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Qualifications accepted by Cardiff University

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our undergraduate courses.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales/Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate

Cardiff University accepts the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate for admission to all of its undergraduate degree programmes as equivalent to one A-Level at the same grade, and will accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in the same way from 2023.

If you are studying either qualification in combination with three A-levels, any offer you are made for entry will be flexible, allowing you to satisfy the grades required either from the Baccalaureate and two specified A-levels or grade requirements for three A-levels. Any subject-specific requirements will also be stipulated in the offer.

Cambridge Pre-U

The University welcomes applications from candidates offering the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma qualification and will formulate its offers on an equivalent basis with existing level 3 qualifications. The University will also accept Pre-U Principal Subjects in lieu of GCE A-level subjects excluding Global Perspectives and Independent Research.

Key Skills

We warmly welcome evidence of competence in Key Skills and wish to encourage applicants to highlight any such skills in their application. However, for the majority of degree programmes, we do not include success in the Key Skills qualification in our formal entry requirements. If in any doubt, please contact the relevant Admissions Tutor for more specific guidance.

Vocational A-levels

To conform with the normal entry profile of study in Cardiff University, Vocational A-levels will be required, or an alternative acceptable route admission may be by two Vocational A-levels with a further A-level. The acceptability of the units taken in the Vocational A-level and the standard required for entry will vary according to the programme area.

Extended/International Project Qualifications (EPQ/IPQ)

We look to support applicants who are taking the EPQ/IPQ qualification by recognising an A in the EPQ/IPQ qualification to lower the entry requirements by a single grade for all programmes bar Medicine and Dentistry.

For example AAB offers for an applicant taking the EPQ/IPQ would be changed to “AAB from 3 A levels or ABB from 3 A levels and a grade A in the EPQ/IPQ.

Test Of Mathematics

We welcome applications from students offering the Test of Mathematics for University Admission for admission to the our undergraduate Mathematics programmes.

If you achieve 6.5 or above in the test, then you may be eligible for an offer on an undergraduate Mathematics programme without A-level Mathematics, provided that this is combined with suitable grades in other subjects at Level 3.

Mathematics and Numeracy (GCSE)

We accept both GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Mathematics (Numeracy) on an equal when considering applications where GCSE Mathematics is a requirement for entry, unless otherwise stated in the programme specific entry requirements.

Access to HE

We welcome applications from candidates offering the Access to HE qualification on most courses (subject requirements may apply). Applicants should include all of their educational history on their application and supply a personal statement which includes their motivation for taking an Access course. Applicants interested in Engineering or Optometry should apply to the version of the course that includes a preliminary or foundation year. The Access course is not acceptable for entry to the MBBCh or Dentistry.