1.7 Links that open in a new tab window is not communicated to the user visually or programmatically (H)

FIGURE 1.23: Apply via UCAS and Open Days links highlighted on the Undergraduate-Accounting and Finance page

FIGURE 1.24: Further info on terms and conditions link highlighted on the Undergraduate-Accounting and Finance page

FIGURE 1.25: Twitter link on the Undergraduate-Accounting and Finance page

FIGURE 1.26: Social media icons on News article page

FIGURE 1.27: search link highlighted on microsite

1.7.1 WCAG 1.3.1 (A) - Desktop, Mobile, iPad

The ‘Apply via UCAS’, ‘Open Days’, ‘’Terms and Conditions’ and ’Twitter links on the Undergraduate-Accounting and Finance page, don’t tell the user visually or programmatically that the link will open in a new tab window.

There is a further example of this with the ‘search’ link on the Micro-site page which opens in a new tab window without informing the user.

It is important that the text indicates that an element opens in a new tab window so that users know what to expect. This is especially important for screen reader users as they can become disoriented if they are taken to a new tab window without being notified.

Furthermore, WCAG guidelines strongly discourage links opening in new windows. See W3C article on opening new windows and tabs from a link only when necessary

This issue persists in multiple areas throughout the website. See:

• User not informed that the link will initiate a downloaded and the size of the download (M)
• Social media icons open in a new tab window (H)
• Article information is not associated to the relevant article (H)

1.7.2 Recommendation

If opening in a new window/ tab is required then you should add a visual indicator such as descriptive text, stating that elements will open in an external window. Also, provide additional information for screen reader users to notify them they will be taken to a new tab. E.g. ‘Apply via UCAS (opens in new tab)’

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