An Explainer for UK University Entry Requirements

UK university entry requirements vary from university to university and course to course.

You must meet entry requirements if you want to study at a UK university. Higher education institutes in the UK use entry requirements to assess a student's suitability for the course. This means reaching target grades, proving English ability and showing a demonstratable passion for your subject via a personal statement.

When considering where and what to study, checking entry requirements should be one of the first things you do. You must rethink your options if you cannot meet the university's expectations. UK universities are primarily concerned with qualifications you have achieved after the age of 16, and these may include A-levels, BTECs and, most importantly for international students, the International Baccalaureate.

Learn more about different types of undergraduate and postgraduate entry requirements at universities such as Cambridge and the London School of Economics below. Begin your study journey by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK London today.

UK university entry requirement examples

Undergraduate entry requirements

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree in the UK, applications must be sent to UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The primary entry requirements for successful admission to undergraduate courses are A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate.

For undergraduate physics at Oxford, you would need: A-level A*AA to include mathematics and physics, with the A* being in mathematics, physics or further mathematics, or an IB of 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL, the 7 being in either physics or mathematics; or an equivalent qualification.

For undergraduate business studies with digital marketing at the University of West London (UWL), you would need 112 UCAS points from level 3 qualifications such as A-levels at grades B, B and C or above. You would also need GCSEs in mathematics and English.

The best UK universities traditionally have much tougher entry requirements than other institutions. This will need to be factored into your application when deciding where to study in the UK.

Postgraduate entry requirements

For postgraduate entry, students generally need to apply to the university directly, although some programmes still require applications to be submitted via UCAS. A strong undergraduate degree is often required to meet postgraduate entry requirements successfully.

For an MSc in Finance at LSE you would need a 2:1 degree or equivalent in any discipline and good quantitative skills, at least to A-level Mathematics (or the equivalent). GMAT or GRE is required for all applicants without a UK undergraduate degree.

For an MA in Human Resource Management at the University of Greenwich, you should have a relevant undergraduate degree at 2.2 or above, or equivalent qualification, from a recognised university or higher education institute, plus two years of relevant work experience.

Personal statement requirements

Whether undergraduate or postgraduate, and whatever the course or university, you must also write a personal statement, get a reference or references, and produce transcripts of your examinations. In some cases – especially for medicine and invariably for Oxford and Cambridge – you must succeed at the interview before being offered a course place.

Study in the UK

If you are unsure what entry requirements you must meet to successfully apply to your dream course in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.