Entry requirements
We look at individual applications and make an offer based on your academic achievements and personal statement.
For 2012 entry: 300 tariff points from 3 A-levels or equivalent.
For 2013 entry: 300 tariff points, from 3 A-levels, to include 100 from one A-level (e.g. B) or equivalent qualifications. BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM
Relevant subjects
Politics, History, English, Communication, Media Studies
Excluded subjects
This course does not accept A-level General Studies
GCSEs
This course requires a minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent at grades A* to C, including Maths and English.
Numeracy and literacy
In order for you to contribute fully to your course and enjoy your learning experience, 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
BU welcomes Access to HE Diploma applicants. This course requires applicants to obtain, 21 Level 3 credits with Merit or above including 12 distinctions.
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 Advanced Diplomas and Progression Diplomas in conjunction with other qualifications:
This course accepts the following advanced diplomas:
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 your ASL. If you are taking a progression diploma, you may be required to take additional qualifications to meet the tariff points.
To find out more on diplomas please visit Directgov website.
BTEC Qualifications
Extended Diploma
This course requires Distinction, Distinction, Merit from the 18 unit extended diploma.
Diploma
This course requires a Distinction, Merit from the 12 unit diploma in addition to an A-level Grade B in a relevant subject.
Subsidiary Diploma
This course requires a Distinction or a Merit from the 6 unit qualification in addition to two A-levels in relevant subjects to achieve the overall tariff.
BU International Foundation Certificate
This course accepts 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%.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
The International Diploma is welcomed as part of the International Baccalaureate. This course requires 31 points including 5 points from each of the 3 Higher Level subjects.
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.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma is welcomed alongside A-levels or equivalent, to meet the overall course tariff.
