Progression Agreements CAVA

Applicants are guaranteed an offer of admission to the University based on achieving a set number of tariff points in their qualifications. The number of tariff points required will normally be equivalent to one grade below those specified within a standard offer of admission. For example, applicants who would normally be required to achieve at least 30 credits at Merit or above, would instead be required to achieve at least 15 credits at Merit or above. Exclusions apply as outlined in the Terms and Conditions below. 

Applicants will still be expected to meet any additional subject and grade requirements specified on the course pages of the University website (e.g. Level 2 Maths and English). 

Applicants must still submit a portfolio of work if requested. 

Applicants applying for courses requiring an interview as part of the selection process, will be guaranteed an interview as part of this Progression Agreement. An offer is not guaranteed as this will be based on interview performance. If an offer of study is made, it will normally be the equivalent of one grade below published entry requirements. Exclusions apply as outlined in the Terms and Conditions below. 

When Access to HE Diploma results are received, the Admissions team will review the whole application and will endeavour to award a place where possible. If the University is unable to accept the applicant, the decision will be final. Applicants may apply for a future intake but should seek advice from the University’s Admissions team regarding eligibility to be considered for the same course in the future. 

If Access to HE Diploma results will not be released until after the course start date, the University of Suffolk maintains the right to reject the applicant on the basis that they have been unable to evidence meeting the offer conditions for the course. Applicants in this situation may be able to apply again for a future intake and should seek advice from the University’s Admissions team.

The University’s Student Recruitment team will be able to deliver Information, Advice and Guidance sessions to Access to HE Diploma students in CAVA FE providers to support their research, decision-making and transition to Higher Education. The University will require all students participating in workshops or academic activities to register for the activity using a form provided by the University. Data will be held in the University’s CRM system (‘Azorus’) to enable tracking and evaluation of the activities. Students will be able to opt-out of receiving marketing communications, but their registration will be required as part of attending the activities. The University reserves the right to refuse to deliver activities for those who chose not to register.

1. Applicants who take a Gap Year between completing their CAVA Access to HE Diploma at a CAVA provider, will be considered under the terms of the Progression Agreement for entry into the University of Suffolk for 2027 or 2028 only. Applicants applying for deferred entry for 2029 will not be considered under the terms of this Agreement. 
2. Lower offers under the terms of the Progression Agreement will only be made based on Level 3 qualifications that are allocated UCAS tariff points or that are accepted based on grades achieved within the qualification, such as the Access to HE Diploma. Other Level 3 qualifications will be considered as normal by the University’s Admissions team. The University reserves the right to make the final judgement on the admission of any student. 
3. Guaranteed offers of admission are not possible for the following courses offered at the University of Suffolk, including Adult Nursing, Children’s Nursing, Childhood: Primary Education with QTS, Dental Therapy and Hygiene, Diagnostic Radiography, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Radiotherapy and Oncology, and Pharmacy. Guaranteed offers of admission are also not possible for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, or Work-Based Learning, or for courses that require a portfolio or audition as part of the Admissions process. An updated list of courses not eligible for guaranteed offers of admission will be provided to CAVA for sharing with CAVA providers at the beginning of each academic year.
4. Additional subject specific entry requirements (e.g. Level 2 Maths and English) are specified on course pages of the University’s website. Students who do not meet subject specific entry requirements will be unable to be admitted to the University of Suffolk. 
5. Where applicants are normally required to attend a physical or virtual interview (including audition or portfolio review) as part of the Admissions process, students applying as part of this PA will still be expected to attend this interview. Students unable to attend an interview will not be made an offer of admission.
6. Applicants applying for a course that requires an interview are guaranteed an invite to interview under the terms of this Progression Agreement. If any courses are excluded from this guarantee, the details of those courses will be shared with CAVA and CAVA providers at the beginning of the academic year. The guarantee is for an invite to interview - if the interview day and time is not convenient, the University cannot guarantee that another interview slot will be available.
7. Students must submit a full UCAS application, including Personal Statement and References, and any other information required by the University of Suffolk Admissions team. All applicants to the University may be required to provide additional information to the University as part of their application or enrolment, including (but not limited to) evidence of qualifications achieved, eligibility to study in the UK, references, occupational health assessments or paperwork relating to a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Applicants applying to the University under a Progression Agreement must provide any information required by the Admissions team in line with any deadlines set for submission to be eligible for entry to the University.
8. Students applying by the UCAS Equal Consideration Deadline (in January in the year of entry) will be made an offer under the terms of the Progression Agreement where places are still available. The University will be unable to make an offer to students applying ‘late’ if courses have been closed to new applicants or if the programme is only considering ‘late’ applications for reserve places. 
9. Each student that enrols on a University course is liable to meet the cost of tuition fees and all other relevant costs and expenses. The University Student Recruitment team can work with students to explain how the student finance system works. Students should visit course pages to understand any additional costs that may be incurred as part of their degree. 
10. Progression Agreements are in place for students applying to start in any of the entry years listed for their College. Any student who has completed their Access to HE Diploma at a CAVA Provider in the three years prior to starting their course at Suffolk will be made an offer under the Progression Agreement. Applicants who finished at their college more than three years before will be considered as part of our normal admissions processes.