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Get into university

Getting into university can be both exciting and overwhelming. You’re taking a big step in your education, and you want to make sure you’re doing everything right.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to answer some of the most common questions about applying for university and getting accepted.

graduating from university

How to get into university?

Getting into university requires more than just submitting an application. Universities will consider your academic record, personal statement, and any additional qualifications or experiences you may have.

To increase your chances of getting accepted, it’s important to maintain good grades throughout your academic career and to take on extracurricular activities that showcase your interest and skills.

Writing a strong personal statement that highlights your motivation and goals for your chosen programme can also make a difference.

Some programmes and universities may also require you to take admissions tests or attend interviews, so it’s important to prepare for these accordingly.

How to apply for university

The application process for university is done through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

To apply, you will need to create a UCAS account and fill out the application form. This includes providing personal information, educational history, and your chosen programmes and universities. 

You can apply for up to five universities at once through UCAS. Along with your application, you will need to submit supporting documents such as transcripts, personal statements, and reference letters.

These documents should showcase your academic ability, personal achievements, and motivation for your chosen programme.

It’s important to research the admission requirements and deadlines for your chosen universities and programmes.

When do you apply for university?

The application window for UCAS opens in early September and runs until mid-January of the following year (most undergraduate courses in English universities use January 15th as a deadline).

It’s recommended to apply as early as possible, as some programmes and universities may have limited places available.

How many universities can you apply to?

Through UCAS, you can apply to up to five universities at once. It’s important to choose universities that are a good fit for your interests, academic abilities, and career goals.

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Do you have to pay to apply for university?

Yes, there is an application fee to apply for university through UCAS. For example, the fee for 2022 entry was £22 for a single choice, or £26 for multiple choices.

Some students may be eligible for a fee waiver, so it’s worth checking with UCAS to see if you qualify.

How many A Levels do you need for university?

The number of A Levels required for university depends on the course you want to study and the university you apply to.

Most universities require students to have at least two A Levels, although some courses may require more.

For example, a course in medicine or dentistry may require students to have three A Levels, including chemistry and biology.

It’s important to check the entry requirements for your chosen course at your preferred universities to see what A Levels are required.

Are online A Levels accepted by universities?

Yes, online A Levels are accepted by universities as long as they are accredited by an official examining board, such as AQA, Edexcel, or OCR.

It’s important to research the accreditation of the online course before enrolling to ensure that it will be accepted by universities.

Can you go to university without A Levels?

Yes, there are other qualifications that can be accepted by universities in place of A Levels, such as BTECs, vocational qualifications, and an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

However, these qualifications will depend on the course and university you are applying to. It’s important to check the entry requirements for your chosen course at your preferred universities to see what qualifications are accepted.

Some of our NCFE CACHE and AAT courses we offer also provide students with UCAS points. We do, however, recommend to check the outcomes on the individual course pages to find out more on whether the course can provide you with UCAS points. 

Do universities look at GCSEs?

Yes, universities will often look at GCSEs as part of their admissions process, although the importance placed on GCSEs will vary depending on the course and university you are applying to.

Generally, universities will look at a student’s GCSE grades to assess their academic ability and potential, especially if they don’t have many or any A Levels.

Some universities may have specific GCSE requirements for certain courses, so it’s important to check the entry requirements for your chosen course at your preferred university.

Ready to take the next step in your education and pursue a university degree? We are here to support you every step of the way. With our A Levels, Access to Higher Education Diplomas, and other courses, we can help you meet the entry requirements for your chosen university course and your academic goals.

Don’t let anything hold you back from your dreams. Enrol in an Open Study College course today and take the first step towards your future.

Are you ready to embark on an incredible academic journey that will shape your future? Open Study College is here to guide you towards the gates of your dream university.

Get started on your journey towards a successful university experience. Complete our quick and easy call back form, and one of our friendly education specialists will be in touch to discuss your ambitions and help pick a course specifically to your needs.

Absolutely, there are other routes you can take, so it is possible to get into university without A Levels! To get into university you need to earn UCAS points, but A Levels aren’t the only way to build your UCAS points. As discussed above, you can gain UCAS points from Access to HE Diplomas, AAT qualifications, and CACHE qualifications to name a few!

So, if you would prefer a more technical approach to gaining your UCAS points while also gaining relevant knowledge to help you in your studies beyond OSC, you should consider this route.

But remember, researching your options is crucial! Take the time to find out how many UCAS points are needed and whether there are any specific entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Not necessarily! Every university has its own entry requirements, with many stating a minimum grade in English and maths, typically a grade C/4 or above. However, many universities will also accept Functional Skills as an alternative to GCSEs.

If you don’t currently have a grade 4 (grade C in new terms!), then don’t panic! You can still achieve your GCSE or Functional Skills qualifications after leaving school. Here at OSC, you can study your Functional Skills or GCSEs online from home, without it affecting your other commitments.

Find out more about our range of GCSEs to help you get into university. Or you can explore the alternative route and find out more about Functional Skills qualifications.

Yes, you can achieve UCAS points with online courses! As we have already discussed, you can gain UCAS points by studying several different types of courses. The most popular online courses that can help you to achieve your UCAS points are A Levels and Access to Higher Education Diplomas.

This is a tricky question! Many professions will require you to have a degree in a relevant subject such as medicine, engineering, law, and IT to name a few.

On the other hand, there are many careers that do not require you to have a degree and will still allow you to excel. Some of our favourite careers you don’t need a degree for are:

  • Accounting
  • Bookkeeping
  • Human resources
  • Marketing
  • Events
  • Cabin crew
  • Mortgage adviser
  • Project management

So, what we are trying to say, is it really depends on what career you want to achieve! If you need a degree to achieve your dream career, then it is definitely worth going to university. But if you don’t, then there are plenty of courses out there that will help you establish yourself and get your foot in the door. Whatever your goal is, get in touch with OSC and find out how we can help you take the next step towards achieving your dream job.

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