The posting
At FutureLearn, part of Global University Systems (GUS), we’re passionate about the power of lifelong learning. We help learners from all over the world progress in their careers – and invest in their futures.
We truly believe that up-skilling is a worthy investment, and we hope to empower our learners to take control of their careers through personalised learning pathways – giving them progress at their fingertips.
Partnering with 260+ world-class educational partners, including prestigious universities, global brands and industry partners, we offer our 20 million-strong learner community the opportunity to discover and access flexible, high-quality online courses and degrees.
We’re not here just to teach new skills (although we do that well), we want to help transform lives. FutureLearn is looking to build our teams with people who share our passion for lifelong learning, career empowerment and education for all. If that sounds like you, get in touch. You could help us achieve our biggest goal yet – becoming the world’s best AI-powered, career-based learning platform and OPM.
What’s the opportunity?
The Admissions Officer is responsible for the accurate and timely processing and assessment of student applications, ensuring that applicants meet the relevant academic, admissions and eligibility requirements before an admissions decision is made.
The role will primarily support postgraduate admissions, including the assessment of UK and international applications, verification of academic and supporting documentation, assessment of fee status where applicable, and accurate maintenance of student records.
This is an administrative and decision-making role within a fast-paced Higher Education environment, where strong attention to detail, sound judgement, regulatory awareness and effective collaboration are essential.
You will be expected to apply established institutional policies and admissions criteria consistently, identify discrepancies or potential issues, and escalate complex or exceptional cases appropriately.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to
- Reporting regularly to the Admissions Manager and providing clear updates on delegated tasks, workload and application volumes.
- Processing and assessing postgraduate applications in line with institutional admissions policies, programme entry requirements and agreed procedures.
- Reviewing academic qualifications, professional experience and supporting documentation to determine whether applicants meet the relevant admission criteria.
- Assessing applications from both UK and international applicants, including reviewing overseas qualifications and relevant supporting evidence.
- Checking applications for completeness, accuracy and consistency, identifying discrepancies, missing information or potential concerns and taking appropriate action.
- Making admissions decisions within delegated authority and established guidelines, including issuing appropriate offers or escalating cases requiring further consideration.
- Applying academic, English-language and other programme-specific entry requirements consistently.
- Verifying and authenticating official academic and identity documentation in accordance with established procedures.
- Assessing UK fee status where required and applying the relevant Home/Overseas fee-status criteria and institutional procedures.
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of Higher Education fee assessment regulations in England, including relevant UKCISA guidance and applicable government regulations.
- Ensuring that all application and student information is recorded accurately and promptly within the relevant Student Records System, CRM and/or admissions platforms.
- Maintaining accurate electronic student records and ensuring that appropriate supporting documentation is retained in accordance with institutional policies and GDPR requirements.
- Managing a caseload of applications effectively, prioritising work according to deadlines, intake dates and business requirements.
- Identifying recurring issues, process gaps or data-quality problems and escalating these to the Admissions Manager.
- Collaborating closely with Student Recruitment, Student Support, Awards, Finance, Compliance and other relevant teams to ensure an efficient and consistent admissions process.
- Maintaining and continuously developing knowledge of admissions policies, programme requirements, institutional procedures and relevant UK Higher Education regulations.
- Contributing to process improvements designed to increase efficiency, accuracy, compliance and the overall applicant experience.
- Supporting audits, quality assurance activities and internal reviews of admissions processes where required.
- Handling confidential applicant and student information appropriately and in accordance with GDPR, data protection and institutional policies.
Essential skills, knowledge and experience
- Demonstrable previous experience in a Higher Education Admissions role, with specific experience of postgraduate admissions.
- Experience processing applications for UK and international postgraduate students.
- Good understanding of the UK Higher Education admissions environment and the principles underpinning admissions decision-making.
- Demonstrable formal training in Higher Education fee assessment in England, such as recognised UKCISA HE fee-assessment training, or equivalent recognised professional training.
- Practical understanding of Home/Overseas fee-status assessment principles and the ability to apply established fee-assessment guidance accurately.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify discrepancies, inconsistencies and missing information in applications.
- Experience working with Student Records Systems, CRM systems, admissions platforms or similar databases.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to manage a high volume of applications and competing deadlines.
- Ability to make decisions confidently within established policies and guidelines and to recognise when a case should be escalated.
- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to investigate issues and identify appropriate solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to communicate effectively with applicants and colleagues from different cultural and professional backgrounds.
- Experience working effectively within an international and cross-functional team.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to prioritise workload effectively and meet agreed deadlines.
- High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential student and applicant information.
- Commitment to providing a consistent, fair and professional admissions service.
Desirable skills, knowledge and experience
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, filtering, pivot tables and reporting.
- Experience using Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics or another CRM/student recruitment platform.
- Additional language skills would be advantageous.
Diversity Statement
We value all the great benefits that diversity brings and encourage everyone to bring their whole self to work – We are proud to have Diversity and Inclusion at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity regardless of race, colour, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.
We can't wait to meet you! #FutureLearnCareers
