Admissions: Embark on Your Journey with Parvis Manchester

Welcome to the Parvis School of Economics and Music, Manchester. We are delighted that you are considering joining our vibrant and intellectually stimulating community of scholars, creators, and innovators. Our admissions process is designed to identify talented and passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds who possess the potential to thrive within our unique interdisciplinary environment and contribute meaningfully to our academic and creative life. We seek students who are not only academically capable but also curious, driven, and eager to explore the intersections of economics, music, technology, and design.

Our Admissions Philosophy: A Holistic Approach

At Parvis, we believe that true potential extends beyond standardised test scores and academic transcripts. While a strong academic record is essential, our admissions philosophy is holistic. We carefully consider each applicant’s unique blend of abilities, experiences, achievements, and aspirations. We look for evidence of intellectual curiosity, creative flair, analytical thinking, resilience, and a genuine enthusiasm for interdisciplinary learning. We value diversity in all its forms and are committed to building a student body that reflects a wide range of perspectives, cultures, and talents. Our aim is to create a dynamic community where students learn from each other as well as from our distinguished faculty.

The Application Process: Your Path to Parvis

Applying to Parvis is a comprehensive process designed to allow you to showcase your strengths and suitability for our programmes. While specific requirements vary by level of study and programme, the general steps are as follows:

1. Explore Our Programmes: Familiarise yourself with our high school, undergraduate, and postgraduate offerings, particularly our unique specialisms: Economic Innovation & Creative Industries, Computational Finance & Sonic Arts, and Design Thinking & Sustainable Enterprise.
2. Prepare Your Application: Gather all necessary documentation. This typically includes:
   • Completed application form (submitted via our online portal).
   • Official academic transcripts from all previous institutions attended.
   • A compelling Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose outlining your academic interests, motivations, relevant experiences, and career aspirations, specifically addressing your interest in Parvis’s interdisciplinary approach.
   • Letters of recommendation from teachers, academics, or employers who can attest to your abilities and potential.
   • Portfolio of work (for programmes in Music, Design, and some creative aspects of our specialisms).
   • Evidence of English language proficiency (for non-native English speakers).
3. Submit Your Application: Ensure your application is submitted by the relevant deadline for your chosen programme and entry point. We operate on defined admissions cycles, and early application is often encouraged.

Admission Requirements by Level of Study:

• High School Admissions (Pre-University Studies): Applicants are typically expected to demonstrate a strong academic record in their current schooling. Entry criteria usually involve an assessment of previous school reports, performance in standardised tests (where applicable), a personal statement outlining their interests and suitability for our rigorous programme, and an interview. The interview allows us to understand the student’s motivation, intellectual curiosity, and potential to benefit from our unique high school environment that bridges to higher education.
• Undergraduate Admissions (Bachelor’s Degrees): Successful applicants will typically present excellent grades in A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or equivalent international qualifications. Specific subject requirements or preferences may apply depending on the chosen specialism (e.g., mathematics for Computational Finance, an arts or humanities subject for Creative Industries).
  • A-Levels: Typical offers range from AAB to A*AA, with specific subjects sometimes required or preferred.
  • International Baccalaureate (IB): Typical offers range from 34 to 38 points, with specific Higher Level subject scores often required.
  • The Personal Statement is a critical component, providing an opportunity to articulate your passion for the chosen field, your understanding of Parvis’s interdisciplinary approach, and any relevant experiences (e.g., projects, internships, extracurricular activities).
  • Interviews, Auditions, or Portfolio Reviews may be required for certain programmes, particularly those with significant Music or Design components. Detailed guidance will be provided to shortlisted applicants.
• Postgraduate Admissions (Master’s Degrees and Doctoral Research): Applicants for Master’s programmes are expected to hold a good Bachelor’s degree (typically a UK Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or its international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Some programmes may require specific undergraduate coursework or professional experience.
  • Applicants for PhD programmes must demonstrate strong research potential, typically evidenced by a high-quality Master’s degree with a significant research component and a well-developed research proposal outlining their intended area of doctoral study.
  • A compelling Statement of Purpose is required, detailing academic achievements, research interests, reasons for choosing Parvis, and career goals.
  • Strong academic references are essential.
  • English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of proficiency, typically through IELTS (overall score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in each component) or TOEFL iBT (overall score of 100 with minimum component scores), or equivalent recognised tests. Specific requirements may vary slightly by programme.

Guidance for International Applicants:

Parvis warmly welcomes applications from students around the world. We understand that applying from overseas can present unique challenges, and we strive to make the process as smooth as possible.

• Equivalent Qualifications: We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Please consult our international admissions pages or contact our admissions team for guidance on specific equivalencies.
• English Language Requirements: As all instruction at Parvis is in English, proficiency in the language is crucial. Please ensure you meet the specified English language test scores for your chosen level of study well in advance of application deadlines.
• Student Visas: We provide guidance and support for international students requiring a visa to study in the UK. Information on the visa application process will be provided upon offer of admission.

Portfolios and Auditions:

For programmes within our specialisms that have a significant practical component in Music or Design (such as Sonic Arts or elements of Design Thinking & Sustainable Enterprise), a portfolio or audition may be required.

• Portfolios should showcase your best creative work, demonstrating your skills, conceptual thinking, and originality. Specific guidelines for content, format, and submission will be provided by the relevant department.
• Auditions (primarily for Music-focused pathways) will assess your technical proficiency, artistic interpretation, and potential.

Scholarships and Financial Support:

Parvis is committed to attracting the brightest minds, regardless of financial background. We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for eligible students at all levels of study. These are typically awarded based on academic merit, creative talent, or demonstrated financial need. Information on available scholarships and the application process can be found on our dedicated financial aid pages.

Campus Visits and Open Days:

We encourage prospective students and their families to learn more about Parvis by attending our Open Days or arranging a campus visit where possible. These events provide an excellent opportunity to meet faculty and current students, tour our facilities, and experience the unique atmosphere of our School.

Our admissions team is dedicated to providing a fair, transparent, and supportive application experience. We look forward to receiving your application and learning more about your aspirations.