Entry requirements

An overview of the entry requirements and policies for our undergraduate programmes.


UCL receives a large number of applications – for 2022 entry we received more than 73,000 applications for our undergraduate programmes.

To be considered, you must meet (or be predicted to meet) the minimum requirements for the programme you are interested in. Given the competition for places, we recommend you only apply to programmes where you meet these requirements.

We welcome applications from students offering A Levels and other equivalent qualifications.

Our entrance requirements are based on three A Levels. Depending on the degree programme, we make standard offers in the range A*A*A–ABB.

See the Undergraduate prospectus for your programme’s specific entry requirements, and equivalent requirements for other qualifications.

Engineering Foundation Year

The Engineering Foundation Year programme is for students who are traditionally underrepresented at UCL. The entry requirements for this programme are 100 UCAS tariff points from level 3 academic qualifications.

Contextual offers

You may be eligible for a contextual offer as part of the Access UCL scheme. These are lower than our standard offers and listed on each programme’s page in the Undergraduate prospectus.

For more information and eligibility criteria, visit our Access UCL Scheme page.

International qualifications

Country-specific information is available for international students. To see the equivalent entry requirements for your country, you can use the international applications drop-down menu on your programme’s page in the prospectus.

Further information is also available on our Guidance for International Applicants page.

A Levels (including International A Levels)

Our entrance requirements are based on three A Levels. If you are studying more than three A Levels, we will consider your three highest grades. We will include any required or preferred subjects as appropriate. Any offer will only consist of three A Level grades.

You should offer at least two A Levels taken from the preferred A Level subjects list below. Your third A Level can be in any other subject. If you do not have two preferred subjects, please contact the admissions team to check if we can consider your application.

Arts and Humanities

  • Arabic
  • Art and Design
  • Art and Design: 3D Design
  • Art and Design: Critical and Contextual Studies
  • Art and Design: Fine Art
  • Art and Design: Graphic Design
  • Art and Design: Photography
  • Art and Design: Textiles
  • Bengali
  • Biblical Hebrew
  • Business Studies
  • Cantonese
  • Chinese
  • Classical Civilisation
  • Classical Greek
  • Drama (WJEC specification)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies
  • Dutch
  • English Language
  • English Language and Literature
  • English Literature
  • English Literature (specifications A or B where applicable)
  • Film Studies
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Gujarati
  • Hindi
  • History of Art
  • History of Art and Design
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Latin
  • Media Studies
  • Modern Greek
  • Modern Hebrew
  • Moving Image Art (CCEA specification)
  • Music
  • Panjabi
  • Persian
  • Philosophy
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Religious Studies
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Tamil
  • Turkish
  • Urdu
  • Welsh
  • Welsh (Second Language)

Social sciences

  • Ancient History
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Economics
  • Economics and Business 
  • Economics and Business (Nuffield)
  • Environmental Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography A
  • Geography B
  • Government and Politics
  • History
  • Law
  • Poltics
  • Psychology
  • Psychology A
  • Psychology B
  • Sociology

Sciences

  • Biology
  • Biology (Salters-Nuffield)
  • Biology (Human)
  • Chemistry
  • Chemistry (Nuffield)
  • Chemistry (Salters)
  • Computer Science
  • Further Mathematics
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics (MEI)
  • Physics
  • Physics (Advancing Physics)
  • Physics (Salters-Horners)
  • Pure Mathematics
  • Statistics

General Studies, Critical Thinking or Global Perspectives and Research are not accepted for admission. We will not count these subjects towards our entry requirements.

If you are studying Biology, Chemistry or Physics A Levels in England, a pass in the practical endorsement is required.

If you are a self-studying student and cannot take the practical science component, you must provide a reason for this. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you have studied A Levels at an accelerated rate, and completed some of your A level study alongside your GCSEs, we may stipulate the A Levels you are currently studying in any offer conditions.

Exceptionally, UCL will consider an early sitting where this is a subject requirement for your degree programme.

Native language A levels will be considered, however selection may be based on the three most relevant subjects for your degree choice.

If you have studied A levels at an accelerated rate, and you have therefore completed this study alongside your GCSE level study, we may stipulate the A levels you are currently studying in your offer conditions.

The Extended Project Qualification does not form part of our standard entrance requirements.

UCL recognises the value of EPQs as preparation for independent study, which is key to university-level study. If your EPQ topic is related to the UCL programme you are applying to, you may wish to discuss this in your personal statement.

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, reforms to AS and A Levels and GCSEs began in September 2015, with different subjects being phased in over the subsequent two years. For universities, one of the key challenges is the mixture of qualifications that an applicant may present. Not only are the constituent countries of the UK providing different styles of existing qualifications, but as subjects are phased in, we are seeing applicants offering a mixture of both old and new style GCSEs and A Levels.

We look at each applicant on an individual basis, but the reference is key in explaining the teaching within the school to the admissions selector. We ask referees to provide a clear explanation of any restrictions or difficulties the applicants may have faced in terms of funding and subject availability, along with an explanation of the styles of GCSE/A levels they have taken.

Predictions and AS modules

With the introduction of curriculum reforms, we understand that it will be more difficult for teachers to predict final grades in the initial year of study. In the past, AS modules have been useful as an indication of a student's level of achievement and likelihood to achieve their prediction. As this information will no longer be available, we will be more reliant on applicants' past academic history and references. We would also encourage referees to comment on an applicant's level of achievement in the end of year 12 examinations where these have been held, and to provide a picture of the applicant's progress through both GCSE and A Level study.

Core Mathematics

The Core Mathematics qualification does not form part of our standard entrance requirements, but UCL welcomes the opportunity for students to be able to continue their mathematics studies. For programmes where GCSE Mathematics is required at grade 6 (or grade B), Core Mathematics will be accepted as a supplement to grade 5 (or grade C) at GCSE.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept the full International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) for entry to our programmes. This typically includes:

  • Three Higher Level subjects
  • Three Standard Level subjects
  • Theory of Knowledge (ToK)
  • Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)
  • Extended Essay

We require at least three subjects at Higher Level. If you are studying more than three Higher Level subjects, we will consider your three highest grades. We will also include any required or preferred subjects as appropriate.

When we assess your application, we equate your IBDP to our A Level requirements. We consider your score in three Higher Level subjects and total point score.

GradePoints
A*A*A40 points overall including 20 in three Higher Level subjects.
A*AA 39 points overall including 19 in three Higher Level subjects.
AAA38 points overall including 18 in three Higher Level subjects.
AAB36 points overall including 17 in three Higher Level subjects.
ABB 34 points overall including 16 in three Higher Level subjects.

For all equivalencies at least 5 points is required in each Higher Level subject. A grade of at least 5 points is not required in the Standard Level subjects.

Where a programme has a required A Level subject, this must be taken at Higher Level.

Where a programme has a preferred A Level subject, this must also be taken at Higher Level to be considered.

Example:

If a programme's entry requirements are AAB at A Level including an A in Chemistry, you need:

  • 36 points overall, with 17 in three Higher Level subjects
  • Grade 6 in Higher Level Chemistry
  • No Higher Level subject score below 5

Where a programme has an A Level subject requirement, the equivalent subject is required at Higher Level. Please see the table below for grade equivalencies.

GradeLevel
A* 7 at Higher Level
A6 at Higher Level
B5 at Higher Level

Where A Level Mathematics is a subject requirement, either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level is accepted.

Where A Level Further Mathematics is a subject requirement, only Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level is accepted.

Where A Level French is a subject requirement, only French B at Higher Level is accepted.

We include bonus points (a maximum of three) awarded for your Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay as part of your overall points score out of 45.

UCL does not accept the IBCP for entry to its programmes. 

Applicants may however meet our requirements if they are studying a BTEC Extended Diploma as part of their course. Please see our BTEC requirements for each programme for further information.

Other UK qualifications

UCL also accepts the following UK qualifications. Use the drop-down box on each programme’s page to find equivalent grade requirements. Select the relevant qualification and the equivalent grades will appear.

Please check these pages carefully as some programmes require specific subject knowledge. In these cases, the equivalent subject will be required as part of the qualifications you are studying.

Access to HE Diploma

In general, we can consider Access to HE Diploma’s for entry to our programmes. We require 60 credits overall with at least 45 at level 3.

Please be aware that not all programmes accept Access to HE Diplomas. Please check the relevant programme’s page in the Undergraduate prospectus for further information including entry requirements before you apply.

Where subject-specific requirements are stipulated at A Level, we may review your Access to HE syllabus to ensure you meet the subject-specific requirements before a final decision is sent.

Please note applicants taking the Access to HE Diploma are still expected to meet the GCSE requirements of the programme.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

In general, only the following BTEC Extended Diplomas are accepted for entry to UCL.

  • Pre-2010: Edexcel level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma (NQF)
  • Pre-2016: Edexcel level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
  • Post 2016: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF)

However, some programmes do not consider BTEC Extended Diplomas. Please check the programme’s page in our prospectus for further information including entry requirements before you apply.

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects

Our entrance requirements are based on three Pre-U principal subjects. If you are studying more than three Pre-U principal subjects, we will consider your three highest grades. We will also include any required or preferred subjects as appropriate. Any offer will only consist of three Pre-U principal subject grades.

We also accept the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma including three Pre-U principal subjects.

When we assess your application, we equate your Pre-U principal subjects to our A Level requirements using the equivalencies below.

GradeEquivalency
A*D1/D2
AD3
BM1
CM2

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We require either three Advanced Highers OR two Advanced Highers and three Highers in five distinct subjects.

Highers on their own are not acceptable for admission to any of our programmes.

Where a programme has an A Level subject requirement, the equivalent subject is required as an Advanced Higher. Please see the table below for grade equivalencies.

When we assess your application, we equate your Advanced Highers and Highers to our A Level requirements using the equivalencies below.

A LevelsAdvanced HighersHighers
A*A1
AAAAA
BBBBB
CCCCC

As grade bands (e.g. A1) cannot be indicated in UCAS applications, we will contact you or your referee for further clarification.

Welsh Baccalaureate

We consider the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus two A Level grades as meeting our requirements. Your grade in the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is considered as directly equivalent to an A Level grade.

Please note, where a programme has an A Level subject requirement, you must sit this subject as one of your two A Levels.

WJEC Applied Generals

The WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is only accepted for entry to the BSc Crime and Security Science programme, and the Engineering Foundation Year programmes. This qualification is not accepted for any other programme at UCL.

All other WJEC Applied Generals are not accepted for any UCL Undergraduate programme, except for the Engineering Foundation Year programmes.

T Levels

UCL considers select T Levels for the degree programmes listed below only:

  • BA Education Studies: T Level in Education and Childcare Level 3 (NCFE), with an overall mark of Distinction.
  • BSc Information in Society: Digital Production, Design, and Development T Level (Pearson) and Digital Business Services T Level (NCFE) with an overall mark of Distinction.
  • Engineering Foundation Year: T Level in any subject to the value of 100 UCAS points (must be completed at a UK state school, see the prospectus for more information). 

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma

UCL considers the UAL Level 3 and Level 4 Extended Diploma in Art and Design, with the final overall mark of Distinction, to meet the entry requirements for the Fine Art (BA and BFA) and Architecture programmes only.

The UAL Level 3 and Level 4 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology with the final overall mark of Distinction is considered to meet the entry requirements for the BA Media programme only.

No other UCL undergraduate programmes consider these qualifications, except for the Engineering Foundation Year programmes.

Mixed qualifications

We usually look for all qualifications to be from one suite (e.g., three A Levels, or an IB Diploma). However, we understand that some applicants may offer a combination of level 3 qualifications. We accept a mix of A Levels and Cambridge Pre-U or a mix of A Levels and Advanced Highers for all programmes.

Some programmes are willing to consider a mix of other acceptable qualifications on a case-by case basis. Please contact us for further advice before you apply, stating your qualifications and the programme you are interested in.

If you are interested in the Engineering Foundation Year Programmes, please see further information about the qualifications considered.

UCL Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for undergraduate study, when they do not have the qualifications to enter directly.

UCL guarantees an offer of an undergraduate place for UPC students who meet the entry requirements and have a clearly relevant personal statement, for 161 UCL undergraduate programmes.

GCSE and equivalent qualifications

All programmes require a grade 5 or higher in English Language and Mathematics at GCSE or equivalent. Some programmes require higher grades or additional GCSE passes. Please check the requirements of each individual programme carefully.

If you haven’t met the GCSE requirements for the programme you are interested in, please contact us for further advice.

Please note – you do not need a Modern Foreign Language at GCSE and are not required to take further language study whilst at UCL.

We use the following equivalencies:

  • 8 and 9 = A*
  • 7 = A
  • 6 = B
  • 5 = C

UCL considers the following qualifications to be equivalent to GCSEs:

  • IGCSE at grade C or higher
  • O level at grade C or higher
  • Scottish Credit Standard Grade/Intermediate 2
  • Hong Kong Certificate of Education (HKCEE) at grade C or higher
  • IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) at grades 4 to 7
  • Malaysia Sijil Pelejaran (SPM) at grades 1 to 6
  • Singapore/Cambridge GCE Ordinary level at grades 1 to 6.

Applications from 'fast-track' students

Some schools, both in the UK and overseas, fast-track their students and limit the number of examinations they take. As a result, you may not be sitting some GCSE or equivalent qualifications. We will be pleased to consider your application on its individual merits.

English language requirements

All applicants are required to meet UCL’s English language proficiency requirements.

Additional information

Resits

Resits are generally considered for most of our programmes. Any programmes that do not consider resits will outline this on their department webpages. Where resits have been attempted more than once, this may put you at a disadvantage.

Mitigating circumstances

We would advise applicants to speak with their school or exam centre about any mitigating circumstances that may affect their results, so that Exam Boards can apply any special consideration.

We do not have a mitigating circumstances form. UCL's policy is that such mitigating factors are a matter for the Exam Boards and should be considered at the time of the exams rather than retrospectively by the university.

We do not make changes to programme entry requirements in response to mitigating circumstances.

Further information