Breadth & depth - A/AS
We normally expect our applicants to have studied at least 3 subjects to AS level or equivalent and for at least 2 subjects to have been followed in depth, to A2 or equivalent. We also expect them to be studying at least 3 subjects in Year 13, and will base our conditional offers on the grades achieved in this year. Normally the three grades required in our standard offers should be achieved in three A2 levels. However, one of the three required grades may sometimes be substituted by the average of grades in two AS subjects that have not been taken at A2 level, provided that one of them is taken in Year 13.
General studies at A2 level or AS level is accepted for the majority of our courses. However, we would normally expect General Studies to be one of four subjects taken at A2 level. Applications from people following Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE’s) and Applied A-levels are also welcomed, particularly where they are taken alongside A/AS level, in different subjects. Individual course entries in our prospectus will indicate where there is a requirement for particular subjects at A or AS level, or a preference in terms of balance between A/AS/AVCE. In the light of our requirement for depth, and concern about the educational maturity of our students, we will not make any unconditional offers based on AS level achievement alone.
We would hope that schools and colleges will encourage individual students to include contrasting subjects in their programmes where it seems appropriate for those individuals. In general, we feel that students should take subjects that reflect their individual aptitudes and abilities.
Required GCSE subjects
There is no general admissions requirement for a minimum number of GCSEs or minimum GCSE grades in specific subjects. However, some degree schemes require specific GCSE subjects and grades and these are detailed in the on-line course search.
Conditional offers
Conditional offers are not automatically based on the best 3 A levels or equivalent. Admissions Tutors will specify for each applicant how points and grades are to be achieved. Where conditions are specified in terms of subjects and grades, it should not be assumed that equivalent points in the UCAS Tariff gained in alternative ways will be accepted. Where offers are made in terms of UCAS Tariff points, the offer will make explicit which qualifications would be counted or excluded in meeting the requirements.
Key skills
Key skills will not normally be included in conditional offers. However, they may be taken into account in deciding whether to make an offer, and in deciding whether or not to confirm a place, where grades fall marginally below the conditions specified.
Advanced extension qualifications
Advanced Extension qualifications will not normally be included in conditional offers, but will be taken into account in marginal situations.
Other qualifications accepted
BTEC
Entry requirements will vary from course to course. Please state clearly on your UCAS form the individual course units you will be taking. Applicants taking the 6 unit 'BTEC National Award' will be considered where the award is offered in conjunction with other appropriate qualifications.
Open University
One foundation-level credit is accepted as satisfying the basic admission requirement.
Scottish qualifications
We require a minimum of four Higher passes at grade B. Advanced Higher may sometimes be recommended, especially when A-level Mathematics is required.
Welsh Baccalaureate
Where the two none-core elements making up the Baccalaureate are standard A2 qualifications, any offer is likely to be based on our standard A-level offer. Any other contributing qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Five or six subjects at Higher level are normally required with conditional offers based on UCAS tariff points.
Advanced Vocational Certificates of Education
Individual course entries indicate the admissions tutor's preference in terms of the balance between A/AS/AVCEs.
International Baccalaureate
We welcome applicants offering the IB and require the award of the Diploma as a minimum requirement. Specific requirements are given under the subject sections.
Access Courses
We are pleased to receive applications from candidates following Access courses. We have particularly close links with the Open College of the North West.
International Qualifications
We also accept
- American Advanced Placements
- Malaysian STPM
- Hong Kong Advanced Level Certificate
- Apolytirion
- Indian National Boards Standard 12
- German Abitur
- French Baccalaureat
- European Baccalaureat