Qualification advice

GCSE choices not only influence the subjects students may choose for Level 3 studies but can also impact their university application. You should make Year 9 students aware that by not choosing certain subjects at GCSE level they may be unable to progress down a particular subject path in higher education.

If students are not sure what academic or career path they wish to take they should keep their options open by taking a broad range of subjects.

Different universities will give different weighting to GCSE results and subject combinations when reviewing applications.

Most universities will expect applicants to hold a Level 2 qualification in English language and maths (eg GCSE at Grade C or above).

Some universities and programmes will require higher grades, and this may form a specific part of the entry requirements. For example our BSc Psychology requires applicants to have a minimum A grade in English and maths GCSEs.

AS Levels are not normally included in offers, although some universities may make alternative offers that include these. AS Level grades are taken as an indication of A2 performance in conjunction with predicted grades.

If students have an idea of what they might want to study at university, it is worth considering what A Level combination choices are most suitable for that degree subject.

For some degree subjects particular Level 3 subjects are considered essential. For example our BSc Sport and Exercise Science programme requirements state "A-levels (A2) must include at least one basic science subject (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Human Biology). Psychology can also be accepted as a science if combined with a sports-related A Level (e.g. PE or Sport Studies)".

Quite often, universities will favour particular subjects or subject combinations, whilst other Level 3 subjects may be less preferred. The Informed Choices resources from the Russell Group offer a useful guide to frequently required and preferred subject combinations. If students are uncertain on what they may want to study at degree level, it may be beneficial to choose a broad combination of subjects to keep their options open.

Most universities welcome applicants studying for an Access to HE Diploma, although not necessarily on all programmes. Access students will need to check the requirements for individual programmes and individual institutions. We recommend that students consult university web pages or contact the university directly, as Access requirements are not always stated in printed prospectuses.

Entry requirements will range from some universities requesting that students simply pass the Access to HE Diploma, to other universities requesting a set number of units achieved at Distinction and/or Merit. If students’ offers do not appear clear, do encourage them to contact the university to clarify the requirements.

Some universities will ask students to achieve additional qualifications, such as Level 2 English and maths qualifications, or A Levels in particular subjects, alongside their Access to HE Diplomas. Some universities will interview Access students, even if they do not typically interview other applicants. Encourage your students to research what the interview may involve and to prepare fully for the interview, including reading carefully back through their own personal statement.

Many universities welcome applicants studying for Level 3 BTEC qualifications, although not necessarily on all programmes. Applicants will need to check the requirements for individual programmes at different institutions. We recommend students consult university web pages or contact the university directly, as BTEC requirements are not always stated in printed prospectuses.

Entry requirements can range from passes, to a full distinction profile for most competitive programmes. Applicants may also need additional qualifications - for example, some STEM degree subjects may also require applicants to have an A Level in Maths at a particular grade in addition to their BTEC qualification to ensure the student can succeed in the mathematical elements of the degree programme.

BTEC students may wish to look carefully at how different university courses are assessed. As BTEC students have not had to take formal examinations as part of their course, some can find the adjustment to exam-based programmes challenging at first, and it is valuable to start planning for this early.

Many higher education institutions, including the University of Bath, regard this qualification as excellent preparation for higher education study.

If your students are doing an Extended Project, please make sure they discuss their project in their Personal Statement. It may not be included in an offer, but Admissions Tutors may well take it into account when deciding whether they are able to make you an offer.

Some universities may offer slightly alternative offers for students who are taking the Extended Project. Our library team welcome school and college visits to the library to enable EPQ students to supplement their research through access to our printed resources. To request a visit, simply complete the Ask a Librarian Form.

The following level 3 qualifications are also widely accepted:

• Advanced Diplomas - check the individual programme details to find out which lines of learning are acceptable and what Additional/Specialist learning is required
• Cambridge Pre-U - either with the full diploma or individual elements of it. Offers are likely to be based on the Principal Subjects that you are taking
• European Baccalaureate – HE institutions and programmes will usually indicate the typical percentage range expected, and may require specified scores in key subjects
• International Baccalaureate – this qualification is well respected and considered good preparation for university by many HE institutions.

Many courses will require specific subjects and grades at Higher level. IB students should research these requirements particularly when considering which subjects to take at Higher level.

We welcome applicants studying the Welsh Baccalaureate Core alongside A Levels or vocational qualifications; we are aware of the range of skills and qualities which it develops and of the additional work which it demands.

Taking the qualification demonstrates the capacity to pursue an extended curriculum and although the Core may not be included in the offer, we will take it into account when deciding whether we can make you an offer.

Please check entry the Entry Requirements section of the course you are interested in for further details.

Every university, and sometimes degree subject, will view AS and A2 exam and assignment retakes differently. Students should check with their preferred universities what their view on retakes is before confirming their university choices. Extenuating circumstances may also be considered as part of the decision relating to retakes.

When checking entry requirements for specific degree programmes, universities will indicate a 'typical offer' or ‘entry requirements’; this is often for guidance only and may change each year. Please make sure that students check this information before completing their UCAS form. Some courses can be very competitive, so being predicted to achieve the grades in the entry requirements does not always guarantee an offer.

Universities’ perspectives on gap years can vary between institutions and individual degree programmes. Some encourage a gap year whilst others prefer students to not take a gap year.

Universities and programmes usually give a summary of their position on gap years on their websites or in their prospectuses.

Make sure that if students are planning to take a gap year, they consider how they can relate their gap year experiences to their chosen degree programme.

What are your motivations for studying that course? How will the gap year benefit your university studies? This should be included in their personal statement.