Birmingham students facing the imminent UCAS deadline are being thrown a vital lifeline, with experts offering exclusive last-minute support to perfect their applications.
Final Sprint Support Before UCAS Deadline
With the crucial UCAS equal-consideration deadline set for 14 January 2026, time is running out for prospective undergraduates. In a timely intervention, the University of Derby is opening its doors to offer tailored guidance specifically on the recently overhauled personal statement format.
The university will host a special Open Day on Saturday, 10 January 2026, from 9:30am to 2pm, where applicants can receive personalised advice. This event is strategically placed just days before the final submission date, providing a critical opportunity for refinement.
Navigating the New Personal Statement Format
The traditional free-form essay has been replaced. Applicants must now respond to three set questions designed to draw out their motivations and suitability for their chosen course.
Liam Dowson, Head of Schools and Colleges Engagement at the University of Derby, emphasised the statement's importance. "It is an opportunity to show your interests, experiences, skills and motivations," he said. "Think of it as a way to explain who you are, why you would want to study your chosen subject, and what makes you a strong candidate."
Dowson shared essential tips for crafting a standout statement:
- Be specific: Use real examples instead of vague claims. Describe a time you led a team, rather than just stating you have leadership skills.
- Vary your sentences: Mix sentence length and structure to keep the reader engaged.
- Stay positive: Focus on accomplishments and learning experiences.
- Use your own words: While AI can help brainstorm ideas, the final submission must be authentically yours.
- Show genuine interest: Demonstrate deeper subject knowledge through wider reading, podcasts, or other materials.
More Than Just Application Advice
The Open Day offers a comprehensive university experience. Visitors can meet academics, current students, and graduates, attend subject-specific talks, and tour the campus facilities and award-winning accommodation.
For those ready to commit, there is a potential immediate reward. Applicants who already have their grades (or predicted grades) and meet the entry requirements may receive an offer in principle on the day for enrolment in September 2026.
Hannah Wright, Associate Director of Student Recruitment at the University of Derby, highlighted the broader value. "Our Open Days are a great opportunity to not only receive support on your application process but to experience first-hand what it is like to be a student at Derby," she said.
Prospective students from Birmingham and the wider region are urged to seize this final chance for expert guidance before the UCAS window closes.
