Informing students of the requirements of higher education: a bespoke online solution.

Key factors that promote student success and retention (Thomas and May, 2011) include pre-entry information and transition support. Other key factors that influence the student experience are the Single Equality Act (2011) with its emphasis on a proactive approach, and profession specific issues such as Fitness to Practice (Health Professions Council, 2011). These drivers initiated the production of a Bespoke Online Solution, named the Informed Study Project (ISP), aiming to provide an informed, proactive, transparent process by which applicants can self evaluate their ability to achieve the learning outcome required of the programme. The ISP has been piloted on a cohort of 95 year one physiotherapy students, who all “signed off” the self evaluation on line, during the pre-admissions or registration phase. The Bristol online Survey (BoS) was completed by 71 students; 70/71 felt that the information given about the physical and mental requirements of the programme was either good or very good. Comments were also made that a greater depth of information was given about the course at Cardiff than any other university. The ISP is an effective method of engaging students and subsequently supporting the transition into HE.