Accessibility statement
This accessibility statement applies to https://apply.swan.ac.uk
The Apply System has been developed by Swansea University. We want as many people as possible to be able to use the website apply.swan.ac.uk, feel welcome and find the experience rewarding. For example, that means you should be able to:
- Zoom in up to 200% without the text spilling off the screen.
- Adjust text spacing without affecting layout or usability.
- Navigate the website using just a keyboard.
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
How accessible apply.swan.ac.uk is?
The Apply System has been evaluated by our internal specialist and they certify that apply.swan.ac.uk is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard.
We know some parts of apply.swan.ac.uk aren't as accessible as they should be:
- Screen readers do not get announcements for some errors or status without focus.
- Some focus rings do not have sufficient contrast from elements.
- On the personal details sections, the disability dropdown triggers a pop-up on focus out.
- The qualifications page has unexpected behaviour in Apple Mac browsers when trying to add details to a qualification.
Feedback and contact information
If you need information on apply.swan.ac.uk in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille you can contact our Transcription Centre:
Email: braille@swansea.ac.uk
Twitter: @SUTranscription
Swansea University Transcription Centre Amy Dillwyn Building, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
How to find the transcription center: Swansea University Transcription Centre
We'll consider your request and get back to you in 7 days.
Reporting accessibility problems with apply.swan.ac.uk
We're always looking to improve the accessibility of the Apply System. If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we're not meeting accessibility requirements:
Email IT Service Desk or Call us: +44 (0)1792 604000
Enforcement procedure
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the 'accessibility regulations'). If you're not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)
Contacting us by phone or visiting us in person
The university aims to provide professional information and guidance services for disabled students, students with specific needs and/or medical conditions. We can provide support if you would like to visit us or phone us.
Please contact the Disability Service:
Telephone: +44 (0)1792 60 6617
Email: wellbeingdisability@swansea.ac.uk
Technical information about apply.swan.ac.uk accessibility
Swansea University is committed to making all its websites accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
Compliance status
apply.swan.ac.uk is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.
Non accessible content
Swansea University is committed to develop and sustain Level AA accessibility.
The following information explains any areas of the Apply System that to our knowledge are not conformant and what we're doing to make that happen. The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.
Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations
Headings Misuse
All pages have an H1 tag, but some pages do not use headings effectively which would impact screen reader users navigating by a header method. Pages including the landing page, dashboard, and change password clearly style text as headings but do no use correct heading markup. This issue fails against WCAG 2.2 success criterion: 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships).
Page Semantics
Some pages use markup that emphasises content visually such as text that is a heading, but not using markup that will be understood by assistive technology. This issue fails against WCAG 2.2 success criterion: 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships).
Frame Titles
The iframe used for the offer letter document view does not have a title attribute. This issue fails against WCAG 2.2 success criterion: 2.4.1 (Bypass Blocks).
Focus rings have poor contrast
Users are only given a subtle visible change on focus on Buttons. This is a problem with all buttons, but "Dashboard" and "Cymraeg" are particularly hard to see due to a blue focus ring on a blue button. This issue fails against WCAG 2.2 success criterion: 2.4.7 (Focus Visible).
Disability Information Pop-up triggered on focus out
When interacting with disability dropdown and selecting an option a pop-up is triggered. This is unexpected behaviour as it is triggered when focusing to next element (submit button). This issue fails against WCAG 2.2 success criterion: 3.2.1 (On Focus).
Qualification Details Inputs on Apple Mac Devices
The qualifications dropdown uses progressive disclosure to show the users a part of a form. The qualification dropdown is unintuitive as inputs are selected, and then the page must be clicked to add a qualification. This creates barriers to multiple audiences. This behaviour affects Apple Mac users in Chrome and Safari browsers. This issue fails against WCAG 2.2 success criterion: 3.2.2 (On Input).
Aria hidden contains a focusable element
An anchor is used on the banner which is focusable and means keyboard users need to tab through the logo and additional anchor. This issue fails against WCAG 2.2 success criterion: 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value).
ARIA roles used without additional parent roles
ARIA syntax is used without correct parent roles for child elements. This issue fails against WCAG 2.2 success criterion: 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value).
Email Confirmation message needs to be focused
Users need to confirm an email before submitting an application. A status message appears on each step on the application form requesting this. No aria role is applied, so the message must receive focus to be heard. This issue fails against WCAG 2.2 success criterion: 4.1.3 (Status Messages).
The above criterion failures will be addressed through the following:
- A process of accessibility awareness-raising with the Admissions development team.
- Engagement with the Admissions development team to address critical issues as soon as possible.
Disproportionate Burden
An assessment has been made taking into account the size and resources available to the organization, any content that is judged a disproportionate burden are stated in this section.
Navigation and accessing information
No issues or not applicable.
Interactive tools and transactions
No issues or not applicable.
Interactive tools
No issues or not applicable.
Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations
An assessment has been made taking into account the size and resources available to the organization, any content that is judged out of scope of the regulations are stated in this section.
PDFs and other documents
The Apply System generates downloaded offer letters for applicants to the university. These PDF's have been checked and do not currently meet accessibility standards. The offer letters are programmatically generated. This process will be reviewed and be addressed as soon as possible.
What we’re doing to improve accessibility
Our Apply Accessibility Roadmap shows how and when we plan to improve accessibility on apply.swan.ac.uk.
Preparation of this accessibility statement
This statement was prepared on 04/09/2020 It was last reviewed on 29/08/2024.
The website apply.swan.ac.uk was last tested on 27/08/2024. The test was carried out by our internal usability and accessibility specialist.
We used a consistent process and approach to deciding on a sample of pages to test. This is available in How we tested the Apply System