Life Sciences

AAB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences).

If you are taking only one of the above Core Science subjects and an A level in at least one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education, we can consider you for an AAA offer. 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.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.

Typical Contextual Offer: Typically AAB - ABC including specific subjects.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.

We consider the following T levels for the Foundation Year:

Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Science
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Healthcare Science
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Health
Level 3 T Level Qualification in Laboratory Science

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.

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers with grades ABB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or

Two Advanced Highers with grades AB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AB.

Students with Highers only with grades AABBB or above 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 ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk

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.

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 the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers with grades ABB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or

Two Advanced Highers with grades AB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AB.

Students with Highers only with grades AABBB or above 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 ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk

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 B in any other subject.

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 (if applicable). 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 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 AB required).

35 points overall with 6, 6, 5 in higher level subjects, including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry.

If you are only taking one core science at higher level from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, you may still be considered if you take Geography, Psychology, or Sports, Exercise and Health Science at higher level in place of the second core science. In this case, the offer will be 36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 at higher level.

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (replacing the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate from September 2023) and would consider this when taken with two science A-levels (minimum grades of AB required at A-level).

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

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.

We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB 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 AB 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 AB 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 AB 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 AB required).