Overview
The parents (Mr and Mrs C) of a young adult (Miss C) who had applied to study dentistry at the University of Dundee (the University) complained on her behalf that she had been refused admission although they considered she had achieved the grades that were set out in her conditional acceptance. They were also concerned that Miss C had not been considered for a pre-dental course and said they had found it difficult to have their complaints heard by the University.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The matters which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the information sent to UCAS by the University was ambiguous (not upheld);
- (b) Miss C was not considered for entry on to the pre-dental course (not upheld); and
- (c) Mr and Mrs C's complaints about this were not handled appropriately (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the University:
- (i) requests UCAS review the information on conditional offers provided to students; and
- (ii) review their complaints procedures and information provided to complainants in the light of the concerns raised in this report.
The University have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.