UCAS Application Guidance 2025-26 for Level 3 Creative Arts by Dannie Stone

Registering for UCAS 2025-26

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To begin your university application, you'll need to register for a UCAS account online. Head to the official UCAS website, create your personal profile, and make sure to use a personal email address that you check regularly.

During registration, select that you are applying for '2026 entry' and input your school/college buzzword so your tutors can support and reference your application.

Buzzword: BedfordCollege2026

Creating a Strong Password & Security Details

dstone9 — 2025-10-08 08:50:46 UTC

When you register, UCAS will ask you to create a strong password and answer security questions. Choose something memorable but secure. Never share your password with anyone, including friends!

Agreeing to the Terms and Conditions

dstone9 — 2025-10-08 08:50:46 UTC

Once you complete the registration steps, you need to agree to UCAS’s terms and conditions. It’s important to read these so you understand your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

Filling in Personal Details Accurately

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Enter your full legal name (as it appears on your passport or official documents), date of birth, and contact details. Double check for typos – errors here can cause problems later with universities or student finance.

Supporting Information (Disabilities, Additional Needs etc.)

dstone9 — 2025-10-08 08:50:46 UTC

If you have a disability, learning difference, or health condition, include this in your application. This helps universities provide appropriate support from the outset, and your application is treated just as fairly as all others.

Listing Completed and Pending Qualifications

dstone9 — 2025-10-08 08:50:47 UTC

Include all relevant qualifications, including GCSEs, BTECs, A-Levels, and any others you've already completed or are currently studying. List predicted grades for qualifications you're still working on. Ask your tutor if you're unsure about any details.

Entering Module Grades and Units (if applicable)

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Some qualifications require you to input detailed unit or module results (e.g., for BTECs). Double check your certificates or ask your tutor to ensure information is correct.

Uploading Certificates?

dstone9 — 2025-10-08 08:50:47 UTC

UCAS does not usually require you to upload certificates, but universities might later. Have scans handy, especially for international or less common qualifications. Protect your original copies!

Planning Your Personal Statement

dstone9 — 2025-10-08 08:50:48 UTC

Start early! Reflect on your experiences, inspirations, interests, and achievements in Creative Arts. Think about what makes you unique and ready for university study. Make notes before you start a draft.

Dos and Don’ts for 2025-26

dstone9 — 2025-10-08 08:50:48 UTC

Do:
- Show passion for your subject
- Reflect on relevant experiences
- Proofread for grammar and spelling
Don’t:
- Copy from online sources (UCAS uses plagiarism checks!)
- Use AI tools or paid writing services
- Repeat information from other sections of your application

Personal Statement 2025-26: New UCAS Rules

dstone9 — 2025-10-08 08:50:48 UTC

For 2025-26 application cycle, remember:
- For students applying for 2026 entry, the single 4,000-character personal statement is being replaced with a new, structured set of questions.

Question 1: Why do you want to study this specific course? What genuinely interests you about it?

Career goals
School trips
Books
Documentaries
Interesting conversations My best advice for Question 1 is to give evidence of actions you have taken after your interest first got sparked. For example, if you mention an interesting school trip or conversation you had, explain how this led you to reading further into it via a book/ online lecture.

Question 2: How have your studies and other experiences prepared you for the academic demands of this course?

The relevant subjects you study at A-Level
Why are they relevant?
What have you done outside of your A-Levels?
EPQ
Presentations
Group projects
School clubs and societies
Work experience

Question 3: What skills do you have that show you're ready for the independent nature of university life?

Sports clubs and competitions
Learning music
Part-time work
Tutoring/ mentoring younger children
Volunteering
Challenges e.g. Duke of Edinburgh

- Plagiarism detection is stricter; ensure your content is 100% your own.

School/College Reference & Predicted Grades

dstone9 — 2025-10-08 08:50:48 UTC

Your tutor or teacher will add a reference and predicted grades before the application is sent to UCAS. Complete your sections fully and early so your reference can be added in plenty of time.

Paying and Sending Your Application

dstone9 — 2025-10-08 08:50:48 UTC

Once your application is complete, you’ll pay the UCAS application fee (It costs £28.50 for 1-5 choices), review every section, and submit.

You can track offers and reply via UCAS Track after submission.

Deadlines for Creative Arts Applicants

dstone9 — 2025-10-08 08:50:48 UTC

Internal Bedford College Deadline - 14th November 2025. The College deadline for all submissions (not including those listed above). This deadline is earlier than the UCAS deadline in order to enable Student Services to thoroughly check applications and ensure the supporting references are completed accurately. Applications received after this date will still be processed but the same level of checks may not be possible.

Double check the 2025-26 final UCAS deadlines. Most Creative Arts courses have a deadline (14th January, before 6pm to be with UCAS), but some specialist courses may have an early October (Conservatoires) deadline.

Set calendar reminders and apply early!

Bedford College Group Guide to completing your UCAS Application

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Session Objectives

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Understand the UCAS Application Process
- Objective: Learners will be able to identify and explain the key components of the UCAS application, including course choices, personal details, education history, and reference requirements.
- Why it matters: This ensures students are confident navigating the platform and meeting deadlines.
Develop a Personal Statement Tailored to Creative Arts Courses
- Objective: Learners will be able to plan, draft, and refine a personal statement that effectively communicates their skills, experiences, and aspirations relevant to creative arts disciplines.
- Why it matters: A strong personal statement is crucial for standing out in competitive creative courses.
Reflect on Personal and Professional Development
- Objective: Learners will be able to evaluate their own creative journey, identifying key achievements, influences, and goals to articulate a clear narrative in their application.
- Why it matters: This helps students present a compelling and authentic story that aligns with their chosen courses.