Can you get in? A guide to the qualifications universities will accept

Choosing and applying to university can be quite overwhelming. With 100s of universities and 1000s of courses available, there’s a lot to consider! You can do plenty of research in advance about which university could be a good fit for you, but one of your main questions right now might be, can I get in?

Every university will have their own entry requirements and an overview of these can be found on UCAS. We’d also recommend going on university websites for a more thorough look and using that as a good basis to do your research and shortlisting.

For most universities there are minimum entry requirements. These often include GCSE’s or other equivalent Level 2 qualifications. Generally, there’ll be an English language requirement which is typically an English GCSE at a certain grade. This is set by each university. There could also be subject-specific GCSE/Level 2 requirements that are relevant to your chosen course, so be sure to check.

Typically, universities will want to see evidence of your Level 3 qualifications, the most common being A levels, BTECs and T Levels, but this can also include the Welsh Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers, Advanced Highers and the Ireland Leaving Certificate. Every university will ask for different grades depending on your qualifications.

They may also ask for specific qualifications and not accept alternatives, so again, be sure you look at a university’s website to ensure they accept the qualifications you have or are completing.

Most universities will advertise their entry requirements in qualifications and grades but they might also provide a number. This equates to the amount of UCAS tariff points associated with your qualifications and grades. You can search for your qualifications on the UCAS tariff calculator by the course title. Once you enter your grades, or predicted grades, the calculator will generate how many UCAS tariff points you have. This can be a helpful indicator when researching a university’s entry requirements too.

Some universities may have alternative offer schemes, which will have clear criteria and will depend on your circumstances and experiences. If you’re eligible, you’ll typically receive a reduced offer or additional consideration, depending on the course you’ve applied for. Again, this varies from university to university, and you’ll be able to find this information on the university’s website.

If you don’t meet a university’s entry requirements but believe you have the skills or qualifications that make you a suitable candidate, you can contact a university’s enquiries and admissions team who’ll be able to advise you on your next steps. Universities will often take account of alternative qualifications and experiences.

UCAS is a good place to start researching your options. Then, once you start to filter down your choices, we’d always recommend you start visiting university open days. University events will provide you with an opportunity to find out more about the course and ask any questions you may have. Good luck with your application!

Tip from UniTasterDays:

Search 1000’s of university events at https://www.unitasterdays.com/search