UK qualification reform
Qualifications in the UK are currently undergoing significant changes.
This will lead to changes in the school curriculums and, as a result, some of our entry requirements for entry are being amended.
However, we will work to ensure that no applicants are disadvantaged as a result of the changes and we remain committed to admitting students who are most able to benefit from a Cardiff University education, regardless of background.
Schools and colleges
All schools and colleges are encouraged to include information in the UCAS application reference explaining the qualification provision available to their students.
We are aware of the changes to vocational qualifications and will consider applications from candidates taking both the unreformed and reformed qualifications.
Cardiff University is supportive of the T Level qualifications. Please see individual programme entry requirements for details on acceptance criteria.
From 2017, GCSEs in England will be graded numerically on a scale of 1-9 with 9 being the highest level of achievement. Please refer to the below table for our position in term of equivalents.
| GCSE grading structure Wales | GCSE grading structure England | GCSE grading structure Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 9 and 8 | A* |
| A | 7 | A |
| B | 6 | B |
| C | 5 and 4 | C* and C |
In Wales, state schools will retain GCSEs with a graded structure (A*-G), but all students will study a new curriculum that will include two GCSEs in Mathematics, English (or Welsh) Language, Double Award Science and the National Welsh Baccalaureate.
Students studying in Wales are also likely to be studying fewer subjects than their English counterparts and are likely to have fewer option subjects. We will ensure no group of students will be disadvantaged, and therefore the GCSE requirements will recognise the different curriculum and grading structures.
We will not require applicants to study additional AS Levels or have Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs) as a condition of offer. Applicants not offering these qualifications will not be disadvantaged in the offer-making process.
We look to support applicants who are taking the EPQ qualification by recognising an A in the EPQ qualification to lower the entry requirements by a single grade for all programmes bar Medicine (MBBCh) and Dentistry (BDS).
For example, AAB offers for an applicant taking the EPQ would be changed to “AAB from 3 A levels or ABB from 3 A levels and a grade A in the EPQ."
Our offers will typically be based on grades achieved from three A Levels.
Practical element in Science A Levels
Science A Levels in England (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) will include a separate result for the practical element of the qualification.
A pass in the practical assessment of the relevant A Level subjects will normally be required for the following degree programmes:
The WBQ core will be accepted as equivalent to an A Level for all degree programmes.
For applicants offering graded versions of the core, we will accept:
| WBQ grade | Equivalent to A Level grade |
|---|---|
| A* | A* |
| A | A |
| B | B |
| C | C |
The WBQ core cannot replace a required specified subject or subjects.
We recognise the benefits of the Core Mathematics qualification, particularly in helping students to use and develop mathematical modelling and problem solving skills, which are key not only to University study but to employers.
Whilst Core Mathematics is not a requirement for entry, it may be considered in lieu of a GCSE in Mathematics at grade B or above, but will not be accepted in lieu of an AS or A Level in Mathematics where this is required.
Please note that, for our Medicine programmes, Core Maths is currently under review and is not guaranteed to be accepted in lieu of the GCSE Mathematics requirement.
UK qualifications are undergoing significant reform. Full details are on the UCAS website.
