All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.
| UK entry requirements |
| A level |
BBB
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
|
| IB score |
30 |
| International entry requirements |
| IB score |
30 |
| IELTS |
5.5 (with no less than 5.0 in any element) |
| High school qualifications |
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country |
| A level |
BBB |
English language requirements
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period
where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying
full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time
courses. The Standard Visitor visa
route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and
Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
Alternative qualifications
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- Access to HE Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- BTEC HND/HNC
- BTEC Extended Diploma
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
Contextual offers
We recognise the potential of talented students from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement at school or college. These offers are usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
Students with other qualifications including IB and international qualifications with a strong science element will be considered on an individual basis.
Those interested in progressing on to Pharmacy and Dietetics courses are required to also pass an interview.
A levels
BBB for students who have studied subjects which do not allow direct entry to a degree programme.
Additional A level requirements
If you have studied subjects which would allow direct entry to a degree programme, your application will only be considered if your predicted grades are below those needed for direct entry on to the degree you would like to study AND you are eligible for the university’s elite athletes programme.
Students who meet this criterion will be required to achieve grades BBC in their A Level subjects.
GCSEs
Five GCSEs at 5 (B) or above, including maths, biology and chemistry (or double science; core and applied science; science and additional science). Plus English language 4 (C) or above.
Additional GCSE requirements
GCSE requirements vary for progression on to specific science degrees taught at Nottingham:
- Psychology and Pharmacy require 5 (B) in English
Mature Students
While mature students are encouraged to apply, we ask for evidence of recent study of a scientific subject.
Foundation progression options
Those who only meet the minimum IELTS requirement will be required to undertake the additional 20 credit English Language module AND will be expected to achieve 55% to 65% in each module.
We expect students to have an idea of the course they would like to progress on to before starting, however there is room to change your goal once here.
- Biology, Biochemistry, and Neuroscience Courses (Including Genetics and Zoology)
- Sport and Exercise Science
- Biosciences Degrees
- Chemistry Degrees (excluding physical chemistry courses)
- Medical Physiology and Therapeutics
- Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Pharmacology
- Psychology
- Cancer Sciences
- Natural Sciences
A full list of course pass requirements can be found here.
Mature Students
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.