Other Qualifications - undergraduate course entry

The University accepts an extensive range of alternative UK, EU and international qualifications for entry onto its Undergraduate courses.

Usually, equivalence in terms of volume (guided learning hours) and depth with UK GCE A levels is sought, and enquiries from such candidates are welcomed. We are committed to widening access and welcome enquiries from those with relevant experience or non-traditional qualifications. Details of some of the accepted qualifications are given below.

EdExcel BTEC national qualifications (Level 3 & 4)

The University welcomes applications from candidates pursuing level 3 BTEC National Awards, Certificates and Diplomas either independent of, or in combination with, other qualifications (e.g., GCE/AVCE). Candidates will be expected to meet the stated tariff-point requirement (see individual course sections), and satisfy any subject-specific and/or grade requirements. Advice in relation to preferred subject combinations/grades may be obtained by contacting the relevant Admissions Tutor.

Applications from candidates taking BTEC Higher National Diplomas/Certificates will automatically be considered for direct entry to year 2 or 3 of the relevant degree programme. Entry level will depend on performance in, and the nature of, the HND/C.

Scottish Framework Qualifications

These qualifications are acceptable in principle for all our courses. Candidates will normally be expected to meet the stated tariff-point requirement for their chosen course and to satisfy any essential subject (usually by completion of that subject at Advanced Higher level) and/or grade requirement(s). It is not the policy of the University to accept points gained at intermediate or standard grade as contributing to the overall points requirement of any offer.

Irish Highers

It is the practice of this University that, despite inclusion of the Irish Leaving Certificate within the UCAS Tariff, offers for most courses will continue to be based on expected grade attainment. Thus, with the exception of Pharmacy and Optometry, where the entry requirements are much higher, most departments will consider making offers in the range B,C,C,C,C to B,B,B,C,C at the Higher (Honours) level of the Irish Leaving Certificate. Applications from candidates taking the Irish National Certificate or Diploma are welcomed; the latter being considered for possible direct entry to year two of the course.

Welsh Baccalaureate

Applicants will be expected to meet the stated tariff-point requirement (see individual course sections) and to be able to show evidence of relevant experience and/or level 3 competence in subjects related to the course of interest.

International Baccalaureate

Each year we accept a number of students offering the International Baccalaureate. Where a department specifies a certain subject as being essential, it will usually be necessary for you to achieve that subject at the higher level. Offers extended to candidates pursuing the International Baccalaureate will continue to be based on IB score and not UCAS Tariff points. In general we would expect a score of 28-32 IB points to be acceptable for entry to most of our courses.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas

The University welcomes applications from candidates pursuing relevant, accredited (e.g. via the National Open College Network) Access to H.E. courses. A typical offer would include a requirement to gain an overall pass in the Diploma with, for example, a minimum of 60 credits, at least 45 of which must be at level 3 (based on a notional 10 credits per 30 hours guided learning). Offers for certain courses may be qualified to include level 3 attainment in specific subjects. The University recognises that the number of credits required to gain an Access to H.E. Diplomas may vary and this will be reflected in the offer extended.

Further details

Contact our Course Enquiries Team: email: course-enquiries@bradford.ac.uk or freephone 0800 073 1225.