How we make our decision

Once we receive your application from UCAS, it will be assessed against the minimum entry requirements for the course you’ve applied for. You can find these on our undergraduate course pages.

We pay particular attention to your grades and achievements in subjects that are relevant to the course you've applied for.

But we’re also very keen to learn about your extracurricular achievements like taking part in sports, clubs and competitions, as well as any work experience or volunteering. We want to get an idea of what you are like as a person as well as your qualifications.

This is your chance to stand out from the crowd!

Tell us about your passions, skills and personal experience – and how these things make you well suited to the course you’ve applied for.

But remember, you only submit one personal statement – it’s the same for every university you apply to, so don’t mention Abertay or any other university by name.

Ideally you should try to write a statement that is relevant to the course you are applying for. But if you’re applying for courses in different subject areas, you’ll need to focus on general themes e.g. your communication skills or creativity. Visit UCAS for advice on writing your personal statement.

And please be assured, we read EVERY SINGLE personal statement. So take your time and do your best.

A reference is a written recommendation from a teacher, adviser or another professional who knows your academic skills. A glowing reference will really impress us!

Don't forget to ask your referee to provide a reference and give UCAS time to contact them.

And please be assured, we read EVERY SINGLE reference and personal statement. 

We understand some people have faced extra challenges before applying to university, which is why we consider the background in which your academic grades were achieved.

Factors we consider when deciding whether to make you an offer include whether you have been in care, or attended a school where not many students go on to university.