10 Universities That Do Not Require A Levels

Although A levels in the past were standard in university admission, many universities have changed their policies, reflecting a more diverse student body. Now, if you choose to attend university, many institutions require alternatives to A levels if you chose a different route and have other equivalent qualifications. University admissions consider a number of alternatives like the Access to Higher Education Diploma, BTEC, and T Levels, as well as professional experience. Additionally, uni admissions will consider alternatives like the Access to Higher Education Diploma or online courses when considering your application. 

Discover 10 universities that provide admission for learners who have no A levels, along with their entry requirements and an overview of each uni. Before exploring some of the universities that do not require A levels, take a look at some alternatives to A levels that schools consider on applications. 

Alternatives to A levels

Many universities have alternatives to A levels that they accept. This varies not only from uni to uni but also in courses within institutions. It’s best practice to check with the admissions department and faculty to ensure the university accepts your alternatives. Some common alternatives to A levels include:

• Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

• Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) Nationals

• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Explore each of these alternatives to A levels and their requirements. Some of these you will choose during secondary school or may have already chosen if you have finished secondary school. This list should illustrate your options to attend university even if you didn't take A levels.

Access to Higher Education Diploma

In the UK, around 20,000 learners aged 19 or older per year use an Access to Higher Education Diploma to apply for entrance into a university course [1]. It is equal to a level 3 qualification like A levels. An Access to Higher Education Diploma provides you with subject knowledge to help you prepare for study at the university level. To earn the diploma, which requires 60 credits total, you must take 45 graded credits at level 3 and 15 ungraded credits at level 2 or 3. These are flexible options for non-traditional learners or those without qualifications looking to study at a university, and typically, it will take you one year to complete the HE diploma. However, you can also spread the work over two to three years. 

International Baccalaureate Diploma

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is equivalent to A levels. If you are a learner living outside of the UK, you are more likely to obtain an IB Diploma than learners living within the UK. Institutions teach these courses internationally to learners who are 16 to 19 years old.

To fulfill the requirements of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP), students must select one subject from each of the six subject groups—studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts—although they may choose to replace the arts subject with a second subject from sciences, individuals and societies, or languages. 

In addition to these six courses, students must complete the DP core, which includes the extended essay, theory of knowledge (TOK), and creativity, activity, service (CAS), all while taking at least three subjects at higher level (HL) and the remaining at standard level (SL), with HL subjects requiring 240 teaching hours and SL subjects requiring 150.

Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) Nationals

BTEC Nationals provide practical learning combined with theoretical knowledge to learners interested in a specific industry or sector. BTEC Nationals are a level 3 technical certificate equivalent to an A level. BTECs can be taken whilst you’re attending school or college, and schools or colleges offer them at the same time as GCSEs and A levels. If you decide to take BTEC as a standalone course, you can expect to spend one to two years to finish it, depending on whether you study full- or part-time. 

Technical level (T level) qualifications

After GCSEs, you can take T levels to gain practical, industry-specific knowledge and skills through classroom learning and on-the-job experience. One T level is approximately equivalent to three A levels. They are similar to an apprenticeship, but the requirements are higher, including more training and study, totaling about 1,800 hours over two years. Some of the subjects you can pursue with T levels include agriculture, business, construction, digital design, education, health, law, and finance.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Whilst learners in England, Wales, and Ireland typically take A levels for entrance into higher education, learners who live in Scotland take Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, which are the equivalent in many cases. Typically, Scottish Highers will take you a year to achieve, but if you want to acquire additional Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) points for admission to university, you can also pursue Advanced Highers.

Universities that do not require A levels

Consider the following universities that do not require A levels and allow for alternatives to A levels for some courses. Always be sure to check with university admissions to see if your alternative applies to the course in which you’re interested. 

1. University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is a leading research university with a commitment to social responsibility, located in Manchester, UK. The University of Manchester aims to provide you with a unique experience to transform yourself during your time studying and participating in extracurriculars. 

Among the accepted A level alternatives include:

• Access to Higher Education Diploma: Requires at least 60 credits total, but 30 credits at distinction and 15 at merit in a subject related to your course, and 45 at at least level 3. 

• BTEC National Diploma: Some courses require specific distinction or level of merit in a relevant subject. Additionally, to gain entry, you need to achieve the full National Diploma plus one more level 3 qualification.

• Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: If you choose this route, you want to make sure it’s earned in a subject related to the selected course.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Typically, to gain acceptance, you need to achieve a score between 30 to 39 points in three subjects. Also, because each subject course may have subject-specific requirements, it’s important to check into those.

• T levels: T levels are technical courses. With this avenue, the university accepts T levels in Waves 1, 2, or 3, and each Wave pertains to a specific category of subjects. Along with T levels, you need to take GCSE and earn a minimum grade of C/4 in both mathematics and level 2 English language.

• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: The University of Manchester accepts Highers, but some courses require Advanced Highers. The university suggests that you reach out to the admissions team for clarification and specifics.

Browse the University of Manchester's course offerings for specific entry requirements by course.

2. University of Brighton

Located in Brighton, UK, with two campus locations on the south coast of England, the University of Brighton defines itself through its values of inclusivity, sustainability, creativity, and partnership. The University of Brighton offers a wide range of courses and subjects, focusing on helping you gain the skills to participate in and strengthen society. It uses the UCAS tariff points system to translate academic equivalency between credentials. 

Among the accepted A level alternatives include:

• Access to Higher Education Diploma: You’ll need a minimum of 60 credits, with 45 of those at level 3 and the remainder at level 2. Some courses may require specific merit distinctions in subject-relevant level 3 credits or attending an interview.

• BTECs: Admission may require specific merit distinctions depending on the course you are pursuing. Additionally, for acceptance into certain courses, the university may require you to participate in an interview.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: This admission process puts emphasis on the personal experience essay, and some courses allow for specific IB components outside of the diploma.

• T levels: To use this qualification, it’s important to know that accepted T-levels vary from course to course, and typically, admissions want to see a direct link between the academic subject matter of the T levels and the degree course you plan to pursue.

See the University of Brighton's website for specific entry requirements by course.

3. University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is near the heart of Leeds, UK. It is a research university known worldwide for its high level of quality in regards to research and teaching. It offers a range of courses and focuses on helping you develop critical thinking to land a professional opportunity. 

Among the accepted A level, alternatives include:

• Access to Higher Education Diploma: You must earn your diploma in a relevant subject, with some courses requiring specific merit grades in classes. Also, you need to complete 60 credits total.

• BTECs: Leeds accepts BTEC Extended Diplomas, Extend Certificates, and Foundation Diplomas, focusing on a relevant subject for your course, with some courses requiring an additional Level 3 credential.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: For this alternative, the institution accepts an IB Diploma based on your points score, with some courses requiring higher-level maths classes.

• T levels: Leeds considers T levels if you're planning to take a foundation year after gaining acceptance, as well as some specific courses, depending on the subject matter of the T level and the corresponding degree course you are pursuing.

• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: The university accepts both Highers and Advanced Highers dependent upon the grades you earned.

Search for specific course entry requirements using the University of Leeds' course search.

4. University of Bristol 

The University of Bristol is a popular research university with a global reach, and it’s located in Bristol, UK. The university exercises an intense focus on sustainability and climate change, cultural production, and social justice, making it a well-rounded university dedicated to improving human life. 

Among the accepted A level, alternatives include:

• Access to Higher Education Diploma: The diploma and classes must be in relevant subjects to the course for which you’re applying. Also, you need to share your grades in level 2 and level 3 classes.

• BTECs: Some of the degree courses allow for a BTEC level 3 National Extended Diploma as an equivalent to A levels. Additionally, the institution may need you to achieve distinctions in certain units. Also, if a subject has a particular requirement, you may need to complete an A level or take an admissions test to fulfil it.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: The university encourages all learners who have completed the IB Diploma to apply, but specific course requirements must be met.

• T levels: Since accepted T-levels vary from course to course, it’s important for you to review the list found on the university’s website.

• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: Admissions will accept two Advanced Highers and five Highers but will also review applicants with three Advanced Highers.

Explore the courses you're interested in by using the University of Bristol's course search tool for specific entry requirements.

5. University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham has multiple campuses, and University Park campus in Nottingham is the largest in the UK, featuring extensive greenery and woodlands. This institution aims to develop a global mindset for learners with a focus on collaboration and international research between its China and Malaysia campuses. The University of Nottingham puts a large emphasis on exam scores, achievements, and extracurricular activities. Also, if you have volunteered in an area related to the course you plan to pursue, the admissions staff sees this experience as dedication to a career goal. 

Among the accepted A level, alternatives include:

• Access to Higher Education Diploma: The university has an extensive list on its website that includes what degree courses allow for Access to HE qualifications along with any additional requirements.

• BTECs: If you choose this avenue, the university has an extensive list that includes what degree courses allow for BTEC qualifications. Certain courses may have additional, subject-related requirements.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: The University of Nottingham typically only accepts the full IB Diploma, or a minimum of three Higher Level certificates.

• T levels: The university accepts T levels as equivalent qualifications; however, some programmes might need additional subject-specific requirements.

Specific course requirements are on the University of Nottingham's website.

6. University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham stands out for its grounds, which boast lots of green space, whilst also being a cultural centre for the area, with museums, concert halls, and a botanic garden. Located in the suburb of Edgbaston in Birmingham, it has a focus on research in public health, sustainability, policy and systematic fairness, manufacturing advancements, and connecting cultures. The university uses the UCAS application and emphasises your personal writing statement as a tool for conveying to admissions tutors why you deserve a spot in your desired courses. 

Among the accepted A level alternatives include:

• Access to Higher Education Diploma: Some courses allow Access to HE, and you can use its course finder to identify specific courses that accept it.

• BTEC: Many courses will welcome the BTEC Extended Diploma qualification, whilst others allow for BTEC qualifications in conjunction with course-specific requirements. 

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: The university accepts the IB Diploma, but you need to have earned three higher level grades with a total mark of 32 at the minimum.

• T levels: Some courses allow T-levels for admission if they meet course-specific requirements.

• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: The University of Nottingham accepts both Highers and Advanced Highers, whilst some programmes will allow Highers without including Advanced Highers.

Access the University of Birmingham's course finder for entry requirements by course.

7. University of Huddersfield

The University of Huddersfield, located in Huddersfield, UK, in West Yorkshire, seeks to develop global professionals. With research in the biomedical sciences, engineering, physical sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities, the University of Huddersfield offers a range of opportunities for undergraduate degree courses. It has a high employability rate after graduation and even helps graduates by offering a business hub to assist new entrepreneurs. 

Among the accepted A level, alternatives include:

• Access to Higher Education Diploma: The University of Huddersfield accepts Access to HE with 45 Level 3 credits having earned them at Merit.

• BTECs: It accepts a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, National Diploma, or National Certificate.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: It accepts the IB diploma as well as the European and Welsh Baccalaureate.

• T levels: The university also accepts T-level qualifications.

• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: It accepts these as qualifications as well.

You can consult the University of Huddersfield's course details for specific requirements by course.

8. Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary University of London fosters an education based on social justice and academic achievement, encouraging a range of diverse thoughts and opinions. If you prefer a more global institution, whilst the main campus is located in the east end of London, UK, the Queen Mary University of London has global campuses in Paris, Malta, and China. It performs research in various fields such as health, the economics of the environment and energy, and digital information. 

Among the accepted A level alternatives include:

• Access to Higher Education Diploma: Most programmes accept an Access to HE, requiring a minimum number of credits that have Merit or Distinction.

• BTECs: BTEC requirements vary from course to course, with some requiring additional A levels or other level 3 credentials. Additionally, the university does not currently accept any International BTEC qualifications.

• Cambridge Pre-U: It allows Cambridge Pre-U as long as you’re studying in principal subjects and you include additional level 3 qualifications.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: The university allows an IB Diploma with grades from three higher level subjects, and in certain circumstances, it may consider minimum grades for standard level subjects depending on the course.

• T levels: Queen Mary examines T-level qualifications for each learner separately and may require additional level 3 qualifications, with mathematics courses requiring additional A levels or equivalent. 

• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: The university accepts Scottish Highers, but typically, admission requires an Advanced Higher along with four Highers.

Queen Mary University of London's course finder provides you with the specific entry requirements you need for each course.

9. Durham University

Durham University has a wide range of programmes in many disciplines, focusing on research whilst developing and preparing well-rounded learners for the future. The institution also offers several extracurriculars, such as drama, sport, music, and volunteering. Located in Durham, UK, in the northeast of England, Durham University has various colleges that provide you with unique experiences to interact with the student body and faculty, creating a fulfilling experience. 

Among the accepted A level alternatives include:

• Access to Higher Education Diploma: The Access to HE is accepted, with specific courses requiring a certain amount of classes with Merit or Distinction and any additional course requirements. 

• BTECs: Many programmes accept the BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma by itself, whilst others may require additional A levels or equivalent.

• Cambridge Pre-U: This is accepted as either the full credential or as individual subjects, but in this case, you will need additional level 3 qualifications.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Durham University accepts an IB Diploma that includes three higher level subjects.

• T levels: T-levels count for many programmes, but some courses require additional level 3 qualifications not found within some T levels.

• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: Typically, you need three Advanced Highers, but admissions will consider you with a combination of Advanced Highers and Highers.

Use Durham University's course search tool for specific entry requirements by course.

10. Middlesex University London

The Middlesex University London has four academic faculties, including arts and creative industries; business and law; health, social care, and education; and science and technology. Located in North London, UK, Middlesex University London has a career-focused approach, offering internships, placements, and networking opportunities. The institution teaches skills that directly apply to the workplace. 

Among the accepted A level alternatives include:

• Access to Higher Education Diploma: Middlesex University London requires an Access to HE Diploma applicant to have earned 60 credits total, with 45 at level 3 and 15 at level 2. Additionally, some programmes require levels of Merit or Distinction.

• BTECs: The university accepts the BTEC National Diploma or Extended Diploma, and whilst not required, either can be combined with other qualifications.

• Cambridge Pre-U: Accepts Cambridge Pre-U principle subjects with a minimum of two but a maximum of three (or the equivalent).

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: It accepts full IB Diploma with some courses requiring higher or standard level subjects.

• T levels: The university accepts T-levels with additional science requirements. 

• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: These are enough for the university, but you can include other qualifications as well. The breakdown is at least two Advanced Highers or three Highers. 

Take a look at Middlesex University London's course finder for specific entry requirements by course.

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Many universities in the UK allow for entrance with alternatives to A levels, and by consulting each university's website, you can determine if you meet the requirements for the course you're interested in. 

As you are looking to go to uni, consider the advantages of getting your degree online. Gain in-demand skills with the BSc Computer Science degree from the University of London on Coursera, which provides the fundamentals of computer science. You might also try the BSc Business Administration degree, also from the University of London, on Coursera.