Applicants offering A-levels should obtain the following grades in three subjects:

• AAB in full A-levels.
• including Mathematics.

An A-level in Mathematics is an absolute requirement for all our programmes.

Your other two subjects can be 'any subject'.

CSSE, CSES and CS: for these programmes, you should have GCSE Double Science (or Single Physics) at grade C or better, but an AS-level or an A-level in a physical science would provide you with an even more useful preparation.

M/CS, CS/M: for these programmes, at least one of your grade 'A's must be in Mathematics.

'Any subject' means any arts or science or other subject, including English, History, a language, Economics, Biology, Psychology, Geography, Business Studies, Computer Science/Studies or Information Technology; but you would find a physical science (Physics, 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 A-levels in Mathematics. That is, an extra AS-level in Further Mathematics will always be an advantage. Also, we can often count a grade A 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 encourage potential applicants to take AE papers, especially in Mathematics or a physical science.

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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.

For our CSSE, CSES and CS programmes, you should have GCSE Double Science (or Single Physics) at grade C or better.

We endeavour to be reasonable and, where we can be, flexible.

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B + A-level Mathematics grade A

Our requirements for admission are as follows:

• An A-level in Mathematics at grade B.
• The BTEC(H), etc., with Distinctions in most papers, and Merits in all those papers that are not Distinctions grades DD.

It is possible that our A-level Mathematics requirement could be waived if you have obtained Distinctions in a number of BTEC(H) papers in Mathematics with a sufficiently rigorous approach, and sufficient content at an appropriate level. To save disappointment, we should point out that any Mathematics module described as 'for IT' is unlikely, on its own, to be an acceptable preparation for our programmes.

For our CSSE, CSES and CS programmes, you would find Electronics, Electrical Engineering or Physics the most useful preparation among your other modules.

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.

For all our programmes: we require Mathematics at a high level. Our offer will refer to Mathematics.

For CSSE, CSES and CS: for these programmes, you should 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.

See here for the reasons why we require specific qualifications.

We do not admit directly into the second year of any of our programmes.

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Pass with D3/D3/M2 in principal subjects including Mathematics.

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.

CSSE, CSES and CS: for these programmes, a Higher or an AH in a physical science would provide you with a more useful foundation than just Standard science.

M/CS, CS/M: for these programmes, at least one of your grade 'A's must be in Mathematics.

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. Visit our How to Apply page for more details on on the kind of information we require from you.

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.

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AGNVQ has now been superseded by 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-level grades and subjects, but A VAS or VA or VDA in Information Technology cannot replace our requirement for A-level-equivalent Mathematics.

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Applicants can use appropriate Open University (OU) courses to fulfil some or all of our A-level subject requirements, as follows:

For programmes	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
CSSE CSES CS CS/M M/CS	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 students.

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.

For our CSSE, CSES and CS programmes, we might, depending on your individual case, require some evidence of a background in physical science, such as at GCSE.

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, as a preparation for our CSSE, CSES or CS programmes, it does not cover Electronics to any significant extent; so, for that purpose, we would recommend that you also look at textbooks for GCSE Physics, or for an AS-level Electricity or Electronics module, or 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 or sientific subject within our requirements, 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, in any email, or on your UCAS form. Visit our How to Apply page for more details on on the kind of information we require from you.

We do not admit directly into the second year of any of our programmes.

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The former BCS Part I and II examinations have now been replaced by the BCS Professional Examinations.

Since candidates must have achieved an A-level (or equivalent) standard of education, and be aged at least 19 years, before first attempting the BCS Professional Examinations, it is unlikely that applicants for entry to university who offer this qualification will be aged less than 21 years. Therefore, technically, such applicants are likely to be classed as mature students.

For all our programmes we require Mathematics at a high level. Our offer will refer to Mathematics.

For CSSE, CSES and CS: for these programmes, 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.

See here for the reasons why we require specific qualifications.

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The Level 3 BTEC National Certificate is a 12-unit qualification and the Diploma is an 18-unit qualification. 

Each unit is assessed and graded as Distinction (D), Merit (M) or Pass (P). Overall, that is, for example, DD, DM, DDD, DDM, MMP.

Our requirements for admission are as follows:

• An A-level in Mathematics at an appropriate grade.
• The BTEC Certificate or Diploma at grades DD.

It is possible that our A-level Mathematics requirement could be waived if you have obtained a Distinction in a BTEC NCD paper in Mathematics with a sufficiently rigorous approach, and sufficient content at an appropriate level. To save disappointment, we should point out that any Mathematics module described as 'for IT' is unlikely, on its own, to be an acceptable preparation for our programmes.

For our CSSE, CSES and CS programmes, you would find Electronics, Electrical Engineering or Physics the most useful preparation in these other subjects.

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.

To save disappointment, we should point out that any BTEC NCD package described as `IT' or `for IT' is unlikely, on its own, to be a good preparation for our programmes.

For all our programmes: we require Mathematics at a high level. Our offer will refer to Mathematics.

For CSSE, CSES and CS programmes, you should 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.

See here for the reasons why we require specific qualifications.

We do not admit directly into the second year of any of our programmes.

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If your first language is not English, and you have not been taught predominantly in English, you will need to offer a suitable qualification in English language.

Most applicants offer IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE), Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), GCSE or IGCSE in English Language.

Applicants must obtain at least the following grades. (In each case, the required total score is intentionally slightly greater than the sum or average of the required component scores.)

Qualification	Listening	Speaking	Reading	Writing & Structure	Use of English	Total Score
IELTS	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0	–	6.5
TOEFL Internet-based	24/30	24/30	24/30	24/30	–	100/120
TOEFL computer-based	24/30	–	24/30	24/30	–	250/300
TOEFL paper-based	57/68	–	57/68	57/67	*	600/677
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)	–	–	–	–	–	A
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)	X	X	X	X	X	C
GCSE or IGCSE	–	–	–	–	–	C

* The TOEFL paper-based essay (TWE: Test of Written English) is reported separately, as a number between 1 and 6, to the nearest 0.5. It is not included in the total score.

Note that the CPE examination consists of five equally-weighted parts, each shown as 'X'.

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Our IB offer level takes into account recent guidance published by UCAS on the setting of International Baccalaureate entry requirements, and our own experience of the IB qualification.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) consists of at least three subjects taken at HIGHER level (HL) and at least three subjects taken at SUBSIDIARY level (SL), together with a small number of project and essay tasks.

Results are presented as a grade from 1 (low) to 7 (high) for each HL and each SL subject, together with an overall score from 24 (pass) to 45 (max).

Applicants offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) should obtain the following grades:

• Mathematics at HIGHER level: grade 6
• Overall assessment: 35 points

For all our programmes: we require Mathematics at a high level. Our offer will refer to Mathematics.

For CSSE, CSES and CS: for these programmes, 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. The ideal preparation would be Physics at HIGHER level; but it would still be very useful to you at SUBSIDIARY level. Nevertheless, we do not require it to be part of your IB, provided you have studied physical science earlier in your school career.

We do not require Computing or IT. They do not count as mathematical or physical subjects within our requirements.

A Qualification in English Language (e.g. IELTS) is also required from applicants whose first language is not English and who were not taught predominantly in English. Alternatively, this requirement can be satisfied by obtaining grade 5 in English at HIGHER level in the International Baccalaureate.

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Applicants offering the European Baccalaureate (EB) should obtain the following grades.

• Mathematics (FIVE-period) by WRITTEN examination: 80%
• Overall assessment: 80%

For all our programmes: we require Mathematics at a high level. Our offer will refer to Mathematics.

For CSSE, CSES and CS: for these programmes, 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. The ideal preparation would be Physics as part of your EB. Nevertheless, we do not require it to be part of your EB, provided you have studied physical science earlier in your school career.

We do not require Computing or IT. They do not count as mathematical or physical subjects within our requirements.

A Qualification in English Language (e.g. IELTS) is also required from applicants whose first language is not English and who were not taught predominantly in English. Alternatively, this requirement can be satisfied by obtaining 65% in all English units.

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A number of U.K. examination boards offer examination overseas, particularly in Commonwealth and former Commonwealth countries. Generally, indigenous boards are taking a progressively increasing part in the examination process, leading eventually to the vestigial presence, or total withdrawal, of the U.K. board. (These examinations include A-level-equivalent, AS-level-equivalent, and GCSE-equivalent qualifications. See the list of British Qualifications above.

Our information from UCAS is that the following countries are those to which this applies principally, in terms of the numbers of candidates.

• Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bermuda, Botswana, Brunei, Cyprus
• Egypt, Gambia, Gibraltar, Guyana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kenya
• Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Pakistan, Seychelles
• Sierra Leone, Singapore, Swaziland, Tanzania, Trinidad, Zambia, Zimbabwe

We also require a qualification in English language from applicants whose first language is not English and who were not taught predominantly in English.

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