School of Optometry and Vision Sciences - Oversubscription policy for undergraduate programmes

1. Aims and governance

1.1. In line with Cardiff University admissions policies and compliance with the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education, the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences conducts its student selection process in an objective, open, transparent, fair, and non-discriminate manner. Whilst the selection processes for undergraduate programmes are bound by the University’s policy on equality and diversity, it is also subject to a maximum number of places based on a cap on numbers imposed by the General Optical Council (GOC) and limits for each academic year.

1.2. This policy is overseen by the Director of Admissions and the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences Admissions Team and sets out to define the conditions associated with oversubscription within the parameters of the commissioned number of places on any programme.

2. Cap on number of places

2.1. The number of places available on the undergraduate programmes are capped by the GOC and additional places cannot be made available by the University.

2.2 However, the University will, in such circumstances, first seek to increase the number of places available in negotiation with the commissioning body before varying, or withdrawing, offers accepted by applicants.

3. Offer making

3.1. The University manages its offer-making in such a way that, in normal circumstances, there is a place for every offer-holder who meets the exact conditions of their offer. However, there may be circumstances outside the reasonable control of the University which mean that the number of applicants meeting the conditions of an offer of a place on a programme exceeds the number of places available (“oversubscription”).

4. Oversubscription

4.1. Oversubscription refers to the number of applicants meeting the conditions of an offer of a place on a programme exceeding the number of places available for that year/date of entry.

5. Actions by Cardiff University School of Optometry and Vision Sciences in the event of oversubscription

5.1. In these circumstances, the University reserves the right to make an independent academic decision on offer holders and will allocate places in accordance with oversubscription policy on a fair and reasonable basis. The University will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from any inability or failure to admit an offer holder to the University as a result of oversubscription that is outside its reasonable control.

6. Fair and reasonable basis for allocation of places

6.1. In the event of oversubscription to a programme for applicants who have exactly met or exceeded the conditions of their offer, grades achieved and overall tariff at Level 3 will be used to allocate places in the first instance, with preference given to those who achieved higher grades in a science subject. GCSE grades, resit status, and personal statement score may also be used to differentiate between those with equal grade profiles.

7. What happens if I am not allocated a place?

7.1. If you are not allocated a place due to the application of the oversubscription policy the University will, wherever possible, try to:

a. offer you the opportunity of deferring your place to the next academic year, or

b. offer you a place on an appropriate alternative programme at Cardiff University

7.1.1 If you do not wish to take up one of the alternative options offered to you as a result of the application of the over subscription policy you will be released from your offer as a priority to enable you to pursue insurance, clearing, or other suitable options and offers.