The Scholars Apply web application launched in Autumn 2015, which allows potential university students from under-represented backgrounds to apply for a programme at the University of Liverpool that helps them prepare for University life, and support their entry into higher education.

The application replaces a paper-based system, by which students had to previously apply – something that was labour intensive for both them, and the Widening Participation team at the University of Liverpool.

By digitising the process we’ve been able to automate many of the checks needed to decide whether applicants are eligible for the programme, as well as make it quicker and easier to apply – whether from a desktop computer in school, or using a mobile device on the go.

Members of our WP team also now have access to fully digital records of all applicants, for easy review during decision the decision-making process, as well as being able to request online references from teachers, and automatically generate all paperwork that is still required, such as parental consent forms and acceptance letters.

I worked on the specification, UI design and front-end development of the project, making use of mood-boards created by Matt Smith to generate the design work. Wesley Holmes was responsible for back-end programming which was done in .net MVC.