Apply with a criminal conviction

We recognise the importance of rehabilitation for those with criminal convictions and the positive role we can play in this process. 

Having a criminal conviction does not mean that we won't consider your application. We review all applications from those with criminal convictions carefully.

When to disclose information

You should tell us about your criminal conviction as soon as possible. This may be:

• before you apply for a course 
• on your UCAS application
• as a condition of entry to your course
• voluntarily, as part of the application process
• upon request, once you are enrolled on a course

If you apply for a course that requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, you will usually be asked about previous criminal convictions on your UCAS application.

Some of our courses don't require a DBS check but we encourage all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions they may have.

Tell us about a criminal record

We encourage all applicants to disclose their criminal convictions, regardless of the course you are applying for.

We understand that telling us about a conviction can be daunting and uncomfortable, but by disclosing this information, we can:

• provide you with additional support during your studies
• ensure your chosen course is suitable for you and identify any obstacles that could prevent you from engaging fully 
• maintain a safe learning environment for you and other students, and mitigate any risks you or they may face

What we need to know

When disclosing a criminal conviction, you need to tell us:

• your name
• your student number
• the offence you were convicted of
• date of the conviction
• the sentence you received

If we need more details regarding your conviction, we will email you to let you know.

Privacy and data

We will only use details of your criminal record to evaluate your application. We won't share them beyond the team who are considering your application.

For more information on privacy, read our page on how we keep your data safe.

If you fail to disclose

You may face sanctions later on if you do not disclose your criminal conviction when asked, so we encourage you to disclose your circumstances as early as possible.

We understand that some applicants fail to disclose a criminal record by mistake - for example, by selecting the wrong option on your UCAS application. If this happens, let us know as soon as possible. 

What happens after you disclose

After disclosing your conviction, we will let you know if we need more information. Sometimes we will invite you to an interview, which gives you a chance to tell your story.

We might reject your application if we think your criminal conviction could affect the safety or reputation of the University or related professional spaces.

If you are refused entry to your chosen course, you are entitled to ask us why. You can ask for feedback by emailing the admissions office.

Get help

For help with your application, you can email us.