How does the scheme work?
At the University of Salford we recognise that traditional academic qualifications gained in the school room are not always the best predictor of success when it comes to studying at undergraduate level. We have collaborated with the internationally acclaimed Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) to develop this unique chance to benefit from a university education, for everyone who has the aptitude to do so and the desire to succeed.
Research carried out by ACER indicates that the test we use as one of the elements of the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES), is a better predictor of a person’s likelihood to succeed in their studies than that provided by A levels. The test (MSAP-UK) does not require academic expertise or knowledge of a particular subject; those who pass the test will, however, have clearly demonstrated that they have the aptitude to succeed in higher education study.
The SAES provides a cost-effective and less time consuming alternative to undertaking an Access to Higher Education course at your local Further Education College.
The scheme comprises four elements:
- An interview, audition, or review of your artwork portfolio or past work as appropriate for the subject you want to study
- An optional pre-test workshop
- A written test (taken at the University)
- An optional post-test support programme
Please note that, for 2013 entry, this scheme is being piloted ONLY in the following academic schools:
- School of the Built Environment: all courses
- School of Computing, Science & Engineering: all courses
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work: all courses
- School of Arts & Media: all, single subject, Journalism courses and also Music and Television and Radio courses
If the course you are interested in is not currently available under the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme, you can still apply through the Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning Scheme for 2013 entry.
Who should use this scheme?
This scheme offers a great opportunity to all UK applicants who do not hold traditional qualifications. It is most likely to be used by mature students wishing to return to study. It also provides an opportunity to those school/college leavers who, through extenuating circumstances, fail to gain the grades they had expected at A level.
Support throughout the process
We’re aware that it may have been a while since you last took a test and that you may feel a little daunted by the thought. We also realise that the thought of university life, although exciting, can be a bit worrying. To alleviate any such anxieties, we have put together a programme of support to help you through the application process and to ensure you have a successful start to life at Salford.
Pre-test workshop
We are running a pre-test workshop which will outline what you can expect on the test day, and give you a chance to get some valuable practice answering similar questions. It will also provide a great opportunity to meet with others taking the test and hoping to start a course at Salford. You can also access support and look at practice questions and answers by visiting the MSAP-UK website.
At the end of the day those who attend the workshop will have:
- Become familiar and comfortable with the process they are about to undertake
- Learned how to break down the components of a test question in order to answer it effectively
- Developed strategies to deal with nerves in a test situation
- Practiced test questions and learned how best to answer them
- Devised an action plan for home study/pre-test preparation
For 2013 we have a pre-test workshop on April 27th. Unfortunately the booking for this has now closed however example test papers can be accessed from MSAP-UK. We will be offering a workshop on August 10th for the those intending to sit the test on August 17th. Details about how to book onto this will be posted in due course. (please note: if the workshop reaches capacity a second workshop may be scheduled for August 12th).
Post-test bridging programme
Once you have passed the test, you’ll be invited to join a support bridging programme, designed to help you become familiar with the University campus, our facilities and the services available to you once you register as a student. The programme will consist of two opportunities to visit us , which will help to develop your study skills and time management, as well as providing time for you to meet your fellow students for some more fun activities. There will also be the option to ‘buddy’ with a current student, who will then act as a mentor during your first semester here.
