Can I apply to university without A-levels?

One thing student need to know that with no A levels there are possibilities of go to university and undergrad, it doesn’t mean lost of career and a planned future. There are alternative routes to university if you don't hold traditional A-levels, and two of the most common paths are Access to Higher Education Diplomas (often referred to as 'Access courses') and foundation years.

While A-Levels have been prerequisite qualifications for university applicants for many years, there has been a notable shift in the type of student universities are willing to accept. For example, mature students can enter university with experience typically found outside of secondary education.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas is available for a wide variety of subjects, with flexible learning options to juggle around other commitments (e.g. full-time or part-time work, children etc), and they're usually offered by local colleges. Meanwhile, foundation years are offered by universities to help students fill in any gaps in their knowledge, so they can progress on to a full degree course. They might be a good option if a student is not sure they want to commit to a particular subject for three years. They're also a worthwhile option if stepping back into an education environment and want a taste of university-style learning (and the life that comes with it).

BTECs and vocational qualifications

It is becoming increasingly common for students to apply to university with a mixture of A level and BTEC qualifications. If the academic and exam focus of A levels isn't right for a student, then how about a vocational qualification at Level 3 (Level 6 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)? BTEC qualifications are widely available in sixth forms and colleges, but students might encounter CACHE qualifications, City and Guilds Tech Levels or Cambridge Technical too. These qualifications tend to link to a broad job area, rather than an academic subject – think engineering, not maths, health sciences, not biology per se, therefore if a student thinks more about the uni career, CACHE will not work the same as foundation years. 

According to statements made by students who choose this way there was less pressure without exams, but more work to keep on top of everything throughout this edu path. They were feeling to need to be organised as there are lots of assignments and still have heard that the top tier of universities may be less interested in them when they have chosen a BTEC, but it not necessarily the case. 

Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma

Typically, Access students are 19+ and most have had a break from study. Unlike most of the two-year options explained here, this course is offered as a one-year intensive programme and can be taken part-time. Entry requirements vary, but may require some GCSEs initially, particularly in English and maths. Students are taught how to study as well as developing subject knowledge. Students will mainly be assessed by coursework, alongside other assessment methods, including essays, presentations, laboratory work, research projects and exams.    

Non-educational experience

For those that have been out of education for a while but are looking to go back to university, it may be possible to apply using your own experiences outside of academia. The employment history can work in your favour, particularly if an experience in a vocation is relatable to the course was planned to be undertaken. With this experience, showcase skills already acquired in that space are crucial in any future applications.  Likewise, if completed any qualifications or certifications while working can help with an application.

It is worth noting that experience alone may not be enough to get accepted to a degree, but in some cases, it can be valuable. A university may require studying a foundation year to get on track and demonstrate an ability to learn at the university level. In demonstrating experiences, showing the university a genuine interest in the course and the willingness to further your studies with them.