All about entry requirements

At the University of Bedfordshire, we consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications and whether you meet entry requirements. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for your subject choice.

The information provided here is a general guide only. Entry requirements vary from course to course; some may have subject-specific qualification requirements such as GCSEs and work experience. So, before applying, please check the requirements for the course you’re interested in on our course pages

UCAS tariff score of 96 points is equivalent to:

Three A levels, grades CCC or ACE
Two A levels plus two AS levels, grades CC+BB or CD+AA
Two A levels plus one AS level plus one Extended Project – grades CC+B+C or BC+C+D
One A level plus BTEC diploma, grades C+Merit/Merit
BTEC extended diploma, grades Merit/Merit/Merit
T level, Pass (C or above on the core)
Access to HE diploma, grades D9+M27+P9 or M45

UCAS tariff score of 112 points is equivalent to:

Three A levels, grades BCC or ACD
Two A levels plus two AS levels, grades BC+BB or CC+AA
Two A levels plus one AS level plus one extended project, grades BC+B+C or BB+D+C
One A level plus BTEC diploma, grades B+Merit/Merit
BTEC extended diploma, grades Distinction/Merit/Merit
Access to HE diploma, grades D18+M21+P6 or D9+M36

UCAS tariff score of 120 UCAS points is equivalent to:

Three A levels, grades BBB or A*CC
Two A levels plus two AS levels, grades BB+AA or AB+BB
Two A levels plus one AS level plus one extended project, grades BB+B+A or AB+B+C
One A level plus BTEC diploma, grades A+Distinction/Merit or D+Distinction/Distinction
BTEC extended diploma, grades Distinction/Distinction/Merit
T level, Merit (overall grade)
Access to HE diploma, grades D27+M15+P3 or D24+M21

We also accept combinations of qualifications equivalent to A levels including:

BTEC Extended Diploma
BTEC Extended Certificate
Access to Higher Education Diploma
Scottish Higher Qualification

You can check your qualifications are valid for UK universities through the UCAS Tariff Calculator

As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of at least 32 points and have completed at least one A2 level or a BTEC Extended Certificate.

You’ll probably be interested in a Foundation degree if you have completed a modern apprenticeship, vocational A levels, T level, BTEC National or equivalent. Many students studying for Foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a Foundation degree even if you don't have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

The normal entry requirements for postgraduate degrees are a good Honours degree in an appropriate subject from a recognised university: usually, 2:2 for taught degrees; 2.1 for Master’s by research; or an equivalent, relevant qualification. But check the entry requirements on the individual course/research area description as there may be some flexibility on this.

We may also consider candidates with with substantial, related work experience. See Recognition of prior experience, below.

Applicants who do not have English as a first language must demonstrate they have the correct level of English for their course: an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or more, with a score of no less than 5.5 in each of the individual IELTS tests.

Once you’ve found the course you’d like to apply for, make sure you have or are on course to achieve the entry requirements for that course.

The University recognises that many prospective students, particularly mature applicants, have a vast range of expertise, skills and knowledge.

RPEL (Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning) and RPCL (Recognition of prior Certificated Learning) enable you to receive formal recognition for experience, skills and knowledge you already possess that have not been previously assessed or awarded credit.

RPCL and RPEL are both available for UK students.

If you would like prior certified learning or work experience recognised, please complete the RPCL and/or RPEL claim forms. If you are including a portfolio with your submission, please fill in a portfolio cover sheet as well. Finally, we have included our RPCL policy document for your interest.

All applicants are required to demonstrate a sufficient level of written and spoken English in order to undertake all our degree- and Master's-level courses. The level of competence required depends on what type of course you wish to study. Please see the specific course page for the level required.

We accept a number of qualifications to satisfy the English language entry requirements.

Please check list of English language qualifications we accept

The Admissions team would be pleased to offer any additional guidance you need on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry. Contact the team at admission@beds.ac.uk or on 01582 743500.