Entry requirements

For 16+ courses

Minimum entry requirements

The table below outlines the minimum entry requirements for the different types of courses we offer.

Entry requirements are a guide to the level of education required to study each course. If a course requires additional qualifications or evidence of suitability (e.g. a portfolio) this will be stated on the course description page. Please note, all courses require an application review meeting. This is a chance for us to talk through your choice of choice and ensure it's right for you.

Levels


Level
Entry requirements
Equivalent to
Progress to
Entry

 GCSE grade 1 or below.
Appropriate level of skills and 'college readiness' assessed as part of the Application Review process.

Pre Entry

Entry Level 1-3		Entry Level 1-3

Level 1/2
Level 1Minimum of two GCSEs grade 9-2 (A*-F) or achievement of an Entry Level qualification (to include English and maths or be able to demonstrate the ability to work at the appropriate level).

Appropriate level of aptitude and skills may be assessed as part of the application review (e.g. technical test, portfolios of creative work or audition).		NVQ Level 1

Level 1 Diploma		Level 2

Intermediate Apprenticeship

Employment
Level 2

Minimum of three GCSEs grade 9-3 (A*-D/E) to include English and maths GCSE or Functional Skills at L1/L2, or be able to demonstrate the ability to achieve these qualifications.
In some cases, specific subjects and grades at GCSE will be required.


Some courses require completion of a relevant Level 1.


Appropriate level of aptitude and skills may be assessed as part of the application review (e.g. technical test, portfolio of creative work or audition).

NVQ Level 2

BTEC/UAL Level 2 Diploma

Intermediate Apprenticeship		Level 3

Advanced Apprenticeship

Full-time employment
Level 3
(All carry UCAS points) 

Minimum of four GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C) including English and maths, or to be able to demonstrate the ability to achieve grade 9-4 (A*-C).
In some cases, specific subjects and grades at GCSE will be required.


Some courses require completion of a relevant Level 2.


Appropriate level of aptitude and skills may be assessed as part of the application review (e.g. technical test, portfolio of creative work or audition).

1-3 A-levels

Access to HE

NVQ/BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/UAL Level 3 Diploma

BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma

Advanced Apprenticeship

Level 3 (year 2)

Level 4 or 5

Foundation/Bachelor Degree

Higher Apprenticeship

Full-time employment
Level 3/4
(Art & Design Foundation and post A-Level Photography)

A minimum of grade C in at least one A-level in a related subject.


Five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C) including English and maths.


Appropriate level of aptitude and skills will be assessed as part of the application review (e.g. technical test, portfolio of creative work or audition).

Year 0 at universityLevel 4 or 5

Foundation/Bachelor Degree

Changes to GCSE grades

English and maths GCSE grades received in 2017 and after use the new grading scale. The numbers 9–1 identify levels of performance (with 9 being the top level). To reach the minimum entry requirement of a grade C, students will need to achieve a grade 4 on the new grading scale.

All GCSE subjects are now graded this way.

New grading structure Old grading structure
9

8		 A*
7 A
6

5		 B
4 C
3 D
2 E
1 F


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