Supporting an application

Image and file upload FAQs

Find out answers to frequently asked questions when uploading files.

Hero Carousel

Image and file upload FAQs

Find out answers to frequently asked questions when uploading files.

Supporting an application

What file types can I upload?

The file extensions you can upload are:

  • Microsoft Office documents .DOC, .DOCX, .XLS, .XLSX
  • Adobe Acrobat .PDF
  • Image file formats .JPG, .GIF
  • Text file .TXT
     

How do I reduce the size of my images or convert my image files to the correct format?

Microsoft or more advanced (paid for) programs like Adobe Elements can solve these problems for you.
If using Windows you can either resize your picture by a certain percentage or by a specific size.

Please see the below links to Microsoft's help pages for detailed step-by-step guidance:
 

I can't reduce the size of my PDF files. What should I do?

Acrobat Reader, Adobe Acrobat (paid for) or export-to-PDF options are a key to solving this issue. 

  1. Open your PDF file using Acrobat Reader. Select the 'Print' option and then select 'Export to PDF' in the Printer list. It may also be called 'Microsoft Print to PDF'.
  2. Select the 'Advanced' option, and change the number of dots per inch (dpi) to 150. Select 'OK' and then 'Print'.
  3. Choose a folder in which to save your file and give it a new name. You may also replace (overwrite) the existing file.
  4. Open the new file to ensure that any text and/or images are clear. If you are not satisfied with the quality, please start the process again and choose a dots per inch (dpi) value that is higher than 150.
     

I have my documents in different pages, with each page saved as separate JPG files. How can I combine them into a single file?

  1. If your word processor (Microsoft Office Word (paid) or OpenOffice Writer (free)) does not include a PDF generation tool, then install PDFCreator (free).
  2. Before using your word processor, make sure the sizes of your image files are not too big. If necessary, reduce the size of your files (see above about reducing file sizes).
  3. Create a new document and insert your images one after the other, by selecting 'Insert' and then 'Pictures'. 
  4.  Save your document using the .DOC extension if you are using Microsoft Office Word, or the .ODT extension if you are using OpenOffice Writer.
  5. Convert the file into to a PDF document, either directly from the 'File' menu (if available) or through the 'Print' options that include PDFCreator.

The size of the final file must not exceed 1 MB. If the file is still too big, reduce the sizes of your individual images and rebuild your document by going through steps 1 – 5 again.
 

I have my transcripts in several PDF documents. How can I merge these documents into one PDF file?

You can use Adobe Acrobat or PDFCreator to merge your documents into one PDF file.

  1. Open all the PDF files which you need to merge (using Acrobat Reader).
  2. For the first file, choose PDFCreator as your printer and select 'Print'.
  3. In the PDFCreator dialog box, select 'Wait – Collect'.
  4. Open the second file and do the same as above. Repeat this process for each of your files.
  5. The Print Monitor of the PDFCreator will display a list of all files which have to be highlighted. Highlight the files by holding down the Shift key while selecting them with your mouse.
  6. Go to the 'Document' menu and select 'Combine'.
  7. In the same 'Document' menu, select 'Print'.
  8. In the dialog box select Save. This will generate the final (merged) PDF file.


Please make sure that the file size of your finished document is less than 1 MB. If the file size is more than 1 MB, please follow the instructions given above to reduce the size of your PDF file.
 

I still need help. What can I do?

  • Check the device you are using. There can be difficulties uploading documents via a mobile or tablet device. We strongly advise students to use a computer or laptop.
  • Try multiple browsers.  Some browsers do not allow documents to be uploaded. If this still doesn't work, please clear your cache and history.
  • If you still experience problems, please contact the Applicant Engagement team on 020 8223 3333 or use the live chat button to get in touch.