UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
AAB including Chemistry, either Mathematics or Biology, and one further rigorous academic subject (we do not accept General Studies or Critical Thinking).
Selection for interview is normally based on predicted grades matching the entry requirement (i.e. AAB). However, in some cases we may consider an applicant whose predictions are ABB (with the A in Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics).
We will consider resit applications provided you have obtained a minimum of A-level grades BBB at the first attempt (or equivalent qualifications).We do not accept grade equivalents such as ABC.
Please note that the specific offer conditions will be based on the assessment of the interviewer.
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.
Typical Contextual Offer: ABB including specific subjects including Chemistry, either Mathematics or Biology, and one further rigorous academic subject (we do not accept General Studies or Critical Thinking).
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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*DD
We require successful completion of a BTEC National Extended Diploma at grades D*DD in a science-based subject (must include Biology) with A-level Chemistry at grade B or above.
Access to HE Diploma
We require 60 credits overall with 45 at Level 3, including a minimum of 15 credits in Chemistry with a Distinction grade, plus a minimum of 15 credits in Mathematics or Biology with a Distinction grade and the remaining 15 credits at Distinction grade.
You should also have at least five GCSEs or IGCSEs; four at minimum grade B/5 (including English Language) and Mathematics at grade B/6.
Students educated up to GCSE level who have only taken a one-year Access course will not normally be accepted.
Students will not be considered if they have resat any units or have re-taken the full year.
Scottish Higher
We require grades AABBB to include Chemistry and either Mathematics or Biology together with Grade B in Advanced Higher Chemistry. If you have not studied National 5 qualifications, we would expect you to have studied English and Mathematics at Higher level.
AS
We do not accept AS grades in place of A2-level grades.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*D
We require successful completion of a BTEC National Diploma at grades D*D in a science-based subject (must include Biology) with A-level Chemistry at grade B or above.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D
We accept the BTEC National Foundation Diploma at grade D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grade A/B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
We accept the BTEC National Extended Certificate at grade D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted
Scottish Advanced Higher
We require grades AABBB to include Chemistry and either Mathematics or Biology together with Grade B in Advanced Higher Chemistry. If you have not studied National 5 qualifications, we would expect you to have studied English and Mathematics at Higher level.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 35 points
35 points overall. 6,6,5 including in Higher Level Chemistry, alongside either:
- higher level Biology and standard level Mathematics, or;
- higher level Mathematics and standard level Biology.
For this programme of study we will accept Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation.
Please note the specific offer conditions will be based on the assessment of the interviewer
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.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.
Extended Project
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.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy. We require at least five GCSEs or IGCSEs; four at minimum including English Language at grade 5/B and Mathematics at grade 6/B.
For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP+ using the University's Contextual Data Eligibility tool , we will allow an overall reduction of 2 grades on the full GCSE requirements. Please note, however, that no individual subject should be lower than grade 4/C.
For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP++ using the University's Contextual Data Eligibility tool , we will allow an overall reduction of 4 grades on the full GCSE requirements. Please note, however, that no individual subject should be lower than grade 4/C.
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.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - D*DD
We accept the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma (in any subject) at grade D*DD in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma - D*D
We accept the Cambridge Technical Diploma (in any subject) at grade D*D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma - D*D
We accept the Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma (in any subject) at grade D*D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - D
We accept the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (in any subject) at grade D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.
T Level - Not accepted
Applicants completing either the NCUK International Foundation Year in Science programme or the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Science, are required to achieve AAB in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics and an EAP score of A. For NCUK applicants your full educational background and your qualifications prior to the NCUK FY (eg High School Diploma) will factor into our decision. All applicants will need to be successful at interview.
For all applicants taking a Foundation Year, we will consider your full educational background. A decision about your suitability for this course will not be taken based solely on the foundation year completed, and will include all prior qualifications. Applicants should pass the Foundation Year at the first attempt as resits will not be considered.