How To Get Into A University Without Any A-Levels? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Getting into the best university requires a lot of dedication and hard work. You will need to have A-levels with good grades for getting into the universities. However, due to many factors, you may not be able to get your A-levels but you may still want to go to university. But can you get into a university without any A-levels?

Quick Takeaways

  • Your A-levels are the main part of you to enter the university. But this does not mean that you can not go to the university A-levels.
  • Following are the different factors that can help you to enter the university without the A-levels-
  1. Higher Education Diploma
  2. Vocational Qualifications
  3. Non-educational experience
  4. Online Education
  5. Foundation year

Further, we have discussed if you can go to the university without A-levels in detail.

How To Get Into A University Without Any A-Levels? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Can you go to university without A-levels?

A-levels with good grades are one of the main factors for getting admission to the university. This means that this is one of the common requirements to study at the university. However, this does not mean that you can only get into university if you have done all three A-levels. There are a lot of other factors that you may consider if you do not have A-levels.

Usually, you will have to take 3 A-levels, but there are some universities that may allow you to get into 2 A-levels. Further, we have explained how you can get into the university without A-levels. You must remember to revise them properly so that you do not miss any of the important content in the subject. Also, there are two years of your A-levels and the first year is known as AS level. You can also take them or take the A-levels in a single year.

How to get into a University without any A-Levels?

Before applying to the university, you must decide if you should really go to the university or not. Following are the ways by which you can get into university without A-levels-

1. Higher Education Diploma

These courses are a popular and simple option for you if you do not have the necessary qualifications. After completing these courses, you may be awarded a diploma which is equivalent to three A-Levels and thus many are confused between both qualifications. Surprisingly more than 140 UK universities accept 24,000 students every year. The courses can be completed in one year, however, you can also study part-time for two or more years.

How To Get Into A University Without Any A-Levels? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Many colleges in the UK offer Access to Higher Education courses in a variety of subjects. You can study them through distance or online learning. This can be a very flexible way to fit your studies into a busy schedule.

2. Vocational Qualifications

Vocational qualifications frequently combine classroom and hands-on learning. There are numerous options, including BTECs, CACHE qualifications, etc. You will be studying both in-class and hands-on learning. This means you will get hands-on experience while studying. This would enhance your university application and also assist you in university and at work. Exams are less important than coursework in this type of qualification. You may not have had GCSEs or A-Levels because you are unable to do well in exams. If this is the case, a vocational qualification, which is often coursework-based, may be a suitable option for you.

3. Non-educational experience

For those who have been out of school for a while but want to return to university, applying using their own experiences outside of academia may be beneficial. Your work history may work in your favor. Specifically, if you have experience in a field related to the course you want to take. With this experience, you can demonstrate skills that you have already acquired in that field.

Similarly, completing any qualifications or certifications while working can help your application. However, you must note that experience may not be enough to get you accepted to degree programs like Ph.D. Programs in English. Though, it may be useful in some cases.

How To Get Into A University Without Any A-Levels? (Step-by-Step Guide)

4. Online Education

If you do not have the time to commit to full-time academic studies, online learning or distance learning can be an excellent way to study for a degree or degree-equivalent qualification. This gives you a lot of freedom to study at times that are convenient for you. There are numerous ways to learn online. A full degree can also be pursued without any formal entry requirements.

5. Foundation year

A foundation year is simply an extra year at the beginning of a course that helps you to study for a degree. Usually, after wrapping up the foundation year, you will immediately begin studying for the full degree at the same university.  However, if you decide that you want to transfer to a different university, you can do so.

If you don’t have the traditional qualifications, such as A-Levels and GCSEs, you might be offered a degree with a foundation year. Additionally, if you are a mature student who was out of education for a while, you may also be offered the foundation year. They are most useful if you are unsure whether or not you want to pursue that degree or want to stay in that college or not.

How To Get Into A University Without Any A-Levels? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Conclusion

Applying to a good university is the dream of many students. Though for this you need to do a lot of hard work and put the effort in it. As you are well aware of the fact that to get into a good university you will need to have A-levels. However, this does not mean that you can get into universities only with the help of A-levels. There are several other ways like foundation year, vocational qualifications, etc which can help you to get into the university.

FAQ

What are the equivalent qualifications to A-Levels?

As already discussed with you about all the alternatives for getting into the university without having A-levels. Let us now discuss the different qualifications which are equivalent to A-levels. The three most common Qualifications from the above alternatives that are considered equal to A-levels are higher education diploma, IB diploma, and BTEC level three (vocational qualification).

How to apply to university?

The application process is simple. All you need to do is register yourself with UCAS first. After that, you need to navigate to their official website and look for the best universities for yourself. Fill out all the details required for the university application form. For the personal statement, do not just rush into it. Sometimes your personal statement may be a turning point for your application. 

How do you check university entry requirements?

To check the basic requirements of the university you can visit the official website of UCAS or of the university itself. If you are having any doubts or confusion regarding the application to the university, you must try to contact the admission committee of the university itself. Also do not forget to regularly check your personal email for any updates from the university.

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