5 Universities That Do Not Require GCSEs

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Find out whether it’s possible to go to university without GCSEs and what you need instead.

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When you fill out your UCAS university entry application, the focus is on your A-level grades or equivalent courses. Still, because your English and maths knowledge is important in your future studies, universities also typically ask for relevant GCSE grades. Universities normally require these grades because the institution wants to know you’re prepared to pursue your course in higher education. However, if you do not have GCSE grades to submit, certain alternatives, such as functional skills level 2, can help you gain entrance into university in place of GCSEs. Some universities will accept functional skills level 2 in both English and maths as equivalents to GCSEs.

Read further to learn more about GCSE requirements for access to university and options for you if you don’t have GCSEs. You’ll discover five universities that do not require GCSEs but take an equivalent. 

GCSE English and maths requirements

Most university courses, no matter the subject, require a certain level of English and maths abilities. For this reason, it’s hard to find a degree course that does not require you to have gained at least a grade of 4/C in GCSE English and GCSE Maths. 

GCSEs indicate a level of study that you need for most courses, so as well as asking for English and maths GCSEs, many universities ask for an additional three GCSEs, making a total of at least five. Some ask for GCSEs in specific subjects relevant to the course you wish to study, and sometimes at grades higher than a 4/C. 

In the UK, it’s unlikely that you will gain a place on a bachelor’s degree without GCSE maths and GCSE English or an equivalent. Still, you will find universities that do not require GCSEs other than in English and maths for certain courses, providing you meet your UCAS points requirements.

Why are GCSEs important?

GCSEs are important because, along with A levels or equivalent qualifications, they demonstrate to universities that you can work at the required level for their course. For competitive courses with many applications, your GCSE grades may decide whether you get a place rather than another candidate with the same predicted A-level grades.

Your GCSEs are also important in determining your further education because after completing your GCSEs, you begin studying your A levels, which impacts university admission. Your GCSE results determine which A levels or equivalent courses you can take. For example, you must pass your GCSEs to take certain A Levels. 

Alternatives to GCSEs

If you hope to go to university but have no GCSEs or your grades are too low to meet university requirements, don’t give up because you still have options. While universities are unlikely to allow access to a degree course without GCSE maths and GCSE English, GCSE equivalents can help you get accepted. 

Functional skills: You can study functional skills courses in maths, English, and information and communication technology (ICT). Functional skills are level 2 qualifications which work out as the equivalent of a grade 4/C at GCSE. Functional skills courses take 10 to 12 weeks to complete (depending on the study method and length of classes) and aim to help people progress in their education and career.

International GCSEs (iGCSEs): Universities recognise that students from outside the UK may hold different qualifications, so most accept international GCSEs (iGCSEs) as an equivalent to UK GCSEs. Additionally, the grading system for the iGCSEs is the same as that for the GCSEs.

Access courses: Access to higher education courses is for adults (age 19 and above) who want to access university but need traditional level 3 qualifications such as A levels or equivalent. You can study for an Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma in college, which takes a year to complete. In most cases, GCSEs or equivalents in maths and English are still requirements to pursue the Access to HE Diploma, but if you don’t have them, you can earn them simultaneously with your access to higher education courses.

Scotland equivalent: Scotland uses the National 5 qualifications directly equivalent to the GCSEs.

Universities that do not require GCSEs

While most universities ask for at least a GCSE in maths and GCSE in English, as discussed, some universities allow entrance with a functional skills qualification in maths and English in place of GCSEs, providing you meet other criteria for A levels or UCAS points. You can explore five of these options below.

1. Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University is located on the South Coast of England in the small town of Bournemouth, Dorset. It accepts a variety of level 2 qualifications, such as the Access to HE Diploma and functional skills level 2, as equivalents to the GCSEs in English and maths. The institution also accepts international qualifications if you study outside of the UK. 

2. London South Bank University

London South Bank University accepts functional skills level 2 qualifications in place of GCSEs depending on the course and how important English and maths are to progress in your chosen subject. For those who don’t meet the criteria at level 2, London South Bank University offers courses at their partner, South Bank College.

3. University of Northampton

The University of Northampton has different requirements depending on the course you apply for. Some courses, such as undergraduate courses in criminology and psychology, require GCSE maths and GCSE English. Still, a functional skills qualification is acceptable for other courses, such as an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance. 

4. University of Brighton

Brighton University in the South Coast of England has an inclusive approach to education and accepts functional skills qualifications for any courses with a GCSE requirement, providing it is at a level 2 or above. 

5. The University of Roehampton

The University of Roehampton in London requires two passes at the GCSE level for all undergraduate courses but also accepts equivalents, including the functional skills qualification. However, some courses have higher entry requirements or require GCSEs or equivalents in specific subjects.

How to apply to university without GCSEs

You make all university applications via UCAS, but if you don’t have GCSEs but meet the other requirements, contact your chosen university and ask if they accept equivalent qualifications. It’s also important to boost your application by including examples of solid work experience and mentioning achievements and previous studies in your statement. Along with the information in your statement, you can include your relevant skills and passion for the subject you plan to pursue. 

Get started with Coursera.

Even without GCSEs, you can apply to university if you persevere. Options, such as functional skills level 2, are available for you to take the next step into higher education. Remember always to contact the admissions office for each university before you apply. Universities have different requirements for gaining entry into their degree courses.

As you’re applying to university to study for an undergraduate degree, you may consider an online degree an option. Online degrees are flexible, allowing you to study in your own time from the comfort of your home. Options to check out include BSc Marketing or BSc Business Administration, delivered by the University of London, both on Coursera.

Updated on
Written by:
Coursera Staff

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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