Pre-entry Essay Guidance
We are committed to supporting access to our training programmes for those with non-standard qualifications, wherever possible. In circumstances where a candidate does not hold an Honours Degree graded at 2.2 or higher, there is a graduate (level 6) route available on some programmes, or there may be an option to complete a pre-entry essay prior to acceptance onto the programme applied for. The pre-entry essay allows candidates to demonstrate an ability to meet the academic requirements of the programme.
The pre-entry essay provides a route for those with non-standard qualifications to access a number of psychological training programmes at CWI. The course summaries produced by the university and the Person Specifications associated with the training posts advertised by employers, should make it clear where this is an option.
The pre-entry essay will be reviewed by the academic team and must be deemed to meet a passing standard (as described in the marking criteria) for the candidate to be accepted onto the programme applied for.
If you are required to complete a pre-entry essay, you will be sent information by email following the interview. Th email will include:
- An essay template, which outlines the essay title and instructions (including the word limit)
- Marking criteria so you can see what is expected within each section
- Guidance on referencing (using APA-7 referencing style) and using citations
- Guidance on avoiding plagiarism
Writing an academic essay can feel daunting, especially if this is something new, something you have not done in a long time, if you studied abroad and are unsure of expectations, or if English is not your first language.
The University of Reading library provides clear accessible information and guidance on a number of academic and study skills areas including academic writing. These are freely available to the public. Follow the links below to find out more.
- New to university studies? There are webpages specifically for those who are new to University, which provide helpful guidance on how to get started (‘Studying independently’ independently) and writing in an academic style (‘Writing academically’ section) – UoR guide for those new to university
- Returning to studies as a mature student? If it has been some time since you last studied at university, there is a range of advice available – UoR guide for mature students
- Not sure how to get started with essay writing? There are guides to help plan and structure your essay, as well as writing academically – UoR guide to essay writing or study advice videos UoR study advice guide to essay writing
- Looking for documents, literature and research to support your essay? As our training programmes sit within a national context for expanding and developing the mental health workforce, it can be helpful to read and make use of national frameworks such as:
- NHS Long Term Workforce Plan 2023
- NHS Mental Health Implementation Plan 2019/20 – 2023/24
- NHS Talking Therapies Manual 2018 (Adult)
- The Green Paper: Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health 2017
- When looking for research or academic sources to support your essay, searching amongst academic journals and published texts can be helpful. For those without existing access to an academic or healthcare library, there is information provided on accessing free sources of research – UoR guide to free research resources
- Lacking confidence in referencing and using citations? There are guides to support referencing and citations, including video resources – UoR guide to citing references
