Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
We require grades AAA-AAB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences). You must have a minimum of grades AA in at least two Core Sciences. Applicants predicted/who have achieved a B in their third A-level will receive an offer of AAB. Those predicted/who have achieved an A or A* will be eligible for an offer of AAA.
If you are taking only one of the above Core Science subjects, we can consider you for an AAA offer if you are also sitting an A-level in at least one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of the second Core Science. If your predicted grades are one grade below our minimum entry requirements we may still make you an aspirational offer if you meet our contextual criteria .
Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels. For example, Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology. If you are concerned there is too much overlap in your A level subjects, please contact us for advice before applying.
We believe that practical skills in the sciences are integral to a candidate’s understanding and appreciation of these subjects. Therefore we encourage all applicants to undertake any practical skills assessment if it is available in their qualification. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Language entry requirements
In addition to the above, each language has specific entry requirements.
- French : an A-level in French (minimum grade B if taking two Core Sciences, or A if taking one and a soft science) or equivalent is required.
- German : an A-level in German (minimum grade B if taking two Core Sciences, or A if taking one and a soft science) or equivalent is required.
- Spanish : an A-level in Spanish (minimum grade B if taking two Core Sciences, or A if taking one and a soft science) or equivalent is required.
- Italian: an A-level in Italian (minimum grade B if taking two Core Sciences, or A if taking one and a soft science) or equivalent is required.
- Japanese : no prior knowledge of Japanese is assumed, but evidence of linguistic proficiency is required, eg GCSE grade 7 or A in a foreign language. Chemistry AS-level (minimum grade B) is essential. If you do not have AS-level Chemistry, we would require a full A-level in Chemistry (normally grade A).
- Mandarin : no prior knowledge of Mandarin is assumed, but evidence of linguistic proficiency is required, eg GCSE grade 7 or A in a foreign language. Chemistry AS-level (grade B) is essential. If you do not have AS-level Chemistry, we would require a full A-level in Chemistry (normally grade A).
We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one science A-level with grade A.
Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.
In general, we require 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3, which must include a minimum of 15 credits in Biology and 15 credits in Chemistry. All 45 graded credits must be at Distinction grade.
We may also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.
We also have specific entry requirements for each language. Please contact us for further information.
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
- Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA-ABB including Chemistry and another science subject, normally Biology or
- Two Advanced Highers with grades AA-AB in Chemistry and another science subject, normally Biology, plus two additional Highers with grades AA-AB.
In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of grade B in the relevant language Scottish Advanced Highers if taking two core sciences, or grade A if taking one core science and one soft science, or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require grade A in National 5/grade A in Intermediate 2/grade 1 in Standard Grade Credit level in a foreign language. For further details, please contact
[email protected]
Students with Highers only with grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact
[email protected] AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels including grade A in a science subject and a minimum of grade A in any other subject.
We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
- Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA-ABB including Chemistry and another science subject, normally Biology or
- Two Advanced Highers with grades AA-AB in Chemistry and another science subject, normally Biology, plus two additional Highers with grades AA-AB.
In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of grade B in the relevant language Scottish Advanced Highers if taking two core sciences, or grade A if taking one core science and one soft science, or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require grade A in National 5/grade A in Intermediate 2/grade 1 in Standard Grade Credit level in a foreign language. For further details, please contact
[email protected]
Students with Highers only with grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact
[email protected] 35-36 points overall with 6, 6, 5 to 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including two sciences, normally Biology and Chemistry.
For degrees with French, German, Spanish or Italian, 5 or 6 points in the language must be achieved at Higher Level.
For degrees with Mandarin or Japanese, 5 points is required in a foreign language at Standard Level. A minimum of 5 points in Chemistry at Standard Level (or Higher Level) is essential.
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would consider it when taken with two science A-levels including Chemistry. The minimum grade required will typically be a B. However, due to the additional language requirement for the degrees with French, German, Spanish or Italian, this qualification may not form part of your offer conditions.
For further details, please contact
[email protected] .
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
We require D3, D3, D3 to D3, D3, M1 in the Cambridge Pre-U, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences). You must have a D3 in both of the Core Science subjects. Applicants predicted/who have achieved a M1 in their third subject will receive an offer of D3, D3, M1, while those predicted/who have achieved a D3 or higher will be eligible for an offer of D3, D3, D3.
If you have achieved or are predicted D3 in one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of the second Core Science, you will receive an offer of D3, D3, D3.
For French, Spanish, Italian and German, you must achieve minimum M1 in your chosen language if taking two Core Sciences; if taking only one Core Science and one soft science, you must achieve D3. Applicants with an acceptable qualification in a foreign language can also be considered for Mandarin and Japanese, provided they have achieved or will achieve Chemistry at grade D3.
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact
[email protected] for clarification.
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required).
We consider the following T levels for the Foundation Year:
- Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Science (Delivered By NCFE)
- Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Healthcare Science (Delivered By NCFE)
- Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Health (Delivered By NCFE)
For the Foundation Year, we require Distinction overall in one of these T levels with a minimum of grade A in the core component and Distinction in the occupational specialism.
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester International Foundation Programme in partnership with The University of Manchester are required to achieve a minimum of AAB with grades AA in Chemistry and another science subject (preferably Biology), grade B in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B in every component.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Year are required to achieve a minimum of AAB or 75% overall with grades AA or 75% in Chemistry and another science subject (preferably Biology), grade B or 65% in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B or 65% in every component.
Due to the additional language requirements for this course, the only languages that may be available are Mandarin and Japanese. Please contact us for further information.
All applicants resident or studying in the UK are required to attend an interview.
Applicants studying other foundation programmes should contact [email protected] to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | With no less than 6.5 in any component. OR an equivalent qualification. |
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is:
GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4.
An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the B2 level.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level.
Acceptable English Language Qualifications
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/