Entry requirements

For all learners joining Entry Level study programmes, there are no formal entry requirements, however, you will have a one-to-one interview to discuss your personal learning needs. You will also be required to study English and Maths at an appropriate level to suit your ability.

You must hold four GCSEs at grade 2 or equivalent (or above), preferably including Maths and English. If you do not have a GCSE grade 4 in Maths and/or English, you’ll continue studying these subjects alongside your chosen course(s). At the end of the year, you are expected to have completed and achieved all the components of your Level 1 study programme and improved your Maths and English skills (where applicable) before progressing on to your next course.

All entrants must hold four GCSEs at grade 3 or equivalent (or above), preferably including GCSE Maths and English. If you do not have a GCSE grade 4 in Maths and/or English you will continue studying these subjects alongside your chosen course(s). At the end of the year, you are expected to have completed and achieved all the components of your Level 2 study programme and improved your Maths and English skills before progressing to your next level course.

To be accepted onto a Level 3 programme, you must hold at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including GCSE Maths and English Language. Certain subjects require higher grade profiles; these are detailed on the relevant course page of the website. We suggest that those wishing to progress on to careers in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine, should have the majority of their GCSE grades at grade 7. Those wishing to progress on to other careers through graduating from high level institutions such as Russell Group universities (including Oxford and Cambridge) should also have the majority of GCSE grades at Grade 7.

Every Higher Education (HE) course will have its own specific entry requirements – please take a look at your chosen course for more details. All applicants will require an interview.

North Devon College has a long tradition of admitting students who are returning to study. We welcome the admission of non-traditional learners to the HE community and the diverse range of skills and experiences that you bring with you. We do not set an upper age limit.

Whilst the majority of degree programmes require 56 UCAS points, other skills and training may be taken into account such as relevant employment experience. If you are not sure if you have the qualifications required, please contact the Advice & Guidance Centre.

For an explanation of UCAS tariff points, please take a look at the UCAS website.

If you are a mature applicant who has completed some qualifications and can show the right level of skill or if you have not studied A-levels but possess a wealth of experience in your chosen field, you may benefit from studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma. Access to HE is for learners who wish to take a university-level course but lack the normal entrance requirements. The courses are recognised by universities and other HE institutions as an alternative to standard A-level entry. The courses provide a broad programme of study that includes core modules and more specialist modules that will enable you to progress.