Alternative qualifications and equivalencies
We welcome applications from students with qualifications and experience beyond the traditional A-levels. Relevant experience will also be taken into account and may be equivalent to formal qualifications.
The UCAS tariff
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the central organisation that processes all applications for full-time undergraduate courses. The UCAS tariff is a points system that translates different types of qualifications into one format, so that different qualifications can be compared by admissions tutors.
| UCAS tariff | AS and A-level | Scottish Highers | IB* | EB** | Irish Leaving Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 340 points | AAB (incl. AA at A-level) | AAABB | 36 points | 80% | A1, A1, A1, A2, B1, B1 |
| 320 points | ABB (incl. AB at A-level) | AABBB | 34 points | 77% | A1, A1, B1, B1, B2, B2 |
| 300 points | ABC/BBB (incl. BB at A-level) | ABBBB | 32 points | 75% | A2, B1, B2, B2, B3, B3 |
| 280 points | BBC (incl. BB at A-level) | BBBBB | 30 points | 73% | B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C2 |
| 260 points | BCC (incl. BC at A-level) | BBBCC | 28 points | 71% | B3, B2, C1, C1, C2, C2 |
| 240 points | CCC (incl. CC at A-level) | BCCCC | 26 points | 70% | B3, C1, C2, C2, C3, C3 |
*International Baccalaureate **European Baccalaureate
Many courses allow applicants to take two AS-levels in place of one General or Vocational A-level.
See the UCAS website for the UCAS tariffs for other qualifications.
Key skills
UCAS tariff points obtained from Level 3 Key Skills will count towards an offer for most of our courses.
We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills in numeracy and literacy for entry to our courses in place of GCSEs. Although they are pitched at the same level as GCSE grade A-C on the national qualifications framework, they do not cover the full breadth of knowledge demanded by GCSEs. For other ways to meet the GCSE entry requirements, see GCSE equivalence tests.
BTEC
The university welcomes applicants with a National Certificate or Diploma in a relevant subject area.
Access courses
The university normally welcomes applicants with access courses in a relevant subject that are approved by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
14-19 Diploma
The University of Brighton will consider applicants with Advanced and Progression Diplomas for entry onto bachelor and foundation degree programmes in related subject areas.
Credits
Relevant professional, commercial or Open University credits may be acknowledged as equivalent to sections of a course which, then, do not need to be repeated. Applicants must be able to provide evidence of some A-level-equivalent study – and may still be advised to undertake a preparatory course. The relevant admissions tutor will be able to help you resolve the details.
Other qualifications
Admissions tutors accept many other qualifications which give access to higher education. Some of the most popular are listed in the course descriptions.
Applicants with work-based qualifications, such as NVQs, should be over 21 and able to provide evidence of relevant background knowledge and their ability to study at university level. While individual course requirements vary, all qualifications – UK and international – are considered.
We accept a number of overseas qualifications. For information on how to find out the English equivalent of your qualification, visit UK NARIC ( the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom).
