Admissions

Recruitment & Admissions Policy

1. Aims of the Policy

1.1 The DoGenius Institute is committed to providing education to all applicants who demonstrate the potential to benefit from its courses, in alignment with its mission to promote widened access and participation, as well as uphold equality of opportunity. This policy ensures the admission of a diverse and talented student population equipped to successfully complete their chosen program.

1.2 The policy adopts the principles outlined in the UK Fair Admissions Code of Practice, ensuring fairness, transparency, and protection for applicants throughout the recruitment and admissions process.

1.3 It is principally aligned with the Office for Students’ (OfS) and the UK Quality Code for Higher Education (2024), which state:

"Providers operate recruitment, selection, and admissions processes that are transparent, fair, and inclusive. Providers maintain and publish accurate, relevant, and accessible information about their provision, enabling students to make informed choices about their studies and future aspirations."

1.4 The policy also adheres to the OfS requirement to recruit students for courses where they have the capability to achieve successful outcomes.

1.5 Additionally, this policy complies with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) guidance for higher education, ensuring adherence to consumer protection law.

2. Scope of the Policy

2.1 This policy applies to the recruitment and admission of students across:

Further Education Courses

Undergraduate Programs, including Foundation Years

Postgraduate Courses

Apprenticeships

Degree and Higher-Level Apprenticeships

3. General Principles

3.1 Inclusivity and Potential: The DoGenius Institute aims to admit applicants who demonstrate the potential to succeed in their chosen course, regardless of their background.

3.2 Merit-Based Admissions: All applicants are assessed on their merits, abilities, and potential without discrimination on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, age (subject to policies regarding applicants under 18), disability, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

3.3 Transparent Communication: Clear, accurate, and upfront information regarding courses, fees, admissions processes, and terms and conditions will be provided to potential applicants.

3.4 Comprehensive Information: Detailed information on the student experience, program outcomes, and how programs align with students’ aspirations will be consistently provided.

3.5 Fair Selection Processes: Admissions decisions will be based on an applicant’s qualifications, experience, and other relevant evidence. Where applicable, interviews, auditions, or assessments will follow predetermined criteria.

3.6 Regular Review: Recruitment and admissions procedures, including entry requirements, will be regularly reviewed to ensure effectiveness, inclusivity, and alignment with institutional goals.

3.7 Support for Disadvantaged Applicants: The Institute will work to remove barriers to application, including tailored support for applicants with disabilities and outreach initiatives for underrepresented groups.

3.8 Staff Training: Staff involved in recruitment and admissions will receive appropriate training on consumer protection laws, data protection, and equality practices.

3.9 Data Monitoring: The DoGenius Institute will monitor admissions data by gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background to assess and enhance the fairness and transparency of its processes.

4. Recruitment

4.1 Information Provision

In line with consumer protection law, all information provided to potential applicants will be:

Accurate, clear, unambiguous, and accessible Up-to-date and complete, including details on:

Course content, teaching, and assessment

Accreditation by professional bodies

Flexibility and choice within the program

Tuition fees and additional costs

4.2 Student Support Information

Comprehensive information on academic and pastoral support, including study skills, IT resources, personal tutoring, and career services, will be made readily available.

4.3 Updates and Changes:

If a course is still subject to approval or undergoes significant changes, the Institute will communicate these updates promptly to applicants.

5. Admissions

5.1 Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are set based on relevant qualifications, including those regulated by Ofqual, UCAS tariffs, and international equivalencies.

The Institute welcomes mature applicants with work or life experience, as well as those from non-standard educational routes.

5.2 English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet language competency requirements, typically demonstrated by an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent. Pre-sessional English courses may be offered for those who need additional support.

5.3 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants may use prior experiential or certified learning to gain exemptions from certain modules or advanced standing, provided the learning is current and maps to course outcomes.

6. Admissions Processes

6.1 Transparent Processes

All applicants will be provided with clear guidelines on the application process, deadlines, and expectations.

6.2 Verification and Fraud Prevention

Applications are subject to verification checks to prevent fraud. Offers may be rescinded if an application is found to be fraudulent.

6.3 Fair Selection Criteria

Where interviews or assessments are used, they will be inclusive, standardized, and designed to evaluate applicants based on predefined criteria.

6.4 Conditional Offers

Applicants receiving offers will be informed of any conditions attached, tuition fees, and enrollment requirements.

7. Support for Applicants

7.1 Applicants with Disabilities

The DoGenius Institute encourages early disclosure of disabilities to facilitate tailored support. Adjustments will be made to ensure equal access to interviews, assessments, and learning environments.

7.2 Applicants with Criminal Convictions

Applicants with criminal convictions are assessed in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1975) and relevant course requirements. Only convictions posing risks to the community need to be declared.

7.3 Applicants Under 18

Applicants under 18 must provide written consent from a parent or guardian before admission.

8. Monitoring and Feedback

Regular Reviews: The Recruitment and Admissions Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and effectiveness in achieving institutional objectives.

Applicant Feedback: Surveys will be conducted to gather insights from applicants who decline offers, informing future improvements.

9. Complaints Procedure

Applicants dissatisfied with the admissions process may follow the formal Admissions Complaints Procedure outlined in Appendix A. This process ensures complaints are handled fairly, promptly, and transparently.

10. Data Protection

All applicant information will be processed in compliance with the DoGenius Institute’s Data Protection Policy and the Privacy Notice for Applicants.