The University considers all aspects of your application, not simply your qualifications and grades. We look at your personal statement, reference and any relevant experience (particularly for professional courses where this may be required) as well as your academic background and performance. Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate your commitment, motivation, enthusiasm and evidence that you can benefit from study at higher education level.
Eligibility for courses
To study at the 51ÊÓƵ, you must normally be at least 18 by the time you start the course. If by that date you are under 18, but at least 17, you can still study at the University. However, in that case, we will need your parents or guardians to agree to some extra safeguards because you are still legally a minor. You must also satisfy the entry requirements of the course you wish to study. All applicants will need to demonstrate that they have the maturity and personal skills to study and live independently in a higher education environment.
General entry requirements
There are a wide range of acceptable entry qualifications and the following list is by no means exhaustive. It is designed to provide a sample of some of the main qualifications that applicants present for entry. Applicants are advised to contact the Admissions Office if they have any specific questions about qualifications that do not appear on this list. Further information can be found on the relevant course pages at www.ucas.com. Each course has specific entry requirements, expressed in terms of the UCAS tariff, although qualifications not currently in the tariff will be considered. Candidates may offer qualifications in combination to achieve the required total.
The tariff requirements for specific courses can be found on the relevant course page in the University prospectus and the website.
Acceptable qualifications
GCE Advanced Levels and Advanced Supplementary
Normally a minimum of two GCE A Level passes.
Advanced supplementary (AS) Level achievements may be counted towards the tariff requirement but applicants will not be disadvantaged if they do not take them.
BTEC Qualifications (QCF)
Considered either on their own (Extended Diploma or Diploma) or in combination with other qualifications (Subsidiary Diploma or Certificate) to meet the tariff requirements.
OCR Nationals
Considered either on their own (Diploma or Extended Diploma) or in combination with other qualifications (Certificate).
Access to HE Diploma
Successful completion of a relevant QAA-recognised Access Diploma is acceptable (60 credits with at least 45 at Level 3). Some courses may require the achievement of some Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction.
Welsh Baccalaureate
Tariff point requirements can be met through the achievement of the Welsh Baccalaureate, including Core, and will be counted at the appropriate tariff.
Scotland
Four higher grade passes at Grade C are regarded as the minimum entry requirements, but all qualifications within the tariff will be considered.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Four to five higher/honours grade passes at Grade C are required, as a minimum condition of entry.
NVQ Level 3/Modern Apprenticeship
Applicants offering NVQ Level 3 will be considered and may be asked to complete supplementary work. Similarly, Technical Certificates for those following Advanced Modern Apprenticeships will be considered on an individual basis, with particular reference to relevance to the intended course.
Advanced GNVQ
Acceptable providing it is passed at Merit level. Some subjects/courses may require a Distinction grade, and possibly an additional A Level.
International Baccalaureate and European Baccalaureate
A minimum score of 24 points is necessary in the International Baccalaureate and a minimum score of 60% in the European Baccalaureate. Higher entry levels may be set for some courses.
Professional Qualifications
Professional qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
Key Skills
Key Skills at Level 2 are viewed as an enhancement of a student’s application but cannot be accepted as satisfaction of subject-specific requirements.
General Studies and Critical Thinking
These qualifications are normally acceptable in part satisfaction of the entry requirements.
T Levels
T Levels are considered on their own to meet the tariff requirements. Some professional courses may require particular T-level subjects to have been studied. Some courses may require an overall Merit or Distinction.
English Baccalaureate
The 51ÊÓƵ does not currently intend to use the English Baccalaureate as an entry requirement. Where there are specific subject or grade requirements, these will be clearly stated in the relevant prospectus entry and on the University website.
International Qualifications
International students will need to demonstrate evidence of study at a level equivalent to the general entry requirements.
Other Qualifications and Mature Students
We welcome applicants who hold alternative qualifications/experience different to those shown in this section who can demonstrate the ability to benefit from the course and show their potential to complete the course successfully. Although recent preparatory study at an appropriate level (e.g. an Access course) is recommended, students may be considered on the basis of prior evidenced professional/work experience and/or other assessment procedures, and the assessment of personal suitability.
University Admissions staff will be able to offer information, advice and guidance on this process.
English Language Requirements for International Students
The following qualifications satisfy the English Language requirements for admission to the University, although some courses may require higher scores:
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) – 52 or above or CEFR B2 or above
- Cambridge First Certificate in English – Grade C or above with no skill less than D or 2
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) – An overall score of 59 or above, with not less than 59 points in any of the 4 skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing)
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LanguageCert International ESOL Certificate Level 1 (B2)
Postgraduate
LanguageCert International ESOL Certificate Level 1 (B2) with a minimum of 39 out of 50 in each component (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing)
Undergraduate
LanguageCert International ESOL Certificate Level 1 (B2) with a minimum of 33 out of 50 in each component (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing)
Please note: LanguageCert Test of English LTE is not accepted as it does not have a speaking component.
Previous Study or Experience
Students with relevant previous study at HND or degree level or extensive experience may be considered eligible for Accreditation of Prior Learning.
Entry may be possible to Year 2 or 3 of the course, depending upon the qualifications or experience gained. Credit can also be given for individual modules.
Equivalent or Lower Qualifications (ELQs)
Students studying for qualifications equivalent, or lower than, a qualification they already hold are no longer funded by HEFCE.
The University reserves the right to charge higher tuition fees for such students.