Entry Requirements for University in the UK

University entry requirements vary across institutions, including UCAS points, interviews, admission tests, and English language assessments. Universities may also ask for a criminal record check depending on the course. It’s important to do your research to determine the entry requirements for each university and the specific course you are applying for. What you learn during that research will help you determine what you must aim for in your current studies. 

In this article, you’ll learn about the various entry requirements for a university in the UK, what it means to accept a university offer, and what to do if you don’t meet the requirements. 

Types of entry requirements for university

Entry to university depends on whether you meet certain requirements, which vary according to where and what you study. As universities set their requirements, what they expect of you won’t always be the same; it is often based on your prior knowledge and academic proficiency. 

Some universities set higher entry requirements than others. For example, Russell Group universities tend to have high entry requirements, especially the most prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge. 

Let’s examine some entry requirements you may have to meet depending on what and where you study.

UCAS tariff points

Universities expect you to study specific qualifications and achieve certain grades. To simplify this, universities use UCAS tariff points. UCAS points are a way of presenting grades for various courses as a numerical value. Different qualifications and grades have different values; UCAS tariff points usually express university entry requirements. 

Note that universities may ask for certain courses that don’t accumulate UCAS tariff points, including General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs), and universities may require that you have studied specific qualifications relevant to the degree course. If you’re unsure about the value of your UCAS tariff points, UCAS provides a handy Tariff Points Calculator you can use. 

Admissions test

Some, but not all, universities include this as part of their entry requirements. The admissions test you must take depends on what you plan to study, as various disciplines have different tests associated with them. For example, if you’re studying law and plan to sit an admissions test, you will take the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT).

Interview

Some universities invite you to an interview as part of their entry requirements. This depends mainly on the course and university and how competitive the university might be. Oxford and Cambridge interview a large proportion of applicants. Each stipulates high grades as part of the entry criteria when looking for the highest-achieving students. Universities typically offer interviews following a successful admissions test.

Preparing for interviews is a good idea. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to predict what a university will ask as this varies, but you can prepare by learning your subject well and practising your interview technique. If you have reached the interview stage for application to Oxford, your chance at gaining admission is one in three, while it’s one in four at Cambridge, according to some experts [1]. 

Course suitability

As well as looking at grades, universities consider your suitability for particular courses. In your application and personal statement, a university may ask you to mention specific skills, courses, and interests. You must clarify why you are a good fit for the course you’re applying for. 

Criminal record checks

Some universities, specifically some education and health care courses, may require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to determine whether you have a criminal record. You may also need a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check. 

Language requirements

If you are applying to a UK university from abroad, entry to university may include a minimum level of English language ability. The level is usually determined via an English language test such as the IELTS Academic or TOEFL Internet-Based Test.

What if I don’t meet the university entry requirements?

You still have options even if you fall short of the entry requirements. Before exam results day, if accepted, you’ll receive one of two offer letters stipulating the entry requirements. Conditional offers depend on your final exam results and subsequent UCAS tariff points, so if you don’t get the grades you’re hoping for, you may not meet the conditions of your offer. If this happens to you, you will need to contact the university to discuss your options. 

The university may still offer you a place depending on how many others met their offer's conditions and by how many points you missed. Appealing the results may be another option. In this scenario, speaking to the university immediately is important to see if you can still win a place. If you are still unsuccessful, you may consider the following:

• Retaking your exams: This will mean you have to delay your UCAS application until next year, but it will allow you the time to study and gain the best results you can. 

• Clearing: If you don’t get into your first-choice university, you can see what places are left in similar courses through Clearing. 

• Look at other options: You’ll always find alternative options to university study, so you may consider taking a different route, such as an apprenticeship or a higher national diploma (HND).

• Take a break: Another option is to take a break from studying and gain some work experience or life experience through a gap year. 

How to accept a university offer

If you are fortunate enough to meet the entry requirements of your chosen university place, you can accept the offer. When doing so, in your UCAS Hub, your offer becomes an “unconditional offer,” which means you’ve agreed with the university. They will be in touch to discuss any next steps or any other information they need from you, such as proof of your qualifications. 

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Consider an online degree if you want to complete a university study. Many established universities offer flexible online study options. For example, The University of London offers a BSc in Computer Science, allowing you to study at home on your own time while earning a degree.