School of Biological and Chemical Sciences
Entry requirements and key facts
A/AS-levels
Tariff/Grades Requirement: 280 points (320 minimum for Biomedical Sciences (B990), 320 points for Psychology (C800) and 300 points for Biology with Psychology (C1C8) at A2 level.
Psychology: 320 tariff points at A2 level with at least a B in Maths or a Science at A2. A B in A2 Psychology would be acceptable to having a suitable
science background.
- Biology A2 is required for all degree programmes except Chemistry (F100), Chemistry with Biochemistry (F1C7), Pharmaceutical Chemistry (F152), Pharmaceutical Chemistry with year in Industry (F153) and Chemistry with Business Management (F1N2)
- Chemistry A2 with a minimum grade B is required for Chemistry (F100), Chemistry with Biochemistry (F1C7), Pharmaceutical Chemistry (F152), Pharmaceutical Chemistry with year in Industry (F153) and Chemistry with Business Management (F1N2)
- A2 Mathematics desirable for Chemistry (F100)
- Biology A2 and Chemistry A2 are required for Biochemistry (C700), Medical Genetics (C431) and Biomedical Sciences (B990)
- At least grade C in A2 Biology is required for Biology with Psychology (C1C8)
Additional information
In addition to specifically-required subjects, other A2 level subjects that may be accepted include: another science subject, English, a traditional humanities subject or a social science. A fourth subject at AS level is not required if 3 A2 level subjects are offered. Where no specific Chemistry requirement is stated, students will need at least CC in GCSE Double Science or C in GCSE Chemistry. Usually GCSE Mathematics grade C and GCSE English grade C (or equivalent) are required.
Excluded subjects
General Studies
Vocational or applied A-levels
Vocational subjects at A2 level are only accepted with high grades and only for certain programmes.
Key Skills
Results of Key Skills tests may be offered, but will not normally form part of the offer of a place.
BTEC National Certificate (12 units)
Acceptability
Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.
Subjects and grades required
We will also consider students with BTEC National Certificate in combination with other qualifications, where there is clear evidence of exceptional quality and when we are satisfied that the qualification offered is of sufficient academic rigour; this may involve an interview.
BTEC National Diploma (18 units)
Acceptability
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
Subjects and grades required
We will also consider students with BTEC National Diploma, where there is clear evidence of exceptional quality and when we are satisfied that the qualification offered is of sufficient academic rigour; this may involve an interview.
International Baccalaureate
Acceptability
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
Subjects and grades required: 28-32 points overall
- Chemistry (F100, F101), Chemistry with Biochemistry (F1C7), Chemistry with Business Management (F1N2), Pharmaceutical Chemistry (F152), Pharmaceutical Chemistry with year in Industry (F153): 28 points overall, must include Chemistry (HL) and two other subjects to be specified (HL or SL) with grade 5 and Mathematics desirable
- Biomedical Sciences (B990): 32 points overall
- Must include Biology (HL) and Chemistry (HL) and two other subjects to be specified (HL or SL) with at least grade 6
- Biology with Psychology (C1C8): 30 points overall
- Must include Biology (HL) with grade 6 and three other subjects to be specified (HL or SL) at least 6
- Biochemistry (C700) and Medical Genetics (C431): 30 points overall. Must include Biology (HL) and Chemistry (HL) with a grade 5 and another subject to be specified (HL or SL) at grade 5
- All other programmes: 28 – 30 points with Biology (HL) grade 5 and two other subjects to be specified (HL or SL) at grade 5
European Baccalaureate
Acceptability
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
Subjects and grades required
75 per cent including Biology and Chemistry.
Biomedical Sciences (B990): 80 per cent including Biology and Chemistry.
Biology with Psychology (C1C8): 80 per cent including Biology.
Access qualifications
Subjects and grades required
We will also consider students with Access qualifications, where there is clear evidence of exceptional quality and when we are satisfied that the qualification offered is of sufficient academic rigour; this may involve an interview. Access qualifications are only accepted from mature applicants (over 21).
European and international qualifications
The College accepts a wide range of EU and International qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions and Recruitment Office or see our section for international students.
Other qualifications
The College welcomes applications from those holding qualifications not listed above. Staff in the Admissions and Recruitment Office will be happy to advise you as to the acceptability of your qualification.
For the Science and Engineering Foundation Programme (SEFP)
Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements for the University of London, and will also be asked to meet additional requirements that are dependent upon their educational background.
For students studying A levels, offers will normally be in the range 200-240 points (depending upon the subjects being studied to advanced level). Offers will normally be higher for students who have not studied science subjects at an advanced level.
Applications from mature students, and from students studying vocational courses, will be considered on an individual basis, but applicants should note that this programme is generally not suitable for students who have taken vocational courses without substantial biology and/or chemistry content.