When applying to university, one of the most common questions students have is “Do I need 3 A levels to get into university?” The short answer is that usually, yes, having 3 A-levels is the standard entry requirement for most universities in the UK. However, there are exceptions, and it is possible to get into university with fewer than 3 A-levels. Keep reading for a more in-depth look at A-level requirements for university entry.
How many A levels are required for university entry?
The standard A-level offer made by most universities is 3 A-levels. This means taking 3 separate A-level subjects and achieving the required grades in all 3 subjects. For example, a typical conditional offer may be ABB at A-level, meaning you need an A grade in one subject and B grades in the other two. Some universities may ask for higher grade requirements such as AAB or ABB, while less competitive universities may accept lower grades such as BBB. But in most cases, 3 passes at A-level is the normal requirement.
Why do universities require 3 A levels?
There are a few key reasons why having 3 A-levels is usually required for university admission:
- Breadth of knowledge – Studying 3 subjects demonstrates that applicants have a wider knowledge base and skill set.
- Academic preparation – Achieving 3 passes shows students can cope with the demands of A-level study and are prepared for university academics.
- Subject requirements – Many university courses require prior knowledge of certain subjects at A-level.
- UCAS points – Universities make offers based on UCAS tariff points and 3 A-levels enables students to accrue more points.
Therefore, having that standard breadth of 3 A-levels provides universities with confidence that applicants have covered the necessary learning and skills development to thrive on their chosen degree programme.
When are fewer than 3 A-levels acceptable?
In some circumstances, it is possible to get into university with fewer than 3 full A-levels. Common situations where this may apply include:
- Studying 4 AS levels – Some students study 4 AS-levels in their first year of sixth form, then drop down to 3 A-levels. Universities may make offers based on 3 AS grades.
- Taking applied A-levels – Applied A-levels like business, ICT and sports science are double-weighted, so 2 passes may meet requirements.
- Studying a BTEC – Taking 1 or 2 A-levels alongside a BTEC diploma can satisfy entry needs for some courses.
- Access courses – Mature students may enter university through an Access to Higher Education diploma instead of A-levels.
- Contextual offers – Universities may reduce their grade requirements by up to 2 grades for disadvantaged students.
- Clearing entry – Students entering through Clearing late in the cycle may get offers with fewer than 3 A-levels.
So while less common, there are definitely ways into higher education without the traditional 3 passes at full A-level.
Entry with only 2 A-levels
Gaining university entry with just 2 A-levels is becoming more common, but is still seen as an exception to the norm. Typical cases where offers may be made with 2 A-levels include:
- Students taking Critical Thinking or General Studies alongside 2 main A-levels.
- Students who have to drop an A-level partway through the course.
- Applicants retaking 1 or 2 A-levels alongside an application.
- Mature students returning to education after a long break.
However, keep in mind that entry with only 2 A-levels will restrict your course and university options. Elite universities like Oxford and Cambridge always require 3 A-levels. Medicine, dentistry and other competitive courses normally want at least 3 as well. Also, you may not meet the subject prerequisites for some degrees without a third A-level.
Which universities accept 2 A-levels?
Examples of some well known universities that may consider applicants with only 2 A-levels when applying to certain courses include:
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Aston University
- Nottingham Trent University
- University of Westminster
- University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
- Kingston University
- University of Portsmouth
But again, entry requirements can vary widely depending on the course. Always check directly with the university before applying with fewer than 3 A-levels.
Things to consider with only 2 A-levels
If you do intend to apply to university with only 2 A-levels, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Target less competitive universities and courses – Go for non-Russell Group universities and avoid highly oversubscribed subjects like medicine or dentistry.
- Meet all the entry requirements – As well as grades, check you have the specific subjects some degrees want.
- Consider a backup plan – Have an insurance choice handy in case you don’t get the offers you want.
- Talk to your school – Discuss the implications of dropping an A-level with your teachers and advisors.
- Check application policies – Some universities don’t allow UCAS applications with fewer than 3 A-levels.
Is it possible to get into university with only 1 A-Level?
Gaining a university place with just 1 A-level is very challenging and should be considered a last resort. The vast majority of degree programmes will be off limits with a single A-level. But in exceptional circumstances, it can be done if:
- You study a combined A-level and substantial vocational qualification like a BTEC or apprenticeship.
- Your 1 A-level is in a subject directly relevant to the degree, such as Maths for an Engineering course.
- You show exceptional ability or aptitude that compensates for fewer qualifications.
- You apply through a non-traditional route like access courses or articles.
Universities that may consider exceptional applicants with 1 A-level include Buckingham, Leeds Beckett, University of Bedfordshire and Ravensbourne University London. But again, this is not the recommended pathway into higher education for most students.
Entry with no A-levels
It is very uncommon, but there are some niche scenarios where students enter university without any A-levels at all:
- Higher/degree apprenticeships – Gives work experience that can substitute for A-levels.
- Professional qualifications – Accountancy or law qualifications may secure entry to related degrees.
- Extensive portfolio – Exceptional musicians, artists or athletes may get in through specialty portfolios.
- Access to HE diploma – A 1 year access course tailored for mature learners with no A-levels.
However, students aiming for top universities should almost always take traditional A-level routes. Degrees like Oxbridge, dentistry or veterinary science will not accept students without A-levels except in the most extraordinary cases.
What if I don’t quite meet the A-level requirements?
If you just miss your conditional offer by a narrow margin, there are still options to consider:
- Exam remarks – Pay for your exams to be re-marked, which may bump your grade up.
- Resits – Retake exams in the autumn to try and improve grades.
- Clearing – Universities may have vacancies through the Clearing system in August.
- Changed course – Look for similar degree programmes with lower entry requirements.
- Deferred entry – Reapply next year with improved grades after a gap year.
Don’t lose hope if your results aren’t quite what your conditional offer asked for. There are nearly always options to explore to get yourself to university eventually.
Conclusion
While 3 passes at A-level remains the standard entry requirement, there are definitely still ways to gain admission to university with fewer. Just be aware that choosing an unconventional route may limit where and what you can study. Always check directly with any universities before applying without 3 full A-levels, and have backup choices available. But with careful planning and preparation, getting into higher education with 2, 1 or even no A-levels is possible in certain circumstances.
