Do you have a dream of going to university but don’t have A-Levels?
You can enrol onto a degree programme without A-Levels by using alternative qualifications such as BTECs, Access to Higher Education courses, and Foundation Degrees - or even work experience!
Many universities also consider UCAS points from various qualifications. These options provide a pathway to higher education, allowing you to meet the entry requirements for degree courses.
Read on to find out which pathways are available to you if you want to get into university.
If you’ve worked in a particular industry, you may find that some degrees will offer you a place based on an interview or employment experience as an alternative entry route.
This means that if you hold qualifications that aren’t directly applicable to the course you want to take but have subject knowledge and experience from working in a relevant sector, you could gain entry using these skills.
While interviews may seem daunting, they aren’t to be feared. In Higher Education (HE), they’re used to assess your skills, knowledge, and experience within a relevant subject or sector.
They allow you to make sure that the course you’ve applied for is right for you, while also providing an opportunity to see if you think a particular provider feels like a good fit.
If you need a hand navigating entry requirements, our student support team is always available to help. If you want to study a degree, explore our degree courses and subjects to find one that suits you.
Yes, you can!
A Levels aren’t the only way to get UCAS points: all Level 3 or above qualifications give you equivalent UCAS points. These qualifications may include:
Essentially, the course you want to apply for might have either a grade entry requirement for you A-Levels or BTEC qualifications, or it might also have a UCAS points entry requirement. You can use alternative means to rack up UCAS points and meet the entry requirement!
A Foundation Degree is a higher education qualification that combines academic study with workplace learning. Typically taking two years to complete full-time, it’s equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor's degree.
Students might choose a Foundation Degree over an Access to Higher Education course because it offers a more specialised and vocational route, often linked to specific industries or career paths.
Although it's an A-level alternative route to university, you still need some Level 3 qualifications and UCAS points for entry. These may include BTECs, NVQs, or other vocational qualifications mentioned above.
Foundation degrees are also great if you don’t meet your expected grades for your chosen university course!
An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification. Like A-Levels, the Access to HE Diploma is a full Level 3 qualification that’s accepted by universities nationwide.
They’re specifically designed to support students aged 19+ back to study, to support their progression to university and to help them secure the career of their dreams.
An Access to HE course is typically a year long. The course tutors can help you through every step of the way, so you can be guided through choosing your university course and the university application process.
The primary advantage of the Access to HE Diploma is that it opens opportunities for individuals who may not have traditional qualifications, such as A-levels, to pursue higher education.
It serves as a bridge to access university-level courses, increasing the chances of gaining entry to a degree program.
The diploma offers a wide range of subjects to choose from, including:
This allows learners to select a course that aligns with their interests and career aspirations.
The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised and accredited qualification. This means that universities and higher education institutions accept it as an entry qualification, giving it credibility and value.
The diploma is particularly well-suited for mature students who’ve been out of formal education for some time. It takes into account the life experiences and prior learning of the individual, making the transition back into education smoother.
Access to HE courses are usually condensed and intense, lasting just one academic year. This allows learners to quickly gain the required knowledge and skills for their chosen field of study.
Access courses are designed to provide significant support to learners. Tutors are equipped to assist those who may need additional help to achieve their potential, helping to build confidence and develop necessary study skills.
If you’re eager to pursue higher education but lack A-Levels, don’t worry – you have alternative options. Many students face this challenge, but an Access to Higher Education course can be your solution.
Designed for those without traditional qualifications, these courses equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed at university. They’re recognised by universities and provide a pathway to a variety of degree programmes.
Take the first step towards your academic goals and explore our Access to HE courses today to unlock your potential.