Entry Requirements
These are general mimimum entry requirements. Some courses require GCSEs in specific subjects and grades and many courses require English/Maths at specific grades.
You will need a reference which we feel is satisfactory and shows a good record of attendance, punctuality and conduct and a commitment to study.
Entry requirements for A Level subjects (Level 3):
SUBJECT |
POINT SCORE |
Minimum GCSE Requirements |
| Applied Law (A Level equivalent) | 5.0 | GCSE English at grade 5 |
| Applied Science (A Level equivalent) | 5.0 |
GCSE English and Maths at grade 5 |
| Applied Psychology (A Level equivalent) | 5.0 | GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade 5 |
| Architecture A Level | 5.25 | GCSE English, Maths and Art at grade 5 |
| Business Studies | 5.75 | GCSE English and Maths at grade 6 |
| Business (A Level equivalent) | 5.0 | GCSE English and Maths at grade 5 |
| Computer Science | 5.75 | GCSE English and Maths at grade 6 |
| Criminology (A Level equivalent) | 5.0 | GCSE English or Maths at grade 5 |
| Drama and Theatre Studies | 5.0 | GCSE English and Drama at grade 5 (provided your school offered GCSE Drama) |
| English Literature | 5.0 | GCSE English and English Literature at grade 5 |
| Film Studies | 5.5 | GCSE English at grade 5 |
| Fine Art | 5.0 | GCSE English and Art at grade 5 plus a strong portfolio |
| Government and Politics | 5.5 | GCSE English at grade 6 |
| Graphics and Illustration | 5.0 | GCSE English and Art/Graphic Design at grade 5 plus a strong portfolio |
| History: Modern European | 5.5 | GCSE English at grade 6 or History at grade B |
| Mathematics | 5.75 | GCSE Maths at grade 6 (preferably grade 7) and English at grade 5 |
| Media Studies | 5.5 | GCSE English at grade 5 |
| Philosophy, Ethics and Religion | 5.5 | GCSE English at grade 6 and Maths at grade 5 |
| Photography | 5.0 | GCSE English and Art at grade 5 and a proven interest in photography |
| Psychology | 5.75 | GCSE English at grade 5 and Maths at grade 6. Science at grade 6 is also preferred |
| Public Services (A level equivalent) | 5.0 | GCSE English at grade 5 |
| Sociology | 5.5 | GCSE English at grade 6 |
How many A Levels can I study?
A Levels must be studied as part of a full-time programme consisting of three to four A Level subjects:
LEVEL |
Subject |
POINT SCORE |
What this might lead to |
| Level 3 | 4 AS/A Levels | An average point score of 6.5 or above - depends on subject with specific GCSE requirements. | Higher Education OR Employment |
| Level 3 | 3 AS/A Levels | An average point score of 5 to 6.5 - depends on subject with specific GCSE requirements. | Higher Education OR Employment |
Entry requirements for all other qualifications:
LEVEL |
Subject |
POINT SCORE |
What this might lead to |
| Level 3 | Subsidiary Diplomas/90 Credit Diplomas/Diplomas/Extended Diplomas (BTEC/ CACHE/C&G/ NVQ/OCR/UAL Qualifications) |
5 GCSEs at grade A*-C/9-5 or Distinction/Merit/A*-C/9-5 on a Level 2 Diploma with specific GCSE requirements. See individual courses page. |
Higher Education OR Employment |
| Level 2 | Certificates/Diplomas (BTEC/CACHE/C&G/NVQ/OCR/UAL Qualifications) | 4 GCSEs at grade D/3 or a Level 1 Diploma at Pass with GCSE English and Maths at grade 3. See individual courses page. | Level 3 BTEC / CACHE / C&G / UAL course OR Employment |
| Level 1 | BTEC / CACHE / UAL qualifications | 4 GCSEs as grade E-F/2-1 including English and Maths at grade 2. See individual courses page. | Level 2 course |
| Entry level 1,2,3 | Various courses | Successful interview | Dependent on progress |
Average points score
The average points score for entry on to an A level study programme will be calculated from: your best 8 GCSEs OR your best 6 GCSEs and a maximum of 1 technical qualification (equivalent to 2 GCSEs). Please see key for points calculation.
Each GCSE grade is allocated points. Points are totalled and divided by the relevant number of GCSEs - this gives your average points score.
Points are calculated as follows:
GCSE grades |
Points |
| A* | 8 |
| A | 7 |
| B | 6 |
| C | 5 |
| D | 4 |
| E | 3 |
| F | 2 |
| G | 1 |
|
1 x technical |
10 |
