Admissions: Policy and Procedure

1. Entry criteria

1. First Degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field such as a medical or nursing degree.
2. Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account (in some cases applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm they are able to work at postgraduate level and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge).

2. Documents required

1. Completion of the online application form
2. Copy degree certificate(s)
3. Full details of a referee
4. Detailed personal statement in support of the application
5. Proof of level of English proficiency (see 3. English language requirements).
6. Proof of Identity (e.g Passport/Driving Licence/Birth Certificate)

3. English language requirements (vary depending on partner specific requirements)

One of the following:

1. First degree completed in English
2. IELTS certificate (Overall grade of 6.0 or 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 or 5.5 in each component)
3. TOEFL, internet based (minimum score varies depending on University partner)
4. Pearson Test of English, Academic (minimum score varies depending on University partner)
5. CEF (minimum score varies depending on University partner)

This list of English language requirements is not exhaustive and all applications will be considered on an individual basis.

4. Transfer of credit for prior learning (APL)

1. Recognition of prior learning follows the University Partner policy (relevant handbook link included here)

5. Application

1. Applicants create an account on Backbone, complete the online application form and upload their required documents.
2. Applications are considered against the entry criteria and all documents are reviewed by the Learna admissions team as follows;
   1. Complete Applications: When an applicant submits all required documents and meets the established entry criteria, the admissions team issues an acceptance letter and invoice. On receipt of payment, the applicant’s status is marked as Paid/UF on Backbone.
   2. Incomplete Applications: In cases where an application is missing required documents, the admissions team places the application on FDR status and sends a detailed email to the applicant specifying the outstanding documentation needed to complete their application.
   3. Applications Not Meeting Entry Criteria: If an applicant clearly does not meet the entry criteria, the admissions team issues a notice of rejection via email.
3. Applicants who are also applying for recognition of prior learning must contact the admissions team in the first instance to discuss the prior learning so that an initial assessment can be made.

6. Selection Principles

1. All applications are assessed fairly and consistently against the published entry criteria
2. Learna aims to make its selection process transparent by clearly communicating required documents, evidence, and assessment criteria.
3. Where appropriate, applications may be reviewed holistically, taking into account academic achievement, professional experience, and any additional programme-specific requirements.
4. Learna reserves the right to decline any application at its discretion, including cases where minimum entry requirements are met. Reasons may include incomplete or unverifiable documentation, concerns about academic readiness, or compliance with regulatory or professional standards.

7. Student records

1. During the first module of each cohort, student records are downloaded from Backbone and transferred to the University Partner’s student records system.
2. Updates to student records are administered, internally and with the University Partner, by the quality assurance departments.

8. Appeals

Where an applicant would like to make an appeal about their application decision they are encouraged to contact the Learna admissions team: admissions@learna.ac.uk

9. Personal Data

Student data will only be kept on file for as long as necessary in accordance with the Learna Data Retention Schedule. Learna is committed to protecting applicant data through robust security measures, transparent practices, and full compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).