Undergraduate Entry Requirements and Subject Choices

Applying to a highly selective university for an undergraduate degree can feel complex, but understanding the core academic standards and subject choices is the first step toward a successful application. This guide breaks down the essential entry requirements, from grades to the type of subjects you study, helping you build a strong profile.

1. The Standard Academic Offer: A-Levels and IB

The entry standards are high and reflect the intense competition for places. While the exact offer will be specific to the degree programme you choose, here are the general requirements:

A-Levels (UK Qualifications): The typical standard offer for most programmes is A*AA to AAB. Note that highly competitive programmes, particularly in Economics, require an A* in Mathematics.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: The typical offer is between 37 and 39 points overall, usually with a strong performance in Higher Level (HL) subjects (e.g., 666 or 766 at HL). Specific degrees will require a Grade 6 or 7 in Higher Level Mathematics.

Important Note: Your offer will always be expressed in your native qualification format if you are studying outside the UK. All applicants should check the specific requirements for their country's qualifications on the university's website.

2. The Foundation: GCSE and Academic Profile

Your pre-16 qualifications, such as GCSEs, are a key part of your academic history and are carefully considered.

Minimum GCSE Grades: All applicants are expected to have a minimum of Grade B or Grade 6 in both English Language and Mathematics at GCSE (or an equivalent qualification).
Overall GCSE Performance: Since competition is so intense, candidates who have a strong set of grades overall, including a majority of A (7) and A* (8-9) grades, are often the most competitive.

The Admissions team looks for a consistent, high-level academic performance throughout your school career, not just in your final exams.

3. Choosing the Right Subjects

The university places a strong emphasis on traditional academic subjects because they provide the best foundation for studying the social sciences.

Preferred (Traditional Academic) Subjects: You are strongly encouraged to offer subjects from this list, such as:
Mathematics and Further Mathematics
Economics
History
English Literature
Government and Politics
Biology, Chemistry, Physics (and others)
Non-Preferred Subjects: Some subjects, while valuable, may be considered less effective preparation for a highly analytical social science degree. If you choose one of these, you must combine it with at least two traditional academic subjects to be considered competitive.

For most programmes, Admissions Tutors prefer to see three full A-Levels (or equivalent) in traditional academic subjects.

4. Specific Admission Tests

For some of the most quantitative and competitive degrees, you may be required to take a separate entrance examination to prove your aptitude.

Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA): This test is mandatory for applicants to specific programmes, typically those within the Department of Economics (like BSc Economics and BSc Econometrics).
National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT): This test is mandatory for all applicants to the LLB Bachelor of Laws programme.

Taking one of these tests, when required, is a non-negotiable part of the application process.

5. Contextual Admissions

The university is committed to recruiting talented students from all backgrounds. For UK Home students, contextual information (such as your school's performance or where you live) is used to gain a more complete picture of your educational context.

This information may be used to make a Contextual Offer, which is typically one or two grades lower than the standard offer. This is an important scheme designed to recognise potential against educational challenge.