment
• continually improve the University’s BUCS ranking.

For further information please see our High Performance Programme webpages.

1.3. We recognise that:

• Applicants training to elite level may have fewer opportunities to undertake work experience or to participate in extra-curricular activities beyond their sport.
• International level sporting commitments may impact on an applicant’s academic study, particularly when studying linear qualifications such as linear A-Levels. As a result, an applicant’s final results may not demonstrate grades to their full ability or, applicants may take longer than the standard timeframe to complete their qualifications.

2. Applying to Cardiff University - our commitment

2.1. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds with the potential and determination to succeed on our programmes of study. Either before or at the point you are ready to apply for your academic study at Cardiff University, we recommend contacting Clare Daley, Performance Sport Director, at daleyc1@cardiff.ac.uk in relation to the HPP.

2.2. For undergraduate applicants who are selected for the HPP, if you apply by the appropriate application deadline, we will take into account the impact of the sporting commitments as part of the admissions process as follows:

2.2.1. For programmes that do not require an interview, audition or portfolio review:

• Where an applicant is taking or has achieved appropriate qualifications for the course for which they have applied, an offer will be made at one grade lower than the standard offer (typically the lower end of the grade range advertised).

2.2.2.  For programmes that require an interview, audition, or portfolio review, excluding all Dentistry and Healthcare Sciences programmes, and Medicine (MBBCh):

• Where an applicant is taking and/or has achieved appropriate qualifications for the course for which they have applied the applicant will be guaranteed an interview, audition, or portfolio review.
• If following the selection process an offer is to be made, this will be at one grade lower than the standard offer (typically the lower end of the grade range advertised).

2.2.3. For all Healthcare sciences programmes, BSc Dental Therapy and Hygiene, and DipHE Dental Hygiene:

• Where an applicant is taking and/or has achieved appropriate qualifications for the course for which they have applied the applicant will be given additional points in the scoring and selection process which is used for determining those to be invited to interview.
• If following the selection process an offer is to be made, this will be at one grade lower than the standard offer (typically the lower end of the grade range advertised).

2.2.4.  For Medicine (MBBCh) and Dentistry (BDS) programmes only:

• Where an applicant is taking and/or has achieved appropriate qualifications for the course for which they have applied the applicant will be given additional points in the scoring and selection process which is used for determining those to be invited to interview.

2.3. For postgraduate applicants who are selected for the HPP, if you apply by the appropriate application deadline, we will consider the impact of the sporting commitments as part of the admissions process on a case-by-case basis.