Online postgraduate admissions

Science Board13 May 2010

Clare Streatfield

Postgraduate admissions now…

• Paper forms

• Some online applications (one third of programmes)

• Paper based processing (data entry, paper tracking, offer letters etc)

• Local databases

What’s changing?

Moving to on new online admissions system:• All programmes will be available for online

application• Entirely new online application system – Apply

Yourself (Hobsons)• Applications processed electronically• Offers made online• Applicant can accept (or decline) offer online

Why are we doing it?

• Current systems not flexible enough to meet Bristol’s requirements

• Only one of our competitors not to offer online applications for postgraduate programmes

• Improved applicant experience: meeting ‘customer’ expectations

• More efficient system for staff• Better management information

Benefits of the system:• Fewer paper applications = reduced data entry• Easier to view applications and application

status• Reduced reliance on paper and posting• Tracking of application progress• Easier to manage communications with groups

of applicants• Improved management information and

reporting

Benefits for applicants…Applicants will be able to:

• Submit an application • Upload documents• Request a reference (and track the status)• Check the status of their application • Receive a decision

• Accept (or decline) an offer

Benefits for staffStaff will be able to:

• View applications, supporting documents and references online

• Process applications online: e.g. track documents, review applications, assign supervisors

• Use system to send automatic emails, scheduled emails or ad-hoc emails

• Communicate decisions and receive acceptances• Run reports on admissions data

When will we start using it?

• Apply Yourself product first, then EMT Connect (CRM)

• Go Live for all Faculties from September 2010

• Training available from August 2010• Ongoing training and support

provided to staff through implementation

Further information

If you have any questions about the new system, how it will impact on you or your Department, when it will be available, how it will be used then please contact:

Kate Ward, Project Manager kate.ward@bristol.ac.uk

or

Clare Streatfield, PG Recruitment and Admissions Manager clare.streatfield@bristol.ac.uk