Jargon busting

One of the most complicated elements of higher education can be the terminology and acronyms we use. Understanding the language relating to universities can be a big step towards you playing a key role in your loved one’s future. See our jargon buster below -

A

Academics - University lecturers/teachers and researchers who deliver lectures and guide students through their studies.

Academy - Specifically for Hartpury this references the Sports Academy. We offer talented athletes a chance to study and play in an environment that’s as close as it gets to a professional club.

Admissions - The department that handles applications and entry into the university. They assess your young person’s application and decide whether to offer them a place.

If your young person has any questions about their application here are the contact details for Hartpury University: admissions@hartpury.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 1452 702595.

Alumni - Former students who have graduated from the university. As a member of the Hartpury Alumni you’ll be part of our global community of almost 15,000 alumni.

Applicant Day also known as Offer Holder Day - A special event for students who have applied to or received an offer from the university to gain a more in-depth look at the course and facilities.

B

Bachelor of Science (BSc) - An undergraduate degree awarded for science, technology, engineering and maths related subjects, typically completed over three or four years.

Bursaries and Scholarships - Financial support provided to students based on financial need (bursaries) or academic achievement (scholarships). Unlike loans, these don’t need to be repaid.

C

Clearing - A process where students who didn’t receive offers, or applied late, can find available university places after exam results are released.

If your young person needs support during Clearing they should contact our admissions team: admissions@hartpury.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 1452 702595

Coming to Hartpury - This refers to students who have applied to study at Hartpury University. We send a series of communications, via post and email, to applicants with all the information they need to make their journey to Hartpury University as smooth as possible.

Conditional Offer - An offer from a university that requires your young person to meet specific conditions, such as achieving certain grades in their exams.

D

Defer - To delay the start of a university course by a year, usually after receiving an offer. If your young person is considering deferring, they should contact admissions.

E

Enrolment - The process of officially registering as a student at the university after accepting an offer. At Hartpury University enrolment if online and should be completed before they attend Welcome Week.

F

Firm Choice - A student’s first-choice university, where they plan to study if they meet the offer conditions.

Foundation Year - An additional year at the start of a degree course that helps students build skills and knowledge before starting their main degree. This is different from a foundation degree, which is a separate qualification.

Fresher’s Week - The first week of university life, filled with events, activities, and opportunities for new students to meet people and settle in. At Hartpury University this is run alongside Welcome Week which is the academic welcome where they’ll find their feet on their course and meet their course mates.

G

Graduation - On successful completion of their degree your young person will be invited to their graduation ceremony. Our ceremony is usually held in November at Gloucester Cathedral. 

H

Halls - Halls or halls of residence refers to university accommodation. For university students we have two options on campus halls or our Hartpury Gloucester accommodation (Blackfriars).

HE (Higher Education) - Refers to education at university level.

I

Insurance Choice - A student’s second-choice university, which they attend if they don’t meet the conditions of their firm choice.

Level 3, 4, 5, 6

Levels refer to the stages of study: 

• • Level 3 = A-levels or equivalent - or foundation year
  • Level 4 = First year of a bachelor’s degree
  • Level 5 = Second year of a bachelor’s degree
  • Level 6 = Final year of a bachelor’s degree

O

Offer Holder Day also known as Applicant Day - A special event for students who have received an offer from the university, designed to give a more in-depth look at the course and facilities.

Open Day - A day when prospective students and their families visit the university to explore the campus, meet staff, and learn more about courses before applying.

P

Personal statement - This is written by a student as part of their application. It is their opportunity to stand out from the crowd. They can use it to shout about themselves, demonstrating why they would be a perfect candidate for the course they want to do.

Placement Year - A year spent working in industry, usually as part of a degree course, to gain practical experience. This is different to the in-practice year our Veterinary Nursing students undertake.

Postgraduate - Refers to courses or students who are studying beyond their undergraduate degree, such as a master’s or PhD.

Prospectus - A brochure or online guide produced by the university, providing information about courses, entry requirements, and life on campus.

S

Students’ Union – An organisation run by students dedicated to the representation and support of students at their chosen university. It is also the place to join sports clubs and societies.

T

Top-up - A one-year course that allows students who have completed a foundation degree or similar qualification to ‘top-up’ to a full bachelor's degree.

UCAS tariff points - Universities often ask for grades in certain subjects at A-level (or equivalent) as part of their course entry requirements, but they may also request a particular amount of UCAS Tariff points. Qualifications, such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), could also count towards the total UCAS Tariff Points.

• • A-level grade
    • A* = 56 UCAS Tariff points
    • A = 48 UCAS Tariff points
    • B = 40 UCAS Tariff points
    • C = 32 UCAS Tariff points
    • D = 24 UCAS Tariff points
  • BTEC L3 qualification
    • Distinction* (D*) = 28 UCAS Tariff points
    • Distinction (D) = 24 UCAS Tariff points
    • Merit (M) = 16 UCAS Tariff points
    • Pass (P) = 6 UCAS Tariff points

U

UCAS - Universities and College Admissions Service. The organisation that handles nearly all university applications

UCAS Extra - This runs in the spring for applicants who made five initial choices, but have been unsuccessful in all cases or have declined any offers they received.

Unconditional offer - An offer for a place on a course without the need to meet any conditions.

Undergraduate (UG) - The first course that a student takes at higher education level.

W

Welcome Week - Welcome Week is the first week where students are introduced to university life and their courses.

See also -