Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which cookies the UNICONS website uses, why we use them, and how you can manage or withdraw your cookie preferences at any time.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or other internet-enabled device ("device") when you visit a website. They are widely used by website owners to make their websites function correctly, operate more efficiently, and provide analytical and reporting information.
Cookies set by the website owner (in this case, LOPEX UNICONS LTD) are called "first-party cookies". Cookies set by parties other than the website owner are called "third-party cookies". Third-party cookies enable third-party features or functionality to be provided on or through the website (such as analytics, advertising, and interactive content). The parties that set these third-party cookies can recognise your device both when it visits the website in question and also when it visits certain other websites.
In addition to traditional cookies, we may use similar tracking technologies including:
- Web beacons / pixel tags: small transparent image files embedded in web pages or emails that enable us to record that a page has been viewed or an email has been opened;
- Local storage: data stored locally on your browser, similar in purpose to cookies but not transmitted to our servers with each request;
- Session storage: temporary local data that is cleared when you close your browser tab.
For simplicity, all these technologies are referred to collectively as "cookies" in this Cookie Policy.
2. Why Do We Use Cookies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following broad purposes:
- To ensure the correct functioning of the Website and Platform (for example, to keep you logged in as you navigate between pages);
- To remember your preferences and settings so that you do not have to re-enter them each time you visit;
- To analyse how visitors use the Website so that we can improve its performance, layout, and content;
- To measure the effectiveness of our marketing activities and campaigns;
- To prevent fraud and protect the security of the Platform.
Some cookies are essential for the Website or Platform to function at all and cannot be switched off. Others are optional and we will only place them on your device where you have given your consent, except where they are strictly necessary.
The legal basis for using strictly necessary cookies is our legitimate interest in providing you with a functional and secure website. The legal basis for using all other cookies is your consent, which you may withdraw at any time as described in Section 6.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
We categorise the cookies used on the UNICONS Website and Platform as follows. Detailed tables for each category are provided in Sections 4 and 5 below.
| Category | Consent Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | No | Essential for core Website and Platform functionality |
| Analytics | Yes | Measure Website traffic and user behaviour |
| Marketing / Retargeting | Yes | Deliver relevant advertising to you on other platforms |
| Preferences / Functionality | Yes | Remember your settings and personalise your experience |
You can manage your consent for non-essential cookie categories at any time using our Cookie Preferences Centre (accessible via the cookie banner or the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of our Website), or through your browser settings as described in Section 6.
4. Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the UNICONS Website and Platform to function correctly and securely. They cannot be disabled through our Cookie Preferences Centre, although you may be able to block them through your browser settings — however, doing so may prevent you from using core features of the Website or Platform.
These cookies do not require your consent under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) 2003 (as amended).
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | First / Third Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| `sessionid` | Maintains your authenticated login session on the Platform so you remain logged in as you navigate between pages | Session (expires when browser is closed) | First party |
| `auth_token` | Stores an encrypted authentication token used to verify your identity with each request, replacing repeated password entry | 7 days (or until logout) | First party |
| `csrf_token` | Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protection token, preventing malicious third-party websites from submitting requests to UNICONS on your behalf without your knowledge | Session | First party |
| `cookie_consent` | Records your cookie consent preferences so we do not display the cookie banner on every page visit | 12 months | First party |
| `XSRF-TOKEN` | Additional CSRF protection used by our web application framework | Session | First party |
| `unicons_locale` | Stores your selected language/locale preference to display the Website in the appropriate language | 12 months | First party |
Legal basis: Legitimate interests (provision of a functional and secure website). These cookies are necessary for the performance of our contract with you and to protect the security of the Platform.
5. Optional Cookies — Requiring Your Consent
The cookies described in this section will only be placed on your device if you have given your consent through our Cookie Preferences Centre. You may withdraw your consent at any time as described in Section 6.
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### 5.1 Analytics Cookies
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the Website by collecting and reporting information anonymously (or in aggregated, pseudonymous form). This information helps us improve the Website's structure, content, and performance.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration | First / Third Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `_ga` | Google Analytics (Google LLC) | Distinguishes individual Website users using a randomly generated identifier. Used to calculate visitor, session, and campaign data for site analytics. | 2 years | Third party |
| `_ga_[ID]` | Google Analytics (Google LLC) | Used to persist session state across pages for a given Google Analytics property. | 2 years | Third party |
| `_gid` | Google Analytics (Google LLC) | Distinguishes users. Stores and updates a unique value for each page visited. | 24 hours | Third party |
| `_gat_gtag_[ID]` | Google Analytics (Google LLC) | Used to throttle the request rate to Google Analytics — limits data collection on high-traffic sites. | 1 minute | Third party |
Google Analytics opt-out: You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. Alternatively, manage your preference through our Cookie Preferences Centre.
Google LLC is located in the United States. Data transferred to Google is protected under Google's adherence to the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (and the UK equivalent). For more information, see Google's Privacy Policy.
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### 5.2 Marketing / Retargeting Cookies
Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites with the aim of displaying advertising that is relevant and engaging to individual users. They may be set by us or by third-party advertising partners we work with.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration | First / Third Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `_fbp` | Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook Pixel) | Used by Facebook to deliver a series of advertisement products such as real-time bidding from third-party advertisers and to track conversions from Facebook ads. | 3 months | Third party |
| `_fbc` | Meta Platforms, Inc. | Stores the Facebook click identifier when you arrive at the Website via a Facebook ad. Used for conversion tracking and retargeting. | 2 years | Third party |
| `ads/ga-audiences` | Google LLC (Google Ads Remarketing) | Used by Google AdWords to re-engage visitors that are likely to convert based on their online behaviour across websites. | Session | Third party |
| `unicons_utm` | LOPEX UNICONS LTD | Records UTM campaign parameters from the URL when you first arrive on the Website, used to attribute registrations to specific marketing campaigns. | 30 days | First party |
Important: Marketing cookies are optional and will only be placed with your explicit consent. If you do not consent to marketing cookies, you will still be able to use all core features of the Website and Platform.
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### 5.3 Preferences / Functionality Cookies
Functionality cookies enable the Website to provide enhanced features and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have incorporated into our pages.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration | First / Third Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| `unicons_language` | LOPEX UNICONS LTD | Remembers your preferred display language when you have explicitly selected a language from the language selector (distinct from the locale cookie set at browser level). | 12 months | First party |
| `unicons_search_prefs` | LOPEX UNICONS LTD | Saves your most recent course and university search filters so that your results are pre-filtered on your next visit. | 30 days | First party |
| `unicons_ui_prefs` | LOPEX UNICONS LTD | Remembers your preferred interface settings, such as table vs. card view for course listings. | 12 months | First party |
| `intercom-id-[ID]` | Intercom, Inc. (if applicable) | Identifies the user to the Intercom live chat support tool, enabling persistent chat history across sessions. | 9 months | Third party |
| `intercom-session-[ID]` | Intercom, Inc. (if applicable) | Stores an identifier for each unique browser session for the Intercom support widget. | 7 days | Third party |
Note: Functionality cookies are optional. If you decline them, some personalisation features (such as saved search preferences) will not be available, but core Platform functionality will be unaffected.
6. How to Manage and Control Cookies
You have several options for managing or withdrawing your consent to cookies:
6.1 UNICONS Cookie Preferences Centre
You can update your cookie preferences at any time by clicking "Cookie Settings" in the footer of the Website. Our Cookie Preferences Centre allows you to:
- Review the categories of cookies in use;
- Grant or withdraw consent for each optional category individually;
- Record the date and details of your consent for audit purposes.
Changes to your preferences take effect immediately. If you withdraw consent for a particular cookie category, we will cease placing new cookies in that category and will endeavour to remove any cookies already set where technically feasible (noting that some third-party cookies can only be removed from your device through your browser settings).
6.2 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:
- View the cookies stored on your device and delete individual cookies;
- Block all cookies from a specific website;
- Block all third-party cookies;
- Block all cookies (note: this will significantly impair the functionality of most websites, including UNICONS).
Instructions for managing cookies in the most common browsers can be found at the following links:
- Google Chrome: support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
- Mozilla Firefox: support.mozilla.org/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer
- Apple Safari: support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-sfri11471
- Microsoft Edge: support.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-edge/delete-cookies-in-microsoft-edge
Please note that if you configure your browser to block all cookies, some features of the UNICONS Website and Platform (including login functionality) will not work.
6.3 Third-Party Opt-Out Tools
You can opt out of specific third-party analytics and advertising cookies using the following tools:
| Provider | Opt-Out Link |
|---|---|
| Google Analytics | tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout |
| Google Advertising | adssettings.google.com |
| Facebook/Meta Ads | facebook.com/settings/?tab=ads |
| Network Advertising Initiative | optout.networkadvertising.org |
| Digital Advertising Alliance (UK) | youronlinechoices.com |
6.4 Effect of Blocking Cookies
Please be aware that blocking or deleting certain cookies may:
- Prevent you from logging in to or using the UNICONS Platform;
- Result in loss of saved preferences and personalised settings;
- Cause some features of the Website to function incorrectly or not at all;
- Result in the cookie consent banner being displayed on every visit (as the consent record cookie will have been deleted).
Blocking strictly necessary cookies may render the Platform entirely inaccessible. We are unable to guarantee that all features of the Website will function correctly if you choose to block cookies.
7. Cookie Consent and Refresh
7.1 How We Obtain Consent
When you first visit the UNICONS Website, a cookie consent banner will be displayed. You may:
- Accept all cookies — consent is granted for all cookie categories (strictly necessary, analytics, marketing, and preferences);
- Reject all optional cookies — only strictly necessary cookies will be placed;
- Customise preferences — individually select which optional cookie categories you consent to.
Your consent choices are recorded in the `cookie_consent` first-party cookie and are stored for the period set out in Section 4.
7.2 Consent Refresh
In accordance with ICO guidance, we will refresh your cookie consent every 12 months. At the end of this period, the cookie consent banner will be displayed again, allowing you to review and update your preferences. If you have previously declined optional cookies, they will remain declined unless and until you actively change your preference.
7.3 Proof of Consent
We maintain records of cookie consent, including the date and version of the Cookie Policy in force at the time consent was given, for accountability and audit purposes in accordance with our obligations under UK GDPR.
7.4 Consent for Third-Party Cookies
Where third-party cookies require consent, providing your consent through our Cookie Preferences Centre constitutes consent for those third-party cookies as described in this policy. However, you may also manage your consent directly with third-party providers using the opt-out links provided in Section 6.3.
8. Do Not Track
Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not wish to be tracked. There is currently no industry-wide standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. Our Website does not currently respond to DNT signals; however, you can use the mechanisms described in Section 6 to exercise control over cookie use on the UNICONS Website.
9. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use, changes to applicable law or regulatory guidance, or changes to our data practices. When we update this policy, we will revise the "Last Reviewed" date at the foot of this page.
Where changes are material (for example, we introduce a new category of cookies), we will display a prominent notice on the Website or re-display the cookie consent banner to allow you to review and update your preferences.
We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:
Email: enquiry@unicons.co.uk (please include "COOKIE POLICY ENQUIRY" in the subject line)
Post: Data Protection Enquiries, LOPEX UNICONS LTD, 214 High Street, Second Floor, Hounslow, TW3 1HB, London, United Kingdom
Website: www.unicons.co.uk
For general data protection enquiries, including how to exercise your rights under UK GDPR, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Effective Date: 1 September 2025 Last Reviewed: 1 September 2025