Join to apply for the Senior Admissions Officer role at Buckinghamshire New University
Part Time (22.2 hrs per week) – Permanent – High Wycombe
Salary: £33,951 – £37,694
Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that welcomes fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education and in doing the right thing for our students, people and local community. Our community is a special place to work and study, where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.
Our DRIVE values – Dynamic, Responsible, Inclusive, Visionary, Empowering – are at the heart of everything we do. These values guide our work and are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments you may require.
To deliver a first‑class admissions service, you will offer official, professional advice directly to applicants and continuously improve service quality. You will support the Home Admissions Manager throughout the applicant journey from enquiry to enrolment and lead the admissions cycle for selected courses.
What We Offer
* Generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
* Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
* Training & development support opportunities
* Contributory pension scheme
* Discounted gym membership for our on‑site gym
* A range of staff discounts with major retailers
BNU is committed to building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore ensure that our interview/shortlisting chairs complete relevant e‑learning and inclusive recruitment training. We especially encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in our workforce, including people from global majority backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in senior roles.
Closing Date: 30 November 2025
Interview Date: w/c 8 December 2025
Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Job Description
Job Title: Senior Admissions Officer
Faculty/Directorate: Marketing & Student Recruitment
Grade: F
Location: High Wycombe
Hours: 22.2 hrs per week
Responsible to: UK Admissions Manager
Job Purpose
To deliver a first‑class admissions and recruitment service for the University’s applicants, offering official and professional advice directly to applicants while ensuring service quality is continually improving. You will be a subject matter expert in the course portfolio and in the qualifications acceptable for admission, and make decisions on undergraduate and postgraduate applications against set entry criteria. You will also build and maintain excellent working relationships with colleagues in academic areas and develop a detailed understanding of both international and UK qualifications, UKVI and UCAS practice and regulation.
Main Duties & Responsibilities Of The Role
* Make decisions on undergraduate and postgraduate applications using agreed entry criteria.
* Engage proactively with staff across the institution, including liaison on interviews and portfolio reviews, ensuring decisions are returned within relevant timescales.
* Continuously evaluate processes and implement service improvements in response to applicant or business needs.
* Provide advice and guidance to applicants, staff, and external organisations on acceptable qualifications and appropriate admissions routes for UK and international applications, including undergraduate, apprenticeship and taught postgraduate courses.
* Advise applicants on placement options within their chosen programmes.
* Engage proactively in the retention of students in the early stages after joining the programme.
* Record and maintain accurate application information in the Admissions database.
* Carry out fee assessments to ensure applicants are classified in the correct fee category.
* Collaborate with partner institutions and those responsible for partnerships to ensure all partner admissions are handled in line with best practice and the University Admissions Policy.
* Ensure all required checks, including fraud prevention measures, are carried out for designated courses.
* Handle telephone, email, written, and walk‑in enquiries from prospective applicants, providing detailed advice on application procedures and entry requirements.
* Represent the Admissions Team at open days, offering support and information on application procedures and standard offer information, and support event delivery, often as team leader.
* Support selected events such as Interview Days and Applicant Visit Days, ensuring high levels of customer service to applicants.
* Liaise with all faculties, departments, and external bodies (e.g., UCAS, SPA, NARIC, QAA, UKVI) to maintain familiarity with relevant policies and procedures.
* Manage scheduling and delivery of interviews and selection days in liaison with the School and course leaders.
* Prepare documents and assessments required for interviews, issue interview invites, offer letters, and other correspondence to applicants and stakeholders.
* Provide advice and guidance to colleagues within academic schools, Marketing & Student Recruitment Directorate, and other university staff on all admissions processes.
* Work closely with the Student Recruitment & Admissions Office to ensure a consistent, effective, and customer‑focused service for all enquirers and applicants.
* Perform other duties as reasonably required.
* Comply with legislative and other requirements (e.g., Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR, Health and Safety, UKVI, Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
Person Specification – Essential Criteria Only
Education, Qualifications & Training
* Good general education – A
* Graduate level – A
* Experience of working in a Higher Education establishment – A / I
* Higher Education Admissions experience – A / I
* Experience of using databases – I / T
* Experience of developing systems or procedures – I
* Experience of working independently and managing conflicting demands and priorities – A / I
Skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication, including relationship building and networking – A / I
* High level of attention to detail and confidentiality – I / T
* Ability to contribute to high‑performance, customer‑focused teams – A / I
* Strong problem‑solving skills and willingness to challenge conventional methods – A / I
* Excellent organisational and time‑management skills with the ability to work to deadlines – A / I
* Excellent IT and word‑processing skills, particularly Word and Excel – I / T
* Good telephone manner – I / T
Special Requirements
* Must be able to work overtime, including weekends during the clearing period and other key times in the year – I
* Annual leave must be scheduled around key busy periods (August/September) – I
* Must be able to work cross‑campus between High Wycombe and Uxbridge – I
BNU Behavioural Framework
* Delivering Excellent Service: Make every contact count by providing the best quality service to all customers (internal, students, stakeholders).
* Working Together: Show commitment to own professional development, supporting and encouraging others to grow.
* Finding Solutions: Analyse problems holistically and develop innovative solutions.
For further information about this role please contact Rhys Thomas at Rhys.Thomas@bnu.ac.uk.
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