University Transfer FAQ

Hello.

I noticed that there have recently been a reasonably high volume of questions about this and, as I cannot be bothered to always make the kind of detailed replies that are appropriate, I thought it would be good to make this thread. Feel free to ask questions and make suggestions for improvements and additions because obviously the better this is the more useful it will be. It was written up very rapidly by me a little earlier and is subject to considerable editing at some point.

Feel free to suggest revisions.

Why do people transfer?

People decide to transfer for all manner of reasons; some do it because the course does not match their expectations and some because of personal considerations such as family illness and the need to be closer to home. Others simply don't enjoy themselves where they are or want to "upgrade" to a university they consider to be better. Whatever the reason, many people do transfer each year and it is not as difficult or time consuming as many people assume it to be.

However, it also isn't an easy option and there is absolutely no guarantee that you will be able to transfer at all, let alone to the university you want to transfer to. It is important you are making the decision for the right reasons and, in many instances, taking a gap year is probably a better option if you are already considering a transfer before you have even begun your course. You should not make any plans that are dependent on you definitely being able to make X transfer because you could very well end up disappointed.

However, it should be noted that you can also apply for first year entry to other courses while at university and in that case you may well be in a stronger position than many applicants as you will have university experience, hopefully more knowledge and possibly the expectation of achieving a Certificate/Diploma of Higher Education or certainly the corresponding amount of credits.

First steps and initial correspondence

Initially, before beginning a formal application, you will want to contact the universities you are interested in applying to to ask them whether or not they will formally consider your application. This is because a variety of things may impede your progress before you even begin. Some examples include the fact that not all departments, and indeed universities, accept transfer applicants and that the course you wish to apply for may already be full up which is more likely to be the case if you are applying later in the academic year long after the standard UCAS cycle.

There are two strategies with your initial message and I suggest the latter personally because it may well save you time, gives the impression you have done some research about the process and ultimately has no negative implications that can reasonably be attributed to it.

One: Simply email asking broadly about the prospect of applying for X course. The reply, if positive, will often ask you for some if not all of the things listed below.

Two: Send an email to the admission office, possibly a department specific one, providing the following information:

- Your name and current university course
- The university you are currently studying at
- The course you are interested in transferring to
- Your academic history, specifically your A levels (or equivalent) and the grades you achieved.
- The official module names and descriptions (and codes for their easy reference) of every module you are studying that year and the grades you have achieved so far.

If time is an issue then phoning is likely to get you an answer quicker. Ask for and note the name and job title of the person you speak to and have the above information on hand.

The UCAS Application

If one or more of the universities you contact inform you that they will formally consider your application based on the information you have provided then you will need to submit a UCAS application in much the same way as you have previously. The difference being that, when you enter the course choice, you need to state that it is for entry point 2 (or 3 if that is the case) if that is the year you will be entering at.

You will still need to pay for the processing of the application and the same rules apply as for all other applicants with regards to adding choices, changing choices and how much you have to pay.

You will still receive decisions via track and will still have to accept or decline them as before with regard to what the offer is, although we cover that a little later.

What about a reference?

While some universities will accept a reference from an old school teacher, much the same as your original application, many wont and those that do will still prefer something far more recent. The guidance from university admissions staff is that the reference should be made by somebody who is an academic member of staff at the university you attend and that the more senior their position the better. You of course need to strike a balance between this and ensuring the reference is representative of your abilities and, as such, many people choose to provide a reference from a class teacher rather than a senior lecturer, for example, which may ostensibly seem the better choice.

It is possible that the member of staff will never have had to write such a reference before so you need to be prepared to offer them guidance on this if they request it (although in my experience they will request it from the university they are providing he reference to). Much the same as your original reference it should outline how you are as a student and highlight your academic strengths and why they recommend you for study on your proposed course.

Here is where having a personable demeanor and having made good impressions on staff will serve you well. You should be aware that it can take quite a long time for a reference to be provided, especially if it is being provided by somebody with a great many commitments, so it is important to get the ball rolling on this swiftly.

Your reference it should outline how you are as a student and highlight your academic strengths and why they recommend you for study on your proposed course. You should be aware that it can take quite a long time for a reference to be provided, especially if it is being provided by somebody with a great many commitments, so it is important to get the ball rolling on this swiftly.

You can help them by getting a copy of your previous UCAS reference and letting them know about any mitigating circumstances.

What about a personal statement?

You will need to provide a personal statement with your application and ultimately it has the same requirements as for other applicants. Some people do choose to include information about why they want to make the switch here although this will often be asked by admissions staff and passed on to the relevant person(s) separately.

This is your chance to show them that you have used your year well and to communicate to them that you are the kind of person they want at their university. Different people employ different strategies here with some people targeting the university specifically if they are only applying to one and talking about why the specifics of that course interest them and some simply relay their interests and motivations and treat it the same as other PSs written for the standard UCAS application. There is no right or wrong answer, but the aim remains constant - to present a case for you being worth an offer.

Adding qualifications to UCAS

You need to include all previous qualifications (GCSEs, AS and A levels usually INCLUDING resits) as well as the dates of your university study. If you've attended university long enough to pass any modules then these also need to be added to your application as qualifications.This post explains how to add your university modules/study to your application.

UCAS deadlines for transfer students

For first year entry you will normally need to apply by the standard UCAS deadlines (15 January for most courses, 15 October for Oxbridge/Medicine/Dentistry/Vet courses).

Applying be the early 15 October deadline while at university isn't recommended. You're making it clear to the universities you apply to that you started on a degree course without intending to finish it. If you want to apply for a course/university that has the early deadline then it is FAR better to take a year out of education and do something else. Oxford say "Oxford does accept applications from students who are currently studying at another university. Your full academic record would be taken in to account in your application, including your A-levels (or other equivalent qualifications) and study at university level, so we would need evidence of your performance on your university course." This would only be possible if you applied to enter into Year 1 at Oxford at the start of your Second year elsewhere. Cambridge say "Cambridge Colleges will only, as a matter of principle, consider applications from students enrolled in a degree course at other UK universities in very exceptional circumstances. Any application to study at Cambridge would need strong support from your Course Director or other academic tutor at your current university." - again only possible if you apply at the start of your second year for entry into the start of a course at Cambridge.

Outside of courses with the early deadline most universities would only expect to get applications for transfer close to the January deadline. Applying too early will give the impression that you haven't made much effort to settle in at your current university.
Universities are sympathetic to applications for first year entry after the January deadline (so even if a course is closed to late applications it is often worth getting in touch). The January deadline is not normally applicable to applications for entry into second or third year - but you should aim to apply as early as possible.

What will my offer be contingent upon?

Essentially, anything they want it to be contingent upon.

Firstly, it is often - although not always - the case that your A levels must be at least reasonably similar to those of other students on the proposed course and policy on that will vary. Of course, a slight deficiency here can possibly be mitigated by improved attainment, evidenced in this case by the grades you are achieving at university currently.

Secondly, your offer will almost always (I say almost because, although I've never seen this not be the case, It would be inappropriate for me to say it with complete certainty) be contingent on obtaining a certain grade for the stage of study you are currently at. This may range simply from needing to pass the year, to having to achieve X percentage (often a 2:1) or to having to achieve a certain result in specific modules as well as meeting other conditions such as the aforementioned.

The onus will be on you to provide proof that you meet any conditions asked of you before your offer becomes unconditional and this will include providing A level documents (they often accept scans) and proof of your university results. You should be mindful of any deadlines for proving this poof and be proactive in providing it!

Other actions you will need to take and considerations

Obvious though it may seem, you have to remember to inform student finance about the change of circumstance and, dependent on the specifics, this may involve beginning a new application for finance which, if you are applying late in the day, may mean resubmitting financial information and other documents they require. Of course you should consult them about this but it is definitely something you need to consider.

As well as all of the above it is perfectly possible that you may have a phone conversation with staff at the university you have applied to in which you are asked about the course so you should not enter into the process without having done enough research to be able to provide a cogent, convincing case for why you have made the decision should it be required of you.

Student finance implications

Obvious though it may seem, you have to remember to inform student finance about the change of circumstance and, dependent on the specifics, this may involve beginning a new application for finance which, if you are applying late in the day, may mean resubmitting financial information and other documents they require. Of course you should consult them about this but it is definitely something you need to consider.

If you apply to continue your degree elsewhere without repeating or restarting a year then your finance eligibility should not be affected.
If you apply to restart or repeat a year elsewhere then this will count as using your "gift" year of funding. Everyone gets ONE gift year so any further additional years (if you need to restart again or fail and repeat a year) wouldn't be eligible for a tuition fee loan.
Transferring from a foundation year into year 1 of a degree without a foundation year will normally also count as using up your gift year.

This means it is important that you're confident that the change of university/course is right for you. If you're unsure or in doubt then speak to your current university about suspending your studies for a year - you can suspend your studies AND hold a deferred offer to give yourself time to make the right decision.

Transferring courses within the same university

While this thread is primarily concerned with transferring to a university other than the one you attend, it is common for questions to be asked about this so I thought I should include it. University policy, indeed departmental policy, will vary but generally the following is true. There are two main times you can transfer internally without having to restart the year.

At the beginning of the year

The exact window will vary, as will the availability and ease of the option as some universities offer this as a promulgated matter of course and others simply make provision for it if a student presents a case for it. Generally, your academic attainment prior to university - A Levels etc - will be the determining factor of whether or not the switch is approved but thee may also be a discussion akin to an informal interview with somebody relevant beforehand.

At the end of the year

Most universities (perhaps all) allow this, but you usually have to meet the same module prerequisites with regards to core modules as other students. For example, if you study course X and choose elective module Y which happens to be the only core module for course Z then in most cases you will be allowed to switch. Most common is people switching from joint honors to one of the two constituent subjects alone as they always satisfy the progression prerequisites with regard to module choice.

Practice may vary massively at some universities and it is always better to call or email them and ask in advance of any binding decisions as obviously the advice your university provides is of far more use to you.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 80

ByronicHero

OP

20

Original post by blackjesus

This post has been extremely helpful to me and I thank you for this.

I started a thread earlier and was refered to this thread ..... below is what I posted.

I just finished my first year doing finance and Investment banking at the ICMA centre in Reading university and averaged around 84% for all 6 of my modules....
with 82% in macro and 84% in micro econ

I was wondering If i have a chance at transferring into the first year of LSE/UCL/warwick to do economics / economics and statistics?

The thing is I would have applied before but I picked the wrong combination of A levels and didn't do very well due to personal reasons...

A level results:
Mathematics - B
Economics - B
Urdu - B
Btec National certificate in Business - Double distinction....

GCSE results : 4 A*, 6 A & 2B

Now I know that my A levels were poor and my GCSEs were average, but I was wondering because I done reasonably well in my first year at uni if I have a chance at transferring into the first year of UCL/LSE/WARWICK economics...

I'm hoping to get into S&T/ER after graduation btw

Technically that won't actually be a transfer but an application and be aware that in this case you will definitely have to make a new student finance application. I see no reason why you shouldn't at least inquire as all they can do is say no. Even with your extra experience and decent marks though those courses will be very competitive so I wouldn't approach it with high expectations of I were you but would definitely send an email asking about how they would asses your application - being sure to communicate everything relevant.

You would have to apply for 2012 entry though as I'm sure you are aware so would you not also have done year 2 by then? I think 2 years of good results would be rather attractive but I would question the worth of making the change in that instance.

Reply 81

blackjesus

Original post by paddy__power

Technically that won't actually be a transfer but an application and be aware that in this case you will definitely have to make a new student finance application. I see no reason why you shouldn't at least inquire as all they can do is say no. Even with your extra experience and decent marks though those courses will be very competitive so I wouldn't approach it with high expectations of I were you but would definitely send an email asking about how they would asses your application - being sure to communicate everything relevant.

You would have to apply for 2012 entry though as I'm sure you are aware so would you not also have done year 2 by then? I think 2 years of good results would be rather attractive but I would question the worth of making the change in that instance.

You make some very valid points and I'll contact the university now to see what they say, thank you for your advice :biggrin:

Reply 82

ByronicHero

OP

20

No problem mate :smile:

Best of luck.

Reply 83

KLx

Hey, any advice I could get with my problem would be hugely appreciated!!

I'm just about to start back at uni, going into second year... Literally the worst time I could have realised that I'm not that happy there. Don't want to name and shame the uni but let's say it's an acquired taste and it's just not me. Also starting to think I should be on a slightly different course; I'm taking law and history but I really miss studying English literature and I want it back in my student life. Plus I'm considering a new direction for my career after uni (less lawyer, more something in writing).

I have family in Edinburgh and from what I've seen the courses there are rather flexible; ideally I'd like to take modules in law, history and English literature. (I know that Edinburgh teaches Scottish law and that's not a problem as I'm not looking to qualify for professional English legal bodies). So I'm considering moving there but I'm really not sure / don't know if it could give me what I want.

I guess what I'm wondering is whether my best bet is to leave my current university and reapply to start at a different uni in September? Presumably I have missed my chance to transfer for second year now, and I see that 3rd year transfers aren't possible :frown:

I'm a little worried also that I'm making a rash decision. I had a strong first year academically and due to the nature of my uni I have a feeling my credits won't be easily transferrable.

Sorry for what's probably a long post. I'm just confused right now and looking for any advice from anyone who's maybe been in my situation, or who knows how transfers work. Thanks in advance :smile:

Reply 84

blackjesus

Original post by paddy__power

No problem mate :smile:

Best of luck.

Couldnt get through to the department, I'll try again in a bit...

Sorry quick follow up question, do you not think that my A level grades would put me at a massive disadvantage despite my first year grades? because as you said these courses are going to be extremely competitive to get into...

Reply 85

ByronicHero

OP

20

Original post by blackjesus

Couldnt get through to the department, I'll try again in a bit...

Sorry quick follow up question, do you not think that my A level grades would put me at a massive disadvantage despite my first year grades? because as you said these courses are going to be extremely competitive to get into...

Honestly it is hard for me to say but often the A level grades will first and foremost be the most important thing. The good thing for you is that at least you are not applying with poor grades and that I believe Reading to be good at such courses assuming you were at Henly? All you can really do is present the entirety of your experience and I think you can make a case with the results you have - the issue will be how rigidly they apply A Level requirements because if they are very rigid here then your first year results are unlikely to make a massive difference.

In short: I don't know, as it will depend on so many things.

Reply 86

blackjesus

Original post by paddy__power

Honestly it is hard for me to say but often the A level grades will first and foremost be the most important thing. The good thing for you is that at least you are not applying with poor grades and that I believe Reading to be good at such courses assuming you were at Henly? All you can really do is present the entirety of your experience and I think you can make a case with the results you have - the issue will be how rigidly they apply A Level requirements because if they are very rigid here then your first year results are unlikely to make a massive difference.

In short: I don't know, as it will depend on so many things.

Cheers,
I was in the ICMA centre in the henley building, I guess all I can really do is -as you said- present my case and see what they say.

Reply 87

ByronicHero

OP

20

Original post by blackjesus

Cheers,
I was in the ICMA centre in the henley building, I guess all I can really do is -as you said- present my case and see what they say.

Exactly. I don't really want to second guess how they will view your application as I simply don't know.

Good luck - just make sure to emphasize your better recent record, as I'm sure you would anyway.

Reply 88

ByronicHero

OP

20

Original post by KLx

Hey, any advice I could get with my problem would be hugely appreciated!!

I'm just about to start back at uni, going into second year... Literally the worst time I could have realised that I'm not that happy there. Don't want to name and shame the uni but let's say it's an acquired taste and it's just not me. Also starting to think I should be on a slightly different course; I'm taking law and history but I really miss studying English literature and I want it back in my student life. Plus I'm considering a new direction for my career after uni (less lawyer, more something in writing).

I have family in Edinburgh and from what I've seen the courses there are rather flexible; ideally I'd like to take modules in law, history and English literature. (I know that Edinburgh teaches Scottish law and that's not a problem as I'm not looking to qualify for professional English legal bodies). So I'm considering moving there but I'm really not sure / don't know if it could give me what I want.

I guess what I'm wondering is whether my best bet is to leave my current university and reapply to start at a different uni in September? Presumably I have missed my chance to transfer for second year now, and I see that 3rd year transfers aren't possible :frown:

I'm a little worried also that I'm making a rash decision. I had a strong first year academically and due to the nature of my uni I have a feeling my credits won't be easily transferrable.

Sorry for what's probably a long post. I'm just confused right now and looking for any advice from anyone who's maybe been in my situation, or who knows how transfers work. Thanks in advance :smile:

Hey,

I can give you general advice as I can with anyone and my advice would be that yes, if you want to change then reapplying for the first year of a new course would probably be the best idea (and would remind you that you may well get a CertHE to show for your efforts the previous year). Of course you need to be aware there is no guarantee of being accepted to X university.

However, I am also quoting in somebody with far more knowledge of Edinburgh's admissions process than I have who can no doubt give you more specific advice with regard to that. :smile:

oxymoronic

123

You have been summoned :tongue:

Reply 89

Joanna-Marie :)

15

Original post by paddy__power

Yes you can do that.

Actually I emailed UCAS & finally got an answer of;
No, I can't do that! If I want to apply elsewhere I will have to withdraw fully and hope for the best, so thanks for the advance but your wrong

Reply 90

ByronicHero

OP

20

Original post by Joanna-Marie :)

Actually I emailed UCAS & finally got an answer of;
No, I can't do that! If I want to apply elsewhere I will have to withdraw fully and hope for the best, so thanks for the advance but your wrong

No, not at all.

My answer to the question you explicitly asked - can you take up a place and still apply for other courses - was completely correct. You didn't ask anything about having to start another application or not or I would have told you that obviously you have to. I know this because I have applied while at a university and so have many many other people. I'm afraid the person you spoke to either misunderstood your question or was simply incorrect so no, I'm not wrong.

Lol.

Reply 91

Joanna-Marie :)

15

Original post by paddy__power

No, not at all.

My answer to the question you explicitly asked - can you take up a place and still apply for other courses - was completely correct. You didn't ask anything about having to start another application or not or I would have told you that obviously you have to. I know this because I have applied while at a university and so have many many other people. I'm afraid the person you spoke to either misunderstood your question or was simply incorrect so no, I'm not wrong.

Lol.

Right, now I'm confused .. I'll be applying for the exact same course just elsewhere and for Septmber 2012 whereas I'm due to start in January .. I've been told by UCAS that;

You are only allowed one application per application cycle; this includes a deferred application. If you send a second application, it will be cancelled and you will not receive a refund. &
It wouldn't be possible to reapply whilst holding a place for January 2012. Also, you wouldn't be able to start the course in January and then reapply for Septemebr 2012. The option you have left is to either take up your place in January or ask the university to completely withdraw your application be fore re-registering for 2012

Reply 92

ByronicHero

OP

20

Original post by Joanna-Marie :)

Right, now I'm confused .. I'll be applying for the exact same course just elsewhere and for Septmber 2012 whereas I'm due to start in January so now I don't know where I am lmao

You can start your course and then start a new application while on that course but for other courses exactly the same as you would if you were doing anything else essentially. There may be some difference for your course I'm not aware of but if the application process is the same then this won't be the case.

Reply 93

KLx

Original post by paddy__power

Hey,

I can give you general advice as I can with anyone and my advice would be that yes, if you want to change then reapplying for the first year of a new course would probably be the best idea (and would remind you that you may well get a CertHE to show for your efforts the previous year). Of course you need to be aware there is no guarantee of being accepted to X university.

However, I am also quoting in somebody with far more knowledge of Edinburgh's admissions process than I have who can no doubt give you more specific advice with regard to that. :smile:

You have been summoned :tongue:

Alright, thank you :smile:

I think that is the option that makes the most sense; just a bit of a scary decision because it means I'll be starting a degree properly at 22 haha. Yeh don't worry, I know there's no guarantee but I've looked at the entry requirements for Edinburgh today and I meet them so that's part of the battle at least. Thanks for the quote in, looking forward to hearing what they have to say as well.

Reply 94

ByronicHero

OP

20

Original post by KLx

Alright, thank you :smile:

I think that is the option that makes the most sense; just a bit of a scary decision because it means I'll be starting a degree properly at 22 haha. Yeh don't worry, I know there's no guarantee but I've looked at the entry requirements for Edinburgh today and I meet them so that's part of the battle at least. Thanks for the quote in, looking forward to hearing what they have to say as well.

They are online a lot so unless I quoted wrong they will be with you soon :smile:

Reply 95

KLx

Original post by paddy__power

They are online a lot so unless I quoted wrong they will be with you soon :smile:

Awesome, thanks for your help :smile:

Reply 96

m77

Finished the year with 66% (2:1).

A different uni

OP

Come again?

OP

Original post by carnationlilyrose

Shameless.

There was an issue and it had been sorted, I just decided to delay declaring as much and accidentally forget to just edit it into the above post :ninja:

On a serious note though this is only useful if it remains on the first page so I don't mind periodically bumping it. I'm currently discussing with the mods what they want to do with regards to linking to it and such but I don't think it is going to be stickied right now because there isn't a huge amount of traffic. Of course that is because anybody who reads the OP will rarely have a question but such is life :tongue:

Reply 99

Carnationlilyrose

18

Original post by paddy__power

There was an issue and it had been sorted, I just decided to delay declaring as much and accidentally forget to just edit it into the above post :ninja:

On a serious note though this is only useful if it remains on the first page so I don't mind periodically bumping it. I'm currently discussing with the mods what they want to do with regards to linking to it and such but I don't think it is going to be stickied right now because there isn't a huge amount of traffic. Of course that is because anybody who reads the OP will rarely have a question but such is life :tongue:

Well, it's a question which crops up with tedious regularity, so I think there's a good case for it. I'd help you bump it, but I don't think just the two of us doing it would count as legitimate traffic, alas.

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