Applying to university

Aim of this information

This guide aims to set out what to expect when applying to university if you have a criminal record. If highlights some key things to think about, including when you may be asked about your criminal record and how this could affect your application.

Why is this important?

Access to education and training can play an important role in helping people move forward and achieve their goals. If you have a criminal record, it can be helpful to understand:

• Whether you will need to tell a university about your criminal record
• When you might be asked to disclose it
• How universities consider this information
• What support may be available if concerns are raised about your application.

Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent you from going to university, and many people with criminal records successfully complete higher education courses every year.

Applying through UCAS

Most universities and higher education providers ask about criminal records at some stage of  the admissions process. If you’re applying for a full-time undergraduate course, you’ll usually apply through UCAS.

Since 2019, UCAS no longer asks applicants about relevant unspent criminal convictions for the majority of higher education courses. Instead, if a university needs this information, it will typically ask later in the application or enrolment process.

Approaches vary between universities. Some will not ask about criminal records at all, unless the course leads to a profession where criminal record checks are required.

What question does UCAS ask about criminal records?

UCAS only asks about criminal records for courses that lead directly to professions that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. These are usually courses where students will work with children or adults who may be vulnerable, often through placements.

Examples may include:

• Teaching
• Social work
• Nursing
• Midwifery
• Other health and care-related professions

Universities offering these courses will often carry out an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check.

If you apply for one of these courses, you may need to disclose:

• Cautions, reprimands or warnings
• Unspent convictions
• Some spent convictions

You do not need to disclose convictions and cautions that are protected through the filtering process.

If you’re applying for these types of courses, UCAS state the following:-

What happens if I disclose a criminal record?

If you disclose a criminal record, your application should not automatically be rejected.

Many universities have a process for considering criminal records separately from a person’s academic achievements and suitability for study.

You may be asked to provide additional information about:

• The circumstances of the offence
• What happened since the offence
• Any support, training or rehabilitation you have completed
• Why you feel ready to undertake the course.

A university may use this information to decide whether:

• There are any safety concerns that need to be addressed
• You can meet professional or legal requirements linked to the course
• Any additional support or conditions are needed.

If the university is satisfied with the information provided, your application will usually continue through the normal admissions process although, it may be decided to add additional conditions to the offer.

If a university decides not to offer you a place, it should explain the reasons and tell you whether there is an appeal or review process.

What is a relevant conviction?

There is no single definition used by all universities. Each university should explain what it considers to be a ‘relevant’ conviction.

Generally, where universities ask about relevant unspent criminal convictions, they may be referring to offences involving:

• Any kind of violence including (but not limited to) threatening behaviour, offences concerning the intention to harm or offences which resulted in actual bodily harm.
• Offences listed in the Sex Offences Act 2003.
• The unlawful supply of controlled drugs or substances where the conviction concerns commercial drug dealing or trafficking.
• Offences involving firearms.
• Offences involving arson.
• Offences listed in the Terrorism Act 2006.

If you have a conviction from outside Great Britain that would not be considered spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, you should also disclose it.

What if I receive a conviction after I have applied to the university?

Most Universities have policies explaining what students should do if they receive a criminal record after applying or while studying.

These policies are often found within student conduct, disciplinary or fitness to practise procedures.

Many universities will expect you to inform them if you receive a conviction during your studies. You may then be asked for further information so they can consider any impact on your course or placement.

If you’re unsure what is required, contact the university and ask for the relevant policy.

Appealing a university’s decision to allow you to study

There is not always a formal right of appeal against an admissions decision. However, some universities may reconsider a decision if new information becomes available.

When reviewing a case, a university may consider:

• The nature of your offence and whether it is relevant to the course you’ve applied to study
• If there is a pattern to your offending behaviour
• The recommendations of any of your referees
• Any mitigating or aggravating factors
• Any comments about your risk of re-offending that was mentioned in any pre-sentencing or other official documentation.

When appealing a decision, you should:

• Provide evidence that you’ve taken responsibility for your choices and you’ve sought to address your offending behaviour
• Describe what you’ve done since the time of your offence – for example any new skills or qualifications or work experience
• Reassure the university that you don’t pose any risk to their students, staff, visitors etc

Some other points to consider:

Fitness to Practise procedures

Some university courses lead directly to professional qualification. For these courses, universities may need to consider whether students demonstrate the skills, values and behaviours expected within that profession.

If concerns are raised, the university may use a Fitness to Practise process to assess your suitability to continue on the course or enter the profession.

The university should clearly explain how this process works and what evidence will be considered.

Getting a placement

Some courses include placements with partner organisations such as schools, health services. social care providers or charities.

Universities sometimes have concerns about whether a student with a criminal record will be able to secure an appropriate placement. However, many organisations actively support recruitment and placement opportunities for people with lived experience of disadvantage, including those with criminal records.

In some cases, students have successfully arranged their own placements and presented these opportunities to the university as evidence that suitable placements can be secured.

Other issues a university may consider

A university may decide that a person can study a course but have concerns about whether they would be able to enter the related profession once qualified.

Where this happens, the university may discuss alternative courses or pathways that better match the individual’s circumstances and future career options.

Need support?

If you’re concerned about disclosing a criminal record as part of a university application, getting advice early can help. Understanding your rights, the university’s policies and the requirements of your chosen course can make the process feel more manageable and help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

More information

1. Practical self-help information – More information on universities and colleges and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
2. To discuss this issue with others – Read and share your experience on our online forum.
3. Our policy work – Read about the policy work we’re doing on promoting the fair admission policies by universities and colleges.
4. Questions – If you have any questions about this, you can contact our helpline.

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