How to Enrol Onto a Degree Programme Without A-Levels

Looking to study a degree? There are many routes into higher education through qualifications such as T Levels, BTECs and Access to HE Diplomas.

You can enrol onto a degree programme without A-Levels using alternative qualifications such as T Levels, BTECs, an Access to Higher Education Diploma or a Foundation Degree, or even relevant work experience.

Many providers also consider UCAS points from a wide range of qualifications. These options provide a genuine pathway to higher education, helping you meet the entry requirements for degree courses.

Read on to find out which pathways are available to you if you want to study a degree.

Get into higher education based on work experience or an interview

If you have worked in a particular industry, you may find that some degree courses will offer you a place based on an interview or your employment experience, as an alternative entry route.

This means that if you hold qualifications that are not directly applicable to the course you want to take, but have relevant subject knowledge and experience from working in that sector, you could still gain entry using those skills. At UCEN Manchester, mature applicants aged 21 or over who can demonstrate relevant skills or knowledge gained through employment or vocational activity are considered on this basis and may be invited to interview.

Interviews are not something to fear. In higher education, they are used to assess your skills, knowledge and experience within a relevant subject or sector. They also give you the chance to make sure the course you have applied for is right for you, while seeing whether 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.

Can you study a degree without A-Levels?

Yes, you can. A-Levels are not the only way to build up UCAS points: all Level 3 or above qualifications carry equivalent UCAS Tariff points. These qualifications may include:

• T Level
• BTEC
• Access to HE Diploma
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Scottish Highers
• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
• NVQ
• AAT
• Certificate of HE
• Foundation Degree
• HNC
• HND

T Levels are one of the newest additions to this list. Introduced as a technical alternative to A-Levels, they are now included on the UCAS Tariff. They are broadly equivalent in size to three A-Levels and are increasingly accepted by higher education providers.

Essentially, the course you want to apply for might set either a grade-based entry requirement, such as specific A-Level or BTEC grades, or a UCAS points threshold.

Where a course uses UCAS points, you can use alternative qualifications to build up the points you need to meet the entry requirement. It is always worth checking the exact requirements of your chosen course, since not every qualification is accepted on every course.

Using a Foundation Degree to study without A-Levels

A Foundation Degree is a higher education qualification that combines academic study with workplace learning. Typically taking two years to complete full-time, it is equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor's degree and can lead directly into a full Honours degree through a top-up year.

Students might choose a Foundation Degree over an Access to Higher Education course because it offers a more specialised, vocational route, often linked to a specific industry or career path.

Although it is an A-Level alternative route into higher education, you will usually still need some Level 3 qualifications and UCAS points for entry.

These may include BTECs, T Levels, NVQs or other vocational qualifications from the list above. Foundation Degrees are also a great option if you do not meet your expected grades for your chosen degree course.

How an Access to HE Diploma can help you study without A-Levels

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 accepted by higher education providers nationwide.

It is specifically designed to support students aged 19 and over back into study, helping them progress towards a degree and build the career they want. An Access to HE course typically takes a year to complete full-time. Course tutors support you every step of the way, guiding you through choosing your degree course and the application process.

The results speak for themselves. At UCEN Manchester, 97% of students progress onto degree-level study upon completion of their Access to HE Diploma (UCAS Data 2024), and 90% of Access to Higher Education graduates nationally are employed or in further study six months after graduation.

What are the advantages of an Access to HE Diploma?

Higher education progression opportunities

The primary advantage of the Access to HE Diploma is that it opens up opportunities for people who do not have traditional qualifications, such as A-Levels, to pursue higher education. It serves as a bridge to degree-level courses, increasing your chances of gaining entry to the course you want.

Broad subject choices

The diploma offers a wide range of subjects to choose from, including:

• Business
• Nursing and Midwifery
• Computing and Digital Technology
• Engineering
• Combined and Medical Science

This allows you to select a course that aligns with your interests and career aspirations, whichever field you are aiming for.

Nationally recognised qualification

The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised, accredited qualification. This means that higher education providers accept it as an entry qualification, giving it real credibility and value.

Mature student-friendly

The diploma is particularly well suited to mature students who have been out of formal education for some time. It takes into account your life experience and prior learning, making the transition back into education smoother.

Focused and intensive learning

Access to HE courses are usually condensed and intensive, typically lasting just one academic year. This allows you to quickly build the knowledge and skills you need for your chosen field of study.

Supportive environment

Access courses are designed to provide significant support to learners. Tutors are on hand to help those who need additional support to achieve their potential. This helps you build confidence and develop the study skills you will rely on throughout your degree. Our student support team is also on hand throughout your course.

Ready to get into higher education without A-Levels?

If you are eager to pursue higher education but do not have A-Levels, you have real, proven alternative options. Many students face this exact situation, and an Access to Higher Education course can be your route in.

Designed for learners returning to education or taking a different route into higher education, these courses equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed at degree level. They are recognised by higher education providers across the country and open the door to a wide variety of degree programmes.

Take the first step towards your academic goals and explore our Access to HE courses today to unlock your potential.