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: 320 tariff points, from 3 A-levels, to include 100 from one relevant A-level (e.g. B) or equivalent qualifications. BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM
Relevant subjects
Art & Design, IT, Design & Technology, Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, Physics, Maths
Excluded subjects
General Studies is not normally accepted by BU as one of your A or AS levels. The grade achieved for Critical Thinking however, may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has marginally failed to meet the conditions of their offer.
GCSEs
A minimum of 4 GCSEs grades A* - C including 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 ofthe 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 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 to HE
BU welcomes Access to HE applicants. This course requires Access to HE normally with 24 Level 3 credits achieved at Merit, and 12 Level 3 credits achieved at Distinction.
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:
- Engineering (with 100 points in an additional A Level or equivalent in Physics, Computing, Maths or Electronics)
This course accepts the following advanced diplomas:
- Engineering acceptable on its own (ASL needs to be A Level or equivalent in Physics, Computing, Maths or Electronics)
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 aprograssion diploma, you may be required to take additional qualifications to meet the tariff.
For more information about diplomas visit www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas
BTEC Qualifications
Extended Diploma
For 2012 entry this course requires a Distinction, Merit, Merit from the 18 unit Extended Diploma.
For 2013 entry this course requires a Distinction, Distinction, Merit from the 18 unit Extended Diploma.
Diploma
For 2012 and 2013 entry this course requires at least a Distinction, Distinction from the 12 unit Diploma in addition to an A-level or equivalent to achieve the overall tariff.
Subsidiary Diploma
For 2012 entry this course requires at least a Distinction or Merit in addition to two A-levels or equivalent in relevant subjects to achieve the overall tariff.
For 2013 entry this course requires at least a Distinction in addition to two A-levels or equivalent in relevant subjects to achieve the overall tariff.
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. International Baccalaureate (IB) 32 points (including 5 points from each of the 3 Higher Level subjects)
We do 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.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma is welcomed alongside A-levels or equivalent, to meet the overall course tariff.
