How to understand university entry requirements
If you’re thinking about applying to university, one of the first things you’ll notice on any course listing is the entry requirements. These tell you what qualifications, skills or experience you’ll need to get started on your chosen degree. But understanding what they mean (and how they apply to you) can sometimes be a bit confusing.
Here’s a quick guide to how entry requirements work, what UCAS points are and how UC Sheffield can help you find your path to university level study.
What are entry requirements?
Entry requirements are the qualifications and experience you need before starting a higher education course. They ensure you’re ready for study at degree level and can succeed on your chosen programme.
Requirements vary between courses. For example, a technical qualification like engineering might ask for a relevant Level 3 qualification, while a creative subject such as games design might also consider your portfolio or practical experience.
What are UCAS Tariff Points?
Many universities use the UCAS Tariff Point system to set entry requirements. This is a standardised way of comparing different qualifications, by converting your results into points.
For example:
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A Level (Grade A) = 48 points
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T Level (Distinction) = 168 points
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BTEC Extended Diploma (DMM) = 112 points
You can check your total using the UCAS Tariff Calculator online.
It’s not just about grades
While UCAS points are a big part of university entry, they’re not the whole story, especially at UC Sheffield. We know that not everyone’s journey to higher education looks the same, and we believe that experience counts too.
If you’re a mature student or someone who’s been working in your field for a while, we may consider your professional experience as part of your application. This means you could still gain entry onto a university-level course, even if you don’t have traditional qualifications.
Find your route with UC Sheffield
At UC Sheffield, we offer a wide range of university-level courses, so whether you’ve just finished college or are returning to education later in life, we’ll help you find the right route to degree-level study, whatever your starting point.