Entry requirements
We look at individual applications and make an offer based on your academic achievements and personal statement. Offers may be subject and grade specific.
For 2012 entry: 300 tariff points, typically from 3 A-levels or equivalent.
For 2013 entry: 300 tariff points, including 100 from one required subject (e.g. B at A-Level). BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM
Required subjects
You will be required to have at least one of the following subjects: Geography, Environmental Science, Biology, History, Chemistry, Applied Science, Physics, Maths, Information Technology, Geology.
GCSEs
A minimum of 5 GCSEs grades A* - C including a Science, Maths and English or equivalent qualifications.
Numeracy and literacy
In order for you to contribute fully to your course and enjoy your learning experience with us, you’ll need to have the right skills to study with us. For that reason, we need to be sure that you can express yourself in written English, have basic numeracy skills, and have an understanding of the subject area. We usually use Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework as a demonstration of these skills. Level 2 includes GCSEs and Key Skills Level 2. If you are a mature candidate who does not have formal qualifications to this level, we may still be able to consider your application – please contact the the askBU Enquiry Service to find out more.
Other qualifications
We have outlined below other qualifications that we consider for this course. If you are studying a qualification that is not listed, please contact the askBU Enquiry Service – it may be that we can still consider it.
Access Courses
Access to HE Diploma (Science) including 21 Level 3 credits with Merit or above (subjects may be specified).
Advanced/Progression Diplomas
The Advanced diploma is broadly equivalent to three and a half A levels and the progression diploma to two and a half A levels. The diplomas are available in just a few subject areas and only some of these are suitable to gain entry onto this course.
This course accepts the following progression diplomas in conjunction with other qualifications:
- Environmental & Land Based Studies
- Information Technology
This course accepts the following advanced diplomas:
- Environmental & Land Based Studies
- Information Technology
In all cases you will need to achieve the required tariff points for this course. If you are taking an advanced diploma then typically you will take an A-level as part of their ASL. If you are taking a progression diploma, you may be required to take additional qualifications to meet the tariff.
To find out more on diplomas, please visit the Directgov Diploma website.
BTEC Qualifications
Extended Diploma
This course requires Distinction, Distinction, Merit from the 18 unit Extended Diploma in a required subject.
Diploma
This course requires at least Distinction, Merit from the 12 unit Diploma, in addition to one A-level in a required subject.
Subsidiary Diploma
This course requires at least a Distinction from the 6 unit Subsidary Diploma, in addition to two A-levels in a required subject.
BU International Foundation Certificate
This course does not accept the BU validated International Foundation Certificate.
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma
We welcome applicants studying the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma or a combination of Pre-U subjects and A-levels.
European Baccalaureate
Applicants are required to achieve a minimum score of 75% overall.
International Baccalaureate (Diploma)
The International Diploma is welcomed as part of the International Baccalaureate. This course requires 31 points from the IB including 5 points from each of the 3 Higher Level subjects.
Please note that BU does not accept the equivalent UCAS tariff points for the IB.
Key Skills (Level 3)
We welcome your application if you are studying at Key Skills Level 3.
Scottish Qualifications
Scottish Advanced Highers, Scottish Highers and other Scottish qualifications are all welcomed providing that your results meet the overall course tariff and include relevant subjects as appropriate.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma is welcomed alongside A-levels or equivalent, to meet the overall course tariff.
