Undergraduate entry qualifications
This page gives information on some of the common qualifications that we accept for entry to our undergraduate degrees, as well as international equivalent qualifications.
Our course pages give information on the entry requirements for individual courses. These are given in terms of A level grades and some of the other more common qualifications. We make offers on the basis of actual grades and not on the basis of equivalent UCAS tariff points. We typically expect the equivalent of three full A levels. Some of our courses also have requirements for GCSE subjects.
If you are an international applicant, you can also find a list of international qualifications.
For information on English language requirements, and the English language qualifications that we accept, please see our English language page.
Medicine and Surgery has specific admissions requirements that are detailed on the Lancaster Medical School pages.
Qualifications that we accept Accordion
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A levels
- We require three full A levels, if you are taking four or more A levels, an offer will be made on the basis of the best three grades
- We do not accept AS levels in lieu of A levels. We do not typically consider AS level grades, but a fourth subject taken at A level may occasionally lead to a lower offer, for example, in the case of Mathematics degrees.
- We accept all A level subjects but please see the entry requirements for the degree in which you are interested, as there may be subjects which are compulsory.
- We accept native language A levels as any other subject.
- If you are taking reformed A levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics as a required subject, and you are sitting the practical element of the A level, we expect you to pass this. We understand that some applicants may not be in a position to sit the practical element, for example, those sitting A levels as external candidates. If this is the case, please contact the Admissions team for advice.
- We will normally consider applicants who have resat or are resitting A levels.
- We require three full A levels, if you are taking four or more A levels, an offer will be made on the basis of the best three grades
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Access to Higher Education Diploma
The majority of our courses accept the Access to HE Diploma, although this will depend on whether the course you are applying to has any subject requirements, and whether these will be met by the modules you are taking. For more information about our specific requirements with this qualification please contact the Admissions team.
The following table shows the typical grades we require in the Access to HE Diploma, as equivalent to A level grades.
Three A levels Access to HE Diploma AAA 45 Level 3 credits at Distinction AAB
36 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 9 Level 3 credits at MeritABB 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit BBB 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 21 Level 3 credits at Merit Subject required at A level grade A or B
If the Access to HE Diploma provides a suitable equivalent to an A level subject, we may specify Distinctions in particular units. However, please note that we may not always accept an Access to HE Diploma as a suitable equivalent to A level, in terms of subject content. See individual course pages for further information. -
BTEC qualifications
We accept the following BTEC Level 3 qualifications for the majority of our degree programmes. Where there is a subject requirement, please refer to the entry requirements listed on the individual course pages for further information.
BTEC National Extended Diploma / BTEC Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels)
BTEC National Diploma / BTEC Diploma (equivalent to 2 A levels)
BTEC National Foundation Diploma / BTEC 90-credit Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A levels)
BTEC National Extended Certificate / BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (equivalent to 1 A level)The following table shows the typical grades we require for BTEC qualifications, as equivalent to A level grades.
Three A levels
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTECs equivalent to three A levels)
BTEC Diploma (or combination of BTECs equivalent to two A levels)
Plus one A level
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/BTEC Extended Certificate
Plus two A levels
AAA
Distinction, Distinction, Distinction at BTEC
Distinction, Distinction at BTEC
A at A level
Distinction at BTEC
AA at A level
AAB
Distinction, Distinction,
Distinction at BTECDistinction, Distinction at BTEC
B at A level
Distinction at BTEC
AB at A level
ABB
Distinction, Distinction, Merit at BTEC
Distinction, Distinction at BTEC
B at A level
Distinction at BTEC
BB at A level
BBB
Distinction Distinction
Merit at BTECDistinction, Merit at BTEC
B at A level
Distinction at BTEC
BB at A level
Subject required at A level grade A or B
If the BTEC provides a suitable equivalent to an A level subject, we may specify Distinctions in particular units. However, please note that we may not always accept a BTEC as a suitable equivalent to A level, in terms of subject content. See individual course pages for further information.
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Cambridge Pre-U principal subjects
We accept Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects as equivalent to A levels. Most applicants take one or two subjects in combination with A levels.
The following table shows the typical grades we require for the Cambridge Pre-U, as equivalent to A level grades. There are often a number of ways in which candidates can meet our standard entry requirements, but the following will give an indication of the grades that we accept. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.
Three A levels Three Pre-U Principal Subjects One A level combined with two Pre-U Principal Subjects Two A levels combined with one Pre-U Principal Subjects AAA D3, D3, M1 A, D3, M1
B, D3, D3A, A, D3 AAB D3, M1, M2 A, M1, M1
B, D3, M1A, A, M2
A, B, D3ABB D3, M2, M2 A, M2, M2
B, M1, M1A, B, M2
B, B, D3BBB M2, M2, M2 B, M2, M2 B, B, M2 Required subject at A level grade A D3 in Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject Required subject at A level grade B M2 in Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject -
Cambridge Technical qualifications
We accept the following Cambridge Technical Level 3 qualifications for most of our degree programmes. However, you will still need to meet our subject requirements. In some cases, we are able to accept a Cambridge Technical qualification as equivalent of a specific subject at A level. However, there are some A level subjects for which there is no equivalent Please visit our course pages for entry criteria specific to each degree course. You may consider the BTEC requirement listed on the course page as a rough indication as to what we would accept in terms of Cambridge Technical qualifications.
Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels)
Cambridge Technical Diploma (equivalent to 2 A levels)
Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A levels)
Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma / Extended Certificate (equivalent to 1 A level)The following table shows the typical grades we require in Cambridge Technical qualifications, as equivalent to A level grades.
Three A levels
Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma (or combination of Cambridge Technicals equivalent to three A levels)
Cambridge Technical Diploma (or combination of Cambridge Technical equivalent to two A levels)
Plus one A level
Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma / Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
Plus two A levels
AAA
Distinction, Distinction, Distinction at Cambridge Technical
Distinction, Distinction at Cambridge Technical
A at A level
Distinction at Cambridge Technical
AA at A level
AAB
Distinction, Distinction,
Distinction at Cambridge TechnicalDistinction, Distinction at Cambridge Technical
B at A level
Distinction at Cambridge Technical
AB at A level
ABB
Distinction, Distinction, Merit at Cambridge Technical
Distinction, Distinction at Cambridge Technical
B at A level
Distinction at Cambridge Technical
BB at A level
BBB
Distinction Distinction
Merit at Cambridge TechnicalDistinction, Merit at Cambridge Technical
B at A level
Distinction at Cambridge Technical
BB at A level
Subject required at A level grade A or B
If the Cambridge Technical provides a suitable equivalent to an A level subject, we may specify Distinctions in particular units. However, please note that we may not always accept a Cambridge Technical as a suitable equivalent to A level, in terms of subject content. See individual course pages for further information.
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Core Maths
Core Maths will not typically form part of the offer for entry to Lancaster, but we will accept it as meeting the equivalent of a GCSE Mathematics requirement.
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Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
We welcome the EPQ as adding value to a student’s academic profile and as an excellent preparation for the independent study necessary for students to succeed at Lancaster. For most courses, applicants will receive two offers: our usual offer plus an offer of a B in the EPQ and one grade lower in their A level subjects. For example, we may make an offer conditional on AAB at A level or ABB at A level plus a grade B in EPQ.
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Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND)
We will typically accept HNC for entry to Year 1 of our degree programmes, although we will consider the applicant’s academic profile as a whole. We will require Distinction overall. It is not possible to enter Year 2 of our degree courses on the basis of an HNC.
We may occasionally admit applicants completing an HND to Year 2 of a degree programme, but we recommend that applicants enter Year 1. We will consider the academic profile as a whole. We would require Distinction overall. It is not possible for those who have completed an HND to top up to a Bachelor’s degree.
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International Baccalaureate Diploma
We accept the International Baccalaureate Diploma for all courses. See our course pages for further information.
The following table shows the typical grades we require for the International Baccalaureate Diploma, as equivalent to A level grades.
A levels
International Baccalaureate Diploma
AAA
36 points overall, with 16 points from three HL subjects
AAB
35 points overall, with 16 points from three HL subjects
ABB
32 points overall, with 16 points from three HL subjects
BBB
30 points overall, with 15 points from three HL subjects
Individual subject required at A level grade A or B
We typically require an individual subject required at HL with 6. We may sometimes consider 7 at SL, or 5 at HL.
See below for our requirements equivalent to A level Mathematics
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)
We accept the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme for the majority of our degree programmes, although this will depend on any subject requirements being met. We are happy to consider applicants on a case-by-case basis, depending on the exact combination of qualifications they are taking as part of the IBCP, but as a guide, we will typically accept IB HL subjects in combination with the BTEC qualifications and other applied general qualifications listed on this page.
International Baccalaureate courses
We recognise that some applicants study IB HL subjects in combination with other qualifications, and not as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme. We are happy to consider such applicants on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Admissions Team for more information.
Mathematics
For any of our degree courses that specify A level in Mathematics as an entry requirement, we will accept either of the HL courses at grade 6 as equivalent. Please note that other subject requirements may apply, and you can find information about these on our individual course pages.
For our Engineering degrees, we will also accept Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL at grade 7 alongside Physics HL at grade 6 or Chemistry HL at grade 6 (for Chemical Engineering).
Where we specify a GCSE Mathematics requirement at B/C or 6/5/4, we will accept any of the IB Diploma Mathematics courses at grade 5 as meeting this requirement.
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Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
We accept Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers. We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject.
For applicants who do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we are happy to consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.
The following table shows the typical grades we require for Scottish Highers qualifications, as equivalent to A level grades.
Three A levels
Scottish Highers
AAA
AAABB
AAB
ABBBB
ABB
BBBBB
BBB
BBBCC
Required subject at A level grade A
We typically require Advanced Higher grade A, but we may accept a Higher in some cases
Required subject at A level grade B
We typically require Advanced Higher grade B, but we may accept a Higher in some cases
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T levels
We accept T levels for the majority of our degree programmes. Some of our degree programmes have a specific subject requirement, and you can find that information on our course pages. In some cases, we are able to accept a T level as meeting that subject requirement, but in other cases, there is no T level course that meets that subject requirement.
If a degree programme does not list any required subjects, then we will be happy to consider all T level courses for entry to that programme.
Please contact the Admissions Team if you would like to know if we would accept a particular T level for entry to a particular degree programme.
The following table shows the typical grades we require in T level qualifications, as equivalent to A level grades.
Three A levels
T level
AAA
Distinction overall
AAB
Distinction overall
ABB
Distinction overall
BBB
Merit overall
Subject required at A level grade A or B
Assessed case-by-case
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Welsh Baccalaureate
We will accept the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate as equivalent to one A level (at the equivalent grade).
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WJEC Applied Diploma
We accept the WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma as equivalent to one A level.
For Applied Diplomas grade A*-E, we will accept at the equivalent grade.
For Applied Diplomas graded Distinction*-Pass, please refer to the requirement for a BTEC Extended Certificate or BTEC Subsidiary Diploma.
For courses that require a specific subject at A level, we may not always accept a WJEC Applied Diploma as a suitable equivalent to A elvel, in terms of subject content. Please see individual course pages for further information.
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Vocational and professional qualifications (e.g. NVQ and City + Guilds)
We do not typically accept vocational and professional qualifications in their own right to entry to our degree courses, for example, NVQ qualifications or City + Guilds qualifications. Applicants with vocational and professional qualifications will also need to have Level 3 academic qualifications such as A levels, BTEC qualifications or an Access to HE Diploma.
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GCSE
Many of our degree courses have a GCSE requirement, typically for Mathematics and/or English Language. Requirements are listed on individual course pages. If there is no requirement listed for a particular course, then there are no specific GCSE requirements. However, we consider the overall GCSE profile as part of the application process.
Read our information about the recent GCSE reforms.
Old scale England
Current scale Wales
IGCSECurrent scale England
Current scale Northern Ireland
Grade A
Grade 7
Grade A
Grade B
Grade 5 or 6, depending on the context
Grade C* or B, depending on the context
(where we specify "B or 5", we would accept C*)Grade C
Grade 4
Grade C
We accept IGCSE as equivalent GCSE.
We do not accept Functional Skills as equivalent to GCSE, with the exception of our BA Social Work degree. You can find more information on the Social Work course page.
If English is not your first language, see our English language requirement pages for more information on how you may use GCSE English Language to meet our requirements.
International qualifications
If you studied at school or college outside of the United Kingdom, please find below details of how we evaluate international qualifications.
The exact grades we require will vary according to the degree scheme, and therefore grades are given as a range.
Please note, in addition to an overall grade in a qualification, certain degree schemes may require a specific grade in one or more individual subjects relevant to the degree.
The information provided below is relevant to 2022 entry and may change for future entry years.
Lancaster University offers international students (non UK) who do not meet the entry requirements the option of completing an International Foundation Year to prepare for degree study.
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Contact the admissions team
If you need to contact us, then you can email our Admissions Office at ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk or telephone us on +44 (0)1524 592028.