Entry requirements

Our courses are designed to meet the needs of applicants with varied experience and qualifications.

So it is difficult to generalise. What we can tell you however is that:

• together we need to be sure that you are aiming for the right level and type of course;
• we actively welcome mature applicants and those with alternative qualifications;
• we always value your prior experience and qualifications in relevant areas, although you need to set these out clearly in your application; in some cases you can make a separate Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning application at the same time;
• for courses leading to teaching qualifications, we may need to set certain criteria, for example GCSE or equivalent passes in certain subjects, to match the requirements of the TDA;
• for some courses leading to teaching qualifications, you may also be required to undergo an enhanced CRB check and/or a health check before starting the course.

For these reasons we (or where appropriate our partnership colleges) often ask you to come in for interview before offering a place.

Each course page includes an individual Entry Requirements tab, together with the phone and email for at least one contact if you require further information. 

Other UK and EU Qualifications

For Scottish Advanced Highers or Irish Leaving Certificate, you should have achieved grades equivalent to the A level standard.

Mature students

For BTEC, Access, 16-19 Diploma and other UK and EU qualifications, we consider applications on an individual basis.

You may have been away from education for some years. Before embarking on the major commitment of degree-level study, we strongly advise you to 'try before you buy' with, for example, an academic evening class or Open University module.

International applications

We welcome applications from international students with good qualifications for any of our courses. All applicants will be considered on an individual basis.   

International students who do not currently meet our entry requirements may be able to join this course on successful completion of our International Foundation Year. For more information visit the International Foundation Year course page.

If you are aiming for teaching as a career, it will be your responsibility to confirm that your QTS (and GTC registration) is accepted in the country where you hope to teach.

If English is not your first language, you will need to have already reached a satisfactory standard in an approved test in English, such as Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English grade C or above, IELTS grade 6.5. You can find out more about pre-sessional English language support ("English for academic purposes") here.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities.