The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
As an Admissions Administrator, you will be responsible for processing a range of home and overseas applications across all levels of study (UG, PGT, PGR) including a range of alternative routes and non-standard programmes. Operating within a central team, you will develop specialist knowledge of a portfolio of programmes and associated processes, working closely with department colleagues to ensure that all admissions decisions are accurate, timely, fair and consistent. Your role will also involve responding to a range of admissions related queries from applicants and other external enquirers (schools, colleges, parents). You will need to show good communication skills and have experience of working in a similar role within a busy office environment. You will need to be an effective team member and maintain a professional manner dealing with sensitive and confidential issues.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Assess and make decisions on undergraduate, postgraduate and non-standard route applications for all departments and programmes your Admissions Team is responsible for, developing a detailed knowledge of the associated admissions criteria, processes and procedures.
- Undertake assessment of additional requirements such as fee status checks, verification of qualifications and academic progression and time limit checks.
- Creating, managing and updating applicant records matching admissions related documentation and information to establish whether applicants have met the conditions of an offer alongside any associated entry requirements.
- Take responsibility for maintaining a detailed and up-to-date knowledge of admissions criteria and associated policies, developing your knowledge and expertise through regular engagement in training opportunities and liaison with your respective department colleagues.
- Advise and support your Team Leader, working across your respective departments and application types to deliver an accurate, fair, consistent and efficient customer service whilst making an active contribution to the continual development and improvement of our processes and procedures
- Develop a detailed and practical understanding of UK and international academic and English language qualifications.
- Complete checks on Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) applications and load Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificates to support the compliance team in ensuring accurate information is appropriately recorded on the applicant record.
- Deliver excellent customer service for all triaged applicant and department related enquiries, providing accurate and timely responses.
- Cover is required on a small number of weekend days throughout the year for which time off in lieu or payment will be made, in line with the University's policies including a period of at least 2 weeks, typically during August, where annual leave requests will not be approved
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
|
Criteria |
Essential or desirable |
Stage(s) assessed at |
|
Educated to A level or equivalent (or equivalent experience) |
Essential |
Application |
|
Excellent customer service skills with experience of working in a similar role or busy office environment |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage time effectively in order to meet deadlines in a busy environment |
Essential |
Application/interview/Test |
|
Excellent IT skills including experience of using a variety of spreadsheets, databases and word documents |
Essential |
Application/interview/Test |
|
Ability to handle personal and sensitive data in an appropriate manner |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Experience of data input and comfortable with the use of data |
Essential |
Application/interview/Test |
|
Ability work both on own initiative and as part of a team |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Experience of Higher Education admissions, including related policies, procedures and good practice |
Desirable |
Application/interview |
|
Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts throughout own work area |
Desirable |
Application/interview |
Further Information
|
Grade |
5 |
|
Salary |
£27,319 - £31,236 with potential to progress to £33,951 |
|
Work arrangement |
Full-time |
|
Duration |
1 x Permanent |
|
Line manager |
Admissions Team Leader |
|
Direct reports |
N/A |
|
Our website |
https://sheffield.ac.uk/study/admissions |
|
For informal enquiries about this job contact Helen Barrett, Head of Postgraduate Admissions on h.barrett@sheffield.ac.uk.
|
|
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the week commencing 26th January 2026. This will consist of a formal interview and a test. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 10th January 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Melissa Nance (melissa.nance@sheffield.ac.uk).
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What we offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.


