Our undergraduate admissions requirements
for British Qualifications
You might like also to visit our pages that describe our requirements for International, Overseas, and Foundation and Access qualifications.
As a general rule, our requirements for British qualifications are
- a high grade in Mathematics,
- a high grade in a second subject, and/or as an average or overall score, as appropriate,
- a basic qualification in physical science: at GCSE or a similar level,
- a suitable qualification in English Language: at GCSE, or otherwise.
Please note that we are a department of computer science and computer systems engineering. (We are not a department of IT and business studies.) See our page describing the York approach to this subject area.
For all our programmes, we require Mathematics at a high level. Our offer will refer to Mathematics.
Also, you should have at least some basic qualification in Physics. This could be at a level one or two years earlier than your school-leaving qualification; but a qualification as part of your school-leaving qualification would provide an even more useful preparation.
We do not require Computing or IT. They do not count as mathematical or physical subjects within our requirements.
Please note that these requirements are our usually necessary conditions for admission. They are not automatically sufficient conditions. That is, their acquisition does not, on its own, guarantee admission to the University or to any particular programme. We might think it appropriate to make other requirements in your particular case.
Conversely, we might think it appropriate to waive some aspect of our requirements in your particular case: bear in mind that we are generally looking for reasons to admit you, and not for reasons to turn you away.
British qualifications
A-levels | GCSE | Scottish Advanced Highers |
Advanced Diploma | BTEC National Certificate and Diploma |
BTEC(H) | HNC/D | BTEC(N) | SCOTVEC(H) | SCOTVEC(N) |
AGNVQ | AVCE (VAS, VA, VDA) | Open University |
A-level qualifications
Applicants offering A-levels should obtain the following grades in three (or more) subjects.
- AAB in full A-levels,
- including Mathematics.
An A level in Mathematics is an absolute requirement for all our programmes. For programmes in Computer Science combined with Mathematics, you must have A-level Mathematics at grade A.
You should have GCSE Double Science (or Single Physics) at least at grade C, but either an AS level or an A level in a physical science would provide you with an even more useful preparation.
Your other two subjects can be any science or arts subject, including English, History, a language, Economics, Biology, Psychology, Geography, Business Studies, Computer Science/Studies or Information Technology; but you would find Physics or Electronics or Chemistry particularly helpful.
Note that we do not specifically require or prefer Computing, or ICT, or anything similar, at any level, for any of our programmes. Computer Science/Studies or Computing or IT or ICT does not count as a mathematical subject within our requirements at A level, nor in place of a physical science at GCSE.
Our offers will always be expressed in terms of grades. We do not use UCAS point scores (tariffs) in our offers.
We can be flexible if there are special circumstances. Please give us as much information as you can, on your UCAS form.
Double A-level Mathematics
Inevitably, it will be an advantage to have taken two A-levels in Mathematics, and many of our entrants will have done so. We encourage it, but we do not require it.
Leaving aside the question of requirements for admission, we would in any case encourage applicants to take two A-levels in Mathematics: after the long-term changes that have taken place in the content of A-level Mathematics, taking the double A-level will ensure that you have a good basis on which to build.
AS-level Further Mathematics
The comments above, concerning double Mathematics, also apply if you are taking one-and-a-half (or two-and-a-half) A-levels in Mathematics. That is, an extra AS-level in Further Mathematics will always be an advantage. Also, we can count an A grade in AS-level Further Mathematics in your favour if your main A-level Mathematics grade falls slightly short of our requirements.
Advanced Extension (AE) papers
We do not require Advanced Extension (AE) papers, but we would normally try to reward them by admitting applicants who, in August, have missed our offer in some small way but nevertheless have a good performance in AE papers in Mathematics or a physical science.
We do encourage potential applicants to take AE papers, especially in Mathematics or Physics.
GCSE qualifications
From applicants who have taken GCSE, we look for a good range of subjects, including GCSE English Language at grade B.
For applicants whose UCAS form indicates a medical condition such as dyslexia, this English Language requirement is lowered to GCSE grade C.
We endeavour to be reasonable and, where we can be, flexible.
Scottish qualifications
Applicants from Scotland usually offer five or six Highers, together with two or three subjects at Advanced Higher (AH) level.
Applicants offering three Advanced Highers should obtain the following grades.
- AAB in Advanced Highers,
- including Mathematics.
Our offers will always be expressed in terms of grades. We do not use UCAS point scores (tariffs) in our offers.
An AH in Mathematics is an absolute requirement for all our programmes. Our offer will mention Mathematics.
for these programmes, a Higher or an AH in a physical science would provide you with a more useful foundation than just Standard science.
Note that we do not specifically require or prefer Computing, or ICT, or anything similar, at any level, for any of our programmes. Computer Science/Studies or Computing or IT or ICT does not count as a mathematical subject within our requirements at AH level, nor in place of a physical science as a useful preparation.
We can be flexible if there are special circumstances. Please give us as much information as you can, on your UCAS form.
In our offer, we do not normally refer to Scottish Highers, but we may do so if it seems fair and useful in your particular case.
We do not make offers based on Highers alone, but we can consider two AH subjects supported by a very good performance in Highers.
Our GCSE requirements can be satisfied by any combination of Scottish Standard and Higher level qualifications.
We do not admit directly into the second year of any of our programmes.
Advanced Diploma
Our requirements for admission are as follows.
-
An A-level in Mathematics at grade A, and
-
the Advanced Diploma at grade B.
For all our programmes, we require Mathematics at a high level. Our offer will refer to Mathematics.
You should also have at least some basic qualification in Physics. This could be GCSE Double Science (or single Physics); but a qualification as part of your Advanced Diploma would provide an even more useful preparation.
Note that we do not specifically require or prefer Computing, or ICT, or anything similar, at any level, for any of our programmes. Computer Science/Studies or Computing or IT or ICT does not count as a mathematical subject within our requirements, nor in place of a physical or electrical science as a useful preparation.
See here for the reasons why we require specific qualifications.
We do not admit directly into the second year of any of our programmes.
BTEC National Certificate and Diploma (NCD)
This entry refers to the new form of BTEC NCD, introduced in 2005.
The Level 3 BTEC National Certificate is a 12-unit qualification, and the Diploma is an 18-unit qualification. These are designed, among other things, to prepare adult learners to progress into higher education.
Each of the thrre units of the Diploma is assessed and graded as Distinction (D), Merit (M) or Pass (P). Overall, that is, DDD, DDM, etc.
Our requirements for admission are as follows.
-
An A-level in Mathematics at grade A, and
-
the BTEC Certificate or Diploma at grades DDM.
For all our programmes, we require Mathematics at a high level. Our offer will refer to Mathematics.
You should also have at least some basic qualification in Physics. This could be GCSE Double Science (or single Physics); but a qualification as part of your BTEC NCD would provide an even more useful preparation.
Note that we do not specifically require or prefer Computing, or ICT, or anything similar, at any level, for any of our programmes. Computer Science/Studies or Computing or IT or ICT does not count as a mathematical subject within our requirements in BTEC NCD, nor in place of a physical or electrical science as a useful preparation.
See here for the reasons why we require specific qualifications.
We do not admit directly into the second year of any of our programmes.
BTEC(H), HNC/D and SCOTVEC(H)
Our requirements for admission to any of our single-subject Computer Science programmes are as follows.
-
An A-level in Mathematics at grade A, and
-
the BTEC(H), etc., with Distinctions in most papers, and Merits in all those papers that are not Distinctions.
For all our programmes, we require Mathematics at a high level. Our offer will refer to Mathematics.
You should also have at least some basic qualification in Physics. This could be GCSE Double Science (or single Physics); but a qualification as part of your BTEC(H) would provide an even more useful preparation.
Note that we do not specifically require or prefer Computing, or ICT, or anything similar, at any level, for any of our programmes. Computer Science/Studies or Computing or IT or ICT does not count as a mathematical subject within our requirements in BTEC(H), nor in place of a physical or electrical science as a useful preparation.
See here for the reasons why we require specific qualifications.
We do not admit directly into the second year of any of our programmes.
BTEC(N) and SCOTVEC(N)
This qualification has now been replaced by BTEC NCD. See above.
This entry is provided for the information of applicants holding the old form of the BTEC(N) etc.
Applications based predominantly on BTEC(N) or SCOTVEC(N) can be considered only when these are part of a package of qualifications offered by mature applicants. Such applicants will have several years' relevant work experience, such as would normally be gained only by age 25.
Our requirements are
-
An A-level in Mathematics at grade A, and
-
an A-level in another subject at grade B, and
-
the BTEC(N) or SCOTVEC(N) with Distinctions in most papers, and Merits in all those papers that are not Distinctions.
Note that a BTEC(N) etc. in Information Technology cannot replace our requirement for A-level-equivalent Mathematics.
For all our programmes, we require Mathematics at a high level. Our offer will refer to Mathematics.
You should also have at least some basic qualification in Physics. This could be GCSE Double Science (or single Physics); but a qualification as part of your BTEC(N) etc. would provide an even more useful preparation.
Note that we do not specifically require or prefer Computing, or ICT, or anything similar, at any level, for any of our programmes. Computer Science/Studies or Computing or IT or ICT does not count as a mathematical subject within our requirements in BTEC(N) etc., nor in place of a physical or electrical science as a useful preparation.
See here for the reasons why we require specific qualifications.
We do not admit directly into the second year of any of our programmes.
AGNVQ
AGNVQ has now been superseded by AVCE .
AVCE - Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education
AVCE can be taken in the following forms.
- 3 units: VAS (Vocational Advanced Subsidiary)
- 6 units: VA (Vocational Advanced)
- 12 units: VDA (Vocational Double Advanced)
Our requirements are as for A levels.
Note that a VAS or VA or VDA in Information Technology cannot replace our requirement for A-level-equivalent Mathematics.
For all our programmes, we require Mathematics at a high level. Our offer will refer to Mathematics.
You should also have at least some basic qualification in Physics. This could be GCSE Double Science (or single Physics); but a qualification as part of your AVCE would provide an even more useful preparation.
Note that we do not specifically require or prefer Computing, or ICT, or anything similar, at any level, for any of our programmes. Computer Science/Studies or Computing or IT or ICT does not count as a mathematical subject within our requirements in AVCE, nor in place of a physical or electrical science as a useful preparation.
See here for the reasons why we require specific qualifications.
We do not admit directly into the second year of any of our programmes.
Open University qualifications
Applicants can use appropriate Open University (OU) courses to fulfil some or all of our A-level subject requirements, as follows.
| 30-point OU course to replace the first half our Maths A-level requirement |
30-point OU course to replace the second half our Maths A-level requirement |
Other courses to replace our other A-level requirements |
|---|---|---|
| MST121 Using Mathematics at 85% (Distinction) |
MST221 Exploring Mathematics at 85% (Distinction) |
See below |
We welcome applications offering a mix of OU, A level, and other appropriate qualifications. Also, we realise that many OU applicants are likely to be classed as mature .
Notice that we require Mathematics as your main qualification: from the OU (as above) or as an A level, or equivalent.
Notice that the Mathematics courses stated above replace just one of our normal A-level requirements: we would need evidence to waive the other two subjects. Perhaps you have some further OU or other qualifications, or some A-levels, or some relevant work experience, or a mixture of all of these. Please tell us about it, or ask us to discuss it with you.
We will also require some evidence of your background in physical science, such as GCSE Double Science (or single Physics) at least at grade C.
The OU course S103 Discovering Science (60 points at Level 1) is an excellent introduction to the culture of science. It is very broad, and we would encourage any potential applicant to consider taking it. But it does not cover Electronics to any significant extent; so, as background, we would recommend that you also look at textbooks for GCSE Physics, or for an AS-level Electricity or Electronics module, or intended for an Electrical or Electronic vocational (technical) qualification.
Note that we do not specifically require or prefer Computing, or ICT, or anything similar, at any level, for any of our programmes. Computer Science/Studies or Computing or IT or ICT does not count as a mathematical subject within our requirements, nor in place of a physical or electrical science as a useful preparation.
Our offers will always be expressed in terms of grades. We do not use UCAS point scores (tariffs) in our offers.
We can be flexible if there are special circumstances. Please give us as much information as you can, in any email, or on your UCAS form.
We do not admit directly into the second year of any of our programmes.
Other qualifications
You might like also to visit our pages that describe our requirements for International, Overseas, and Foundation and Access qualifications.
How to contact us | Page author Bill Freeman | Page last updated 10 Dec 2008