Undergraduate study

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UK qualifications

When completing your UCAS application please give the exact name and level of your qualification.

A-levels

Number of A-levels 

  • The standard requirement for our undergraduate courses is three A-levels (or equivalent qualifications). We do not give preference to applicants taking four A-levels, although we welcome the breadth that a fourth subject taken to AS-level can bring to an application. 

  • We accept both pre-reform and reformed A-levels on an equivalent basis. 

  • There is no requirement for AS-levels, and we do not give preference to students who have taken AS-levels as standalone qualifications.   

  • A-levels can be completed in multiple sittings, either taking A-levels in separate examination periods or via resits. 

Subjects 

  • Any requirements for specific subjects at A-level are outlined in the relevant course details. Some courses make different offers for certain subject combinations.

  • We sometimes ask for an essay-based subject, maths-related subject or science subject. Where a course specifies an essay-based or science subject in its typical offer, you can find a list of subjects that meet this requirement below the table of typical offer conditions on the course finder entry. 

  • We accept native language A-levels as part of your A-level offering on the same basis as any other A-level subject. 

  • We do not accept General Studies, Global Perspectives or Critical Thinking as part of your A-level offering. 

  • We treat Mathematics and Further Mathematics as separate subjects. 
  • We may not accept subject combinations that are too similar, for example, Biology and Human Biology.

  • We can accept a maximum of two Art and Design A-levels alongside at least one academic A-level or equivalent.

Results

  • We do not take unit grade information into account when making selection decisions or in offer conditions. We only refer to the final grades awarded.

Resits

  • We welcome applications with A-level resits and consider these on the same basis as A-level results achieved in their first sitting.

Science practicals

  • We do not specify a requirement for the practical skills assessment component of science A-levels or other qualifications in our offers.

AQA Technical Level

We consider applications from students taking an AQA Level 3 Technical Level (first year of teaching 2017) for a course relevant to their Tech Level. 

If you are taking the AQA Level 3 Foundation Technical Level (360 guided learning hours (glh)) or AQA Level 3 Technical Level (540 glh), you will also need a minimum of two A-levels. If you are taking the AQA Level 3 Technical Level (720 glh or 1080 glh), you will also need a minimum of one A-level. Any subject-specific requirements must be met by the A-levels.

 

You should avoid taking similar subject combinations across your AQA Technical Levels and A-levels.

The tables below explain the Technical level grades we consider equivalent to A-level grades:

A-level requirement 

AQA Level 3 Foundation Technical Level grade (360 glh) 

AQA Level 3 Technical Level (540 glh) 

A* 

D* 

D*D 

A 

D 

DD 

B 

D 

DM 

 

A-level requirement 

AQA Level 3 Technical Level grade (720 glh) 

A*AA 

D*D plus A at A-level  

AAA 

DD plus A at A-level 

AAB 

DD plus B at A-level 

ABB 

DM plus A at A-level 

AQA Baccalaureate

While we recognise the value of the AQA Baccalaureate as a valuable opportunity to showcase non-academic achievement and extra-curricular interests, we do not accept this qualification in place of an A-level.

Cambridge Pre-U qualifications

We accept the Cambridge Pre-U, and make offers on an equivalent basis with other level 3 qualifications. 

Cambridge Pre-U subjects need to be principal subjects. For guidance, please see the course details page. 

A-level equivalencies are as follows:

Cambridge Pre-U principal subject 

A-level grade  

D1  

A*  

D2  

A*  

D3  

A  

M1  

B  

M2  

B  

M3  

C  

Cambridge Technicals

We accept reformed Cambridge Technical qualifications (2016 suite) (RQF). Where courses have specific subject requirements, we may ask for Distinctions in particular units to satisfy these, or for an additional A-level alongside an Extended Diploma. We do not consider Cambridge Technical qualifications (2012 suite) (QCF) suitable for entry to our undergraduate courses.

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

The table below explains the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma grades we consider equivalent to A-level grades: 

A-level requirement 

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma (2016 suite) 

A*A*A 

D*DD plus A* at A-level if required, or D*D*D 

A*AA  

DDD plus A* at A-level if required, or D*DD 

AAA - AAB  

DDD (plus A at A-level if required) 

ABB  

DDM (plus A at A-level if required) 

BBB 

DDM (plus B at A-level if required) 

If you are not sure whether your Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma is relevant for your chosen degree, or to find out if it satisfies a subject requirement, please contact choosebristol-ug@bristol.ac.uk.

Cambridge Technical Diploma

We accept the Cambridge Technical Diploma alongside one A-level. You should avoid taking similar subject combinations across your Cambridge Technicals and A-levels. Subject-specific requirements must be satisfied by the A-level.

The table below explains the Cambridge Technical Diploma grades we consider equivalent to A-level grades:

A-level requirement 

Cambridge Technical Diploma/Foundation Diploma (2016 suite)

A*A*A 

D*D* plus A in A-levels 

A*AA  

D*D plus A in A-levels 

AAA

DD plus A in A-levels 

AAB

DD plus B in A-levels

ABB  

DM plus A in A-levels 

BBB 

DM plus B in A-levels 

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate

We consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (2016 suite) in place of one A-level (except as a substitute for a subject requirement), and when accompanied by at least one A-level.

For example, a typical offer of A*AA at A-level could be satisfied by two A-levels at grade A plus one Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate at grade D*.

The table below explains the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate grades we consider equivalent to A-level grades:

A-level requirement 

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (2016 suite) / Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in IT (2016 suite) used in combination with other qualifications 

A* 

D*

A - B

D

C 

M

We will consider no more than two Extended Certificates/Introductory Diplomas as part of an applicant’s academic profile; these should be accompanied by one academic A-level.

Core Maths

We do not accept Core Maths in place of A-level Mathematics in our entry requirements. 

Core Maths can be used to meet our numeracy requirements instead of GCSEs; required grades and other acceptable qualifications can be found on our GCSE profile requirements web pages.

Degree-level qualifications

Applicants who are already studying towards or have completed a degree are welcome to apply for our undergraduate courses. Please provide details of the modules studied and grades achieved to date when you make your UCAS application, as well as all your post-16 qualifications (GCSEs onwards).

Extended Project Qualification

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is accepted to meet standard Literacy conditions for any of our courses.

While recognising the value of the EPQ as an exercise in extended writing, we do not accept this qualification in place of an A-level.

European Baccalaureate

We welcome applications from students following the European Baccalaureate programme. Most of our undergraduate courses require an overall percentage of 77% or more, with some requiring scores of 88%.

Where we have a subject requirement, we will usually ask for this to be met with a 4p class, except Mathematics which must be met with a 5p class to be the equivalent of A-level Mathematics.

Please refer to the undergraduate course finder for information on the European Baccalaureate offers for our individual undergraduate courses.

GCSE qualifications

Our undergraduate course finder shows the typical offers for each course at Bristol, including whether there are any GCSE-level requirements. We also include GCSEs in our assessment weighting for some courses; our admissions statement for each course explains if and how these are used.

If you have not had the opportunity to study GCSEs (for example, if you came to the UK for education later in life), we may be able to use other subsequent or equivalent qualifications to assess whether you meet these requirements.

We also accept GCSE resits where needed for an application. If you are completing resits when you apply, please make sure these are included in your application.

International GCSEs (IGCSEs)

We accept IGCSEs as equivalent to GCSEs.

English Baccalaureate

We do not require applicants to have completed the set of GCSE subjects designated under the English Baccalaureate. Completion of the English Baccalaureate does not confer any specific advantage to an application. 

Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC and HND)

We welcome applications offering BTEC or SQA HNCs or HNDs for entry into year one on a case-by-case basis, provided that the subject area is relevant to the chosen course and the applicant meets any additional requirements specified on the course page. We may ask for specified grades in particular units, or an additional A-level alongside an HNC/HND, to satisfy subject-specific requirements. Please be prepared to submit your transcripts.

For certain courses, applications for entry into year two may be considered on a case-by-case basis; please check the relevant admissions statement for more information on whether transfers into the second year are permitted before making an application or enquiry.

International Baccalaureate

We welcome applications from students following the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme.

We accept either Mathematics: Applications and interpretation HL and Mathematics: Analysis and approaches HL for entry to courses where we currently specify Mathematics HL in our typical offer.

We also accept the International Baccalaureate Careers Programme (IBCP). Any subject requirements must be met as per our published IB Diploma requirements.

Open University units

We accept Open University units where these satisfy course entry requirements. We may ask for specific OES scores in particular units, or for an additional A-level, to satisfy subject-specific A-level requirements.

We generally expect a minimum of 120 credits at Level 1 in a relevant subject to satisfy entry requirements for year one. Please be prepared to submit your transcripts to support your application if asked to provide them.

Scottish qualifications

We accept National 5s taken in S4, S5 or S6 to meet our GCSE profile requirements.

Our Scottish entry requirements are listed on all undergraduate course pages. They are expressed in the format of two Advanced Highers and five Highers.

We also consider applicants who are taking three Advanced Highers.

Welsh Baccalaureate

We welcome applications offering the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate. We require at least two A-levels alongside this qualification, with the Skills Challenge Certificate replacing a third grade at A-level. 

The grading scale matches that for A-levels, for example, grade A at A-level would be met by grade A in the Skills Challenge Certificate. Subject-specific requirements must be met by A-levels.

In the legacy Welsh Baccalaureate, the Core within the Advanced Diploma is not a requirement.

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is to be withdrawn, with the final award of the qualification in Summer 2024. This will be replaced by the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (AdvSBW), which will be awarded for the first time in Summer 2025.  We will accept the AdvSBW in place of a third A-level with the same grades that we require for A-levels. Subject-specific requirements will need to be met by A-levels. 

 

Qualifications suitable only for entry to specific undergraduate courses

AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting (QCF)

We accept the AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting (QCF) instead of one A-level for all our undergraduate courses in Economics, Accounting and Finance and Business and Management subject areas.

We would consider grade D equal to A-level grade A*, and M equal to A-level grade A. This qualification cannot be used to satisfy an A-level Mathematics or other subject-specific A-level requirement.

We do not accept this qualification for entry to any other undergraduate courses. 

Access to HE in Creative Industries

We can accept this qualification for the following courses:

  • Theatre and Performance Studies
  • Film and Television

Please see the online course finder for full Access to HE entry requirements.
We do not accept this qualification for entry to any other undergraduate courses.

AQA Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science

We accept the AQA Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science instead of one A-level for entry to the following courses:

  • All courses offered in our Faculty of Science
  • All courses offered in our Faculty of Life Sciences
  • BSc Applied Anatomy (B112)
  • BSc Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour (D313).

We would consider grade D* equal to A-level A*, and D equal to A-level grade A. This qualification cannot be used to satisfy a subject-specific A-level requirement.

We do not accept this qualification for entry to any other undergraduate courses.

AQA Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Business

We accept the AQA Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Business instead of one A-level for all our undergraduate courses in Economics, Accounting and Finance and Business and Management subject areas.

We would consider grade D* equal to A-level A*, and D equal to A-level grade A. This qualification cannot be used to satisfy an A-level Mathematics or other subject-specific A-level requirement.

We do not accept this qualification for entry to any other undergraduate courses.

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)

We accept the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) at Grade A instead of one A-level for entry to the following courses:

  • Childhood Studies courses
  • Education Studies courses, including Psychology in Education.

We do not accept this qualification for entry to any other undergraduate courses. 

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma (any specialism)

We accept the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma instead of one A-level for entry to the following courses:

  • Childhood Studies courses (Grade B required)
  • Education Studies courses, including Psychology in Education (Grade A required).

We do not accept this qualification for entry to any other undergraduate courses. 

NCFE Technical Diploma

We do not accept this qualification for entry to any of our undergraduate courses.

CILEx Level 3 Diploma in Law and Legal Skills

We accept the CILEx Level 3 Diploma in Law and Legal Skills for entry to our LLB Law courses at grade D instead of one A-level.

This qualification cannot be used to satisfy a subject-specific A-level requirement.

We do not accept this qualification for entry to any other undergraduate courses. 

City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Science pathway) (1080)

We accept the City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Science pathway) for entry to most of our veterinary courses.

The table below shows the typical offer for each veterinary course for this qualification: 

Course Acceptable? Offer conditions

BSc Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour (D313)

 Yes

DDM in the City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Science pathway) (1080) including one of the following optional units:

  • 308: Wildlife and Ecology Conservation
  • 319: Inheritance and Genetics
  • 334: Fish Biology
BVSc Veterinary Science (D100) Yes

DDD in the City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Science pathway) (1080) including one of the following optional units:

  • 308: Wildlife and Ecology Conservation
  • 319: Inheritance and Genetics
  • 334: Fish Biology
Plus A in A level Chemistry

BVSc Gateway to Veterinary Science (D108)

 Yes

DDM in the City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Science pathway) (1080) including one of the following optional units:

  • 308: Wildlife and Ecology Conservation 
  • 319: Inheritance and Genetics
  • 334: Fish Biology
 
We do not accept this qualification for entry to any other undergraduate courses.

LIBF/IFS Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS)

We accept the LIBF/IFS Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) instead of one A-level for all our undergraduate courses in Economics, Accounting and Finance and Business and Management subject areas.

The grading scale is the same as A-levels and would be considered on a like-for-like basis (for example, DipFS grade A would be required to replace an A-level at grade A). This qualification cannot be used to satisfy an A-level Mathematics or other subject-specific A-level requirement.

We do not accept this qualification for entry to any other undergraduate courses.

LIBF/IFS Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS)

We do not accept this qualification for entry to any of our undergraduate courses.

SQA Advanced Higher in Engineering Sciences

We can accept this qualification, alongside Advanced Highers in Mathematics, as a second science-related subject for entry to our Engineering courses only.

Please see the online course finder for full SQA entry requirements. We do not accept this qualification for entry to any other undergraduate courses.

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology

We accept the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology for entry to undergraduate courses in the following subject areas:

The typical offer for this qualification would be Distinction; any subject-specific requirements must be satisfied by taking an additional A-level. This is already indicated above for English and Computer Science courses. Joint honours courses with a modern language would also require a language A-level alongside the UAL requirements.

We do not accept this qualification for entry to any other undergraduate courses.

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production

We accept the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance & Production for entry to our undergraduate Music courses. The typical offer for this qualification would be:

High Merit, plus a Pass in ABRSM/Trinity Grade 8 Music Theory or Practical.

Subject-specific requirements must be satisfied by taking an additional A-level. For example, if a student wishes to apply for a joint honours course which requires a modern language A-level, this A-level would be required alongside the UAL requirements.

We do not accept this qualification for entry to any other undergraduate courses.

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts

We accept the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts for entry to undergraduate courses in the following subject areas:

The typical offer for this qualification would be Distinction; any subject-specific requirements must be satisfied by taking an additional A-level. This is already indicated above for English courses.

Subject-specific requirements must be satisfied by taking an additional A-level. For example, if a student wishes to apply for a joint honours course which requires a modern language A-level, this A-level would be required alongside the UAL requirements listed below.

We do not accept this qualification for entry to any other undergraduate courses.

TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Design Engineer Construct! The Digital Built Environment (RQF)  

We accept this qualification for all courses in the Faculty of Engineering, in place of one A level. It can not be used to meet subject requirements (such as for Sciences), but is counted towards the overall grade profile.  

The grading of this qualification follows A level standards.  

We do not accept this qualification for entry to any of our other undergraduate courses. 

WJEC L3 Applied Diploma

We accept the following WJEC Level 3 Applied Diplomas in place of one A-level:

  • Business
  • Criminology
  • Food Science and Nutrition
  • Health and Social Care
  • Medical Science
  • Professional Construction Practice
  • Tourism
  • Environmental Science

An Applied Diploma must be accompanied by two A-levels, or one A-level and a further A-level-equivalent qualification. It cannot be used to satisfy a subject-specific A-level requirement.
The grading scale for this qualification is the same as that for A-level: for example, a grade A at A-level can be replaced by a grade A in the Applied Diploma, or as in the table below:

A-level requirement WJEC Level 3 Applied Diplomas
A* D*
A - B D
C M

 

 

 

 

 

We only accept the WJEC L3 Applied Diploma, we do not accept the WJEC L3 Applied Certificate.

Entry requirements and qualifications

Please read our entry requirements and qualifications information.

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