Applying to universities again after first year of university

2

I studied CS at university for one year however I had to withdraw since not passing one core module. I passed all other modules well and my year average was well above a fail.

now I am looking to apply to university again for 26/27 start. does anyone know how my application will differ this time to what I had to do for my original application I did in year 13?

I'm particularly curious about the changes this has on the education section of the application, my reference, and if it tanks my application. For detail, I am applying to a completely different course as I have now found my real interest and I have good academics for GCSE and A-Level.

Thanks to anyone who decides to get back to me

Reply 1

lcigroup

6

Yes, you can reapply to universities after your first year. It’s called transferring — you’ll need your first-year transcripts, updated documents, and may get credit for completed courses depending on the new university’s policy.

Reply 2

CCCU Official

Official Rep

18

Are you planning to apply for a new subject starting from Year 1 entry? If so, your personal statement will need to be updated to reflect the change in subject, you will also need to provide an academic reference. It’s mandatory to mention your previous university studies, include any relevant experience or qualifications gained during that time.

Reply 3

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Just to note that it is mandatory to include your full educational history in your UCAS application otherwise your application could be considered fraudulent.

Reply 4

mathias23

OP

2

Original post

by lcigroup

Yes, you can reapply to universities after your first year. It’s called transferring — you’ll need your first-year transcripts, updated documents, and may get credit for completed courses depending on the new university’s policy.

I am not in university right now though, would that still count as transferring? I won't be doing the same course so I wouldn't assume so

Reply 5

mathias23

OP

2

Original post

by CCCU Official

Are you planning to apply for a new subject starting from Year 1 entry? If so, your personal statement will need to be updated to reflect the change in subject, you will also need to provide an academic reference. It’s mandatory to mention your previous university studies, include any relevant experience or qualifications gained during that time.

Yes I am. I'm writing about how my experiences at my university drove me towards this new course of study. I have spoken to my Sixth Form and they are willing to do a reference luckily.

In terms of qualifications, would I have any considering I sort of did not complete first year? On my UCAS I assumed I had to put my course and warwick start and end dates then write down that I withdrew.

Reply 6

mathias23

OP

2

Original post

by normaw

Just to note that it is mandatory to include your full educational history in your UCAS application otherwise your application could be considered fraudulent.

Thank you I understand. I was always planning on putting my Warwick education down as it would also explain the year after my A-Levels. I'd like to ask how I should submit that information, I assume I need to put down the course name, university, start and end dates, then that I had withdrawn. At least that is what the UCAS form on the education section implies.

Reply 7

kimberlay

1

I’m in a similar situation except I withdrew from my course after having a change of interest in the career I want to do. I completed one year of study and withdrew towards the end of second year. All the unis I’ve applied to don’t require an academic transcript since I didn’t complete my previous degree and am doing a completely different course. I’ve already submitted my application and in my education history I just stated that I attended university during the years I was there, but I didn’t mention the course I did since when I tried to add a degree title, it kept asking for my graduation date but I didn’t graduate and don’t have any qualifications from my studies. Is this ok or do I have to change something?

(edited 3 weeks ago)

Reply 8

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Original post

by mathias23

Thank you I understand. I was always planning on putting my Warwick education down as it would also explain the year after my A-Levels. I'd like to ask how I should submit that information, I assume I need to put down the course name, university, start and end dates, then that I had withdrawn. At least that is what the UCAS form on the education section implies.

That's correct - fill in the required fields in the education section for your former uni.

Reply 9

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by kimberlay

I’m in a similar situation except I withdrew from my course after having a change of interest in the career I want to do. I completed one year of study and withdrew towards the end of second year. All the unis I’ve applied to don’t require an academic transcript since I didn’t complete my previous degree and am doing a completely different course. I’ve already submitted my application and in my education history I just stated that I attended university during the years I was there, but I didn’t mention the course I did since when I tried to add a degree title, it kept asking for my graduation date but I didn’t graduate and don’t have any qualifications from my studies. Is this ok or do I have to change something?

Usually you would just enter "no award" or similar in the qualification title.

Reply 10

mathias23

OP

2

Original post

by normaw

That's correct - fill in the required fields in the education section for your former uni.

Thank you very much. Could I ask if you know whether it plays a significant role in admissions decisions? I understand that it varies uni to uni, searching this question up for my desired choices didn't lead me to any clear answer.

Reply 11

kimberlay

1

Original post

by Admit-One

Usually you would just enter "no award" or similar in the qualification title.

Thanks! I’ve already submitted my application so I can’t change it. Is it ok to leave it as is or do I have to do a qualifications amendment form? I also called UCAS and an agent told me that it isn’t a big issue that I made that mistake.

Reply 12

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by kimberlay

Thanks! I’ve already submitted my application so I can’t change it. Is it ok to leave it as is or do I have to do a qualifications amendment form? I also called UCAS and an agent told me that it isn’t a big issue that I made that mistake.

As long as you didn't enter a degree title it should be fine. It'll be clear from your dates that you did not complete a degree during that time.

If unis have any questions about it, they will just email you.

Reply 13

LSBU

Official Rep

11

Original post

by mathias23

I studied CS at university for one year however I had to withdraw since not passing one core module. I passed all other modules well and my year average was well above a fail.
now I am looking to apply to university again for 26/27 start. does anyone know how my application will differ this time to what I had to do for my original application I did in year 13?
I'm particularly curious about the changes this has on the education section of the application, my reference, and if it tanks my application. For detail, I am applying to a completely different course as I have now found my real interest and I have good academics for GCSE and A-Level.
Thanks to anyone who decides to get back to me

Hey! There are alot of people who’ve gone through a really similar situation starting a course at a different uni, not passing a core module, and then reapplying later for something completely different. First off, don’t worry this doesn’t ruin your application. If anything, it can actually work in your favour if you show that you’ve reflected and now have a clearer direction.
When you apply again through UCAS, you’ll need to include your previous university in the education section just be honest about the dates and select “did not complete qualification” in the dropdown. It’s very normal and universities are used to seeing this. You don’t need to go into detail in that section; save that for your personal statement if you want to explain your shift in interest or what you’ve learned from the experience.
For your reference, since you're not applying through school this time, you’ve got a few options. If someone from your old uni (like a lecturer or tutor) is willing to write one, that’s great. If not, you can ask an employer, mentor, or even submit your application as an independent applicant and write a reference yourself explaining your situation UCAS allows this. As long as the person writing it can speak to your motivation and suitability for the new course, you’re good.
The most important part of your application this time will be your personal statement. That’s your chance to shift the focus from what went wrong to what you’ve learned and why this new subject is a better fit. If your GCSEs and A-levels are solid, and you can show real interest in your new course through reading, work experience, online learning, or just a clear explanation then universities will take you seriously. At LSBU especially, they really value people who come from different routes or have taken time to figure things out. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being ready.
So no, your application isn’t tanked. Just be honest, show growth, and make sure you’re applying for something that genuinely interests you now. You've got a solid chance and I’d definitely recommend looking into LSBU if you want somewhere that supports students who’ve taken a non-linear path. Good luck you've got this!

Reply 14

lcigroup

6

Original post

by mathias23

I studied CS at university for one year however I had to withdraw since not passing one core module. I passed all other modules well and my year average was well above a fail.
now I am looking to apply to university again for 26/27 start. does anyone know how my application will differ this time to what I had to do for my original application I did in year 13?
I'm particularly curious about the changes this has on the education section of the application, my reference, and if it tanks my application. For detail, I am applying to a completely different course as I have now found my real interest and I have good academics for GCSE and A-Level.
Thanks to anyone who decides to get back to me

Yes, you can apply to universities again while you’re in your first year. Many students do this if they find a better course, different location, or a university that suits them more.
Universities will look at:

•

Your school marks (10th & 12th or A-levels/equivalent)

•

Your current first-year grades

•

A strong personal statement explaining why you want to switch

•

Sometimes a reference from your current university

Whether your credits transfer depends on how similar your new course is. If it’s closely related, you might enter directly into second year. If it’s very different or more competitive, you may need to start again from first year.
Switching is completely possible — just make sure you have a clear academic reason and check each university’s credit transfer policy before applying.

Applying to universities again after first year of university

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