Key dates

You will usually need to apply through UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service at www.ucas.ac.uk.

August to September

You should look through university prospectuses, visit university websites and visit universities to decide which course they want to study and where. Each course has its own entry requirements that you will need to meet.

October to January

You can apply for up to five places on full time courses by completing their UCAS application online. The deadline for most courses is 15 January, although some courses such as art and design courses and courses at Oxford and Cambridge universities may differ. At Derby, we accept late applications, but they are considered after people who have applied by the deadline.

March to May

When you’ve received offers, you’ll need to choose a firm choice and an insurance choice (a back up). Offers are either conditional, which means that you’ll have to get a certain number of UCAS points to get your place, or unconditional, meaning that you can take up your place regardless of the grades you get.

May to July

When you’ve decided which place to accept and which to decline, you need to make sure that you let UCAS know before the deadline.

August to Results day

If you get the grades you need you’ll have secured your place for your firm course.

Clearing

If you don't get the grades you need, you can ring the university and see if they will still accept you on the course. However if this isn't possible you can use the UCAS clearing system to apply for courses that still have vacancies.