General entry requirements
These are our general entry requirements. Some subjects have additional course-specific requirements, so please check the individual course information too.
| Programme | You would need |
|---|---|
| Four A Levels | At least five GCSEs, including English Language and Mathematics, at grades 8-9 in qualifying subjects. Vocational (BTEC/OCR) equivalence is not accepted. Individual course entry requirements also apply. |
| Three A Levels One GCSE or minor course can be added (optional) Two A Levels plus one Level 3 Extended Certificate or Introductory Diploma One GCSE or minor course can be added (optional) | At least five GCSEs, including English Language, at grades 4-9 and a minimum average grade of 4.4. Four of the GCSEs must be in qualifying subjects. Vocational (BTEC/OCR) equivalence is not accepted. Individual course entry requirements also apply. |
| Level 3 Diploma plus one A Level Two Level 3 Extended Certificates or Introductory Diploma plus one A Level | At least five GCSEs, including English Language, at grades 4-9, with a minimum average grade of 4.4. Two of the GCSEs must be in qualifying subjects. Level 2 BTEC or OCR qualifications at Merit (4) or Distinction (5) may be accepted as up to two GCSEs each. Individual course entry requirements also apply. |
| Level 3 Extended Diploma Level 3 Diploma plus one Extended Certificate or Introductory Diploma Three Level 3 Extended Certificates or Introductory Diplomas | At least five GCSEs, including English Language or Mathematics, at grades 4-9. Two of the GCSEs must be in qualifying subjects. Level 2 BTEC or OCR qualifications at Merit (4) or Distinction (5) may be accepted as up to two GCSEs each. Individual course entry requirements also apply. |
| Level 3 Diploma plus two GCSEs or other Level 2 Course(s) | At least four GCSEs at grades 4-9, three of which must be in qualifying subjects. Level 2 BTEC or OCR qualifications at Merit (4) or Distinction (5) may be accepted as up to two GCSEs each. Individual course entry requirements also apply. |
| Level 2 Certificate plus GCSEs or other Level 2 courses | At least three GCSEs at grade 3 and one GCSE at grade 2, including English Language. Level 2 BTEC or OCR qualifications at Pass (3) may be accepted as up to two GCSEs each. Individual course entry requirements also apply. |
What can you study?
A Levels
Our A Levels give you the opportunity to study subjects in greater depth and develop the knowledge and skills needed for your next step.
To study three A Levels, or a mix of A Levels and vocational subjects, you must meet the College’s general entry requirements. You must also meet any additional minimum entry requirements for your chosen subjects, shown in the table below.
| A level subject | GCSE Maths | GCSE English Language | Other requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting | 6 | 4 | GPA of 5.4 |
| Art + Design | 4 | Grade 4 in GCSE Art | |
| Biology1 | 6 | 4 | Grade 66 in GCSE Science and GPA of 5.6 |
| Business | 4 | 4 | |
| Chemistry1 | 6 | 4 | Grade 66 in GCSE Science and GPA of 5.6 |
| Computer Science | 6 | 4 | GPA of 5.4 |
| Drama + Theatre Studies | 4 | Audition required | |
| Economics | 4 | 4 | |
| English Language | 4 | ||
| English language + Literature | 4 | ||
| English Literature | 4 | ||
| Film Studies | 4 | ||
| French | 4 | Grade 5 in GCSE French | |
| Further Mathematics | 8 | 4 | Only as a fourth subject and GPA of 7.6 |
| Geography | 4 | 4 | Grade 44 in GCSE Science |
| History | 4 | ||
| Law | 4 | ||
| Mathematics | 7 | 4 | GPA of 5.4 |
| Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) | 4 | 4 | |
| Media studies | 4 | ||
| Music | 4 | Grade 4 in GCSE Music2 and interview | |
| Philosophy | 4 | 4 | |
| Photography | 4 | Grade 4 in GCSE Art3 or portfolio4 | |
| Physical Education | 4 | 4 | Grade 44 in GCSE Science and trial required |
| Physics1 | 6 | 4 | Grade 66 in GCSE Science and GPA of 5.6 |
| Politics | 4 | ||
| Psychology1 | 5 | 4 | Grade 44 in GCSE Science and GPA of 5.0 |
| Religious Studies | 4 | ||
| Sociology | 4 | ||
| Spanish | 4 | Grade 5 in GCSE Spanish |
Notes:
1. Students choosing Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology without A Level Mathematics should also study Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) as part of their programme.
2. GCSE Music grade 4 is required, or equivalent musical experience. Students must have, or be working towards, Grade 5 Music Theory, plus the ability to play or sing from standard stave notation to Grade 4.
3. GCSE Art grade 4 can be replaced by GCSE Photography or Media Studies at grade 4.
4. Students without a relevant GCSE Photography can produce a portfolio for assessment.
Level 3 vocational subjects
Level 3 vocational courses are a great option if you prefer practical, applied learning alongside developing the knowledge and skills needed for your next step. Depending on the subject, you can study a qualification equivalent to one to two A Levels.
The table below shows the additional requirements for each course. Please check both the general entry requirements and the subject-specific requirements before applying.
| Vocational subject (Level 3) | A Level equivalence | GCSE Maths | GCSE English Language | Other requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Design Introductory Diploma | 1 | 3 | 3 | GCSE grade 4 in Art or DT1 OR Merit in BTEC L2 Art & Design |
| Acting National Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts Practice | 1.5 | 3 | Audition required | |
| Applied Human Biology Extended Certificate | 1 | 4 | 3 | Grade 4 in GCSE Science OR Merit in BTEC/OCR L2 Science |
| Applied Law Extended Certificate | 1 | 3 | ||
| Applied Science Extended Certificate | 1 | 4 | 3 | Grade 4 in GCSE Science OR Merit in BTEC/OCR L2 Science |
| Art & Design Diploma | 2 | 3 | Grade 4 in GCSE Art OR Merit in BTEC L2 Art + Design | |
| Biomedical Science Diploma | 2 | 4 | 3 | Grade 44 in GCSE Science OR Merit in BTEC/OCR L2 Science |
| Business National Diploma | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| Dance National Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts Practice | 1.5 | 3 | Audition required | |
| Early Years and Education V Level | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| Enterprise Extended Certificate | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| Events Management Extended Certificate | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| Fashion Design Introductory Diploma | 1 | 3 | GCSE grade 4 in Art2 OR Merit in BTEC L2 Art & Design | |
| Graphic Design Introductory Diploma | 1 | 3 | GCSE grade 4 in Art2 OR Merit in BTEC L2 Art & Design | |
| Health & Social Care Diploma | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| Health & Social Care Extended Certificate | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| ICT & Cyber Diploma | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| Marketing Extended Certificate | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| Media (Film and TV) Diploma | 2 | 3 | ||
| Media (Journalism) Foundation Diploma | 1.5 | 4 | ||
| Music Performance Extended Certificate | 1 | 3 | Audition required | |
| Music Technology foundation Diploma | 1.5 | |||
| Musical Theatre (Performance) Extended Certificate | 1 | 3 | Audition required | |
| Sound for Film and Podcasting Foundation Diploma | 1.5 | 3 | ||
| Sport National Diploma | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| Sport National Extended Certificate | 1 | 3 | 3 | |
| Travel & Tourism Diploma | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| Travel & Tourism Subsidiary Diploma | 1 | 3 | 3 |
Notes:
1. Design & Technology (Resistant Materials) or (Graphic Products)
2. Art or Art (Graphics)
Level 2 progression to Level 3 study programme
Students returning to the college after completing a Level 2 study programme will need to meet the following criteria:
- Achieve a MP in their L2 certificate course
- Attendance must be over 80%
- Disciplinary must be at or below L2 stage
This will ensure students prepare themselves for the challenges of a Level 3 study programme.
Please note, our course provision and entry requirements may be subject to change. Any such changes will be published on this website.