7 Universities with Low Entry Requirements

Each university in the UK sets its own entry requirements. Different universities stipulate different types of qualifications, specific subjects, and certain grades, or they may work on UCAS tariff points. With this in mind, some universities are very competitive for entry, while others offer comparatively easy entry requirements, making them more accessible if your grades are low. 

Whether you’re expecting less-than-stellar grades, left school or university with no A levels, or have taken your exams and received marks lower than anticipated, many universities are still open to applicants with lower grades for several course options. 

Explore seven universities with the lowest entry criteria and learn tips on choosing a university that suits you. 

How are entry requirements defined?

Universities typically define their entry criteria using UCAS tariff points, which are points given for the courses you take and the grades you receive, which helps to achieve some uniformity. Keep in mind that grades depend primarily on the course you take. For example, if you choose A levels, you receive a grade of A* to E, but if you take a BTEC instead of A levels, qualifications are graded differently.

What is considered a low grade?

If you take A levels, E is the lowest passing grade and carries 16 UCAS points. Meanwhile, A* is your highest grade and carries 56 UCAS points. Universities usually make offers based on UCAS points, but what they seek varies. 

For example, the average entry point is 112 UCAS points, which equates to two Bs and a C at the A level. However, some universities accept candidates with lower UCAS points, and some don’t use them in their selection process. 

Universities with low entry requirements

While most universities accept applicants with 112 UCAS points, some allow entry with fewer points, and some universities ask for specific courses and grades instead of points, or they base applications on other factors. It also depends on the course you wish to take. Competition for popular classes can be steeper with higher entry requirements based on the number of spaces available. 

Below, you’ll find seven universities with comparatively easy entry requirements. Note that entry requirements vary from course to course so the lowest requirements may apply only to certain courses. In addition, you’ll find several universities offering courses for 112 UCAS points.

1. London Metropolitan University

London Metropolitan University offers many courses with lower-than-average entry requirements. These include: 

• BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance (96–99 UCAS points)

• BSc Architectural Technology (96 UCAS points)

• BA (Hons) Advertising, Marketing, Communications and Public Relations (96–99 UCAS points)

Even lower than this, at London Metropolitan University, you can study three courses, including a BA (Hons) Art and Design, BA (Hons) Architecture, or BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, all with a foundation year included, with only 32 UCAS points. 

2. Roehampton University

Roehampton University, based in London, offers a range of degree courses with a low-grade entry point. Several degree courses are accessible with just 64 points, including:

• BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with foundation year 

• BSc (Hons) Accounting with foundation year 

• BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology with foundation year 

If you’d prefer not to do a foundation year, these courses have a 112 UCAS point requirement.

3. Bishop Grosseteste University 

At Bishop Grosseteste University, you can study various bachelor’s degree courses with entry requirements ranging from 96 to 112 UCAS points. These include:

• BA (Hons) Business 

• BA (Hons) English Language and Teaching 

• BA (Hons) Education Studies and TESOL

4. Buckinghamshire New University

Buckinghamshire New University has several campuses outside of London and offers some courses with low entry requirements. These include several bachelor’s degrees available for 88 to 112 UCAS points, such as the following: 

• BA (Hons) 3D Game Art 

• BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen

You can also take these with a foundation year for 32 to 56 UCAS points. 

5. University of Bedfordshire

The University of Bedfordshire delivers courses to students from across the world. Course requirements are only low for select courses here, but you can access a bachelor’s degree in several subjects with 96 UCAS points. These include: 

• BSc (Hons) in Business Management 

• BSc (Hons) in Clinical Exercise Therapy 

• BSc (Hons) Computer Networking 

6. Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University has campuses across the country. Several courses grant entry with 96 UCAS points through a minimum of two A levels, including: 

• BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance 

• BSc (Hons) Business Management 

• BA (Hons) Writing and English Literature 

7. The University of Wolverhampton 

The University of Wolverhampton offers bachelor’s degrees with a minimum of 96 UCAS points. Courses include: 

• BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation 

• BSc (Hons) Building Surveying 

You can also study these courses with a sandwich placement, taking time off from your degree to work in your chosen field.

What is contextual admissions?

If you’re not expecting high grades, another option could be contextual admissions, wherein universities reduce grade requirements based on your challenges. You may be eligible if your low grades were due to a temporary situation or disadvantage. For example, if you qualify due to socioeconomic status, family background, or a low level of school education opportunities that contributed to your grades, you may receive a contextual offer, which is usually a grade lower than the standard university offer.

How to choose a university that’s right for you

Finding a university that offers courses with achievable entry results is essential, but it’s only one factor on which to base your search. Choose a university that will provide an enjoyable and productive experience by considering the following:

• University location: Do you want to study in a city or somewhere more rural? Think about the environment that suits you best and the lifestyle you want to live at university. The distance between your hometown and university may also be a factor. 

• University size: The university's size may be a factor for you. Some may find large universities overwhelming, while others might enjoy the social side.

• University ranking: Universities gain a ranking based on a range of factors. It’s essential to look at how each university ranks to make sure you have chosen a reputable one. Even with low entry requirements, a university can still rank well. Note that rankings can be for individual departments, so checking that and an overall ranking is important. 

Get started with Coursera.

Choosing a university course is a significant decision. Having lower-than-anticipated marks will allow you to pursue higher education. Not only do you have options amongst universities with low entry requirements, but you might also consider an online degree course when looking for a university that suits you. Online degrees allow you to study on a flexible schedule from home. For example, you could get a BSc in Computer Science from the University of London on Coursera. Alternatively, you can enhance your CV with programmes like Google’s Data Analytics Professional Certificate, one of many options on the Coursera platform.