Undergraduate entry qualifications

This page gives information on some of the common qualifications we accept for entry to our undergraduate degrees and international equivalent qualifications.

Our course pages give information on the entry requirements for individual courses. These are given in terms of A level grades and some of the other more common qualifications. We make offers on the basis of actual grades and not on the basis of equivalent UCAS tariff points. We typically expect the equivalent of three full A levels. Some of our courses also have requirements for GCSE subjects.

If you are an international applicant, you can also find a list of international qualifications.

For information on English language requirements, and the English language qualifications that we accept, please see our English language page.

Medicine and Surgery has specific admissions requirements that are detailed on the Lancaster Medical School pages.

The majority of our courses accept the Access to HE Diploma, although this will depend on whether the course you are applying to has any subject requirements, and whether these will be met by the modules you are taking. For more information about our specific requirements with this qualification please contact the Admissions team.

The following table shows the typical grades we require in the Access to HE Diploma, as equivalent to A level grades.

Three A levels	Access to HE Diploma
AAA	45 Level 3 credits at Distinction
AAB	36 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 9 Level 3 credits at Merit
ABB	30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit
BBB	24 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 21 Level 3 credits at Merit
Subject required at A level grade A or B	If the Access to HE Diploma provides a suitable equivalent to an A level subject, we may specify Distinctions in particular units. However, please note that we may not always accept an Access to HE Diploma as a suitable equivalent to A level, in terms of subject content. See individual course pages for further information.

We welcome the Advanced Extension Award (AEA) in Mathematics as adding value to a student’s academic profile. For many courses which typically require an A level in Mathematics, such as our undergraduate degree schemes in Mathematics, we may make a lower offer in recognition of this. In those cases, you would receive two offers: our usual offer plus an offer at one grade lower plus a Merit in the AEA. For example, we may make an offer at AAB, or ABB plus a Merit in the AEA.

We accept the following BTEC Level 3 qualifications for the majority of our degree programmes. Where there is a subject requirement, please refer to the entry requirements listed on the individual course pages for further information.

BTEC National Extended Diploma / BTEC Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels)
BTEC National Diploma / BTEC Diploma (equivalent to 2 A levels)
BTEC National Foundation Diploma / BTEC 90-credit Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A levels)
BTEC National Extended Certificate / BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (equivalent to 1 A level)

The following table shows the typical grades we require for BTEC qualifications, as equivalent to A level grades.

Three A levels	BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTECs equivalent to three A levels)	BTEC Diploma (or combination of BTECs equivalent to two A levels) Plus one A level	BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/BTEC Extended Certificate Plus two A levels
AAA	Distinction, Distinction, Distinction at BTEC	Distinction, Distinction at BTEC A at A level	Distinction at BTEC AA at A level
AAB	Distinction, Distinction, Distinction at BTEC	Distinction, Distinction at BTEC B at A level	Distinction at BTEC AB at A level
ABB	Distinction, Distinction, Merit at BTEC	Distinction, Distinction at BTEC B at A level	Distinction at BTEC BB at A level
BBB	Distinction Distinction Merit at BTEC	Distinction, Merit at BTEC B at A level	Distinction at BTEC BB at A level
Subject required at A level grade A or B	If the BTEC provides a suitable equivalent to an A level subject, we may specify Distinctions in particular units. However, please note that we may not always accept a BTEC as a suitable equivalent to A level, in terms of subject content. See individual course pages for further information.

We accept Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects as equivalent to A levels. Most applicants take one or two subjects in combination with A levels.

The following table shows the typical grades we require for the Cambridge Pre-U, as equivalent to A level grades. There are often a number of ways in which candidates can meet our standard entry requirements, but the following will give an indication of the grades that we accept. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

Three A levels	Three Pre-U Principal Subjects	One A level combined with two Pre-U Principal Subjects	Two A levels combined with one Pre-U Principal Subjects
AAA	D3, D3, M1	A, D3, M1 B, D3, D3	A, A, D3
AAB	D3, M1, M2	A, M1, M1 B, D3, M1	A, A, M2 A, B, D3
ABB	D3, M2, M2	A, M2, M2 B, M1, M1	A, B, M2 B, B, D3
BBB	M2, M2, M2	B, M2, M2	B, B, M2
Required subject at A level grade A	D3 in Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject
Required subject at A level grade B	M2 in Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject

We accept the following Cambridge Technical Level 3 qualifications for most of our degree programmes. However, you will still need to meet our subject requirements. In some cases, we are able to accept a Cambridge Technical qualification as equivalent of a specific subject at A level. However, there are some A level subjects for which there is no equivalent Please visit our course pages for entry criteria specific to each degree course. You may consider the BTEC requirement listed on the course page as a rough indication as to what we would accept in terms of Cambridge Technical qualifications.

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels)
Cambridge Technical Diploma (equivalent to 2 A levels)
Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A levels)
Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma / Extended Certificate (equivalent to 1 A level)

The following table shows the typical grades we require in Cambridge Technical qualifications, as equivalent to A level grades.

Three A levels	Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma (or combination of Cambridge Technicals equivalent to three A levels)	Cambridge Technical Diploma (or combination of Cambridge Technical equivalent to two A levels) Plus one A level	Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma / Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate Plus two A levels
AAA	Distinction, Distinction, Distinction at Cambridge Technical	Distinction, Distinction at Cambridge Technical A at A level	Distinction at Cambridge Technical AA at A level
AAB	Distinction, Distinction, Distinction at Cambridge Technical	Distinction, Distinction at Cambridge Technical B at A level	Distinction at Cambridge Technical AB at A level
ABB	Distinction, Distinction, Merit at Cambridge Technical	Distinction, Distinction at Cambridge Technical B at A level	Distinction at Cambridge Technical BB at A level
BBB	Distinction Distinction Merit at Cambridge Technical	Distinction, Merit at Cambridge Technical B at A level	Distinction at Cambridge Technical BB at A level
Subject required at A level grade A or B	If the Cambridge Technical provides a suitable equivalent to an A level subject, we may specify Distinctions in particular units. However, please note that we may not always accept a Cambridge Technical as a suitable equivalent to A level, in terms of subject content. See individual course pages for further information.

Core Maths qualifications include the AQA Level 3 Certificate Mathematical Studies, OCR Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths (A or B), and the Pearson Level 3 Certificate Mathematics in Context. We welcome these qualifications as adding value to a student's academic profile. For many courses, we may make a lower offer in recognition of this. In those cases, you would receive two offers: our usual offer plus an offer at one grade lower plus grade B in Core Maths as a fourth subject. For example, we may make an offer at AAB, or ABB plus B in Core Maths.

We will also accept Core Maths as meeting the equivalent of a GCSE Mathematics requirement.

We accept the International Baccalaureate Diploma for all courses. See our course pages for further information.

The following table shows the typical grades we require for the International Baccalaureate Diploma, as equivalent to A level grades.

A levels	International Baccalaureate Diploma
AAA	36 points overall, with 16 points from three HL subjects
AAB	35 points overall, with 16 points from three HL subjects
ABB	32 points overall, with 16 points from three HL subjects
BBB	30 points overall, with 15 points from three HL subjects
Individual subject required at A level grade A or B	We typically require an individual subject required at HL with 6. We may sometimes consider 7 at SL, or 5 at HL. See below for our requirements equivalent to A level Mathematics

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)

We accept the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme for the majority of our degree programmes, although this will depend on any subject requirements being met. We are happy to consider applicants on a case-by-case basis, depending on the exact combination of qualifications they are taking as part of the IBCP, but as a guide, we will typically accept IB HL subjects in combination with the BTEC qualifications and other applied general qualifications listed on this page.

International Baccalaureate courses

We recognise that some applicants study IB HL subjects in combination with other qualifications, and not as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme. We are happy to consider such applicants on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Admissions Team for more information.

Mathematics

For any of our degree courses that specify A level in Mathematics as an entry requirement, we will accept either of the HL courses at grade 6 as equivalent. Please note that other subject requirements may apply, and you can find information about these on our individual course pages.

For our Engineering degrees, we will also accept Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL at grade 7 alongside Physics HL at grade 6 or Chemistry HL at grade 6 (for Chemical Engineering).

Where we specify a GCSE Mathematics requirement at B/C or 6/5/4, we will accept any of the IB Diploma Mathematics courses at grade 5 as meeting this requirement.

International qualifications

If you studied at school or college outside of the United Kingdom, please find below details of how we evaluate international qualifications.

The exact grades we require will vary according to the degree scheme, and therefore grades are given as a range.

Please note, in addition to an overall grade in a qualification, certain degree schemes may require a specific grade in one or more individual subjects relevant to the degree.

The information provided below is relevant to 2025 entry and may change for future entry years.

Lancaster University offers international students (non UK) who do not meet the entry requirements the option of completing an International Foundation programme to prepare for degree study.

Country/Region	Details
Antigua and Barbuda	Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Pass with 1, 2 or 3 two-unit subjects at Grade 1, and the rest at Grade 2.
Australia	Senior Secondary Certificate of Education & ATAR/OP Pass Senior Secondary Certificate of Education and achieve 90-98 ATAR cut-off points. For Overall Position bands, please contact the Admissions Office.
Austria	Reifeprüfungszeugnis / Maturazeugnis Pass with an overall average ranging from 2.1 to 1.3.
Barbados	Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Pass with 1, 2 or 3 two-unit subjects at Grade 1, and the rest at Grade 2.
Belgium	Certificat d’Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) Pass with an overall average ranging from 14/20 to 18/20. We also accept the Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs.
Brazil	Certificado de Ensino Médio The Certificado de Ensino Médio is not sufficient for entry; applicants will need to take an additional qualification such as a Foundation Year.
Bulgaria	Diploma za zavrseno sredno obrazovanie Pass with an overall average ranging from 4.8 to 5.8.
Canada	High School or Secondary School Diploma Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories and Yukon: Pass High School Diploma (or equivalent) with an average of 70% - 87% in five grade 12 academic courses. Newfoundland and Labrador: Pass High School Graduation Diploma. Please contact Admissions Office for exact requirements. Nova Scotia and Nunavut: Pass High School Completion Certificate with at least 70% - 87% average in five acceptable subjects at grade 12. Ontario: Pass Secondary School Diploma with at least 70% - 87% average in six grade 12 U or M courses. Prince Edward Island: Pass High School Graduation Diploma. Please contact Admissions Office for exact requirements. Quebec: Pass 2-year college-level diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC) with at least 70% - 87% average. Saskatchewan: Pass Secondary School Diploma with at least 70%-87% average in at least five approved subjects.
China	High School Diploma / NUEE (Gaokao) The High School Diploma and Gaokao are not sufficient for entry; applicants will need to take an additional qualification such as a Foundation Year.
Croatia	Matura Pass with an overall average ranging from 4 to 5.
Cyprus	Apolytirion Pass a Ministry of Education Lyceum Apolytirion with an overall score ranging from 17.5 to 19.5.
Czech Republic	Maturita Pass with an overall average ranging from 2.5 to 1.25.
Denmark	Studentereksamen Pass with an overall average ranging from Grade 8 to Grade 12.
Dominica	Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Pass with 1, 2 or 3 two-unit subjects at Grade 1, and the rest at Grade 2.
Estonia	Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with Riigieksamitunnistus Pass Gumnaasiumi loputunnistus including 3 state exams Riigieksamitunnistus. We consider overall grade of 3.5 including 80% average in 3 state exams to 5.0 including 90% average in 3 state exams. Where degree has a subject entry requirement we require 85-90% in state exam. On discretionary basis we may accept grade 5 in school exam for some subjects.
Finland	Ylioppilastutkintotodistus Pass the Ylioppilastutkintotodistus. The exact requirement will vary depending on the degree scheme. Depending on the degree scheme our requirements range from: an average of Magna cum laude approbatur, to 5 subjects at Laudatur (7) and the rest at Eximia cum laude (6)
France	Baccalauréat Pass the Baccalauréat with an overall grade ranging from 12 to 16, or pass the BFI with an overall grade ranging from 11.5 to 15.5.
Germany	Abitur Pass with an overall grade ranging from 12.0 to 1.3.
Ghana	West African Senior School Certificate Examination The West African Senior School Certificate Examination is not sufficient for entry; applicants must complete an additional qualification such as a Foundation Year.
Greece	Apolytirion We consider Greek Apolytirion with overall grade of 16-18 plus 4 Pan Hellenics exams at grades 15-18. Where degree has a subject entry requirement we require 16-17 in that subject at in Pan Hellenic exam.
Guyana	Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Pass with 1, 2 or 3 two-unit subjects at Grade 1, and the rest at Grade 2.
Hong Kong	Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) You will need to pass the HKDSE, with your best three grades ranging from 444 to 5*55. We will take the best three grades from any combination of the following: elective subjects, extended Mathematics, or English Language.
Hungary	Érettségi We consider Erettsegi with 5 final exams Intermediate or Advanced at Grade 12 overall average grade 3.7 -5. For courses with higher entry requirements, we require minimum 1-2 Advanced level exams as part of the overall 5 exams. Where degree has a subject entry requirement we require 60-70% in Advanced Level exam in that subject.
India	Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (Standard XII) Pass with 70% to 87% average from the best 4 subjects, excluding Hindi and PE.
Iran	Pre-University Certificate or National Entrance Examination (Kunkur) Pass with an overall average ranging from 15 to 19.
Ireland	Irish Leaving Certificate We consider the Irish Leaving Certificate including minimum 6 Highers at grades H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 H4 to H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2. Where degree has a subject entry requirement we require grade H2-H3 in that subject.
Israel	Bagrut Pass with an overall average ranging from 70% to 90% across all units.
Italy	Diploma di esame di Stato We consider Diploma di Esame di Stato/Diploma Maturità with overall average at grades 80-96%. Where degree has a subject entry requirement we require grade 8-9 in that subject.
Jamaica	Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Pass with 1, 2 or 3 two-unit subjects at Grade 1, and the rest at Grade 2.
Kazakhstan	Attestat The Attestat is not sufficient for entry; applicants must complete an additional qualification such as a Foundation Year.
Latvia	Atestāts Pass with an overall average ranging from 7.5 to 9.0, plus 65% to 85% overall in the State Exams.
Lithuania	Brandos Atestatas We consider Brandos Atestas with overall grade of 7.5-9.0 including at least 70% - 90% average in 3 State Exams. Where degree has a subject entry requirement we require 75-80% in that subject in Extended Level State Exam.
Malaysia	Higher School Certificate (STPM) Pass with grades ranging from BBB to A*AA in three STPM subjects.
Malta	Matriculation Certificate Pass with grades BB to AA in 2 Advanced Level subjects and an average of B or A grades from 4 remaining A or I Level subjects.
Moldova	Moldovan Diploma de Baccalaureat The Moldovan Diploma de Baccalaureat is not sufficient for entry; applicants must complete an additional qualification such as a Foundation Year.
Morocco	Moroccan Baccalauréat The Moroccan Baccalauréat is not sufficient for entry; applicants must complete an additional qualification such as a Foundation Year.
Netherlands	Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) Pass with an overall average ranging from 6.5 to 8.5.
New Zealand	University Entrance with National Certificate in Educational Level 3 Achieve University Entrance through National Certificate in Educational Achievement Level 3, with: Three subjects at L3 or above, made up of 14 credits each, in three approved subjects at grades ranging from M to E, 10 credits at L2 or above for Literacy (made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing) and 10 credits at L1 or above for Numeracy.
Nigeria	West African Senior School Certificate Examination The West African Senior School Certificate Examination is not sufficient for entry; applicants must complete an additional qualification such as the Foundation Year at Lancaster University.
Norway	Vitnemål – videregående opplæring Pass with an overall average ranging from 4 to 5.5.
Pakistan	Higher Secondary School Certificate The Higher Secondary School Certificate is not sufficient for entry; applicants must complete an additional qualification such as a Foundation Year.
Poland	Matura We consider Matura with overall grade of 70-90% to include minimum 3 Extended Level subjects. Where degree has a subject entry requirement we require 75-80% in that subject at Extended Level.
Portugal	Diploma/Certificado Nivel Secundario de Educacao (previously Diploma de Ensino Secundario) Pass with an overall average ranging from 15 to 19.
Romania	Diploma de Baccalaureat Pass with an overall grade ranging from 7.5 to 9.3.
Russia	High School Diploma (Attestat) The Attestat is not sufficient for entry; applicants must complete an additional qualification such as a Foundation Year.
Saint Kitts and Nevis	Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Pass with 1, 2 or 3 two-unit subjects at Grade 1, and the rest at Grade 2.
Saint Lucia	Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Pass with 1, 2 or 3 two-unit subjects at Grade 1, and the rest at Grade 2.
Saudi Arabia	Tawjihiyah The Tawjihiyah is not sufficient for entry; applicants must complete an additional qualification such as a Foundation Year.
Singapore	Singapore/Cambridge A-levels Pass at least three H2 A-levels with grades ranging from BBB to AAA.
Slovakia	Maturita Pass with an overall average ranging from 2.5 to 1.1.
Slovenia	Spričevalo o splošni maturi (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) Pass with an average ranging from Grade 4.0 to Grade 5.
South Africa	South African National Senior Certificate Pass with an overall average ranging from 5.5 to 7.0 in six subjects excluding life orientation.
South Korea	Ilbankye Kodung Hakkyo (General High School Diploma) The General High School Diploma is not sufficient for entry; applicants must complete an additional qualification such as a Foundation Year.
Spain	Título de Bachiller Pass with an overall average ranging from 7.5/10 to 9.3/10 (excluding the PAU).
Sri Lanka	Sri Lanka Advanced Level Pass with grades ranging from BBB to AAA.
Sweden	Avgångsbetyg / Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskola (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate) Pass with grades ranging from A - C in all final year subjects.
Switzerland	Certificat de maturité / Attestato di maturità / Maturitätszeugnis Pass with an overall average ranging from 4 to 5.7.
Thailand	Mathayom Suksa 6 (M6) The M6 is not sufficient for entry; applicants must complete an additional qualification such as a Foundation Year.
Trinidad and Tobago	Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Pass with 1, 2 or 3 two-unit subjects at Grade 1, and the rest at Grade 2.
Turkey	Lise Bitirme Diplomasi Pass with GPA 3.6 to GPA 5.0, accepted from selected schools only. Please contact Admissions Office for advice.
Uganda	Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education Pass with grades ranging from BBB to AAA.
Ukraine	Atestat pro Povnu Zagal’nu Sersdniu Osvitu The Atestat is not sufficient for entry; applicants must complete an additional qualification such as a Foundation Year.
United States of America	Typical offers are based on: High School Graduation Diploma plus APs or Associate Degree HSGD - Complete High School Graduation Diploma with GPA 3.2 to 3.4 depending on the course Plus three APs with scores of 5,4,4 to 5,5,5 depending on the course* OR Associate Degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.2 depending on the course Some programmes will consider other applicants substituting honors/college-level classes in place of AP scores on a case by case basis. Detailed information for applicants from the USA

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Old scale England Current scale Wales IGCSE	Current scale England	Current scale Northern Ireland
Grade A	Grade 7	Grade A
Grade B	Grade 5 or 6, depending on the context	Grade C* or B, depending on the context (where we specify "B or 5", we would accept C*)
Grade C	Grade 4	Grade C

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Undergraduate entry qualifications

Qualifications that we accept accordion

International qualifications

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Three A levels	Scottish Highers
AAA	AAABB
AAB	ABBBB
ABB	BBBBB
BBB	BBBCC
Required subject at A level grade A	We typically require Advanced Higher grade A, but we may accept a Higher in some cases
Required subject at A level grade B	We typically require Advanced Higher grade B, but we may accept a Higher in some cases

Three A levels		T level
AAA		Distinction overall
AAB		Distinction overall
ABB		Distinction overall
BBB		Merit overall
Subject required at A level grade A or B		Assessed case-by-case

Undergraduate entry qualifications

Qualifications that we accept accordion

A levels

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Advanced Extension Award in Mathematics

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

BTEC qualifications

Cambridge Pre-U principal subjects

Cambridge Technical qualifications

Core Maths

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

T levels

WJEC Applied Diploma

Vocational and professional qualifications (e.g. NVQ and City + Guilds)

GCSE

International qualifications

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