Dear colleagues
We are delighted to update you on the exciting and extensive work that has been taking place to modernise our Admissions System and associated processes, and which is having a positive impact on our ability to recruit and admit students.
The Admissions Portal and Enhancement Programme was commissioned to bring about a transformation to our admissions approach, including the introduction of new systems and processes, building on extensive engagement across the University.
A multi-disciplinary team across Schools and Professional Services has worked hard to deliver the following workstreams:
Third Party Processing - We have introduced processing services to support the Admissions Team in achieving a 48 hour turnaround time to make decisions on PGT International applications. We’re also piloting Conversion Support Services for the September 2024 intake, to ensure our applicants are supported in their journey to enrolment.
Visa Conversion - Implementation of Enroly CAS Shield, improving applicant guidance, enhancing progress visibility and ensuring compliance throughout the Student Visa Application process. We’re also leveraging data insights, allowing us to benchmark ourselves against the wider sector.
Applicant Deposits - Development and implementation of a PGT International (self funded) applicant deposits policy. To date, 376 applicants have already paid the £3,000 deposit and payments are continuing to be made. We’re continuing to enhance the underpinning systems and review policy to ensure we are consistent with sector trends.
Finding, Fees and Funding –Refreshing and repositioning our website content, making it easier for applicants to access and understand our programme fees, funding and scholarship information.
Various Admissions Platform Enhancements – Various smaller updates and enhancements to the Admissions System to address security, compliance and efficiencies.
There’s still work to do, as the programme continues to deliver further transformational changes including:
New Applicant Portal – Development of a new direct applicant and agent portal, with a modern mobile-friendly design, and numerous features to transform the applicant experience, improve visibility of alternative and complementary study options and introduce automation and efficiencies.
Admissions Business Intelligence & Reporting – Delivery of an updated portfolio of admissions data dashboards using the PowerBI-based institutional Data Warehouse and Business Intelligence platform.
Our current position is significantly enhanced from where we were 20 months ago, and we will continue to progressively deliver further enhancements in the weeks ahead.
We’d like to recognise the considerable efforts of the teams supporting this programme and look forward to providing further updates in due course.
Best Wishes,
Ashar and Ian
Ashar Ehsan
Director of Student Recruitment
Ian Robotham
Interim Director of Digital and Information Services