ATAS certification must for the U.K. bound
YOGENDRA KALAVALAPALLI
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ATAS is aimed at stopping the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery
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Your visa application for the United Kingdom will be refused if the documentation doesn’t include ATAS certification, as is required for specified courses. Here is an insight into the relatively new requirement many candidates applying for higher studies in the UK might not be aware of.
Introduced by the British Government late last year, Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) requires aspirants for certain “sensitive” Masters and Doctoral courses in the United Kingdom to apply to the UK Home Office for approval.
According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, ATAS is aimed “to stop the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery” and can be applied online or by post by contacting nearest the nearest British Embassy/High Commission.
Candidates can apply for ATAS only after receiving either a conditional or an unconditional offer from a UK institution.
It is free of cost. Applying for ATAS without receiving an offer letter will lead to its rejection.
If a candidate receives more than one offer letter, he/she has to apply separately for every admission.
Easy option
An easier option would be to narrow down to one course and apply for that course only. The details on the ATAS clearance certificate should match with the university offer letter and should be part of visa documentation wherever necessary.
ATAS applicants, in their application form, have to state their subject areas by referring to a JACS (Joint Academic Coding System) code which can be obtained from the university(s) concerned as JACS codes vary with each university.
Who requires ATAS?
The requirement to hold an ATAS certificate applies to students/individuals who desire to pursue post graduation, Masters by research courses, Taught Masters courses, Ph.D or other post doctoral qualifications.
It is also required in cases where one is planning to take up an enhanced undergraduate programme.
Academic visitors, individuals going to the UK for research activities not connected to any studies, post-graduate diploma courses do not necessitate an ATAS certificate.
Research extending six months will qualify for a post-graduate qualification which again requires ATAS certification.
Subjects related to Pharmacology, Veterinary Sciences, Toxicology, Agriculture, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Nuclear Physics, Terrestrial Geographical and Environmental Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, Materials Technology, Science, Astronomy, Operational Research, Computer Science and some branches of engineering.
Engineering disciplines covered under ATAS include Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Production and Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering.
More information about ATAS and the courses covered under it can be had from the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth office of UK government: www.fco.gov.uk.
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