Meeting the entry requirements

Adult returners are equipped with a wealth of skills and life experience which is valued by the university. Combined with suitable academic qualifications these qualities are key to success.

What do Admissions Tutors look for?

Generally speaking, suitably qualified-individuals who are equipped with the skills, enthusiasm and maturity to succeed at university. As a rule of thumb, applicants for undergraduate honours degrees should normally have a GCSE or O level profile which includes mathematics and English at grade C* and:

be about to gain an advanced level academic qualification
have recently undertaken an appropriate course of advanced academic study. 'Recent' normally means within the last five years.

Other requirements and recommendations

Some courses have subject-specific qualification requirements which are outlined on the individual course pages.

Relevant work experience is recommended for those applying for professional qualifications; for example the Healthcare professions, Social Work or Teaching. As well as providing you with an insight, it enables you to demonstrate your commitment, enthusiasm and knowledge.

What should I do next?

If you do not possess formal academic qualifications, you are not alone! You will need to experience advanced-level study to develop essential academic skills and fully prepare yourself for your higher education.

If it has been some time since your last formal education, we do ask you to revisit and update your skills with further academic study.

We consider plenty of qualifications besides A levels, BTECs etc. including:

our own Extended or Foundation years in Science or Technology
access to Higher Education Courses
Foundation Degrees
Higher National qualifications
Open University credits in appropriate subjects.

Please see 'Advanced-level study options' (PDF) for more details

Previous higher education credits

The university’s credit system allows for Credit Accumulation and Transfer (the CAT scheme) providing a mechanism for awarding credit for relevant qualifications that you have already undertaken.

Finally...

...we welcome students with a range of backgrounds and qualifications. Every year men and women successfully settle into their choice of course. However, certain courses are over-subscribed and occasionally there will be intense competition for a limited number of places.

The entry criteria and advice we offer are intended to be for guidance only. We do not guarantee places on courses at any stage prior to an application being given formal consideration by Admissions staff.

Similarly, our experienced Admissions staff are specialists in their area and can provide you with the best possible advice relating to specific academic entry requirements. Please don't be afraid to contact them, they are there to help!